Chapter Three.

Clara didn't stop screaming, to Declan's amazement. He just stood still and watched her create a scene. She was beginning to attract people to where they were.

"Are you alright ma'am?" A man in a security uniform walked up to them and asked first. 

"Please help me. This man right here tried to hit me! Oh gracious."

"She's a blatant liar. I did no such thing."

"Of course you did!"

Clara brought out her other wrist and flashed it before the Security guard. She had an old injury on it but claimed it was a resulting injury from how Declan twisted her hand. 

Declan was amused by her gaslighting skills  only that she tried it with him. 

"Can I take a close look ma'am?"

"Please do"

The security man surveyed the red wrist and assured her he would do something to help her. He stepped aside and spoke into his walkie-talkie. In no time, two other guards joined them, each standing at Declan's both sides. 

Clara had a few other people gather around her asking if she was okay.

"He is a cheat. I caught him cheating on my daughter and he blocked me out here to take his revenge. Oh! what I pass through is unbearable" she broke down again letting more  tears flow down freely.

"Thank goodness you're okay. Throw him behind the bars and lock him in there forever. Young men these days have little or no dignity" A petite elderly lady interjected. 

"Oh! How I wish my daughter would let me. She is drunk in love with this monster" Clara kept on wailing and Declan was beginning to get irritated. 

"I should be on my way. Enjoy your little show while it lasts" Declan stated and made to leave but was blocked by the security guards

"And why are you on my way gentlemen?"

Declan was stern and exuded a clear aura of superiority to Clara's amazement. She had expected him to cower and begged her to calm down. 

"Arrest him! Don't let him leave. He is a cheat and also tried to assault me!" Clara accused Declan, pointing fingers at him. 

"I'm sorry about that ma'am but an arrest will carry on after you file a report." One of the officers stated. 

"A report? Uhm..." She walked up to Declan, her face now framed in a smirk.

"You know what will happen if I file that report? Trust me, you will  stand no chance. Now kneel down and apologize, I might show some mercy to you."

Declan scoffed at her delusion. She never ceases to amaze him every damn time. 

"Me? kneel to beg you? Your level of delusion could be strikingly bothersome but trust me not to care."

Clara gasped dramatically "You heard him, all of you. He's an unrepentant bastard!"

"You can call me worse if you wish. I'm so done here" Declan stated and walked away.

Clara was  taken aback. She had expected Declan to succumb but was bothered he didn't. His arrogance was getting over the roof and she wondered what gave him the nerves.

"Don't let him leave! grab him and beat him up!" Clara ordered at the top of her voice. 

Just immediately, five luxurious SUVs zoomed in and stopped in the midst of everyone. Bodyguards all dressed in a neat black suit strolled down and stood right before them. 

"What's going on here? Who are these people" Clara became uncomfortable and took some steps backwards. 

One of the men stepped forward and showed his ID to the security guards. 

"Mandy Asher demands you let him come with us, now"

"Mandy Asher? To let who go?" Clara demanded, struck on hearing Mandy's name. 

"Him" The man pointed at Declan and everyone's reaction was bewildered. Mandy was a big name in the state. She was one of the  most influential women and anyone who knew her must be connected. 

"No! You can't let him go. He planned all this. He's a low life and there's no way he's acquainted with the Ashers!" Clara was frustrated. She was convinced the whole thing was just a trick Declan pulled off to escape. As far as she's concerned, Declan was a low life her daughter picked up to make his life better. 

She turned to the second  hotel security but he spoke before she could.

"I'm sorry ma'am but there's nothing we can do at this point. Thanks for choosing Hotel Antonio" The security guards walked away right after. 

"You all are unbelievable! I'm surely going to leave a bad review behind since the safety of your guests can not be guaranteed!" 

Next time she turned around, the cars were leaving with Declan in one and every other person had gone on with their business. 

"Arrrghhh!" Clara's hands were molded in a fist, anger flashing through her eyes. 

"I will make you pay Declan. You will not go away with this" The sound of her phone ringing calmed her a little when she saw the caller. 

"May, my child. Your mother is going through the worst right now"

"Is everything okay mom? Where are you?"

"Oh my dear! That bastard lured me and tried to beat me up."

"What do you mean someone tried to beat you up? Where are you?"

"I'm at the hotel. I back for a meeting and Declan trapped me to a corner and beat me  up mercilessly. I have bruises all over my body."

"Declan? Beat you up!?"

"Yes yes child. Your mother is in pains... arrrgh"

May was silent for a while. She knew better than to believe her mom outrightly "Mom.... But you admitted that someone just TRIED to hit you. How come you're saying he actually did hit you now?" 

"I said what I said, May. Declan hit me! Are you not going to believe the words of your mother? 

"Mom...."