ROWLAND (From Ruin to Rule)

Chapter 7: The Revealing

“What?! This cannot be true.” 

Rowland's heart was pounding in his chest as he walked up the grand driveway of the Jones mansion, looking tattered to avoid suspicion. Despite the sensation of a heavy weight dragging him down with every step, he persisted, mentally reliving the message he had received. 

"Amaya accepted Clinton's marriage proposal."

For a moment, he wondered if it was a cruel joke or a misunderstanding. But for him to see the truth in her eyes, he needed to hear it from her.

As he got closer to the entry, a knot of fear tightened in his stomach. The mansion towered over him, its lavish exterior a sharp contrast to the chaos he was experiencing within. His footsteps echoed on the floor as he entered, and the grandiosity of the house did nothing to calm his racing heart.

The grand parlor, a palatial space with expensive artwork hanging on the walls and gilded furniture, was the gathering place for the Jones family. Amaya was sitting on Clinton's lap with her head leaning against his chest, right in the middle of everything. The sight hit Rowland like a physical blow. He paused, his breath caught in his throat.

Mrs Jones said joyfully, "You made the best choice, my daughter."

"I am also glad that you are prepared to separate from that unfortunate church-rat, Rowland."

Unaware that Rowland was listening in on everything, Amaya's lighthearted laughter filled the room, giving the impression that all of her problems had disappeared. Clinton's arm was encircling her waist in a possessive manner as his fingers delicately traced patterns on her side. 

There was a look of smug satisfaction on the faces of the entire family as they watched. It was a picture-perfect instance of treachery.

Rowland suddenly felt queasy. Though he had braced himself for this moment, it was another to witness it firsthand. Even though his heart hurt, he had to keep it hidden.

"Amaya." With a voice that cut through the laughter, he moved forward. 

There was silence in the room. With a sly smile playing at the corners of his lips, Clinton turned his head. When Amaya looked up and saw Rowland, her smile wavered a little. But then she stood up straight, her face becoming more serious. 

"Who let you in here, and what are you doing here?" Her tone was cold as she asked.

"I came to see you," Rowland said, his voice straining. "I had heard the news, but I wanted to hear it from you."

Amaya flicked her eyes away, but she remained in Clinton's lap. 

"Well, since you are curious, it is true," she stated flatly in a straightforward tone. "I am going to marry Clinton."

Rowland was devastated. A flash of pain mixed with rage came over him. 

"You promised me, Amaya," he added softly. "You said you would never leave me."

Amaya chuckled, but her laugh was hollow and brittle. "And what benefits has that assurance given me?" she shot back. "You have been accused of theft, Rowland. You have got nothing to offer me. Clinton has given me everything I have ever desired."

Rowland's jaws tightened. "And what about love?" he inquired quietly. "What about the years that we shared?"

"Love?" Amaya chuckled. "Love, Rowland, does not pay the bills. Love cannot guarantee one's future. You have nothing at all. I have been promised a comfortable and prestigious life by Clinton. Why should I choose you?”

Clinton's smirk expanded. "That is correct, Rowland," he said, his tone mocking. "You are nothing but a poor man with dreams. Do you believe you could rival me? I can give her everything she deserves, plus more."

Ignoring Clinton's words, he turned to Amaya and said, "Amaya, do not do this; I promise I can give you more than he has given you."

Immediately Rowland said that Amaya laughed mockingly. "More? You can not even buy yourself a decent shirt, look at yourself. Put an end to your "Joseph" dreams.

Rowland's hands were balled up by his sides. It was enough for him to hear. "I understand," he mutely uttered. "So all you want is a divorce?"

Amaya's eyes gleamed with achievement. "I am glad you are finally seeing sense," she said. "It is time you admitted you can not provide for me. And yes, I do want a divorce!"

"Do you not feel a little ashamed? Rowland, you are completely useless to this family. Why do not you understand?" Healey stood up and confronted Rowland with bitter words.

Rowland felt a wave of sadness wash over him, but he maintained his composure. "If that is what you want," he stated calmly. "But remember, Amaya, I told you I had the means to care for you. One day, you will realize it."

Clinton let out a low, mocking chuckle. "Do not preach, Rowland," he sneered. "You are not in a position to even make that promise to my wife. I could now offer you a job in an attempt to show you some mercy, if that would please you. At my company, we are constantly seeking new cleaners. I am sure you could do a good job scrubbing floors."

The room burst out laughing at Clinton's words, and Rowland felt a surge of rage and humiliation. But he would not let it show. He stood tall with an unwavering gaze. 

"I do not need your sympathy or your offers," he stated firmly. "I am more dignified than that."

At the moment, Mr and Mrs Jones were seated and watching how Amaya humiliated Rowland without any form of mercy. They also received the contract that Clinton had promised. It brought them great joy.

Amaya's subsequent remarks, however, were what really hurt Rowland and made Mr. and Mrs. Jones happier. Her expression was detached and icy as she met Rowland's gaze directly. 

"Rowland, you are so poor," she remarked quietly, almost angrily. "You could never give me the life that Clinton has. You are nothing but a dreamer who failed."

The words were more cutting than he had anticipated. Rowland felt his hope crumble to nothing. They laughed mockingly at him, but he could see the joy in each of their eyes.

Without saying anything more, he turned and went toward the door. The sound of his own heart breaking followed him as he walked out, a faint murmur of voices. He wished they were aware of his current identity. That the local boy is now the pride of the Fence family.