Early the next morning Thor woke up in the house he had grown up in and went into the garden and stood at the open lattice gate staring at the old man who stood at the artificial pond throwing fish food at the koi fish that flocked around fighting for the food and speaking affectionately to them.
He smiled and took a couple of steps in and when he stepped on a dried leaf that had fallen to the ground it made a crunch sound alerting the old man to his presence and he slowly turned and squinted at the figure in the distance wondering who it was and when Thor came close the old man’s eyes widened and tears filled them as he held his arms out wide.Thor walked into the old man’s arms and held him close, careful not to squeeze too tightly before pulling back and staring at the beloved wrinkled face which radiated with happiness. They hugged once before separating and walking to the table which was at the base of a Cherry tree.Shortly after they had sat down a maid came with a tray with tea and snacks which she placed on the table and curtsied before leaving the men alone.The old man stared at the young man, scrutinizing the features before him and sighed softly.“You don’t look so good, have you been doing well?” He asked and Thor shrugged noncommittally.His behavior made the old man wonder what he had gone through, it had been so long since he had seen him and everytime he did the boy reminded him so much of his parents. He had taken the best parts of them, his father’s strong intimidating build and strong jaw and his mother’s mesmerizing eyes and nose. The old man wished they could see their son grown.He felt deep sorrow as he always did when ever he was reminded of his daughter and her husband’s untimely death. They had been cut down in the prime of their youth leaving their little boy all alone but fortunately the little boy had had him and he had raised him with all his love because they were all that they had in this world.“How are you feeling grandpa.” Thor asked looking carefully at his grandfather.The man looked older, much older and a little stooped and grey. It was hard to see him looking that way because it made him feel guilty as he knew without being told that he was part of the reason his grandfather had aged so rapidly but he could not help himself.“Better now that you are here.” The old man said with a bright smile then he turned serious. “..you are back aren’t you?”“We should focus on the fact that I am here to see you, I cannot tell what the future holds for me yet.” Thor said evasively but his grandfather chose not to pursue the subject.He knew that he would have to be content with the fact that at least Thor was here. What was most important to him was that his grandson was alive and safe.They lapsed into silence and sipped their tea as they sat together just like they used to before Thor decided to move out of the house. Their quiet was interrupted by the sound of the gate swinging open.Shortly after Edward came before them and bowed curtly to the old man then to Thor.“Good morning Mr Quinn, good morning Mr Glen.”“Good morning Edward, what brings you here this early in the morning?” The old man looked up at Edward’s face.Edward glanced at Thor’s face then back at the old man without saying a word making him understand that he was here on Thor’s request.“Have you done as I have asked you?” Thor asked and Edward nodded.“Good thank you, prepare the car to take me out later.” He instructed and Edward nodded and left them alone.After a moment of silence the old man spoke. “Do you have any important issues to deal with today?”“I do Grandfather.” Thor answered simply, refusing to give up any more information but his grandfather was not going to give up that easy without hearing anything tangible.“What important information is this?” He asked, refusing to be put off.With a sigh Thor turned to him.“I had hoped that after three years you would be through with this revenge business but it seems you have still not had enough, What good has it brought to you and I except pain and unhappiness? I want you to find love and have children so that you can live a fulfilled life.” His grandfather pleaded.Thor stood up and looked down at his grandfather impassively even though his words were icy and determined.“As long as my parents lay dead in the grave I will make sure that I hunt down the perpetrators of this evil act, I cannot have rest while the people responsible live happy lives.” He said and left his grandfather alone in the garden.*****Bill came around and chivalrously opened the passenger’s side and watched Garnet’s stocking clad long legs that looked especially sexy today in her high stilettos and mini skirt suit that sculpted her body. He had waited so long for this day and he could not believe that every soon he would have his hands on the elusive Garnet Woods, he would make sure she quickly fell into his arms soon enough. His mouth water at the thought of it.Garnet looked at Bill’s effusive movements in amusement. she knew that he wanted her, she had always known that he wanted her and that was why she never considered marrying him. She could never give away her freedom to a man like Bill who would turn her to her mother; a trophy wife and that was the worst thing that could happen to her.She walked into the courthouse with a little bounce in her step, today was such a good day and it felt like she was staring into the doorway that led to the life she had dreamed about. She had come into the office this morning to see her colleagues holding balloons and champagne to celebrate her and she had been given the corner side office with the panoramic view of the city, she even had her name plaque and position on the door.The only thing that could make today even better for her was signing for her freedom from her pathetic husband, that was why she had taken her lunch break to come to the courthouse. It felt like the beginning of all the beautiful things that she had ever dreamed about in life and she could taste it all on the tip of her tongue.When she went to the clerks table and asked for the lawyer who would be handling her case she was directed to one of the rooms and as she walked to the room she hoped that Thor would make it soon. She did not even consider that he would dare miss coming, the fear of paying fines or jail time would surely wipe that thought away from his mind.When she entered the office there was already a man sitting opposite the lawyer.“Oh I’m sorry, I did not realize that there was someone already with you, the clerk told me to come right in.” Garnet said apologetically and made to leave the room.“Oh no come on in.” The lawyer waved her over and she sat in the chair he gestured at and faced him.“Since you are both here then can we continue with the proceedings?” The lawyer asked and Garnet turned to look at the door wondering when Thor had come in even though she did not hear the sound of the door opening.“Surely you have not forgotten what your darling husband looks like.” A familiar voice said beside her and she turned and looked at the man beside her in shock.He looked different and yet the same. It was the same intelligent green eyes that were twinkling at her in amusement but his hair had been cut in a stylish manner and he had on a charcoal pinstripe suit. He even smelled different and looked assured and confident, her jaw dropped as she stared at him.“Here are the documents you need to sign.” The lawyer said, breaking into her confused thoughts.She mechanically picked up a pen that was handed to her and signed what had been placed before her without even giving it more than a cursory glance before she returned it to the lawyer who handed it to Thor.She returned to staring at him in wonder while a million thoughts ran through her mind all at once. She knew fashion and she could tell that the suit he was wearing was a bespoke suit which probably cost about 10,000$ at the very least and the wristwatch he was wearing was definitely a Chopard ‘Janus Watch’.Where had he gotten the money for all of this, She thought bitterly. maybe he had gotten a modeling job, he certainly had the looks for it. He probably borrowed the clothes and wristwatch in order to show off thinking she would fall for that scam, She consoled herself.Then she considered something else that made her frown, what if he had decided to become a gigolo? Maybe he had gotten a wealthy old lady who would give him all he wanted for his time and affection, maybe that way why he was not protesting the divorce like she thought he would.She wondered why she felt so queasy at that thought after all he was no longer her husband and she did not care, she did not want him and anyone who wanted him could have him. She mused to herself trying to console herself.“That is done now.” The lawyer said after examining the pages they had signed.“Can I have my copy then?” Garnet asked.“I just have to go over a few things first, I will have them sent to your home address by later today.” He explained and Garnet nodded and almost fled the room.Somehow being with this different version of Thor made her very anxious and unsure of herself and she did not want to spend even a moment longer with.Garnet sat quietly the entire ride back to the office and she kept staring contemplatively out of the window while Bill constantly glanced at her in concern.He had been surprised to see her looking sober when she got out of the courthouse, it was a sharp contrast from what he had expected because how was she more subdued coming out than when she first went in and he had been afraid that the lawyer had been unable to secure the divorce for her but she told him that she had signed the papers.That left him in a state of confusion, had that not been what she wanted in the first place? What had happened in there to make her be this way? When he tried to probe she told him that she was simply tired and wanted to go back to her office which disappointed him.He had hoped that he could convince her to go to a celebratory lunch after signing the papers and then he would slowly begin the process of courting her and making her become his woman. But she was obviously not in the mood to celebra
“Bill!” Beth exclaimed excitedly. If Bill was here then any problems that they had would be resolved, he was the answer to their problems. “I can pay the mortgage. Tell me, how much is it?” Bill asked Edward Stone lazily and the man straightened up stiffly. “My boss has been lenient for a long time and no longer has any use for the money, he now wants to use the property as his own home.” Bill’s brow furrowed in irritation, he was trying to score points with Garnet and her family and this man who was nothing but a stooge was trying to get in his way and ruin his plans. “Who is this boss of yours? Is he any better than Bill Pearle? Don’t you know who he is?” Beth sneered. Now that Bill was backing them she was sure that they would not be oppressed by this man. Her formerly docile face had faded and now she looked at Edward Stone with superiority. “I am sure that I can reach an agreement with your boss, i could offer him a couple of my properties in place of this one. Who is thi
The next day the Woods family had packed up all of their possessions and as a packing crew took the boxes and loaded them in the vehicle, a different crew of construction workers with hard hats and a truck complete with a wrecking ball moved into the compound and headed towards the house. As they left, they turned and watched as the building was demolished and Beth could not hold back her bitter tears. “Look at my beautiful home.” She wailed as she saw the house she had so treasured fall into rubble. “Don’t worry, soon you are going to have a bigger and better home than this, I promise.” Bill boasted and Beth sniffled as she nodded, sure that soon she would be the envy of everyone who was probably laughing at her misfortune currently. “Come on mom, we have to leave now.” Garnet said before leading her mother to the car and they drove off. She hated the fact that she would have to live off Bill’s charity, it was a very dangerous thing to do because he could demand payment in form
Garnet’s foray into the unemployment market was shocking and unexpected. She had been a fast rising star at her job and had gotten quite a number of offers from other companies so she had felt that getting a new job with her resume would be a piece of cake. Unfortunately for her, the reverse was the case. It seemed that no one wanted to give her a chance any longer, when she got to their offices she was turned away and told that there were no vacancies. It all seemed very sinister and she could sense that something was at play. Why would companies who had offered her more competitive offers than the one she had at her job just in order to poach her from her company suddenly turn her away and some even refused to let her into the building in the first place. Feeling frustrated and beginning to wonder if she was carrying a stink, Garnet broke down at the last office when she was turned down without an explanation. As she cried, Nola the HR officer who was an older woman that had admi
“What kind of despicable act is that?!” She explained angrily and shot out the chair. “I cannot believe that you are a cad who would force me to accept you in my bed against my will, Well absolutely not!” Her voice filled with outrage still did not hide the fear that crept in.Thor remained calm and reclined in his seat and studied her face lazily while Garnet forced herself to hold his stare.“I am certain that you and your family would be able to give classes on how to be despicable…” Thor eyed her and a pink blush of embarrassment rose up her neck. Moreover, I am a gentleman and i would never force a woman, I have no need to do that.” he said and Garnet scoffed while he grinned at her prickly reaction.She stared at him and had to silently agree with him, even without the appeal of the money and nice clothes and expensive accessories he had always been an attractive man. An image of him shirtless rose unbidden to her mind and she had to clamp down on it as she blushed.“I do not ag
Within the course of the next couple of weeks Garnet had gone about seeking a new job at the companies which had show interest in poaching her from her previous job and she discovered to her shock that they did not want to have anything to do with her anymore. From there she went on to companies that were not her ideal as she was overqualified to work in those places but at least she would be able to earn some money and she found to her shock that she was turned away from every single place she tried at despite her glowing CV. At a point she started to consider working as a waitress but could not get herself to do it, it was too degrading and would not pay enough money.To their humiliation her family had been forced to move out of the house and they were now staying at a roach motel thanks to the meager savings that Garnet had left in her account, money which they knew they had to stretch and which was quickly running out because even though the four rooms they had gotten were dirt
“Your family cannot move in, at least not right now.” He said and leaned back in his chair watching the anger on Garnet’s face switch to confusion.“What do you mean? Do you have more outrageous demands you want me to comply with?” She asked, swallowing her fear.“Your family’s home which has fallen into shambles from the constant state of disrepair is currently not fitting for a man of my status to inhabit, I am going to need to have renovations done first.” Thor said with a smirk.He was right about the house, it had looked the same for years and it honestly needed some work done. Garnet had thought that with her promotion she would be able to have some renovations done to the house and restore it to its former glory.“Fine.” She said with gritted teeth. “I guess you will just have to give me a budget to work with and I can get to work immediately.” Thor laughed uproariously and shook his head while Garnet frowned. “You are mistaken to think that I would trust you on such an import
“You should hurry up don’t you think, it is your first day at work and we don’t want Thor mad at you do we? You did say resumption was at eight am didn’t you?” Beth came in and cooed as she tried to make Garnet hurry.It was a few minutes past eight in the morning and Garnet was sitting leisurely in her dressing robe on the couch and watching the television as if she did not have a care in the world while her mother hovered nervously.“It is despicable that we are selling Garnet off to that man.” Stan glowered at his mother and she straightened up and frowned before chastising him.“Nobody is selling Garnet, she chose to marry him of her own will and he is being extremely generous now after the way that we have treated him all this time. You should be very grateful.”Garnet ignored their squabbling and continued savoring her coffee, she intended on taking her sweet time and no one was going to hurry her up until she was good and ready. “You know Garnet, you should have agreed to work