"Please open the door," Jerome banged on the door. It was raining heavily, and he was very cold.
"I told you to be home in thirty minutes, and it's been an hour now since you left. Why are you coming back so late? That is your punishment—stand in the rain," Mia stood behind the door and said in a harsh tone without opening the door.
"I am sorry, but I was stuck in traffic. Please, it is very cold outside; open the door," Jerome's voice was very shaky.
"Mia, why must you waste your time on this good-for-nothing husband?" Mrs. Cambridge stood on the stairs and said with disdain. If not for her father-in-law who brought this good-for-nothing home and insisted her precious daughter get married to him, she wouldn't have accepted him. She wondered what the old man was thinking. Anytime she went out, she couldn't talk about her daughter having a husband when her mates were doing so because she saw her son in law as a lowlife shameful person.
Jerome stood in front of the door, hoping they would have mercy on him and open it for him, but to his disappointment, nothing like that happened. His emotions couldn't be described: sadness, pain, humiliation. Only God knew how he felt. Tears began rolling down his cheeks. What had he done to nature to punish him that way? Hadn't he suffered enough? When would this end? He was getting tired and might give up one day.
"When will I escape this situation? Why do I have to suffer every day?" He raised his head to the sky and said with a tinge of sadness in his voice.
He stood there for almost an hour, before it stopped raining. Seeing that it had stopped raining, he was finally relieved after all his wife might come to open the door for him to come in.Just as he thought, the door was opened, with his wife glaring at him coldly.
"Can I come in?"He asked to see her cold glare
"Come in? Do you want to flood the place? Stand there until you're dry."
"What? You know I can't endure the cold," Jerome said, astonished. How could he stand till his shirt dried up?"
"No, I can't believe Mia would just leave me outside to freeze," he thought to himself and shook his head in disagreement.
A loud bang from the door snapped him out of his thoughts. She had indeed shut the door and left him outside. He began to feel sharp pains in his left leg, so severe that he couldn't stand it. He had no choice but to sit on the ground. His face twisted in pain, beads of sweat dripped from his brow, and he bit his lip to stifle his cries.
As if his stomach didn't know what was going on, it rumbled. "Damn, I haven't eaten since morning," he cursed under his breath. The rain, which had briefly stopped, started pouring again. It felt like he was being punished for something he didn't do. The pain became unbearable, and he clenched his teeth while holding onto his knees.
Inside the room, Mia had a slightly worried expression, she seemed a bit worried not able to speak out. After a while of holding her words, she looked at her mom. "Mother Jerome can't bear....."
"Why wouldn't he be okay? It's not like we're going to kill him. This should teach him a lesson. You need to assert yourself, so he becomes more obedient. Women shouldn't be weak. Don't feel sorry for him; he wouldn't have shown you any mercy if you were in the same situation," Mrs. Cambridge reassured her daughter before going to sleep. She had seemingly forgotten that Jerome was someone's son as well.
With her mother's words in mind, Mia paid no heed to the plight Jerome might be going through outside. After a while she went into her room and slept. After some time, Mia woke up from her sleep. She didn't know how long she had slept, she frowned realizing everywhere was dark.
"Did I oversleep?" She muttered and checked the time.
"Oh my God."Her eyes widened. It was 30 minutes past 1 a.m at midnight. Seeing this, her heart started to race faster. She had left Jerome outside till midnight. Without wasting time, she quickly rushed out of her room and walked downstairs to open the door. As Mia cautiously swung the door open, a wave of disbelief swept over her as she laid eyes on Jerome.
There he was, huddled in a tight position, his head resting on his laps, and the unsettling shivers of sleep gripping him. Fear clenched at Mia's heart, her body trembling as she observed his distressed state. Despite the shock, her eyes softened with concern, compelling her to approach him with deliberate care. Slowly, she moved towards him, her steps measured, until she knelt beside him.After kneeling beside him, Mia started to move her hand towards him as if wanting to touch him.
But after her hand got midway she stopped retracting it back. "Why should I even care about him? He destroyed my life by coming into it, he should suffer more than this. "She muttered angrily
With this in her head, she hit his head, "get up you lazy man, you're sitting outside sleeping like a child without any worries. Get up!" She yelled at him, "
The piercing yells jolted Jerome awake instantly, raising her head, her eyes met with that of Mia's, "M... Mia... Mia y...yo... You came for me?" He asked with softened eyes still shivering.
"Came for you?"Mia sneered. "It's like the coldness has made you go crazy, get up and come inside. You want to stay here till the next day so that if someone mistakenly sees you I become a bad person right?" She yelled at him.
Jerome frowned and sighed, he wondered till when all this was going to come to an end.
“But.. You asked me to stay here…”
“Shut up. Mia yelled, silencing him. Get inside no more words from you. She got up and turned around walking inside.
Jerome watched her slender waist as she walked inside, he couldn't deny the fact that Mia was beautiful.
I'm sure one day everything will be fine and she'll love me just like how I love her. He sighed and got up walking inside.
Jerome struggled to his feet, "aha," wincing in pain once more. He had almost forgotten about his leg's agony. He held his right leg and limped into the kitchen. Mia stood by and watched, offering no help.
To Jerome's utter shock, there was no food in the kitchen. “Mia, is there no food?" Jerome said after he saw all the bowls were empty.
"Hahahah, arriving late, and you expect someone to cook for you? Do you think we're your servants? Nonsense! Just sleep on your empty stomach; you won't die from one day without food," Mia laughed loudly and with disdain.
"Mia, at least I'm your husband. Do you despise me this much?" He asked, his voice trembling.
"Yes, I don't like you. It's mostly because I think you're not very useful, and your only good quality is your good looks. I'm so embarrassed by our marriage that I can't even tell people about it.
"You're a big disappointment. If I were your mother, I might have regretted having you. But I can't blame her entirely; she probably didn't expect you to turn out this way. If you ever dare to use the word 'wife' with your rude mouth, I won't hesitate to throw you outside. You're a foolish man," she scolded, leaving Jerome very confused.
Hearing the cold words of Mia made Jerome feel like his heart was being sliced into pieces. Without a word he held her hand, his anger boiling like that of a new erupted volcano. His eyes reddened like a lava as he stared at her. “You keep saying bad things and insulting me but I keep quiet, it doesn't mean I'm a food Mia. Don't you call me stupid because I'm trying my best and don't involve my mom in any conversation.” He said, pushing her back lightly.
“Right then, he wished he had never been born. His poor mother died in an accident when he was just three, and that's how he hurt his right leg. He always feels pain when it's very cold.
He had no idea who his father was or where he came from. His mother never told him about his family. All he knew was that he one day woke up in this mansion after the accident. Sadly, the only person who could tell him about his background, the old master, had passed away. The people he called his family considered him worthless. Sometimes he wondered why the old master insisted on him marrying his granddaughter when he knew she didn't love him.
Mia stood there in shock with his mouth wide open. “Did, was that Jerome?" She still couldn't believe her ears.
"Hey, wake up. Don't you know it's time for you to start working?" Mrs Cambridge entered Jerome's room and hit him with a stick. "Mum," Jerome said in his sleepy voice. "How many times have I warned you not to call me that? Do you think you are fit to call me that?" Mrs. Cambridge spat. " I am sorry, but it is three o'clock am, why must I wake up now?" He was perplexed. "We will be receiving visitors today, you must prepare to make sure everything is alright before they arrive." "But who are they? Because I didn't hear anyone talking about them, besides what exactly must I do at this hour?" Jerome said with a sleepy voice. "That's not your business. Just do what you are asked to do." She said and left him. Jerome was tired, it was not even three hours before he went to sleep. He was still feeling pain in his legs, what was there to prepare? He got up to see what he could do. He heard some noise in the kitchen. He knew it was Eleanor. He walked to the kitchen and saw her bu
"Pregnant? You mean you are pregnant? Or I heard it wrongly." Jerome was beyond shocked. He couldn't believe his ear. "And what has that got to do with a servant like you?" Mrs Jackson didn't know what was going on. Even if she knows, does she care? "Because she is my wife." Jerome roared angrily. "Hahahah," aren't you ashamed to utter these words? You think too highly of yourself. Oh, you better wake up from your dreams before we throw you outside." Elidad's words made the people present burst into laughter. "Mia, tell them we are married. And we have been married for five years. We can even show them the marriage certificate if they don't believe it. I know you might be forced into this. Don't worry, we will take care of the child." He spoke softly as he tried to get closer to her. "Hey, you better not come closer. Oh, are you talking about that fake certificate? It seems this has been hidden from you for years." She said with a mocking gaze. "Fake certificate, what do yo
"Doctor, how is he doing?" The old man's voice trembled as he spoke, his hands gripping the wooden walking stick tightly. He was standing next to the doctor, who was dressed in a crisp white coat, his expression somber as he looked at the young man lying on the hospital bed. The young man's face was ashen, his skin pale and drawn. The beeping of the heart monitor filled the room, the only sound breaking the silence. "Don't worry old master, he will be fine. Luckily for him, he was saved early, if not…" the doctor didn't continue further but the old man knew what he meant. He clutched his walking stick, if not that he wanted his grandson to avenge himself, he would have taught those stupid people a lesson they would live to tell their generation. "It's alright doctor, thank God he will be fine." He sighed in relief and turned to the butler, " Butler, please escort the doctor out." The old man instructed his butler. He stared at his long-lost grandson for a while, his was filled wi
Jerome thought about the old man's words and realized he was right. How foolish of him to think of such a thing. What came over him? He would have missed these good things if this didn't happen. "Thank you, old master. Is there a need for a DNA test?" "Not at all, you are your father's photocopy. I trust my instincts. Take this card. It has a sum of two billion dollars. Manage it in the meantime until everything is settled. The old man picked a master card and shoved it in his hands. "T..wo, two.. billion dollars, ho..w is ..that possible." His hands trembled as he stuttered to find the right words. You mean, this card is mine?" Tears began rolling down his cheeks. The old master felt sad. His grandson had suffered. How can he cry over a mere two billion? He regretted that he wasn't able to find him early. "My child, do not cry. This is just the beginning. You are the only heir of this family. You need to be strong so you can face the obstacles ahead." "I am the only heir?
"Nobody knows what happened, but shortly after Jerome was dragged out, the manager came from his office sweating. What's happening here?" He asked in an urgent tone. "Sir nothing big. It's just a thief who came here but he has been dragged outside." The clerk said. "A thief? What do you mean by a thief? Can I know who the person is?" "Mr. Don't worry, he was my ex-husband and I know him. He wouldn't be able to afford anything here so here came to steal things. "Mia chipped in. "Is he still outside? Let me see the person." The manager instructed. "But sir…" the clerk didn't understand what was going on. He tried to reason with him. "Shut up!" The manager rebuked him. They were all startled and were baffled at his actions. "What is wrong? And why is the boss panicking as if he has offended some big shot." She mumbled under his breath. Even Mia was wondering. She escorted him outside and luckily for them, Jerome was about to walk out. The manager looked at the picture on hi
"I am sorry sir. I truly regret my actions." The clerk still held Jerome's legs hoping he would forgive her. She has learned her lessons the hard way. Jerome gazed at the woman who was sitting on the floor. He realized that for the well-being of her newborn baby and ailing mother, he had to let go of his anger and forgive her. He believed that everyone deserved a second chance. "I am willing to give you another opportunity, but you will have to face the consequences of your actions. Your salary will be deducted for the next three months. After that, I will assess your progress and decide whether or not to continue with your employment." " Thank you, sir, thank you very much. Thank you. " Those were the only words the clerk could utter. Only God knows how she regretted her action. She swore to herself never to judge a book by its cover. She swore to herself to always treat customers with a pure and kind heart. "Since he has forgiven you, I have no objections. I hope this won't re
"Won't you let your grandson have a seat and have something to eat first?" the old master said."Oh, I'm really sorry. Come, come," Grandma said and paved the way for him.When he entered, he saw many family members sitting around the dining table. Some stared at him with discerning eyes, while others stared at him curiously. Some stared at him with hatred and envy."Good day," Jerome only said these short words and sat down. His simple greeting triggered some elders of the family. They thought he was being arrogant, but the truth is, he didn't like to talk much and was not good at initiating conversation."Hmmm," his aunt hummed."Good day, dear," his second uncle replied in a friendly tone. The others rolled their eyes. The old master saw everything. He didn't want to interfere and wanted to see how his grandson would handle them."Good day? Is that how you were taught to greet your elders?" His first uncle, who didn't bother to respond to his greetings, said harshly."I am sorry if
Shut up, how dare you? Who do you think you are?" James stood up and pointed angrily at Jerome."But he is right; being in the marketing department will help you. And also, he is my grandson, a blood relative of the Cadell family, the future patriarch and heir of this family. Mind the way you speak to him," the old madam, who had been silent, chimed in and scolded James. This warning was for them all."Mum, even you?" His mouth was wide open. His mother had always defended him no matter what. But today she stood up for this orphan. It's all this bastard's fault. He would make sure he pays for the humiliation he has been through."Well, everything is settled. I am going to introduce my grandson to the world next week. I will announce his arrival and his position next week," the old man finally declared.This time around, they didn't object. They knew it wouldn't end well for them if they continued to challenge the old man. They kept their thoughts to themselves."Good, that is a very w
TWO DAYS LATERIt's been two days, and the news about Jerome's disappearance is everywhere. TV stations are reporting on it every hour, making it the hot topic of the city. The police have been working non-stop to find any traces of Jerome, but so far, there's been no progress.In the Cadell's mansion that evening, Steve and Gaius were present, visiting frequently. The old master, however, was visibly distressed, sighing every few seconds out of worry and fear."Is there anywhere else you think he might be?" the old master asked Steve and Gaius."No," Daniel replied."Sir," a guard interrupted, entering the room."The cops are here," the guard reported.Sitting on the balcony upstairs, they watched as four cops entered, and the old master stood up expectantly."Any news?" he asked."We found this... by the bridge," one of the cops said, handing over a piece of note to the old master."What is this?" the old master asked, his hands shaking."It's a supposed suicide note written by your
Steve stayed back with Gaius and his family, as well as Jasmine. Jasmine has been crying nonstop, Steve tried consoling her it seems too difficult. Gaius watched his friend suffer and feel uneasy trying to calm Jasmine down."Fuck this is frustrating!! Why does she cry too much? Does she have an ocean under her eyes?" Steve mumbled under his breath with a frown.Gaius helped him out by putting Jasmine's head on his shoulder and taking Steve's hand to stroke her hair gently. She came down shortly and Steve smiled, not long after sleep took over her and Steve positioned her well on the couch, allowing her head to sleep on his lap as he continued stroking her hair.Her beautiful face caught him and Steve began staring at her full eyebrows, nice nose, and such lovely lips too. He didn't know what was going on but his heartbeat is racing abnormally right now.Jerome had called the guys earlier and told them he would spend the night in the hospital with Eleanor since she had been attended t
Jerome had already told Eleanor about Jasmine's consciousness so she insisted they go visit her today.Sje was so excited that she couldn't wait to see her. She prayed a silent prayer thanking God for giving her a second chance.They are currently in Jerome's car on their way to see her. Jerome's phone rang and Eleanor had to pick it up for him since he was driving.She put it on loudspeaker so that he could hear “Man. You guys are going to keep me here till night falls right?" Gauis fumed over the phone" What are you talking about? " Jerome asked innocently."Don't tell me you forgot?" Gaius said."What day is today? I don't remember today being any special or am I missing out on something?" Jerome asked clueless.“What hell with you Jerome!!! We were supposed to go and pick up my family today, can't believe you forgot," Gaius said, annoyed already."Shoot!!! I'm so sorry man. Take the lead I will join you soon I promise. Have you called Steve though? I bet that lazy bone is still s
"All eyes fell on James, somehow they were happy he was here because he was the only one who could handle Stanley's madness.""Have you gone nuts? Do you want to kill your grandpa, someone who cared for you as an infant even though he has never liked existence? He did his best by giving you capital to start a new life. You wasted the money and showed your stupid face here like the burden you are, and now you want to kill him? I swear to anything you hold sacred, if you do not put that gun down, I promise you will regret it, little boy," James barked at him.In a normal circumstance, Stanley would have thrown the gun away as soon as James scolded him, but this time around, he had a smirk plastered on his face. He started laughing maniacally, showcasing his madness."You fool, do you think the little stunts you pull still affect me? Grow up, man. Those empty threats of yours don't affect me anymore. I will advise you to clear my way, or do you want to die in his place?" Stanley glared a
"How did all this happen right under my nose without my notice?" the old master said with shock."You have a good mindset, Grandpa, but it doesn't mean everybody's like you. James chose to take the part of envy. You did not choose for him, so do not blame yourself. As for Annika, she is just a green snake in the grass," Steve said, trying to calm the old man down."I knew that Annika's silence was a threat, but I never expected her to join forces with James. Nevertheless, I'm not surprised. I expected one thing or another from her," Jerome said without concern."Steve, can you tell me exactly how you managed to get them together?" the old man asked."Before grandma left this morning, I was with her in the house when James and Annika came down together, ready for work. I got suspicious, so I asked Grandma when the both of them became that close... She replied that it started not long ago, but from her speech, I could sense she was happy at the new bonding. I don't know why, but somehow
Steve went straight to Cadell's company, needing to see Jerome immediately. He had been avoiding the fight that had arisen between himself and Jerome, but he was lucky enough Eleanor had talked to Jerome on his behalf, so they were fine now."Is your boss in?" Steve asked as he chanced upon Bright, who was just coming out of the elevator."Yes, he is in. Should I inform him about your arrival? He is currently in a meeting with the company board," Bright answered."Don't worry, I'm not in a hurry. I'll wait for him in his office," Steve smiled.Bright escorted him to Jerome's office, offered him a glass of water, and excused himself to continue his work.James came in with Anika, rushing to the meeting room, which ended abruptly at their arrival. All the board members stared at them with disdain."Why are you just coming, Mr. James, and Miss Anika?" One of them asked with a frown."Had to take care of some personal stuff," James answered simply."What about you, Anika?" Another person
Steve has now become a frequent visitor in the Cadell's mansion, both for the old lady's sake and also to observe Annika as well.Anytime he visits, he spends some time with the old lady, and this makes her so happy. She always has a new story to tell of her youthful days.Eleanor and Jerome had left early that morning because they had work."I do not see you busy of late," the old lady asked curiously."I took a break from work; my second-in-command is taking care of everything perfectly. He contacts me anytime he has difficulties," Steve explained."Okay, I was just wondering because the Steve I know is a busy person who has no time to spare," the old lady chuckled.There was silence in the room till the old lady spoke again."Why don't you use this opportunity and find yourself a lady who will take care of you? I know everyone has been urging you to get married, and you find it irritating, but let me give you a clue on what a partner in your life can do for you. She is going to be
Jerome and Eleanor were still in Jerome's grandparents' house when a call came to Jerome's phone. He excused himself to take it; it was a call from the doctor who is taking care of Jasmine."Why are you calling me at this hour? Do you need anything?" Jerome asked."I have good news for you instead, the lady you asked me to be taking care of is awake," the doctor broke the news."Finally, I can rest. It took her long enough," Jerome breathed out."What should we do about her, Boss?" The doctor asked."We will come visit her tomorrow; it is already late," Jerome concluded."Allow her to be in the hospital for now; I will be sending someone over to bring anything she will need. Keep her for now till I come for her myself," Jerome instructed.The call ended, and he joined his family."What took you so long?" Eleanor pouted."Just business," he answered."Where are my grandparents?" Jerome asked."They said they had to go get some sleep, and also your grandfather said we should stay for the
There was silence between the old man and his grandson, none of them was ready to talk. The old master was expecting his grandson to say something but the bitterness down his throat is preventing him from saying anything."Did you call me to sit here and watch you or you're going to say something," the old Master started to break the silence in the room."Why did you do that?" Jerome said simply."Can you talk in simple words? What do you mean by what you just said?" the old master replied."Why did you take such a decision and ask my friend to keep it away from me? It is not just anything this issue here, is something that involves my life. You should have at least told me about it if not for anything for the bond we share. Not for once have I taken any decision without telling you about it because I thought you were my everything and we have that kind of bond but then you proved me wrong," Jerome spoke bitterly."Why would you think that of me? You should listen to me at least, I