“I am here to see a patient; she was admitted a few hours ago," Denzel said to the nurse on a white scrub, breathing heavily
He paused to catch his breath before continuing , “Her name is Marie Fernard.” “Calm down, mister, this is a hospital; lower your voice!” The nurse eyed him from head to toe as she replied, fuming in anger Judging from his shabby look, she needed no prophet to tell her that a man dressed in worn-out jeans and a crumpled shirt would not be able to pay a million-dollar required for the surgery. His type were those who ended up begging for free treatment. “ And who are you to her?” Her voice held a condescending tone as she glared at him in disdain. “I am her son,” Denzel replied impatiently, ignoring the weird glances and whispers from the people in the waiting room. Few hours ago, he received the news that his foster mother got involved in an accident. But he was unable to rush down to the hospital, because his in-laws wouldn't let him leave the house until he finishes his work at home. “Before I let you know her ward, just a gentle reminder, " she said, eyeing him up and down. “Make sure to come back here and deposit part payment of her surgery f*e before leaving. " In case you don't know, treatment would only commence after a part payment is made." " I know your type and we don't run a charity organisation here!” she said nonchalantly with a scowl on her face. “And you should be fast about that, there are no bed spaces to waste on wretched people and we wouldn't hesitate to bundle you and your mother out from this hospital! ” Another nurse who had no business in the conversation said to Denzel as she laughed together with some people deriving pleasure from the way the nurses were degrading the shabby looking man. “Can I just see her first?" Denzel yelled, getting irritated with their lack of professionalism. The nurse visibly trembled as she was not expecting the poor man to retaliate “Ward 103” she muttered rolling her eyes. As he got to the ward, a pang of pain shot through Denzel as he was welcomed to the sight of his mother's lifeless body. “Thank God you are here Denzel, what took you so long?” Denzel’s attention was shifted to his foster sister, Vivian, who rushed to where he was and embraced him, letting out more tears. “What happened Vivian? How did mother get to this place? Denzel was barely holding back the tears that were threatening to fall as it felt like a hand was squeezing his heart. He had just spoken to his mum yesterday evening, How come? “She was involved in a hit and run,” A faint voice said from the end of the room, Denzel shifted his gaze to his brother Victor. Victor is the twin to Vivian and they are the only biological children of aunty Marie, but ever since aunty Marire took him in after picking him up from the dustbin. He took them as his only family and would go any length to take care of them. “Denzel… the accident was deliberate, I and mother were standing by the roadside away from the main road. But the man drove to where she was standing and hit her before zooming off,” Victor said through gritted teeth as he clenched his fists. “What?” Fury wrapped around Denzel’s chest almost suffocating him, who would have wanted his mother dead? They are too poor to have made such an enemy” he thought, unable to point a finger at anyone. “But that's not the issue on ground Denzel, mother needs a major surgery which costs $1m and would not be attended to until a deposit is made,” Victor said, finally breaking down into tears “What do we do Denzel?” he asked Denzel, sniffing and sobbing . “Denzel, you are our only hope,” Vivain said, her grip tightening on Denzel’s arm, Even if we sell everything we have. "It wouldn't be enough to pay for a quarter of the money,” “We don't want to lose mother,” She said as her wailing increased. Denzel felt like his whole world was crashing down on him, he had no idea how he was going to get one million dollars. He wasn't even sure if he was ever going to make that kind of money in his lifetime. And here he was, being tasked to find the money in a short period, nothing was making sense to him, he stood still wondering what to do next. Then, a light bulb went off in Denzel’s head , his heart skipped as an idea crossed his mind. “Denzel gently unhooked his arm from Vivian’s and led her to sit down, he turned facing his brother. “Victor, take care of Vivian and mom, I will be back with some part of the money so they can commence treatment immediately. " I promise, nothing will happen to mom” They all breathed a sigh of relief as their hopes got refilled. ** “ Repeat what you said again you scumbag?” A familiar voice roared, followed by a wave of laughter as Denzel stood before his father-in-law, Mr Kendrick. Denzel was shocked when he saw the Mortan’s family members gathered in the living room. He didn't need anyone to tell him that a heavy storm was brewing and that meant he was going to receive a double dose of the usual humiliation he receives. But he had gotten used to it and wouldn't even mind them tripling it cause he needed their help now more than ever. “Please, I need your help. My mom was involved in an accident , and I need to deposit some money for her surgery,” Denzel said, bowing his head in shame and defeat. Ever since he got married to their daughter Olivia 3 years ago, he had been serving them tirelessly without complaint. He hoped they would sympathise and be of help to him just this once. One million dollars was not a problem for his father in law, Mr.kendrick. The Mortans’s family were one of the richest families in Willport city with multiple businesses and investments. Denzel knew his father in law could give him the money with just a snap of his fingers. “Shut your gutter mouth! Don’t you have any shame left in your miserable self? Mrs Veronica, his mother-in-law roared angrily, her voice laced in disgust. “How can he? When he's being spoon-fed from year to year?" " You can't even save your mother's life without begging? What a shame,” Anita ,his sister in law scoffed as she glared at him furiously. “What proof do you have that you are a man?" " Tell me? aside from that impotent thing of no use dangling between your legs, of what use are you?" Anita, taunted, causing everyone to burst into a mockery laughter as Denzel felt more helpless , a flood of pain drowning him. “What have I done to deserve such disgrace as a son-in-law?” Mrs Veronica feigned hurt as she placed her hands on her chest “ I don't know what my beautiful and talented daughter saw in you. But I can assure you, your time in this house is numbered” Her eyes glinted with venom as she spoke viciously. Denzel was taken aback, he clenched his fist as anger flooded through him. Not like he expected better from them, but he thought they would at least have human sympathy for once, as it is a matter of life and death. Denzel slowly raised his gaze to his wife Olivia who had been quiet all these while. He looked at her as the only one who could help him in this terrible situation, and his heart sunk as he took in the look of disgust plastered on her face. But as quickly as he noticed it, it disappeared, replaced by a look of pity and concern. “Please guys stop, it's his mother's life we are talking about here” Olivaia choked out as if she was being forced to talk. Denzel felt relieved,he knew his wife would never be against him. Although she hardly stood up for him and would always keep quiet while they roasted him, but as soon as she intervened on his behalf,he felt reassured that his wife loved him as much as he did. “Quiet everyone ! And you, I still don't know why my daughter insisted on getting married to you." " it's no news that you are of no use in this family ,” Mr Kendrick paused , eyeing Denzel in disgust “But… it looks like you are about to be of use now!” Denzel’s heart drummed against his ribcage as he tried to figure out what his father was driving at. But the next thing he heard, had his mouth hanging open.“How much are we talking about here” Mr Kendrick asked “One million dollars '' Denzel replied,his lips curving into a small smile. Deep down he was thanking his stars that he obeyed his mind, by asking his inlaw for money. “That's a small money,” Mr Kendrick said, causing Denzel's handsome face to broaden up with smiles this time. “ But then again.”Mr Kendrick said, fixing his gaze to his son-in-law, “This also goes to show the length of your uselessness,” Mr Kendrick sneered, causing the smile on Denzel's face to seize, but Denzel shrugged it off. Right now, they could insult him for all they want, so far they gave him the money he was asking for.“I will give you the one million dollars.But on one condition” Mr Kendrick said,his deep voice resounding in Denzel's ears.Denzel’s heart raced, as his father-in-law's words hung heavy in the air. He wasn't expecting that,but he couldn't wait to hear the condition. “Take the blame for Tom, You will tell the police that you are the one
“ Mr Kendrick slammed the brown envelope on the glass centre table,” This is the divorce paper dissolving your marriage with my daughter. Sign it before I get back.” he growled, turning his back and went up the stairs without giving Denzel a chance to talk.Oliva froze, her mouth dropping to the floor. “ Yes, finally! his in laws high fived each other as they erupted in laughter and joy.Denzel needed no one to tell him that they had been waiting for this day to come , it wasn't about his refusal, he was aware they never accepted him and was never in support of his union with their daughter. “Mr Kendrick really thought this through,”Denzel said inwardly as sadness enveloped him the more. “Sign the damn divorce papers,”Mrs Veronica and Tom chorused excitedly.“Pack your stinking self out of this house and never return! You shameless thing,” Anita yelled mockingly.Denzel’s heart sunk into his stomach,He felt as if a cat was clawing at his heart viciously as he tried to absorb what ha
“Olivia please don't tell me you are being serious right now?” Denzel asked, still in shock. Never in a million years did he expect that Olivia would betray him like this. “Olivia I know this is not you talking, I know your father has threatened you to support evil” “Shut up!” Olivia yelled, connecting her palm with Denzel’s cheeks forcefully. Denzel winced as he felt the sting from the slap the woman he trusted landed on his cheeks. “ Do you think I will choose a miserable thing like you over my family? Sign it before I force you to.” Olivia snarled, eyeing Denzel disdainfully Shock was an understatement to what Denzel felt. His wife, Olivia —betrayed him like this? With pain etched in every part of his body, Denzel signed the papers. The last thing he heard before being dragged out was the sound of loud laughter coming from his supposed in-laws and painfully, the woman he had trusted. “Olivia you are such a badass” Anita hailed as she handed a handkerchief to Olivia.
Denzel froze as his own voice rang in his ears. This was the last conversation he had with Olivia doesn't it mean it was recorded and now used as evidence against him? They had planned this all along. She tricked him into confessing to what he knew nothing about. Denzel thought as he felt a pang of pain hit him. “So was that your voice or not? And did you admit your usage of drugs to your wife or not? The officer yelled , as he sprang up, slamming his hands on the shaky table. Denzel’s face turned pale. He knew he had been framed but he didn't know Olivia and her family would go to this extent , the more he thought about it , the more his heart sank deeper. “Please, I didn't do it, all of these are just a set up by Mr Kendrick and his family” Denzel begged as he stared at the man looking for any sign of sympathy but the man offered none.“Take him out,if he doesn't want to say the truth I will force it out of him”, The officer growled as two other officers rushed to Denzel and aggr
“ Young master, we are sorry we had taken this measure in making sure we rescued you, they turned him around checking for injuries, “Relax, you are in safe hands now, young master” The three of them bowed slightly as two gently lifted him up from the chaos. “ Young master?” Denzel asked,utterly confused Before Denzel could tell what was happening , he was seated at the back seat of an air conditioned range rover.His eyes darted around the car as he gasped taking in the car interior and posh leathers. The one that baffled me most was how this car managed to stay undamaged , like it hadn't hit a van , whereas the other van suffered terrible damage. His gaze landed on the gorgeous lady driving at the front, her white tailored suit hugged her slender body accentuating her well sculpted body even while she was seated. She looked so put together with her blonde hair nearly tied up in a bun. Without doubt she is a rich business woman and she really smells nice too. Denzel thought. As if
“Yes , I'm aware I also have noticed for a while now, I have been watching the car closely ” Amanda said, disrupting Denzel’s thoughts as she sped up the car attempting to give the other car space.Surprisingly, the other car also sped up, now pursuing their car with full force to double cross them. Amanda sped up to the highest gear, her hands firm around the steering.Denzel’s heart drummed against his chest as he tightly held one of the men. It was as if he was experiencing fast and furious in real life and the speed at which Amanda was driving, Denzel feared that the car would summersault but this time, he had no idea who was going to save him.Bang! Bang! Countless gunshots hit the back glass of the car. Denzel's heart dropped into his stomach as he waited for the bullet to pierce his skin. He sat still for a while amidst the sounds of gunshots but when he didn't feel any pain, he slowly opened his eyes and watched as the bullets bounced on the car window but were unable to pene
After 3 hours, the car finally came to a halt in a secluded part of the city, where only the; Elites members of the city, powerful businessmen and CEOs own properties or live.Denzel’s family, the Leon family, owned the largest portion of land in the area and a whole estate named after them. “ We are here young master” Amanda said as the automatic white gate slided, revealing the magnificent white mansion. Denzel’s mouth dropped open as he took in the sight before him. There was a huge white peacock fountain, the vicinity was surrounded by neatly trimmed and bright flowers as several men in black suits with headphones hung around their heads walked around,while talking. “This is one of the properties of your grandfather” Amanda said to Denzel with a polite smile, while packing at the open garage“Wow” Denzel said with his eyes darting around the luxurious cars lined up in the garage.“Welcome home young master” the servants said in unison,bowing their heads slightly as one of them
“How Vivian? How did this happen? Victor has no reason to commit suicide? I don't understand”Denzel asked, still baffled at what he just heard. “Same here, I'm confused and I refuse to believe that victor committed suicide” “How did this happen Vivian?”“He got a job that same day you left, the job promised to pay him $100 daily. So he decided to work and raise money for mom’s treatment, but since that day he left for the job, he's yet to be back and I haven't heard from him. I reported to the police after 24 hours, but just this morning, they sent this” she sobbed, stretching the white folded piece of paper to Denzel . Denzel took the paper and opened it, goosebumps enveloped his skin as he read his brother's final words. The paper was stained with tears, and he noticed a tiny word at the end of the paper. It wasn't in the same language as the rest, but he made a mental note to use a translator for it later. Denzel stared at the heart breaking words his brother allegedly wrote as