2024-12-08 19:15:03Lucas's pov
Lady Wright's piercing voice echoed through the air as she halted before us, her gaze still fixed on me.
“What did he do this time?’’
‘‘Good day, Ma'am. I'm Barnabas from Folicks firm, a loan company.’’ Barnabas introduced himself.
‘‘Loan sharks?’’ Lady Wright cut in sharply, and Barnabas responded with a subtle ‘hmph’.
‘‘What do you have to say, Mr debtor?’’ Lady Wright directed at me. She had her eyes on me the whole time, waiting for a course to humiliate me.
I summoned the courage to meet her gaze.
“I asked him to come for it tomorrow.”
A menacing smirk crawled onto her lips. ‘‘Where did you plan on getting it, my purse?’’
Gasps erupted from the surrounding crowd at her outburst, some had even begun capturing the scene on their phones.
“I don't think I've ever stolen from you.’’ I replied firmly.
Mrs Royce stepped forward, her eyes ravishing my body with a lustful smile.
‘‘How about me then, should I reveal our little secrets?’’
I swallowed hard. Since the first time she visited, about three months after my marriage with Ava, she claimed admiration for me and always tried to seduce me. When she saw that money was my main problem, she offered thousands of dollars to sleep with her even when I kept declining.
Once, I was in dire need and she offered me some after making me promise to do her bidding, well I refused her after getting the money and she pinned it as pilfery.
‘‘That's enough mom, will you just pay the bills already?’’ Ava intervened, struggling with Natasha who tugged at her arm.
“Let them be; nothing good comes easy!’’ Natasha barked.
“Eyes are watching, you wouldn't want a bad name for us.’’ Ava insisted.
“How much is the bills?’’ Mrs Royce spoke, her eyes never leaving my side.
“Four hundred and fifty dollars,” Barnabas replied.
Mrs Royce reached for her bag but Lady Wright stopped her.
“He's my son-in-law, I'll handle it.’’
Lady Wright handed Barnabas her debit card.
“What choice do I have anyway, I've accepted that he's one of my liabilities.’’ She spewed nonchalantly.
The crowd's murmurs and scornful glares at me intensified as they whispered amongst themselves. I clenched my fists, struggling to contain myself.
Natasha scoffed. “I wonder why Ava wouldn't get rid of him, hasn't she any shame?’’
I couldn't hold back anymore.
“Don't make the payments.’’ I voiced.
*What?*
*What's he talking about?*
*He's definitely insane.* —various comments came from the shocked crowd at my outburst.
“What are you talking about?’’ Ava swore, glaring daggers at me.
I faced Barnabas. “If you won't wait then come with me, I'll get the money.’’
Lady Wright scoffed “Bullcrap!’’
“You're really insane.’’ Natasha cursed.
I stood firm. “I'll handle the bills myself, so please leave.”
I almost walked out, but Ava's thunderous glare froze me in place.“Shut the fuck up!’’ She barked. “What do you think you're doing right now?’’
“You must think I'm here to joke! Your father borrowed this loan before he died, how many years has it been?’’ Barnabas erupted angrily.
A gust of vicious comments followed from the irritated crowd.
“Can you just ignore him? Mom make the payments.’’ Ava declared, snatching my wrist once more. She pulled me out of the hospital.
“You didn't need to drag me out.’’ I protested as we stepped into the compound, but a sharp slap swung across my cheek in a flash.
“What were you thinking? Why do you keep embarrassing me? For goodness sake, can you just stay quietly in your shell?’’ She yelled, her eyes blazing in rage.
Shock mustered my veins, I could barely think as I just stared wide-eyed at her.
“I'm doing a lot trying to keep up with you, we both know I'm doing you a favor here. I'm holding back because this is the last respect I need to pay grandfather, so I'll appreciate it if you don't make things unbearable for me.’’ Ava spilled out in a rush, her killer glare piercing my skin before she stormed back into the hospital.
I watched her figure disappear into the building when reality dawned on me. She just spelt out her only reasons for being with me which I already knew, but most of all was her proclamation of ‘pity’ for me.
I knew I had been a burdening weight to her.
Now I realize I have leverage. Before claiming my big position as the heir of Blue Diamond, I would persuade Ava into filing a divorce.
It'll be a shocker to the Wrights, and I'll make them pay. Each of them will have a taste of their own portion of my medicine.
For now, I should keep silent in order to stir a sweet surprise and also have Caleb take down that crazy chairman who had ordered his thugs to beat me up. He has just lost his position.
I watched mom, her palms clasped in mine as she slept. I longed to see eyes open to share the life-changing news. Though she wasn't my biological mother, she had been as affectionate to me. I was eager to repay her love.
A knock from the door broke the prevailing silence, and a nurse stepped in.
‘‘The doctor advises you leave now. Your mom won't wake up tonight or tomorrow, considering the surgery's impact. It's getting late.’’ She reported politely.
I had no intention of returning to the mansion tonight either. Romeo's office party was holding tonight so the mansion would probably be empty and maybe deserted.
I gently kissed mom’s forehead, bowing slightly to the nurse who returned the gesture before leaving the ward. I hailed a cab when I got outside but my phone interrupted.
Curiosity brewed in me as I saw Ava on the caller ID and I hesitated, but ended up taking it.
“Where are you?’’ She spoke instantly. I couldn't help but notice the thumping beats and faint music in the background.
‘‘In a cab.’’ I replied flatly.
“Hurry up, mom is asking after you. The party is starting soon so you need to be home now.’’ Her tone sounded rather too urgent.
Why would I be needed at their party? I never attended any with them!
‘‘I'm not interested in joining the party.’’ I said.
‘‘Hurry up, you have less than thirty minutes to arrive if you want to avoid any crazy dramas tonight.’’ Ava instructed firmly, and the disconnection tone followed.
I scoffed in exasperation, staring at the screen.
Well, it was just a matter of time before I would break free. I had endured their charade for this long, a little longer wouldn't hurt.
“Take me to the city side.’’ I instructed the driver.
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