The Vengeful Son-in-law

The dinner party scheme

A few moments went by before Mel's voice broke the silence that followed Logan's realization of where she was.

"I'm sorry it had to end this way Logan" she said, her voice heavy with guilt

"Where are you?" Logan managed to compose himself and ask

"Goodbye Logan" Mel replied

"Wait…wait!" Logan exclaimed

"Just let me see you. One last time" he said softly

There was a brief moment of silence again between them as Mel pondered whether it was a good idea to see him now. 

But on careful thought, she decided it was best to get it over with. Besides, there was nothing Logan could say or do that would change anything at this point.

Her mind was already made up to marry his boss, Owen.

She wished things could have been different. That in a perfect world Logan could have been wealthy, and a man of status, a man who could support her to attain the career heights and respect she was marrying Owen for.

But Logan was not that man. He never was and she could not waste any more time with him.

With Owen, she could see a future filled with everything she wanted; a position as a manager in the company like he promised her, a high-status rich man, and finally ascend to the career and social status she and her family wanted for her.

Mel sighed deeply and said

"I'm at the Langley Hotel and Suites" and hung up the call.

Dennis became more infuriated as he realized that was the same hotel that he was invited to for the dinner party.

Standing up briskly from the ground, he walked towards the door, grabbed his gloves and headed out.

**** 

The dinner party had just started when Logan arrived at the hotel on his electric bike. 

Composing himself, he drew a deep breath and marched towards the front entrance of the building.

When the security guard saw him, he had a disgusted look on his face and raised an eyebrow suspiciously. He immediately blocked his path, seeing how poorly dressed he was. 

Having only put on an old suit he had scuffled off when he left his family home some years ago, he looked very mediocre compared to the other dinner guests at the party. Besides, Langley Hotel was a five-star hotel that someone dressed as Logan could certainly not afford. 

"Are you lost?" The security guard asked him sternly with a cold scrutinizing gaze

Logan remained unmoved for a few seconds, before finally responding

"I'm here to meet someone", he riposted

The security guard took a long deep gaze at him and then broke out laughing

"We don't allow beggars inside the hotel, so scurry off" he said mockingly

"I'm a guest" Logan said and brought out the invite card. Suddenly the man's face twisted in annoyance as he gazed at the card

“You’re lucky it’s an open night” he said mockingly and nudged him to go ahead, but before Logan could open the door, the guard held his hand firmly

"I'll be keeping my eyes on you" he warned.

However, Logan remained unfazed, he pushed open the door and headed to the front desk.

Immediately the lady saw him, she quickly dropped the call she was handling and asked "May I help you sir?" with a quizzical look

"I'm here for the Parker’s Inc dinner night. Can you point me in the direction of the hall?", he asked simply

The woman stared at him with a puzzled look, trying hard not to crack a laugh

"I think you have the wrong venue, sir. This hotel does not entertain lowly nobodies like you. While there is a dinner night here with the name of that company, I strongly believe you're mistaken. I would like to ask you to leave the premises" she said in a condescending tone

Tired of being scrutinized all night, Logan pulled out the invite card and slid it to her

"I'm a welcomed guest here. So do your job and point me in the direction of the hall" he retorted

Immediately, the receptionist called the hotel security and accused him of threatening and harassing her. 

Soon, a group of men showed up to drag Logan out and shortly, a scuffle was caused, attracting the attention of the other guests at the hotel, who all looked at him with pity.

He could hear their murmurs, "Poor man", "He must be lost.", "Look at how he's dressed, he must be mentally challenged. Why doesn’t he just save himself the embarrassment and go home, he obviously doesn’t belong here" 

But amid these judgmental voices, the sound of heels gently tapping against the marble floor stole his focus as it grew nearer and louder.

"He's with me", the woman said in a soft and gentle voice, waving off the security that was tugging and dragging Logan off.

"Mr Smith please, follow me," she said warmly

Logan shook his collar, arranged his clothes, stared at her inquisitively and then followed the woman to the hall.

A few minutes later, Owen and his wife Mel came walking hand-in-hand gracefully like a newly wedded couple down the stairs.

At the sight of them, Logan became infuriated. Mel's countenance appeared emotionless, still, Logan could see a glint of guilt in her eyes as her gaze met him, watching as she descended the stairs with her new lover.

At this time, Owen noticed Mel gazing in Logan's direction and immediately spotted him. He cracked a disdainful smile at Logan, waving courteously to the crowd of guests who were cheering and raising their glasses to them.

Without any thoughts, Logan tried to walk towards them but was quickly stopped by the security guards.

He stood still, meeting the provocative and disdainful gaze from his boss, almost like he was mocking him and could feel his anger growing, but he could not do anything, not while he was still there, all he could do was stand and glare as the guards would not allow him to leave the hall either.

Soon, Owen reached the bottom of the stairs and an usher approached him with a tray of wine glasses.

He picked up with a small metallic spoon and clinked the glass, calling the attention of the crowd that had gathered.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Parker’s Inc annual dinner. I am glad to have every one of you here tonight.", he said proudly 

"Tonight is a really special night for me," he said softly and gracefully holding Mel's hands tightly

"It is not just the … dinner night. Tonight, I'm also starting a new journey with this beautiful woman beside me.

So, we are not only gathered to celebrate the growth and success of the company but also to celebrate my engagement to the beautiful Miss Mel Herbert" 

“So we thank every one of you for coming out here tonight, cheers!" Owen said gazing directly at Logan mockingly, just before kissing Mel.

Logan was boiling with rage, but no matter how angry he was, he could not do anything as he stood there, forced to watch his wife kiss another man in front of a crowd who didn't even know or care that he existed.

Still, his eyes shifted to Mel's and he caught her gaze. He could see the glint of guilt in her eyes, but as she turned away, smiling at the guests who approached them to shower their congratulations, Logan knew then their marriage was indeed over.