2024-04-01 04:44:59Ryan Scott faced yet another disappointment, as he trudged home, from yet another fruitless job interview.
Are things ever going to get better for him? he asked, as he kicked off a can on the road side. He had been living off his father's penny salary from being a driver to the wealthiest man in Atlanta. One would have thought that being a personal driver to Damien Brick, he would be wealthy himself, but he is still as broke as Ryan remembers. It was because of his frequent excuses about not having enough to provide for the excesses of his wife, that she had left, seeking for a better life. With a feeling of dejection, He pushed the door, to the cramped three-room apartment, he shared with his father. He was wearing a gloomy face, because of all his disappointments, and he was also expecting such gloom that accompanied their modest living, but to his surprise, his father who was supposed to be at work, driving Damien Brick around town was not only home, but appeared unusually content, sipping on what seemed to be an expensive wine. Ryan had to look closely to confirm that his father is actually drinking an expensive wine.
He looked around the house, before looking behind him, to be sure, he was safe, then he inquired.
"Dad! What's going on? His father looked up at him, wondering what he was talking about. then he noticed his eyes was on the wine, he smiles, but still ignores him.
"Do you know how much that wine costs? Ryan asked, closing the door, behind him, concern evident in his voice.
" I know how much it is cost, I bought it myself. Very soon, this is how I will be drinking rich wine, every single day.
Sit down, son. We're about to be wealthy", his father said, gesturing for Ryan to join him.
Ryan's mind raced with possibilities. Things have not been easy for them, if his father say, they are about to be wealthy, then something must have happened, but what could it be? He thought. Had his father won the lottery? Or found a hidden treasure? Or perhaps he'd received an unexpected inheritance? Yes, that could be it, he thought further. After all, he used to claim his great grand father was wealthy, and had properties everywhere, and though Ryan never saw any of the acclaimed wealth, he has dreams of becoming rich some day.
Ryan settled into the chair, eager for his father to explain.
"You remember when you visited me, at Mr Damien's Brick's house, right? He asked, and Ryan nodded affirmatively. "You remember the way he looked at you? he asked again, and Ryan did same.
I knew he liked you. He had asked about you that day, wanting to know what you do, he was concerned about you, But that wife of his, though she is a different story, so wicked, and not welcoming at all", Mr Scott said, taking another sip of wine.
"Dad, it's not right to speak Ill of people. And I don't think Mrs Brick is that bad. She's just very private, Ryan interjected, but his father waved off his concerns.
"That is what you think. Most people outside the Damien Mansion think same, but if only you live with them or work with them, you will know her better.
You don't know them like I do. Damien Brick used to be an Angel, but Things changed after his first wife passed, and marrying that Lindsay, was his biggest mistake", his father continued, ignoring Ryan's protests.
" Father you have to stop, if she hears what you say about her, you will be shown the way out, and we will both be out of jobs". Mr Scott tries arguing about Lindsay's cruelty, but Ryan was not ready to gossip. "Father, can we get to the point? What's this all about? Ryan asked, growing impatient.
"Alright, alright. I will tell you. So after dropping Mr Brick at home, he called me into his study and offered me something big". Ryan's eye open wide with expectations, inquiring to know just how big the offer is " He wants you, my son, Ryan Scott, to marry his daughter, Alexander", Mr Scott said, beaming with pride. "He didn't pick anyone from his class of friends, he didn't go looking for a wealthy young man like he, he looked down, because he knows what he wants.
Ryan was taken aback.
Marry someone he didn't know? And what about the rumors surrounding her appearance after the accident with her mother?
What about all the talk of her looking like a female beast, which is why her father had kept her hidden for years, that not even the workers in the house, knew how she really looks. With these thoughts in mind, Ryan shook his head in the negative.
"I can't do that , Dad", He says, Mr Scott had expected his reply, so he attacked him back with yet another question.
"You can't do what? he asked, getting angry.
"I can't marry someone I don't know, and what about the rumors? I can't be part of this, Ryan protested, shaking his head.
Mr Scott looked angry, and he dropped his glass aside, getting up from the couch, he looked Ryan directly in the eye.
"Ryan, I've done everything for you since your mother left. This is the least, you can do for us. If you refuse, I will have nothing more to do with you", his father said, his tone firm and resolute.
Ryan was stunned. Disown him? He had never heard his father speak like this before. He was thunderstruck. The words hung in the air, heavy and final. Like a door, slamming shut.
As his father turned away, Ryan realized he was faced with an impossible choice- Marry a stranger or lose his father's love and support.
His father, usually so kind and understanding, truely he has sacrificed a lot for him, but now, he had just delivered an ultimatum that shook him to his core. The choice between marrying a stranger or losing his father's love was a cruel twist of fate he never saw coming.
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The contracted son in-law The heated argument between daughter and father
Alexander found herself in a tense confrontation with her father, vehemently objecting to the idea of marrying a complete stranger.Her father have always been particular about her coming out, but there have never been a time, he spoke of her getting married."I can't marry him, Father", she cried, her eyes brimming with tears. Her father, though not surprised by her reaction, had hoped she would understand his perspective before making a final decision."My dear Alex, I understand your fears, your reluctance to step out into the world. But you must see yourself as you truely are, You are beautiful inside and out", He began, his voice filled with emotion. The silence that followed, led him to continue, hoping his words were sinking in."Your mother, would want nothing more than to see you happy, settled. If you continue to deny yourself this chance, she will never rest in peace, and I will bear that burden. Please my child, reconsider", he implored, his heart breaking at the thought o
The contracted son in-law The night before the wedding
Ryan Scott, In his usual nature, had been unable to focus, since his last conversation with his father, His thought consumed him, he hates having a fight with his father, and though it's just been few hours since then, it seem like forever. After much deliberation, he devised a plan, he would confront Damien himself. Clearly talking with his father on the issue isn't working, his father is consumed by the thought of having a wealthy inlaw, therefore, nothing he says, sinks in, but he needed to confront Damien, to understand why he has been chosen to Marry his unwanted Daughter.Going back what the rumors say about her, no one would want to be with someone like that, which is also why, she herself have found it difficult to come out and face the world.Since his father isn't home, he, being determined, headed straight to the mansion, confident that both his father and Damien Brick would be there.When Mr Scott, saw his son approaching the mansion, he feared Ryan had come to reject the
The contracted son in-law Sex with a stranger at the club
As he left the Damien's Mansion, Ryan felt the weight of the situation settle on his shoulders like a heavy cloak, suffocating and inescapable. He realized with a sinking feeling that he was in deep trouble, caught in a dilemma, with no easy way out. No matter how much, he tried to rationalize or find a loophole, the reality remained stark and unforgiving. Now he had promised Mr Damien that he would come to the wedding, though he didn't tell him as what. The realization dawned on him slowly, like a dark cloud moving across the sky, casting a shadow over his thoughts and actions.He didn't bother taking a taxi, he wanted to walk, it feels better, walking on the road, clearing his head.He is going to be married in some hours time, to someone he doesn't know, someone perceived as a rejected soul.It was a moment of clarity, where he understood the gravity of his predicament and the harsh consequences that awaited him.Juliana his ex would laugh at him. She had left him because he didn
The contracted son in-law The wedding day
Ryan woke up in a haze, unsure of his environment, moving his eyes round his surrounding, he realized he was in a hotel room. But how did he get there? He questioned within himself. He looked down the duvet that served as the only covering on his waist side, and he sees that he was naked. The scent of the mysterious woman, still lingering on him, like an invisible mark of his betrayal.He hated himself already. Due to depression, he had slept with a stranger, a night before his wedding. Even though the marriage is a sham, he would have still loved to stay faithful to his bride, until they were both done with their parts of the deal. He held his head, as though it was going to fall off, due to the hangover of the drinks from last night.Flashes of the night before flooded his mind, and he recoiled on self disgust. "But who was that? He asked himself, referring to the mask woman, but no clue, only her scent, linger, as a constant reminder of his betrayal, to his unknown wife to be.
The contracted son in-law a whirlwind of emotions
On what is traditionally considered the happiest day in a man's life, Ryan Scott found himself, enveloped in a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. Standing at the alter, in his impeccable tailored suits, and his hair that have just been done in a hurry, he struggled to maintain composure and avoid glancing backward, as he would have, if he was getting married to someone he proposed to, nit to someone, he is being threatened to marry, despite the palpable joy radiating from his father.It was an expected look, his father, should be very happy, when he had thought his son was not going to show up, and all of a sudden, he shows up, it was his dream, and his wish, but for Ryan Scott, this wasn't what he envisioned for himself; marrying a stranger, was never part of his life's plan.As he anxiously await the arrival of his bride, who was taking too long to show up, as though she hadn't been waiting for him all the while, the events of the previous night weighed heavily on his mind. The
The contracted son in-law "I certainly never agreed to be your hired husband".
Ryan Scott, had planned, to depart earlier, with his wife, whom he was just getting to know, that behind her story, she had another side, and the world is about to have something different to write about her, but as the guests began to leave one after the other, with each couple, having something nice to say about the both of them, while they both put up a smile, so the world who doesn't know it is a contracted marriage, think they are happy about the marriage. As they continued to leave, Ryan hesitated. Unsure of where to take her, he noticed she was giving him the disgusted look, the look of a disappointed wife, especially whenever he was talking with people, and she only smiles, when she was sure they were around them, but would quickly change to the opposite, when they are alone.Ryan was already seeing the end of their marriage, even before it starts. Ryan faced the reality of his lack of a home, still residing with his father and unable to secure stable employment. He felt u
The contracted son in-law Ready to be the son in-law of the Damien Brick family
Damien Brick observed Ryan Scott storming out of his house In anger. He hurried to intercept him, unsure of what could have tripped him off. He has set everything in place for him to marry his daughter, he couldn't let anything go wrong or out of place now.He was eager to present their new home as a wedding gift, convinced that it would make Ryan very happy."Ryan, my boy", he called out, aiming for an intimate tone amidst the presence of others. Ryan stopped, while waiting for him to get to him."We should get going, Brick. Congratulations once again", someone chimed in, leaving Damien to address his worn out son in-law."Where's the rush? Damien inquired, oblivious to any discord between the bride and groom."I'm out. I married her for you, in front of everyone, and now I'm done. I cannot take the way she speaks to me, or the way she reacts to the situation of things. She didn't want to be married, I don't know why you so badly want her to get married?". Ryan declared bluntly, hin
The contracted son in-law "Five years, should suffice".
Damien Brick generously bestowed upon them a mansion in one of the most exclusive government reserved areas. He noticed the joy in Ryan Scott's face, and he was happy too, that at least, he was begining to Calm down. He had been so much on the edge, acting like he was in bondage, as though he was never going to gain anything from the signed deal. Though his choice was taken away from him, Damien still have a special likeness for him, and he was sure, deep down, that Ryan was going to give him what he really wants to see in his daughter.As he watched on him, he realized that Maybe he doesn't know there are loads of benefits that comes with Marrying the princess of the Brick family. He clears his throat, got a bit close to him, close enough to be able to touch his shoulder."Do you like it? He asked the couple, looking at his daughter with a broad smile, but his daughter who was already seated, gave him a strange, angry look, and after she had gotten him to look at her, she hissed
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The black out
Ryan wanted to go home, but he finds himself transfixed, unable to move an inch, it felt like he was carrying the weight of the world on his shoulder. What sort of a world are we living in? You are with someone special this one minute, and in the next minute, you are not able to explain what happened to the person. You look around and the person is gone. Ryan couldn't help but wonder if just as he had lost his father when he wasn't around to at least say his last words to him and maybe hear him out if he had any last wishes. He wasn't even around to try and save him, if there was anything he could do at all. Now he was standing, and looking at the hospital. He could see the way ambulance kept coming and going, it seem sicknesses and accident have become a daily activity.The cab driver demanded for his pay, since he asked that they leave the area, but Ryan didn't seem like he was willing to leave. He was paid, and he drove off, but Ryan didn't move, he only find himself a rock around
Forgiveness
After Ryan got out of prison, and had made peace with himself, he made up his mind to forgive Damien, it was the hardest thing for him to do, but he still did it, or maybe he didn't, because telling himself that he firgave Damien in his absence was different from actually forgiving someone that never asked for forgiveness and may never ask, still he made himself believe that for the love he has for Alexander, he has forgiven Damien for indirectly, killing his father. Apart from forgiving Damien Brick, Ryan, also needed Alexander to be at peace with him. If only he could just hear her say it, it would be the happiest day of his life. He isn't asking for much, just to have her forgive him, would mean the entire world to him. He started searching frantically for Alexander, at least to know how she was fairing. asking for forgiveness, would be secondary.He searched everywhere, he was losing his mind, just searching for her in her favorite spots, her favorite shopping plaza, the off
Alexander between here and there
Alexander, seem.to be travelling or was it swimming in a deep ocean. It was neither light nor dark, as she got off the ocean and stood by the shore, staring into the water. Around her was just grey. It was endless, silence grey. The kind of silence that wraps around your skin, like most and settles into your bones.She started moving, but she knows not where she was heading."Am I dead? She asked herself, looking around to see if anyone was around to answer her, but she was all alone. She was by herself. Then she remembered she was pregnant, she touched her stomach to be sure, her baby was still in there, but she could feel nothing.She start d panting heavily as she turned in a slow circle, her bare feet touching nothing and everything at once. There was no ground, no wind, no scent. Only the thick, heavy air and the echo if her own breath. If it was breath at all.She couldn't tell how long she had been in this place, she couldn't even place the place. She knows not where she is, an
The first drop of rain
Annie stood frozen outside the doctor's office, her breath shallow. She tries to repeat what she had just heard the doctor say, but she just couldn't come to terms with it. It was so hard to comprehend.One donor, Two organs, what sort of miracle will that take? She asked rhetorically. That would probably take God himself to come down and take care of it.She turned and raced back to the room, her mind spinning. But when she stepped in, she stopped short.Was she seeing right, or was she imagining it all. From what she could see. Alexander's eyes were still closed, the same way she had left her, nothing has changed, but one thing she was sure changed was her fingers that were now curling slightly into her palm. It was slow, uncertain, but it was surely real. Annie rushed to her side, took her hand again, and this time, she was glad that it wasn't limp. Alexander reacted by folding her fingers against that of her friend. While holding her, Annie noticed that, there was faint warmth. W
The real battle, was only just begining
"She's been like this since Mr Scott passed", Annie spoke almost in a whisper, even though she was explaining a stale news to Damien Brick. Annie's voice barely holding itself together as she stared at her friend's fragile figure on the hospital bed. She tries to speak, but she couldn't, her friend was not responding to anything.Mr Damien's eyes burned with quiet fury. All this could have been avoided, if only he never forced his daughter marry Ryan Scott. The regret was evident in his face, and his attitude shows transfer of aggression. He stamped his hands on the wall."This is all Ryan's fault", he spat. Looking like he needed to punch his hands on the wall, which he did, and he got hurt, but he acted as though he was feeling nothing, while Annie kept watching, if her friend is going to move, at least with all the commotion, it is enough to wake her up.Annie didn't respond directly to him, he didn't even want to take another look at him. Though She wanted to, but rage had numbed
You are dead to me
Upon getting to the cemetery, a unique quality of the cemetery could be seen clearly. It was silent and wrapped in a thick, almost scared stillness. This quality have no particular time, attached to it as it is there all the time, even when people come in mass. One would wonder if the spirits don't communicate, or everything said about spirits are not true. Only the rustling leaves a d distant chirping of birds broke the stillness. One who still feels the need to love, may not be comfortable to stay there for an hour, but not in the case of Ryan Scott. He counts himself privileged to still be among the living, even though he doesn't know why, and he sees no reason to live.Ryan stood, as his eyes fixated on the polished headstone. Scott Howard, it read, etched with the dates of birth and death that always felt too close. He swallowed hard. He turned to his father's lover, Rosemary and who seem to have come prepared as she had a small bouquet of white lilies, trembling slightly In her
What Damien did to your father, killed him.
Ryan have been watching the TV almost all the time, hoping to find out what is happening with Alexander, but he kept getting other news, even the news that the killer of Juliana have been found, yet there was nothing to say about Alexander. Ryan was dying to know what's going on with her, and that was why he was listening to news, forgetting that, the fact that a new killer have been found, which is Lindsay, that makes him a free man. When he heard nothing for the day about Alexander, he forced himself to start asking the officers around and they all didn't have answer for him.He had only gone back to his cell,that he was called out again."Congratulations, you are now a free man". Came the voice of the cop, but he didn't look very excited to be free, which the cop also noticed and so he chipped in."Don't you wanna go home? He asked, curious to know why he isn't jumping all over the place, like others used to do, when they hear that they are free."Going home to what? He asked, caus
Gabriel's body
It was a gruesome sight as the police got to the address given to them. At first they wonder if someone else have seen the body and taken it out, or someone who also wants him dead, have taken the chance to dispose his body so no one sees him, but the smell was really offensive, and it kept the cops going, but then again, they were having a second thought, as no one seem to be complaining about smell or a body and everyone kept going about their businesses as if nothing happened, they wanted to turn back and leave, but what Lindsay had said about collecting back her money right at his house, showed that the offensive smell they are perceiving is from his apartment, and not until they got close to the building and started perceiving an odd, yet offensive smell, that became all the more Offensive, did they know that they are close to their destination. The more they move closer, the more Offensive the smell becomes, they have no other choice than to keep on going. They also needed to
Lindsay's arrest.
Lindsay needed to reach out to her son, it's been months, since the news broke out about her affair with Ryan and she had gone into hiding since then. Not hiding from the cops, but hiding from the media. She decided to meet with her son, he should know what really happened, he alone deserves an answer, so he went to his play ground on the weekend. She was sure she would meet him there playing. She disguised herself, and she was almost unrecognizable, while everyone was engrossed in the game, she got close to her son and whispered into his ears. He couldn't miss such voice, he turned to face her, and she signaled to him that they should meet somewhere, but to her greatest surprise, her son in turn, signaled to some men in the crowd, and they started coming towards her, she knew her son didn't want to see her at that instant, and he had told them to come to the playground with him, because he was sure, she would try to find him. He is the one that she always wants to use to do her dirt