Chapter Four – Determined.
Seeing his wife he loved so much, shoot him daggers at him was enough to break Dominic’s heart. And his sons were hiding from him?
Why exactly were all these happening?
“I said, I’m Dominic Thales and I recovered from the coma. Can you stop acting this way in front of our sons?” his voice wasn’t very audible.
“Did I hear you say ‘our sons’? You're retarded, young filth!” Lady Allen rose from the car. “How dare you address my grandchildren as yours…”
“Rebecca! Just shut up! I’d engage you when I’m done with Brielle!” Dominic scolded her immediately, using her first name.
Brielle was stunned and looked from her mother to the man. Did they know each other?
Security ran towaeds Dominic held unto him before he could resist.
“Brielle, it’s me. It’s really me!” but he slapped across the face by a security man.
“Even if you’re her husband, you don’t have a place here. But you’re obviously not! Don’t you protesters tire of pranks!” Lady Allen yelled.
Pranks? Protesters? Was it what they thought he was? Had people claimed to be him in the past? Was that Lucian called him ‘bad people’.
Many thoughts ran through his head as he was dragged by security. His heart grew heavier than it had been when his wife was taken from him.
At the moment, she had rejected him herself, and in front of their sons.
He was thrown out the building. His fragile body laid there sprawled unable to move, having no will to either.
With the glass frame of the building, he looked again at his sickly frame. Was it because he looked this unrecognizable?
After all, she had never seen him unhealthy and only knew him for a year plus.
“No!” he forced himself up. “That isn’t enough reason for her to say those words to me!”
His eyes stung and tears threatened to spill. If a man claimed to be her husband, all she had to do was ask certain questions and know the truth.
“It just felt like she didn’t want it to be true.” He muttered. Had she not be anticipating his return like he had been anticipating their reunion?
His legs didn’t want to move from where they were but Dominic forced them up with strength from his pride.
He was Dominic Thales, heir to Thales empire! Brielle may be confused but if he got back on his feet then all shadow of doubt will be cleared.
“I need to find to get back my wealth or I’d get sick from not feeding properly.” He mumbled.
With slow steps and slumped shoulders, he returned to a dark and eerie incomplete building, which he called home while hoping the good Samaritan might have dropped another meal.
“I don’t deserve this.” he sighed, when he was before the building and it seemed to hate him for being more pathetic than it was.
He kicked the door opened and rushed inside. Maybe he should lay down his aching body and things would fall into place by themselves.
“What if all these were a dream? And I’m still in a coma?” He paused, asking himself out loud.
“No, sir. You’re in reality.”
Dominic jumped, almost crashing on the wall on hearing a strange voice. He raised his fists, turning to the stranger.
A tall man with neck-long hair and lifeless eyes was seated on the ground, legs folded. “Nice to meet you, Young Master Dominic Thales.”
Dominic took down his hands. The man could recognize him? It felt like ages since he’d been called 'Young master'.
“Do I know you?” he asked.
“No, you don’t. You only knew my father.” The stranger left the ground. “My name is Jamie.”
Dominic shook his outstretched hands, still watching him carefully. “So what’s up, Jamie?”
“I’ve been waiting for you to awake. Actually, I stopped waiting but it’s good you woke up.” Jamie held up a contract. “My family has been serving yours for the past twenty years. I’m the last generation according to my grandfather.”
Dominic stretched his neck to peek at the contract. Saunders Family, till the twenty-first generation, butlers to Thales Family.
The reason wasn’t quite clear but Dominic suspected it could be related to good deeds his predecessors did.
Also Dominic’s last butler was a Saunders so he knew the family. Jamie took out an ID and picture. “The contract binds me to take over my father’s role as your butler. This is my ID to show I’m who I say I am and this, a picture of my father and I.”
Fond memories filled Dominic’s mind as he saw Mr. Saunders, the man had been nice to him and taught him soccer. He was like an Uncle figure.
“How’s your father doing? He must have felt bad about our family falling to ruin.” Dominic looked down.
Jamie paused, then exhaled,. “My father was killed, along with your grandmother.”
Dominic’s shot up quickly. “What? Killed? Why! How? Didn’t my grandmother commit suicide?”
“It’s not clear and that’s what autopsy says, but it could have been tampered with.” Jamie replied with a frown.
Dominic took steps back, refusing to believe his grandmother was killed? That’s assassinated? Just like his mother?
Jamie continued. “Would it be sensible for your grandmother to kill herself while having Lucas and you in a hospital? My father’s death was definitely set up and it seems hers, as well.”
Shivers ran down Dominic’s spine. Had every death in his family been set up? His fists clenched so tightly it hurt him.
Who’s after his family fiercely? And why were they after them? His mother and grandmother were both assassinated? And then Lucas was left alone.
“Did he really abandon us?” Dominic asked.
Jamie nodded. “He ran away for his life, very shameful. I’m sorry to bombard you with all these information now but…”
“It’s fine.” Dominic slowly slid to the floor. “I didn’t really feel much while in coma. I like being able to feel all these pain.”
Jamie looked away, then around his vicinity, he noticed the empty pizza box and smirked. “That was a family size. Did you finish it in one night?”
Dominic looked and followed his line of sight. He gasped. “By any chance, where you the one who bought it for me? The good Samaritan?”
“That’d be my sister. She washed the rag cloth too. She’s a lawyer, currently fighting for the last 15% of wealth under the Thales name.”
There was only 15% left? Dominic remembered Lucas informing him that 85% was lost. “How did our company fall?”
Jamie exhaled. “Best find out yourself. Also, if my sister retrieves your wealth, the world will know you’re awake again. Even your enemies.”
Unknown fear gripped the Dominic. “Make her stop. I’m not at full health and can’t start running the company. Also, I need a plan.”
His wife and children could be targeted next by whoever was doing this. Things would move quickly the moment he’s announced alive.
“Very well. I had been searching for Lucas. He will be brought back by next week.”
Brought back? Dominic frowned. “Will it be that easy? Wasn’t he adopted …”
“No, the family returned to their country and dropped him at an orphanage. He’s been treated badly for being a Thales.” Jamie explained.
Dominic frowned. Why did the world resent his family so much even when they had fallen so low. “I understand.”
“I’d adopt him under my name until it’s revealed you’re alive. And to conclude everything, you’d be staying with my sister to regain your health. I’d work on the investigating the deaths and your accident.” Jamie said.
“My accident?” Dominic repeated. Was there a mystery behind his accident? Hadn’t it just been an accident?
“Don’t tell me you think it’s a normal accident?” Jamie chuckled. “C’mon, think smarter.”
Dominic frowned. Indeed, he wad about being CEO of Thales group before it happened. Thales group died months after.
That’s not an accident but a set up. “This changes everything. My life is really at risk.”
There was three seconds of silence between them before Dominic exhaled loudly. “Allen group.”
A ghost of a smirk came on Jamie’s face. “Yes, they’re the first suspect. Brielle Allen had taken millions from the Thales account before it fell.”
Brielle Allen? “Did she change her name?”
“She divorced you too. I don’t blame her, your marriage was for convenience and short-lived anyway.” Jamie sighed.
“Excuse me?” Dominic snapped. Did he just mean that their marriage was never based on love? Like an arranged marriage?
It mirrored what Lady Allen said and it bothered Dominic. Was that what the world thought of his marriage with Brielle?
Memories of the embarrassing reunion he had came back to him. Was it a convenience to Brielle too? She gave up on him quite quickly.
Noticing Dominic’s turmoil state, Jamie sighed.
“Let’s head to my sister’s apartment for now. I’d get you a smartphone and you check what she’s been up to. She’s basically a celebrity now.”
Dominic inhaled and exhaled deeply, leaving the building feeling heartbroken and unbelievably shocked. “Brielle doesn’t want me back.”
His legs felt weaker but he held unto a wall. The only thing he could do was get back his rightful position. He’d get back to her after that.
Chapter Five – Clash of Caliber.Brielle barged into her office, seething and cursing after just lashing out at her employees. Her twin sons followed behind her. Lucian had a disgusted face looking at his brother, Dorian picking his nose. Brielle shook her head, slumping into her chair.“Dorian, you’re being an animal.” Lucian said. “Just like mommy was yelling at people.”His mother shut her eyes. The child spoke a lot like someone she disliked. Master Thales, his grandfather and the man who raised Dominic. Brielle’s mind went to the prank that happened. That man seemed to know her mother and acted out the prank like he was indeed Dominic. She reached for her phone immediately. “Could Dominic really be awake?” she whispered to herself while calling the hospital. “The doctor clearly said he may never awake for the next ten to twenty years but, what if…” the line went through. “Hello, Doctor Phil?” “It’s Matt, my love. How'd I help you, milady?” Brielle internally cringed. The
Chapter Six – United Two months passed since Dominic had been hosted in Selene’s apartment. His mental health had regained stability. His physical body was nurturing but his emotional wellbeing had been shambling upon shambling. New discoveries about what the Allen family had achieved while he was in coma dug holed in his head. “They now have three branches abroad?” The Allen’s group could barely be known in their home country if not for him, then how did they attain some popularity? Well, it wasn’t surprising. Some slander had been placed on the Thales family. Slander used by the Allen’s family to chase clout. An accusation that Master Thales, Dominic’s grandfather, had killed his daughter and son to have the company to himself. Also, his grandson, Dominic was kept in a vegetative state because of him. It made sense why Master Thales ran away and why the company fell because of disappointed and gullible supporters.Also, before that, Allen’s group made Brielle withdraw a huge
Chapter Seven – Embarrassed Rekindling old friendships, fine. But rekindling old business connections, no. Dominic kept on swiping left to all the business owners his grandfather had worked with. Many of them had jumped on the Thales slander and fueled it, many also worked with the Allen’s company while knowing they betrayed him. “No second chance for scums.” That’d be his new motto. He sat back and glanced at his watch. It was almost 3pm. He’d have to pick up Suzy and Lucas at school. Selene was busy handling his company’s cases so the least he could do was pick Suzy up too. Dominic gulped down fruit juice on his desk and then left the table. “I should pick them up now.” Walking through the hall, he remembered when the place bustled with workers and machineries. The machineries remained but none to manage them. They were like vegetables, as he had been months ago. “Don’t worry, you'd run soon.” The car he rode to Suzy and Lucas’ school was one of Jamie’s he bought from him,
Chapter Eight – KidnappedThe environment was pitch black and low police sirens could be heard. Dominic slowly moved his head but a sharp ache made him put it down. Where was he taken to? He remembered the accident and then being taken out from the car.The men in black suits left Lucas in the car and it worried him because he didn’t know what injury Lucas had sustained. Light pierced into his eyes, interrupting his thoughts. “Oh, you’re awake now?” a familiar voice said, followed by a snicker. Dominic tried to work his brain to identify the voice. He couldn’t see the person’s face clearly. “I almost had PTSD when I heard you awoke. You are supposed to be dead, how did you live?” the man sighed. He was supposed to be dead? It made Dominic wonder if the accident that happened was more fatal than he thought. “Where’s Lucas? If you want just me, then leave him alone.” “He’s still a Thales, you know. But yes, I’m not interested in killing him. Don’t worry.” The man replied. Kill
Chapter Nine – At the ward. Again? “What do you mean?” Damien wasn’t stunned Allen family wanted him dead, he’d be hurt to know but at the point, he had given up. But what did ‘again’ mean? “Your accident four years ago. Didn’t you realize they were involved with it? My father precisely. My sister knew nothing.” Bethel explained. Dominic’s heart pounded heavily in his chest. Four years ago, he almost died but luckily or unluckily fell into coma. Sir Allen did that? “Of course, you don’t need to know the reason why…” “I can guess.” Damien interrupted, darkness filling his eyes. “He only wanted Brielle to marry me for my wealth. It planned a long time ago.” Bethel watched him intently as his voice lowered, he looked away. “It’s an inner strife by my father and your grandfather decades back.” Dominic’s head rose. “A decade long strife?” Why'd he never heard of it? Did his grandfather know the Allen family before he married Brielle? “Yet, that’s what led to the unnecessary
Chapter Ten – I’d pay “To give an advice or two.” Sir Allen replied with a calm demeanor, still sporting his fake smile. Advice? Dominic stared, hopelessly, at the man. He wanted to smash his head to a wall but that’d cause a messy scene. But he didn’t want to care. The man caused his life to be such a mess yet he came with an advice? Why were the Allen’s so fearless in taking him on. He knew Sir Allen was only there to threaten but after coming from his son’s place, Dominic was fed up with any Allen telling him what to do. “Get out while I’m still sane! I’d likely not repeat myself again.” He showed him the man the door. Sir Allen shook his head. “This will help you, you know. After four years and returning to the business world, you’d need some…” The man’s neck was dragged and his smile fell. His face was closer to Dominic’s. “Allen, you took my wife from me and then my sons, unless when I want to finish you, I don’t want you showing up in front of me!” Sir Allen
Chapter Eleven – Jean In front of a clinic, a red Lamborghini had been parked for twenty minutes before a man stepped out of the driver’s seat. The security guards that had been watching the car were stunned when an elegant looking man stepped out of the car. The man walked briskly to the other side of the passenger’s seat and opened the car door. A blonde girl jumped out of the car and ran to the entrance, she stood and gaped. “Awww! This is the clinic, isn’t it?!” The security guards gawked at her beauty with subtlety. The man sighed and walked to her, folding his arms around hers. “Mother is in, let’s go.” he pulled her along, ignoring the gawking of the security guards. As they walked into the clinic, the receptionist ran to them with smiles. “Sir Casimir, Miss Jean! Good morning. Hope you had a nice flight?” Jean grinned widely. “We sure did! There was this old lady who got mad at me for talking in the first class…” “We did. Thank you.” Casimir interrupted his lit
Chapter Twelve – Jones.“What are you doing here?” Dominic stared down at the two human forms before him. He was just about drowning himself in coffee and documentations when he heard the scream. “And why are you looking for Brielle here?” Jean made a small run towards him. “Hi, I’m Miss Jean from the Timely...” “I heard.” Dominic interrupted. “You didn’t answer me.” Jean stepped back. “Um, well…” “I’m Casimir Jones, CEO of Timely Gadgets. We came to offer condolences for the death of your grandmother.” Casimir said, coming forward. Dominic’s eyes darkened on him. Jones? The name sounded familiar, and not really in his good book. “Thank you for the thoughts.” He was sure there was no enterprise called Timely Gadgets that his grandfather collaborated with. He had recently checked the log books. “Anything else you need from me?” he asked, taking a step back to show he needed to leave. “Where’s Lucas? I haven’t seen him.” Jean said suddenly. Dominic frowned at her. What