Chapter 2

Mark stood in front of the lady he called a wife, and couldn’t remark her. She had suddenly transformed into a stranger. A bitter pill he couldn’t explain.

“Sign the papers and leave now,” Dave said, suddenly disrupting his long thoughts.

He came back to life and then took a deep breath, after which he carefully approached her. He had his one hand tucked in his pocket and also in search of what to say.

“I have tried my best to make this marriage work. But you didn’t give us an opportunity. I guess you are sending me out because of money…” He was about to complete his sentence when a yell came from Hailey.

“Mark, we have no time. Before your arrival, we were having a good moment. Sign the fucking papers and get lost.” She said, her forehead creasing.

This statement had Mark gulp. It’s not that she had never yelled at him. But the reason was outrageous. He had never imagined that their three-year-old marriage was going to come to an end in such circumstances.

What could he do or say? He was the poor one there, as such he only had to abide by the orders. The young Mark held the pen and ran his signature in between the papers. It was with great pain that he did this but he had to do this for the sake of peace.

“Now get out, we need space of our own.” Dave chirped in, swaying his hand in between Hailey’s silky hair.

He avoided his comment and faced his ex-wife which was now the case. “This has come to an end. I bet you that you are going to regret ever taking this decision when you are going to realise who the hell I am.” He said and Hailey mocked, cupping her hands on her mouth.

“You are just a piece of trash who was given the opportunity to taste riches and wealth. You’ve gone back to square one, where you rightfully belong.”

“I was expecting you to thank me for all that I did for you. For three years now I have taken you out of the gutters and made you appetising. It seems you are too arrogant for a mere thank you. Anyway, get lost.” By the time she said, Mark stepped forward to the closet and took whatever belonging he had.

He made a U-turn and was leaving the premises when he suddenly heard a husky voice behind him.

“I’d like to help you. Considering the fact that you have nowhere to stay, I can give you a cleaning job, and you’ll be paid a modest sum at the end of the month. What do you think of that?” He questioned, which left an unpleasant smile on Mark’s face.

“If you have no penny, I can help you with an advance payment, that will help get you something to lay your head on tonight.” He said, yet, Mark snubbed. The young man left without uttering any other word.

“Do you mean you are going to refuse my boyfriend’s proposal? Do you know his family has got so much money? He can feed you and also feed your next generation. I won’t advise you to refuse this job.” Hailey tried to persuade him, but it was too late, the young man had made up his mind, and that, no one could change.

It was just him and his mini bag against the world. “When I come back, they shall all regret,” He said.

Walking along the busy streets, a black sports car stopped by his front, giving him no space to continue. The door of the car was left open, revealing the features of a black dude dressed in a clean suit. The young dude bowed before Mark.

“Young master, we heard what happened,” The dude said, and Mark swallowed hard.

“Take me far away,” He said and the dude nodded his head. He opened the passenger door and Mark climbed in, allowing himself to be taken to another destination.

Throughout the journey, the environment was calm. The only noise heard were those of the breezing trees. Mark sent his head out and was observing the scenery while sinking into deep thoughts.

“Young master, do you want us to take you home, the master wants to see you.” The driver asked, jolting him out of his reverie.

Right there, Mark looked at the dude through the front mirror, “I’m not yet ready to see him. Make reservations for a house. I want it very modest. Something that won’t call for alarm. Something in an inner city.” He said and then looked away again.

“Young master, I’m sorry but we can’t get you something modest. The master would be angry at us if he gets to find out.” The dude contradicted and continued driving.

“I don’t remember asking your opinion, it was an order. Meaning you are going to abide by my words. You are going to get me something in the poor inner-city and that’s final.” Mark warned nervously. Through his facial expression, you could tell that he was at the edge.

“Yes Young master, I would do just that.” The driver panicked before replying. He stammered while letting every word out his throat.

***

They had been driving for approximately thirty minutes now. Each street they crossed, the driver turned to know if it was the appropriate city in which he wanted to get a house, and at every moment, Mark asked him to continue driving. He made him understand that he was going to tell him where to stop.

The more he continued, he realised that the state of the houses were unbearable, they crossed despicable areas and yet it didn’t seem to bother Mark.

“We are close to the area, stop the car here and we will continue on foot.” Mark said. His words ended a cold stare on the face of his guard.

The area was out of imagination. This was a no go area for someone who was at the head of all the Blue and Rain hotels that were located in and out of the country. This area was nothing different from a dungeon.

“Young master, are you sure you really want to get a house here? Don’t you see that this place is not worth it? I can book a room for you while I search for something a little bit classy,” The driver proposed which only ended with a cold glare from his young master.

“If you ain’t willing to follow me, you can go.” Those were the last words from Mark, after which he continued in his steps.

He kept walking till he noticed a plaque attached to a door. It read “For rent” the young man stopped and opted to know more about the place.

“Hello, please can I know more about this place? I would love to rent it.” He asked a young lady who was struggling with her clothes. It was almost drizzling, the reason for the rush.

She ignored his words and kept on removing her clothes. At a certain point, she began singing loudly.

“Hello young girl, I just asked a question. Or do you need me to help with your clothes before you can give me a helping hand?” Without waiting for the girl to accept his proposal, he went ahead to help. This alone had the lady’s adrenaline pump with deep pressure. Her wrist bulged and her face creased.

“Would you get your stinking hands off my clothes? Did you take a look at yourself? Do you want to contaminate my clothes with your dirty allure?”