Slade to Herondale: A Son-in-law's Rise to Power

CHAPTER 10: I Like You!

The couples exchanged rings and vows and were officially married. It happened all so fast.

Allen sat angrily, observing the celebration when a familiar voice called from behind.

“Master Herondale!”

He turned quickly, only to see his former mother-in-law beaming like she had never done before.

“We are so happy to have you here,” she exclaimed.

Allen boiled in anger seeing her face again. Memories of her tormenting him flooded his mind.

He had plans to make her pay but he had to play along as master Herondale for the moment.

“Madam Nora, your daughter's wedding is the best I have ever attended but I must ask what happened to her ex-husband?” Allen blew the question too early.

“That poor fool?” She raged. “He brought my daughter nothing but suffering and I’m glad he is out of her life for good!”

The look of disgust on her face when she mentioned Allen irked him. Did she really hate him that much? He couldn't wait to see that look change when she realises who he truly is.

Just then, Karina rushed to the scene. “Young master, I've heard so much about you. It's a pleasure meeting you,” she beamed. He loved the way they were smiling pretentiously. He’s known the Wellingtons way too long to fall for their tricks.

“This is my younger daughter Karina. Isn't she beautiful?” Nora asked, still showing all her teeth.

“You might be interested in her. Karina is just so beautiful.”

“This gold digging hag!” Allen's mind screamed.

“Don't you think it's too early to display your daughter like a piece from an auction?” He asked her nicely, with a bit of pretence.

Nora’s smile vanished immediately. “That's not what I meant, young master.”

“I just wanted to—

“It's fine! I’ll just greet the couple and be on my way home,” Allen said, walking quickly away from them. He loved to keep them on edge thinking they had got him upset.

He searched the large hall and his eyes landed on her. Katherine stood in a white wedding dress saying something inaudible to Ryan who stood beside her. When Allen got closer, a name caught his attention.

“If you see Allen anywhere close, Chase him away, Ryan. I don't want that loser at my wedding,” Katherine sneered, folding her arms.

“Is anyone stressing the bride?” Allen said, clearing his throat.

“Oh master Herondale. It's not anybody important for you to worry about,” Katherine responded, trying to change the topic.

Ryan leaned in for a handshake and Allen obliged. The pretentious smiles on their faces irked him even more now.

“My wife and I appreciate your presence and I look forward to working with you, Sir,” Ryan blurted out.

Allen chuckled. Sir? He loved it this way. The way they were all clueless and giving him due respect but he was deeply irritated by their presence and wanted to rush home before he vents on them. However, he knew it wasn’t time for that yet.

“I wish you both a blissful celebration,” Allen forced the words out, gritting his teeth like he was being held on the neck to say it. Excuse me, I need to take my leave. I have other things to attend to,” he announced with a warm smile, making his way out.

He walked quickly towards the exit with a deep sigh when he felt a pair of fingers on his body and he stopped. That voice was very familiar–one that reeked of trouble except this time it was softer and calmer.

“Leaving so soon?” Karina asked, softly and Allen turned. From the look in her eyes, he knew she was up to no good.

Her hands traced their way from his neck down to his chest in seconds. The audacity! But what was she trying to do?

“Young master, I have grown fond of you and I wouldn’t mind if you would–

Allen held her hand, throwing them off his body fiercely and in the process cut her words.

“What do you think you are doing?” Allen asked, his eyes filled with rage.

“But young master, don’t you like what you see?” She said running her hands from her bosom to her neck area. Karina had always been crazy and she didn't even mind showing her craziness in a public place. Allen fumed.

She stretched her hands to touch Allen again when he stepped back.

“If you take one step closer, you will not like what I would do to you,” Allen raged, his voice cold and detached.

“There’s something familiar about you!” Karina blurted out, shaking. Allen’s chest thumped. It seemed Karina was starting to recognize him.

“And–and I like you a lot even though I don’t know what you look like!” She added, shifting backwards. She knew her words could get her into trouble but she said it anyway.

“This shameless gold digger!” Allen muttered. If only she knew who he really was.

He couldn’t believe the same Karina who hated and taunted him was the one saying she liked him. Was it because he was a rich heir? The Wellingtons will never change.

Allen stared at her one last time and then stormed out without looking back. When he got to where his car was parked, he jumped in and shut the door tightly. The car glasses were tinted dark black so he had no issue with removing his mask and throwing it at the back seat. Finally! A bit of fresh air.

Then, the thoughts of the Wellingtons flooded his mind again with a smirk paving its way to his lips then he spoke.

“Prepare a homecoming party, Mr Calloway. Every Wellington must be there including Ryan. I want to reveal myself.”