Chapter 6

As the evening drew to a close, Nicole turned to Arthur and offered, "Arthur, it's getting late, and I wouldn't want you to be out on the streets at this hour. Would you like a ride home?"

Arthur hesitated for a moment, his mind racing. He didn't have a home of his own to return to, not after the threats he had received. Going back to his in-laws' place was out of the question, considering the danger he was in.

"I appreciate the offer, Nicole," Arthur replied, "but it's not necessary, I will take the bus."

Nicole's brows furrowed with concern, and she didn't seem convinced by his response. "Are you sure, Arthur? It's late, and the street can be dangerous at this hour." 

Mr. Lee chimed in, his voice warm and persuasive, "Nicole is right, my boy. You've done so much for us, and I would feel much better knowing you're safe for the night. Please accept her offer."

Arthur found himself in a tight spot. He didn't want to burden Nicole.

He knew if they found out about his situation, they might want to help out. Arthur was exhausted. He didn't have a choice.

With a grateful smile, he said, "Alright, Nicole, thank you for your kindness."

Nicole's face lit up with a bright smile as she handed him a plate of food for the road. "Great! We wouldn't want you to go hungry. Let's get you home safely."

As they left Mr. Lee's home and headed towards Nicole's car, Arthur was anxious. His heart was beating fast. 

He thought maybe he'd just allow her drop her off and when she leaves, he'd quickly run away.

In the spacious living room of Mr. Lee's home, he sat comfortably in his favorite armchair.

He was staring into space, and his anxiousness mirrored in his countenance.

His loyal bodyguard, James, stood nearby.

Mr. Lee furrowed his brows as he said, "James, there's something about this young man, Arthur. He's not an ordinary individual. Even when Griffin says his drugs did the work, I find it hard to believe. Nicole seems to be in doubt too.*

James nodded.

Mr. Lee leaned back in his chair, deep in thought. "Find out who he really is and why he jumped off the bridge."

James replied, " Yes sir." 

Mr. Lee nodded firmly. "I want to know everything about him. His past, his connections, every single details." 

....

As Nicole's car drove away, Arthur stood in front of the gate to his in-laws' house. He watched the car until it disappeared from sight and then let out a heavy sigh. 

Just as Arthur was about to turn and walk away, the gate slowly opened. Arthur blinked in surprise and stepped back as it swung open wider. 

One of the security guard who had been stationed at the gate approached him.

"Mr. Lin has requested that you come inside."

Arthur hesitated for a moment. He wondered if Mr Lin have been waiting for his arrival.

Without argument, Arthur followed the guard as lead Arthur to the living room. 

"Wow, look who we have here" 

To Arthur's surprise, it wasn't Mr. Lin who awaited him. Instead, it was Daphne's sisters. Kimberly stood on her feet while Amelia was seated on one of the sofas.

Arthur's heart sank at the sight of them. 

Flashes of the night they framed him flickered before his eyes. The muscles in his heart tightened making it difficult for him to breath. 

Arthur was suffocated, and he only wanted to leave. 

Fear gripped Arthur's heart when he heard Kimberly's voice.

"You don't listen do you?" Kimberly giggled. 

"I was told grandfather wants to see me." Arthur frowned.

"You seem to have grown some nerves, hasn't it been just a day?" Kimberly scoffed.

"It has, but he seems to have grown some wings overnight. He is talking back." Amelia hissed.

"If Mr Lin is not here, I should take my belongings then." Arthur's gaze wavered around as he proceeded towards the stairs.

"What did you..." Amelia snapped but Kimberly held her back.

"Let him be." 

Arthur entered the bedroom he used to share with Daphne. The room felt foreign to him now. He glanced around and noticed the personal touches Daphne had added to the decor over the years.

But as his eyes settled on the scene before him, any remnants of nostalgia vanished. Daphne was kissing a man on their matrimonial bed. The man looked wealthy, judging by his expensive attire.

Daphne pulled away from the man, her eyes widening in surprise when she saw Arthur standing there. She quickly composed herself and asked, "Arthur, what are you doing here?"

Arthur's response was surprisingly calm, devoid of anger or jealousy. He knew their marriage had been strained for a long time, and he had no illusions about Daphne's loyalty.

"I came to collect my belongings," he said simply, his voice steady.

Daphne didn't appear to feel guilty at all. She turned to the man beside her on the bed, her new boyfriend, Mr. Yang, and said with a nonchalant tone, "Arthur, this is Mr. Yang. He's the owner of the biggest shipping company in the city."

Arthur felt a pang of envy for a moment, wondering if his life would have been different had he achieved such success. But he quickly brushed the thought aside.

Daphne continued, gesturing towards Arthur, "And this is my husband."

Mr. Yang raised an eyebrow and sneer appeared on his lips, "You married this man?" He laughed at Arthur's attire.

Daphne felt embarrassed, then she said, "I did him a favor by getting married to him, but Arthur had tried to rape my sister."

Arthur's eyes widened at the blatant lie. He stepped forward, "Daphne, you know that's not true." 

Daphne laughed as if it was a joke. She walked over to a table, picked up a document, and then handed it to Arthur. "Well, Arthur, I'm glad you're here. Sign the divorce papers."

Arthur took the document and glanced at it briefly. It was indeed divorce papers. He stared at Daphne, the hatred in his heart had suddenly supercede the love he had for her all these years.