THE RETURN OF THE DEAD HEIR

GET OUT!!

0005:

Philip marveled at the words the doctor uttered, his jaw hanging open as the doctor explained to him that Alfred's savior was Lady Margaret, and he was shocked.

He wished he could thank her in person but she was no longer there.

“But who is she?” He inquired.

Philip didn't know her name, but after the doctor reminded him of the woman who came to his office earlier, he could immediately recall.

He thanked the doctor happily and left the hospital, feeling better than before. “She's a God-sent,” Philip said excitedly, grinning widely as he walked to the parking lot.

The fact that he had to return to that house, the house Elenas’ grandfather gifted them as a wedding gift, sickened him. He had no other option but to return there. Where else could he go?

He climbed his scooter and took off.

In a matter of minutes and a few seconds, Philip was standing in front of his matrimonial home. All the memories of his home suddenly flooded his mind as they turned void and sour, walking through the open door.

“Where do you think you're going?” A voice stormed through the hallway, bringing him out of his thoughts.

His previously lowered head straightened curiously at the dark fogged lobby. He then looked up at the shadowed figure.

This time around she was standing close to the exit door.

“You are no longer welcome here. This house never belonged to you and we both know that Papa gave us for my sake.”

Philip looked at her in surprise. “Elena, I have nowhere to go; please let me in. At least give me a few days to pack my things.”

Elena laughed heartily and said, “Let you in? C'mon Philip, it's impossible, my boyfriend is here.” She came closer, guarding the door with her hands on the frame as if he were a criminal.

“Oh and about your luggage, don't worry, I already saved you the trouble.”

Philip wasn't prepared for another episode of drama, he just stood still and stared into her merciless eyes. Was she going to chase him out?

A toned pair of legs dragged shabbily towards Elena, rubbing his puffy eyes and yawning.

He wiped his eyes open and saw Freddy standing outside, then he fixed his gaze on him.

Dramatically, Richard pulled Elena into his arms and claimed her lips.

Philip glanced at the door frame; he had never kissed or touched his wife throughout their marriage because Elena said she had a low libido.

She was naturally distant but he didn't care because he was madly in love with her.

But here he was watching another man touch his wife in ways he could only imagine. Ways he fantasized about for years, longing for her touch.

It all made sense to Philip, she never loved him. She vividly kept herself for Richard.

Richard paused, then looked at Philip “You must be enjoying the view!” He chuckled sarcastically, spreading his wide, veiny hands onto her hips.

Elena laughed with him and pecked his chin, then said, “Just a sec, baby,” she dragged a traveling box behind her and threw it in the air with all her might.

Philip stared down at his feet in amusement. He saw his belongings fly in different directions because the zipper of the back wasn't properly closed.

He felt his body shiver as he knelt on one foot to pick up his luggage bit by bit, hearing as those two mocked him.

When he was done, he stood up, and his eyes landed on Richard, who was standing right in front of him.

He patted Philips shoulders and curled up his lips as he spoke, “Thank you for standing in my place all these years.”

Reaching into his breast pocket, he picked Philip's arm, and dumped a check in his hands,

”Take it, This is a token to express my gratitude. You stayed by Elena, but I will certainly do better; you can go now, I'll take it up from here,” He said.

A trace of mockery flashed before Philip's eyes as he watched Richard return to Elena's embrace and they both shut the door behind him.

Philip looked at the check and frowned “I have been living with a stranger, a beast!” He murmured and walked confidently to the entrance porch.

A knock was heard from inside...

“Take it” He returned the money, “ I am grateful for your kind offer but I'll pass.” He said, humbly and walked away.

Richard looked dumbfounded as if he had been defeated. He collected the money , stared at Elena and said, “How can a poor man be so proud? He has nothing!” He grunted and Elena hissed.

Philip felt bitter in his heart as he stood outside that gates of his previous home, he couldn't believe he was homeless.

He had nowhere to go, no money and he refused to collect the check. His ego got the worst of him.

Where would he lay his head tonight? Returning there was not an option.

He lowered his head and enveloped his hands in his pockets, feeling frustrated and confused.

His hands touched a paper that felt like money and immediately his eyes widened. What if he gets lucky?

Feeling hopeful, he emptied his pockets reluctantly with a grin on his face.

“Oh no, could this day get any worse?” He said, his face changed from a smile to a cold look, grumbling and letting out a troubled sigh.

It was not money, it was just an ordinary paper that had been buried in his jeans for heaven knows how long..

He held the paper at chest level, bringing it closer to his face with his mouth blowing air into the paper.

Right in front of him was a black branded business card. The card he received from the old woman earlier, lady Margaret.l

Philip suddenly remembered the old lady's offer at the funeral. She told him not to hesitate to reach out if he needed help. He was practically homeless, maybe now was a good time.

He instinctively copied the number from the card verbatim to his phone and dialed it. He stiffened as he heard a voice escape from the other end of the line, “Hello..”

Philip was not used to asking people for help; he found it strange, and it made him uncomfortable. But did he have a choice?

Putting his pride aside, He humbled himself and said, “Good evening, madam, this is Philip.” He fumbled his words.

“I hate to bother you at this time of the hour, but l- l,” He stammered, finding it difficult to speak, ” I'm burdened by a scuffle, and I need a place to stay for the night.”

“Oh dear.” She was about to retire to bed but sat up swiftly, resting her back on the bed frame.

She said, sounding worried, “Is everything fine child? Where are you?”

Suddenly, She paused as if been distracted and said, “I'll get back to you..” Then the line went silent.