Chapter Ten

It was Sarah. She had helped Liam buy food and drove him close to the Thompson Mansion.

“Don't ever do this again; the Thompson family wouldn't like it and might punish you. If you need help, reach out to me,” Sarah advised.

Liam nodded. “Thank you, Sarah. You saved my life. I was on the verge of dying, starving for weeks with no help. I had no money, and nobody was willing to help me. Thank you for not leaving me; I appreciate your love and kindness towards me," Liam expressed sincerely.

Liam exited Sarah’s car, he said, “Bye, Sarah. Thank you for having my back even without knowing me well. Bye.”

Smiling. "Bye, Liam, and take care of yourself. Be a good boy," Sarah said before driving away. Liam walked back to the Thompson family while Sarah drove away.

As Liam came close to Thompson's mansion, he realized he hadn't gotten Sarah's number and secretly he hoped to meet her again.

Upon reaching home, Liam noticed numerous cars in the garage, He suspected that the Thompson family might have guests. However, no one was around when he got inside. Without meeting anyone, he quietly fled to his room, no longer caring about food because he had eaten enough.

Nobody called or checked on him, so Liam freshened up and had a good sleep for the first time in a while.

The alarm clock's beeping woke Liam up, he wanted to avoid lateness at work.

Unfortunately, Liam’s chores were too much that morning, with plenty of guests present, mostly women. Liam had to attend to all their needs, do laundry, and clean their rooms. But something was off, Mr Thompson explicitly instructed him to avoid Olivia's room.

After finishing all his tasks, it was already late. Hastily, Liam prepared for work, he didn't have to trek to work because he had received money from begging the previous day. He booked a taxi to work and it felt good.

Arriving at work, Liam found out a new guy occupying his position, and his duties were already completed. Perplexed, he joined the new guy in a corner, awaiting the boss to arrive or give more instructions.

Out of curiosity, Liam initiated a conversation. "Hello, my name is Liam," he extended a hand for a handshake, and the gesture was reciprocated. "Are you new here?"

The new guy, Jason, smiled and responded positively. “Yes, I'm new. I resumed this morning”. Liam, who was suspicious and mindful, smiled wearily and probed further, "Nice to meet you, Jason. This is my work position. I work here as well."

Surprisingly, Jason's reaction was enthusiastic. "Oh, really? We can be buddies, you know? And you can teach me a lot of things"

Liam's anxiety lessened as he heard Jason’s reply. He was expecting Jason to tell him that he was there to replace him. "That's good. Yes, we can be friends. I like the sound of that already."

While waiting for the boss, who was on an errand, Liam and Jason continued getting acquainted and discussing various topics about work. Liam grabbed the opportunity to impart his knowledge about work to Jason.

As Liam anxiously awaited his boss's return, he noticed him coming back with a man Liam recognized as one of Olivia's lovers, the same man who had brutally beaten him to unconsciousness. The sight sent shivers down Liam's spine, fearing the worst. Mr. Johnson asked him to come to his office.

“Liam, I want to see you in my office now”. Mr Johnson said in a harsh tone.

Fearfully, Liam replied, nodding his head. “Okay, sir”.

Praying inwardly not to face firing, Liam reached Mr. Johnson's office. He timidly knocked, and to his surprise, it wasn't Mr. Johnson who answered but the other man.

"Come on in," the man's voice responded.

Liam hurriedly entered, finding his boss engrossed with his laptop. Liam stood there with his hands crossed on his back, tension painted all over his face, As he waited for the impending conversation.

The man, who had been eying Liam since he entered the office, started speaking with a tone of ridicule. "The son-in-law of the Thompson family works in a hotel? How do you think you can measure up to the standard of Olivia Thompson? And what were you thinking about marrying her?"

Liam felt the sting of each insulting question but maintained his stillness. "Sir, I needed to work, and the hotel offered me a job. I didn't marry Olivia willingly; it was a decision imposed on me. I never aimed to measure up to anyone's standard."

The man sneered at Liam's responses and continued, "Look at you, with your shabby appearance. You bring disgrace to the Thompson family. Did you think marrying into wealth would elevate you?"

Liam, feeling belittled, responded humbly, "Sir, I never intended to bring disgrace. I've been trying my best to fulfil my responsibilities."

The man scoffed, "Responsibilities? What responsibilities do you have apart from embarrassing the Thompson family? You're just a burden."

Liam, swallowing his pride, answered, "I understand, sir. I'm willing to improve and do whatever is necessary to make them happy."

The man pressed on, "You have no place in Olivia's life. Do you really think she would choose you over someone of her status?"

Liam, hurt by the truth in the man's words, replied softly, "I've come to terms with that, sir. I just want to make amends and live a quiet life."

The man, enjoying how he was making Liam feel, continued to taunt Liam, "You're a laughingstock, a mere pawn in the Thompson family drama."

Liam, with a heavy heart, uttered, "I accept my situation, sir. If there's anything I can do to make things right, I'm willing."

The man, satisfied with the humiliation he inflicted, finally called his friend to attend to Liam, so he could get the hell out of his face.

Mr. Johnson looked at Liam. “So you're really the son-in-law of the Thompson family, huh? He paused for a moment before continuing. Take this envelope on the table,” he pointed, “And leave my office.”

Liam hesitated, taking the envelope and glancing at it. He looked back at Mr. Johnson, puzzled. “Sir, what's inside?”

Mr. Johnson sighed, “You'll know once you're out. Now, leave my office.”