2024-04-01 04:44:59Ryan Scott faced yet another disappointment, as he trudged home, from yet another fruitless job interview.
Are things ever going to get better for him? he asked, as he kicked off a can on the road side. He had been living off his father's penny salary from being a driver to the wealthiest man in Atlanta. One would have thought that being a personal driver to Damien Brick, he would be wealthy himself, but he is still as broke as Ryan remembers. It was because of his frequent excuses about not having enough to provide for the excesses of his wife, that she had left, seeking for a better life. With a feeling of dejection, He pushed the door, to the cramped three-room apartment, he shared with his father. He was wearing a gloomy face, because of all his disappointments, and he was also expecting such gloom that accompanied their modest living, but to his surprise, his father who was supposed to be at work, driving Damien Brick around town was not only home, but appeared unusually content, sipping on what seemed to be an expensive wine. Ryan had to look closely to confirm that his father is actually drinking an expensive wine.
He looked around the house, before looking behind him, to be sure, he was safe, then he inquired.
"Dad! What's going on? His father looked up at him, wondering what he was talking about. then he noticed his eyes was on the wine, he smiles, but still ignores him.
"Do you know how much that wine costs? Ryan asked, closing the door, behind him, concern evident in his voice.
" I know how much it is cost, I bought it myself. Very soon, this is how I will be drinking rich wine, every single day.
Sit down, son. We're about to be wealthy", his father said, gesturing for Ryan to join him.
Ryan's mind raced with possibilities. Things have not been easy for them, if his father say, they are about to be wealthy, then something must have happened, but what could it be? He thought. Had his father won the lottery? Or found a hidden treasure? Or perhaps he'd received an unexpected inheritance? Yes, that could be it, he thought further. After all, he used to claim his great grand father was wealthy, and had properties everywhere, and though Ryan never saw any of the acclaimed wealth, he has dreams of becoming rich some day.
Ryan settled into the chair, eager for his father to explain.
"You remember when you visited me, at Mr Damien's Brick's house, right? He asked, and Ryan nodded affirmatively. "You remember the way he looked at you? he asked again, and Ryan did same.
I knew he liked you. He had asked about you that day, wanting to know what you do, he was concerned about you, But that wife of his, though she is a different story, so wicked, and not welcoming at all", Mr Scott said, taking another sip of wine.
"Dad, it's not right to speak Ill of people. And I don't think Mrs Brick is that bad. She's just very private, Ryan interjected, but his father waved off his concerns.
"That is what you think. Most people outside the Damien Mansion think same, but if only you live with them or work with them, you will know her better.
You don't know them like I do. Damien Brick used to be an Angel, but Things changed after his first wife passed, and marrying that Lindsay, was his biggest mistake", his father continued, ignoring Ryan's protests.
" Father you have to stop, if she hears what you say about her, you will be shown the way out, and we will both be out of jobs". Mr Scott tries arguing about Lindsay's cruelty, but Ryan was not ready to gossip. "Father, can we get to the point? What's this all about? Ryan asked, growing impatient.
"Alright, alright. I will tell you. So after dropping Mr Brick at home, he called me into his study and offered me something big". Ryan's eye open wide with expectations, inquiring to know just how big the offer is " He wants you, my son, Ryan Scott, to marry his daughter, Alexander", Mr Scott said, beaming with pride. "He didn't pick anyone from his class of friends, he didn't go looking for a wealthy young man like he, he looked down, because he knows what he wants.
Ryan was taken aback.
Marry someone he didn't know? And what about the rumors surrounding her appearance after the accident with her mother?
What about all the talk of her looking like a female beast, which is why her father had kept her hidden for years, that not even the workers in the house, knew how she really looks. With these thoughts in mind, Ryan shook his head in the negative.
"I can't do that , Dad", He says, Mr Scott had expected his reply, so he attacked him back with yet another question.
"You can't do what? he asked, getting angry.
"I can't marry someone I don't know, and what about the rumors? I can't be part of this, Ryan protested, shaking his head.
Mr Scott looked angry, and he dropped his glass aside, getting up from the couch, he looked Ryan directly in the eye.
"Ryan, I've done everything for you since your mother left. This is the least, you can do for us. If you refuse, I will have nothing more to do with you", his father said, his tone firm and resolute.
Ryan was stunned. Disown him? He had never heard his father speak like this before. He was thunderstruck. The words hung in the air, heavy and final. Like a door, slamming shut.
As his father turned away, Ryan realized he was faced with an impossible choice- Marry a stranger or lose his father's love and support.
His father, usually so kind and understanding, truely he has sacrificed a lot for him, but now, he had just delivered an ultimatum that shook him to his core. The choice between marrying a stranger or losing his father's love was a cruel twist of fate he never saw coming.
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The contracted son in-law The heated argument between daughter and father
Alexander found herself in a tense confrontation with her father, vehemently objecting to the idea of marrying a complete stranger.Her father have always been particular about her coming out, but there have never been a time, he spoke of her getting married."I can't marry him, Father", she cried, her eyes brimming with tears. Her father, though not surprised by her reaction, had hoped she would understand his perspective before making a final decision."My dear Alex, I understand your fears, your reluctance to step out into the world. But you must see yourself as you truely are, You are beautiful inside and out", He began, his voice filled with emotion. The silence that followed, led him to continue, hoping his words were sinking in."Your mother, would want nothing more than to see you happy, settled. If you continue to deny yourself this chance, she will never rest in peace, and I will bear that burden. Please my child, reconsider", he implored, his heart breaking at the thought o
The contracted son in-law The night before the wedding
Ryan Scott, In his usual nature, had been unable to focus, since his last conversation with his father, His thought consumed him, he hates having a fight with his father, and though it's just been few hours since then, it seem like forever. After much deliberation, he devised a plan, he would confront Damien himself. Clearly talking with his father on the issue isn't working, his father is consumed by the thought of having a wealthy inlaw, therefore, nothing he says, sinks in, but he needed to confront Damien, to understand why he has been chosen to Marry his unwanted Daughter.Going back what the rumors say about her, no one would want to be with someone like that, which is also why, she herself have found it difficult to come out and face the world.Since his father isn't home, he, being determined, headed straight to the mansion, confident that both his father and Damien Brick would be there.When Mr Scott, saw his son approaching the mansion, he feared Ryan had come to reject the
The contracted son in-law Sex with a stranger at the club
As he left the Damien's Mansion, Ryan felt the weight of the situation settle on his shoulders like a heavy cloak, suffocating and inescapable. He realized with a sinking feeling that he was in deep trouble, caught in a dilemma, with no easy way out. No matter how much, he tried to rationalize or find a loophole, the reality remained stark and unforgiving. Now he had promised Mr Damien that he would come to the wedding, though he didn't tell him as what. The realization dawned on him slowly, like a dark cloud moving across the sky, casting a shadow over his thoughts and actions.He didn't bother taking a taxi, he wanted to walk, it feels better, walking on the road, clearing his head.He is going to be married in some hours time, to someone he doesn't know, someone perceived as a rejected soul.It was a moment of clarity, where he understood the gravity of his predicament and the harsh consequences that awaited him.Juliana his ex would laugh at him. She had left him because he didn
The contracted son in-law The wedding day
Ryan woke up in a haze, unsure of his environment, moving his eyes round his surrounding, he realized he was in a hotel room. But how did he get there? He questioned within himself. He looked down the duvet that served as the only covering on his waist side, and he sees that he was naked. The scent of the mysterious woman, still lingering on him, like an invisible mark of his betrayal.He hated himself already. Due to depression, he had slept with a stranger, a night before his wedding. Even though the marriage is a sham, he would have still loved to stay faithful to his bride, until they were both done with their parts of the deal. He held his head, as though it was going to fall off, due to the hangover of the drinks from last night.Flashes of the night before flooded his mind, and he recoiled on self disgust. "But who was that? He asked himself, referring to the mask woman, but no clue, only her scent, linger, as a constant reminder of his betrayal, to his unknown wife to be.
The contracted son in-law a whirlwind of emotions
On what is traditionally considered the happiest day in a man's life, Ryan Scott found himself, enveloped in a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. Standing at the alter, in his impeccable tailored suits, and his hair that have just been done in a hurry, he struggled to maintain composure and avoid glancing backward, as he would have, if he was getting married to someone he proposed to, nit to someone, he is being threatened to marry, despite the palpable joy radiating from his father.It was an expected look, his father, should be very happy, when he had thought his son was not going to show up, and all of a sudden, he shows up, it was his dream, and his wish, but for Ryan Scott, this wasn't what he envisioned for himself; marrying a stranger, was never part of his life's plan.As he anxiously await the arrival of his bride, who was taking too long to show up, as though she hadn't been waiting for him all the while, the events of the previous night weighed heavily on his mind. The
The contracted son in-law "I certainly never agreed to be your hired husband".
Ryan Scott, had planned, to depart earlier, with his wife, whom he was just getting to know, that behind her story, she had another side, and the world is about to have something different to write about her, but as the guests began to leave one after the other, with each couple, having something nice to say about the both of them, while they both put up a smile, so the world who doesn't know it is a contracted marriage, think they are happy about the marriage. As they continued to leave, Ryan hesitated. Unsure of where to take her, he noticed she was giving him the disgusted look, the look of a disappointed wife, especially whenever he was talking with people, and she only smiles, when she was sure they were around them, but would quickly change to the opposite, when they are alone.Ryan was already seeing the end of their marriage, even before it starts. Ryan faced the reality of his lack of a home, still residing with his father and unable to secure stable employment. He felt u
The contracted son in-law Ready to be the son in-law of the Damien Brick family
Damien Brick observed Ryan Scott storming out of his house In anger. He hurried to intercept him, unsure of what could have tripped him off. He has set everything in place for him to marry his daughter, he couldn't let anything go wrong or out of place now.He was eager to present their new home as a wedding gift, convinced that it would make Ryan very happy."Ryan, my boy", he called out, aiming for an intimate tone amidst the presence of others. Ryan stopped, while waiting for him to get to him."We should get going, Brick. Congratulations once again", someone chimed in, leaving Damien to address his worn out son in-law."Where's the rush? Damien inquired, oblivious to any discord between the bride and groom."I'm out. I married her for you, in front of everyone, and now I'm done. I cannot take the way she speaks to me, or the way she reacts to the situation of things. She didn't want to be married, I don't know why you so badly want her to get married?". Ryan declared bluntly, hin
The contracted son in-law "Five years, should suffice".
Damien Brick generously bestowed upon them a mansion in one of the most exclusive government reserved areas. He noticed the joy in Ryan Scott's face, and he was happy too, that at least, he was begining to Calm down. He had been so much on the edge, acting like he was in bondage, as though he was never going to gain anything from the signed deal. Though his choice was taken away from him, Damien still have a special likeness for him, and he was sure, deep down, that Ryan was going to give him what he really wants to see in his daughter.As he watched on him, he realized that Maybe he doesn't know there are loads of benefits that comes with Marrying the princess of the Brick family. He clears his throat, got a bit close to him, close enough to be able to touch his shoulder."Do you like it? He asked the couple, looking at his daughter with a broad smile, but his daughter who was already seated, gave him a strange, angry look, and after she had gotten him to look at her, she hissed
Latest Chapter
She will be called Gold
The sterile scent of the hospital faded beneath the soft lullaby of a new born's first cries. Alexander, lay still, her chest rising and falling gently, eyes fluttering open to meet the world with a calmness that only a woman who had survived the fire could possess.When she heard her baby crying non stop, it dawn on her that she has survived the fire for real. She was alive and her baby was alive too. She is officially a mom, she will be called Mummy. She couldn't help but allow tears spill from the corners of her eyes as the nurse gently laid the tiny bundle against her chest. The warmth of her daughter's body melted into her own, and a sob, escaped her lips. The sound came out with so much awe, pain, gratitude and surely happiness.Her body felt so soft, so fragile against hers, as she held her.She looked down at her daughter to view her properly and she noticed some qualities that was already stealing her heart. Pink cheeks. Wisps of dark hair, just like her Dad's, her eyes barel
suspicious instincts
Ryan was shocked at first, but he felt she hasn't heard anything, because if she has, she would not be confronting him with smiles, she would be confronting him with questions, that would put him on his toes."I am okay, it was just a cut I had. I was operated on, and I was not supposed to carry anything heavy, but I guess you know the rest". He was still lying, or was she the one wrong? Now that Alexander is no more fighting him, he should be able to say the truth, if he is the one, she should know and appreciate him more. "A cut huh? She asked rhetorically, taking her seat beside him."Anyways, I want to thank you for earlier.". Ryan was surprised that Annie was being nice to him, and even thanking him for doing something as small as carrying his wife or rather, his ex wife.Maybe she really should thank him, since they were no longer together, to her, he doesn't owe her anything, if that is how she feels, he doesn't feel that way. She carries a part of him now, she should feel him
The unknown saviour is known
Ryan struggled to find a nearby pharmacy, where he got a pill to help numb the pain, then the pharmacist help him bandage his wound, but told him he needed to be checked into a hospital, after he learned that he just had a major surgery. After the local dressing done on his wound, Ryan started off home gradually, but he didn't get to his house, he was just at the door, when he started bleeding again, and before he knew what was happening, he collapsed outside his house. He could see people rushing towards him, and loud voices of calling for help could be heard, but he could not open his eyes, no matter how much he wanted to keep it open, he couldn't.When he finally opened his eyes, he was in the same hospital he had worked so hard to run from. He had thought he could escape going to the hospital till after Alexander was discharged, but seeing how critical his case was, they must have panicked and that was why they sent him to the hospital. He looked around him, and saw no one. That
A close one
Annie was too happy about the order to notice that her friend was feeling a little uncomfortable. She wouldn't suspect it is labour, since she hasn't been in that situation before, and the hospital had told them the expected date, so they are not expecting the baby in any way to come out."Are you sure you are ready to face Ryan? Annie asked, trying to strike a conversation and make sure she is ready and knows what to say and how everything will turn out."Yes I am". Was all her response. She was not giving Annie that joy of hearing her explain what she was going to do, so Annie decided not to speak anymore nor ask her anymore questions, until they arrive at the store.Annie wanted to pack far away from the entrance, the same place she had packed the other day, but Alexander needed her to pack close to the entrance, it will be easier for her, and it will prevent her from walking long, an exercise, she isn't ready to embark on.Annie held up the door for Alexander and helped her out.
Alexander meets Ryan
Lindsay took a long look at the ladies before her, it is not everyday she gets a visitor, and who knows, they might actually be of help to her someday, or to her son, who is gonna live, so she urged them to take their seat, because it is going to be a really long talk."First of, I am going to start by apologizing". "No one wants to hear your silly apologies, so just answer the question or you don't". Annie cut in, getting angry at the silly idea of talking to her before meeting with Ryan, she thinks it is a bad idea, and from all indication, it is posing to be."Let her speak". Alexander interrupted, she also gave Annie the look that she would t want such interruption from her again."Like I was trying to say earlier. I'm really sorry for what happened. I have done wrong by you and I have never done anything right. As a matter of fact, I wanted you out of the way, the same way your mother left this world, I wanted you to leave too". Though she was speaking the truth and something A
A helpful hand from the prison
Lindsay, since being imprisoned, had never been called out that she has got a visitor waiting for her, therefore, her feelings on this special day was expected, because when she heard her voice being called that she has got a visitor, she asked again, if they are sure, they have got the right name.Her son wants nothing with her. Else, he might have been the only person coming to visit her, but he wants nothing with her, and she understands him perfectly, especially after what he heard happened, and how it must have made his dad feel and maybe act towards him.Damien Brick was never going to come visit her. They were already separated and she had been trying to get back with him, before this incident, which clears poses as a permanent scar, never to go away from his heart. The way he stared at her, she didn't need anyone telling her that he could never forgive her again, no matter how much she begs for it."I think this is a bad idea, we really should go". Annie states, getting up."S
Take me to Lindsay, I have something to say to her
Alexander looked too lost, through out the ride home. Annie felt she was probably angry that she had waited so much time in the store, but she knows that when she finally tell her, what caused her to waste time, she would not feel so angry anymore, but she also thought she would get over it, but surprisingly, when they got home, Alexander didn't seem to want to speak with anyone, she was keeping to herself. she had done it severally before, it wasn't her first time, and Annie always blames it on mood swing as regards to pregnancy, but this day was different, she seem to be keeping something from her, something she was worried of speaking out."Are you alright Alex? Annie asked, not able to keep it to herself anymore."I saw him? she says. Annie turned briskly, thinking she was saying she had seen the both of them talking, she wanted to start explaining how they met, but Alexander continued."I saw him and I hid. I don't know why I hid but I did and I watched him, till he was out of s
Ryan meets Annie
Ryan recovered real quick, he didn't believe he would survive, but weeks had passed since then, and each day feels like he would live. He found a small apartment in the suburbs where he rented, and then he started working with some locals of the area, to be able to put food in his table. The doctor had told him, the sort of food, he should eat henceforth, and he was trying too hard to live like that. Things were getting harder for him, it was almost hard for him to feed properly, but there was no turning back, he was paying the price for his sins. He knows that no matter how much he tries to avoid Alexander, Annie or her father Damien, it was impossible, since they are all still in the same state, all he changed was the area, but in no time, he would be seen by one of them. He needed to get glasses, to help his eye function well, the surgery was really telling on him, but he did it for love, and his only consolation is that, Alexander is fine, and is even discharged from the hospita
i believe you
The person she was looking at look exactly like Ryan, how is it possible that Ryan was at the hospital and she didn't know about it. she refused to believe that Ryan would be so selfless, so she approached the doctor, this time,she has facts to back up her claim. The door was already opened, so she let herself in."miss Annie, how is everything going". the doctor greeted, while getting back to what he was doing."Why did Ryan come here? she asked, not wanting to beat around the bush."what do you mean? he asked, unsure of what to answer just yet. He wondered if she had been able to uncover the truth behind the person who donated to Alexander. If she has, he would feel less guilty, since he was sure, he didn't say anything, but he needed to hear from her first."Ryan was here yesterday, why was he here? she asked again, not mincing words in anyway."He was involved in a local robbery. I mean, he was robbed, not like he was the robber". he corrected himself, but she smiles."he is reall