by J. S. Brent
“I was drunk Katty” He broke down, with guilt written all over him as he dropped his gaze to the floor as though he was about to be crucified. For a haughty man as him to have admitted an outrageous act as such, went a long way to prove, she was the woman that made his world go into circles.
“You disappoint me Adam.” She cried with a nod of disbelief, perhaps pitying the fact that she was going to set him free, to be with whomever he chose.
“Baby I’m sorry!” He spoke apologetically though with a studious gaze at the floor beneath them.
“Get out of my house and out of my world.” She announced bitterly with a stretched arm towards the open door that exposed the green shrubs that surrounded the isolated courtyard.
“Katty, hear me out…” He begged apologetically while she moved to the door and extended a hand for him to follow, throwing her gaze to the woods.
“Out, it’s over between us...” She yanked with somewhat superiority as it felt good to call the shots once in her relationship. He paced in angry steps and rode off at top speed.
“Mother what happened?” Adam asked agitating in impatience “The driver called me and I came as soon as I heard.” His eyes scanned the entire room and rested on the receptionist who’d occasionally been looking his way as though all was not well.
“Your father had a cardiac arrest.” She spoke from within her guts fighting the leaking tears that soaked her white cotton blouse. He’d been rushed to the hospitals and the doctors where still running the necessary test to ascertain if he was out of the woods or not.
Words had reached Kingsley that the factory workers were revolting because their working conditions versus the payment was low and they were tired of waiting as he’d promised to pay for the past months they’d been working. Adam himself had been to the factory on several occasions to brief them on the setback the company was facing. Three months had passed and nothing had been done regarding salaries and many workers had stopped reporting to work.
He’d sought to assist with the funds he generated from “Brilliance” his foot wear production. The business was recovering from a production malfunction that sent the wrong products to the market. Customers had lost faith in the brand, but they’d returned with the release of superior brand, He’d reduced the price of the products, to attract the market and he could barely break even.
The news that almost paralyzed his father was the bank other that was requesting for the payment of a huge loan made by Don Mac, he’d sought to revive his dying company but unfortunately things had gone out of propulsion. The bank had demanded for his house, as part payment for the loan, which he’d mortgaged. The letter from the bank had put him in a crucial health situation and Stewart was probably his only hope for survival.
The thought beat Adam as his arching heart bled with every thought that he’d lost Kate for good. The mornings came with the sweet chilling breeze that took him to distant memories of their pleasant childhood and how much life was simpler, when they had no obstacles to stop them from loving freely.
He wished to see her beautiful face one more time and feel her soft lips close to his. It was like the end of the road for him, he’d spent sleepless nights and days thinking of why fate was so cruel. He was willing to make the world’s greatest sacrifice for her, but this was beyond his control. His father’s health was on the line and Paula had threatened to tell Stewart about his denial of her pregnancy that the doctor had confirmed a few days back.
The height of the family drama was when his mother threatened to take her life because he’d refused to yield to Paula’s demands. Ever since Lila, his kid sister passed away, he’d been the sole source of happiness for his family and his mother had sworn she’ll never forgive him if he didn’t marry Paula and save his father’s dynasty.
He’d been to the factory on several occasions to see if he could find Kate and tell her how much he missed her and let her know how worthless life without her was, but he’d had no clue of her whereabouts. She’d probably resigned after the ugly confrontation between the both of them.
She’d warned him never to cross her path, but he knew she was badly hurt and he felt a deep want in his heart whenever the thought about her jumped into his mind. He’d decided to marry Paula, as a means to salvage his family business and for the sake of his unborn child. He’d been to her house on several occasions to tell her of his decision, but there was no sight of her.
Chapter 5
Kate carried a watery tank with a dark and gloomy face that her mother was keen to deduce as she informed her she was going to get supplies from the grocery shop a few yards away. Her dad was always out of the home on several of such occasions. She’d felt a little peace, after quitting her job at the Kingsley coffee factory. It was a hell of work there; carrying tons of coffee from one machine to the other, but all least she could endure it for the sake of the little money she made to support her mother’s business.
She’d forwarded her resignation in other to avoid crossing paths with Adam or Paula at the very least. Katherine had caused a commotion on her behalf at the factory. She’d reaped every atom of respect she’d ever gained from her coworkers by calling her a prostitute in front of everyone. She’d respected her as Adam’s mom, but she was sure that the woman was never going to accept her as a part of her family.
The look in her eyes inspected her body from beneath her clothes and her hideous stares were enough for her to read the handwriting on the wall. She’d never been through so much humiliation all her life. Her thoughts drifted to and from Adam while the drizzling showers washed the young plants. Her eyes caught a blooming rose and she stoop on one knee to sniff the sweet perfume from the rose. It looked so beautiful yet, it had to wither by nightfall. Perhaps that was how love was-so beautiful yet so sad, she emitted an involuntary sigh.
The rushing footsteps drifted her thoughts to earth and she spun vividly with surprised filled eyes. She wasn’t expecting anybody and her father always returned home late. A part of her wished it was Adam though she quickly dismissed such thoughts. Their last encounter was robustly bitter and knowing how much pride he exuded, he wouldn’t risk coming to look for her anymore.
“Your mother told me I could find you here.” Karen smiled, trying to dismiss any form of guilt regarding their last encounter. She’d been jealous of Kate for having Adam within her grasp, when she’d done practically everything to make Adam hers. She’d seduced him once, during their college days and they had a swirling time together. She had desired more of such nights, though Adam wanted nothing to do with her because of Kate. Kate had no knowledge of their ugly escapade.
She’d always felt envious of Kate and wanted the perfect moment to strike, though she was unaware of the proposed alliance between the Stewarts and the Kingsley’s. She’d been caught off guard when Paula claimed absolute possession of Adam at the party. She’d lost the man but not to a low life, she could take that. Paula was a gracious woman and she had all what it took to possess such a man entirely, but she will be on their trail and snatch Adam at the slightest mishap.
“What are you doing here Karen?” Kate brooded, letting the watering jar off her grip, while she let out mild growls as though she was going to pick a fight with the devil she’d once considered as her friend.
“Hey girl,” she muttered “slow down.” She whispered taking a few steps backwards from her predator that stood fearless and ready to attack. “Look Katty,” I understand how you feel.” She explained. “I did all I did for you…you won’t understand” She argued, trying to put up the best possible defense for her depraved act. She loved Kate as a friend, but she couldn’t stand the fact that Adam chose Katty over her, given her charms and affluence. She beckoned on Katty to understand, with a slight wave of her hand.
“What, are you on drugs?” She asked with big eyes that revealed her confusion as to the point she was trying to make. “You insulted me in front of everyone Karen,” she remarked.“You mean you insulted me for my own good?”
She added with the sort of intensity required to deal with a matter of such magnitude
“Can you hear yourself talk?” she inquired with a silly smile to explain how much of a folly she was, trying to put up such effusive defense in a matter that needed a sincere apology. She’d ignored the fact that she’d flaunted herself at Adam that night, but undermining her personality in that manner? She’d lost the right to called her friend, her actions were inexcusable
“Yes…I mean no”. She cut in, confused and trying hard to put her defense in a more convincing manner. “I mean I didn’t want Paula to cause problems between you two, since they are engaged, if you know what I mean.” Her gaze dragged at the impulse of her words.
“What, they are engaged?” Kate asked before she could shove the words back into her throat, not to let Karen know much she was being affected by everything happening with the blue bloods.
“You see, that’s why I did that, to save you from the wench.” She jested in a pretentious laughter to ascertain if the news she’d brought will put her in Kate’s good books. “The engagement is tonight.” She added, tearing Kate’s world into tiny shreds. At this, a thick spring of tears flushed through her chin creating a little pool around her neckline. She fought with the tears to no avail.
“Kate, are you okay?” She asked with daring eyes that revealed her true intentions for coming over at Kate’s. She’d sought to cling to the sophisticated Paula and through their family ties, lure Adam into inducing a moment of want. She’d underestimated Karen and she’d lost her friendship. She sought to use the incident of the engagement as a bridge to reconcile with Kate.
“Yes, off course I’m okay’’. She replied, to cancel any feeling of pain that Karen may want to use for her petty gossip.
“I was hoping you could accompany me, my entire family was invited”. Karen emitted a pretentious smile, wondering what it would be like, for her to watch her most beloved Adam in the bosom of another woman. She wanted her to have a taste of her own medicine, to know much it hurt, to be rejected for another.
“No, I can’t come. I have a lot of commitments today, as a matter of fact; I’m going on a date tonight.” Kate faked a half smile that didn’t cross her cheeks while Karen emitted a blank gaze that exposed her vile motives.
“Okay. She responded dazed by who she could be going on a date with.
“Paula, I knew in my heart that you and Adam were meant for each other. Laura teased under her slight French accent. She’d recently moved to Italy to visit her aunt. Her slight plump shape was no match for her beauty as her rare eyes added glamour to her overall facial appearance.
“You can say that again Laura.” Paula tucked her cheek while she polished her creamy face with reddish blush, to taint her cheeks and give her the look desired for the night.
Adam was already seated at the high table and his regalia fitted neatly into his cute masculine walls. Stewart and Kingsley sat in one corner of the large and fanciful decorated hall with glasses of Champagne and perhaps engaging in some business talks.
They proposed a toss and the excitement in their faces, was a blend of friendship and achievement. Victoria and Katherine were in the most sophisticated attire chattering in high spirits, while the numerous guests filled their seats under the purple silvery penumbra bulbs, giving the room an ambiance worthy of the occasion.
Adam glanced at his diamond watch occasionally as though he had an urgent appointment to attend to. He nestled by Richie and they barely spoke as Richie’s eyes accompanied steadily, every female butt that streamed into the room. Adam looked pale and his overall countenance, without any form of exaggeration was that of a mourner at a funeral.
Paula scanned the hall for Adam who was almost lost in the heaving crowd that was dancing to the rhythm of the sweet melody the DJ induced. He was the best in the district and Paula had made sure he’d arrived hours earlier to begin the occasion with the beats deserving of it.
Her purple flooring robe, that matched his tie crossed above his black suit, exposed her back to her milky waistline and encompassing the floor beneath her toes in a classical glass sandal. She held Adam closely and dying in his arms, she plunged him into a dance and they mingled in the boisterous crowd.
Chapter 6
There night came with so many blessings for Paula, but marked the end of Adam’s dream of finding true happiness in life. He’d adhered to the demands of Paula and his family but only fate could guide them to the path they’d both engaged in. He was going to live up to the expectations of a good dad. His only obligation to the marriage was his son and nothing more.
“It’s been such a long night.” Paula said, grabbing Adam’s arms tightly as they trailed into the Meridan hotel which was one of the most glamorous in the district. The gigantic figure was a creation of the eighties but it was a blend of luxury and good taste. Adam had worn a sad expression all night and even at the point where he had to make the official announcements for their engagement, the sadness didn’t desert him even for one second.
It was the worse night of his life but he had to accept his fate. It was for the good of his family. Paula was the perfect merchandise for Kingsley to revive his business and his connections and she’d readily presented herself, to be used by him.
“Yeah!” Adam responded coldly .He could barely drag himself as all that he needed was a good rest. His thoughts stuck beneath his guts and he could barely see. The sparkling light from the pinnacle of the building almost blinded him while they explored the long stairs that finally led to an elevator. They jumped and pressed a button while the elevator closed and they were mute for seconds. Paula sought to break the arching silence that had suddenly become a part of them by initiating the sort of romance she’d hoped will be part of her engagement night. Adam had played a casual smile when either Stewart or Victoria came to congratulate them. She’d emitted an expressive smile when he saw his reaction towards his parents.
It was becoming clear to her that he’d put up a good show, to dismiss any form of disconcertion on their part. She slid from one portion of the elevator and pressed a nasty kiss on his lips, which he instantly refuted with a hand that spoke out the words, for her to keep her distance. She persisted with the kiss, while the elevator broke open to reveal a small mob that had watched the little cinema she’d put up.
“What was the meaning of that” She brooded, with inspective eyes to make sure the crowd had disappeared. Apparently the people were guests in the hotel and they’d been waiting for a free elevator, that had led to her embarrassment .They’d murmured within their guts in slight chuckles, but their eyes sure spoke more than was enough to tamper with her pride.
“What’s the meaning of what?” He brooded to keep her lousy mouth shut. He’d accepted to be with her, but he wasn’t going to let her boss him around. She wanted him to act as if she’d not forced him into that so called union. He wasn’t happy and he was going to make sure she reaped the seed of her persuasion.
“That?” She responded, not having the guts to look him in the eye.
“What?” He responded furiously as he slotted a card that opened the room number 108. He dragged his huge mass into the room and headed straight for the expansive bathroom that had four huge white towels and an elaborate bath bowl.
“Don’t pretend as if you don’t know what I’m talking about Adam.” She added toasting her purse to one side of the bed, and pulling off her shoes to give her the stamina she so deserved to tell the man his mind.
“I honestly don’t know what you are barking about?” Adam retaliated, taking off his suit and trying to get a glimpse of the room. A huge white wardrobe, stood at the edge of the room, facing the elaborate bed with designs of red roses. It would have been the perfect bed to consummate his glorious engagement but certainly not with Paula.
“I now bark?” She raced towards him as though she wanted to pick a fight with him; he ignored her ranting ass and took off his shirt, to freshen up.
“Don’t you dare
walk out on me coward” She trailed behind him while he entered the bathroom and tried to shut the door.
“You want to kill yourself because I refused giving you a kiss?” he slid the door open allowing a little space just to feet his eyes and hers. “Mark my words Paula; you’ll never ever have a tasted of this body.” He insisted looking down at his cock and nodding repulsively to make sure she’d understood the point he was making.
“Try me Adam.” She yelled while the bathroom door banged right before she could say the words.
The beauty of the spring was expressed amongst the green leafy shrubs that swayed in willowy patterns as the wind beat melodic drums that could be compared to nothing but the sweet chanting of the distant birds and the roaring falls that painted the district. The moon shone extraordinarily and she could see her huge mass formed in front of her.
The house was void of anything alive except her mother’s snoring choruses that challenged the silence. Jack had called home much earlier and said he would be working overtime, which was typical of him. She’d never spent ample time with her father even as a little child, because he had to work extra hard to support the family. As a child she blamed her father, but there was one thing he always said that she’d come to fully understand. That life was a constant struggle and that was why he was happy, even though he toiled in the scorching sun. She’d always dreamed of a better life for her and her family. But as fate will always have its way, she was back to square one.
The news Karen brought her in the early morning had set her entire day into misery. She’d helped her mother to cut some of the materials for the robes of the prestigious choirs in the St Peter’s cathedral .She’d been a local designer for as long as she’d known her mother. She was a tireless worker and she’d wished to make her dream of becoming a popular designer a reality. She was back in her home, with nothing to offer her family. She’d applied for odd jobs around the town but only a few employers took her in, though as a part timer. Without a college degree, getting a job in the city was as hard as meeting an honest man. She’d desired to enroll in a nursing school and build a career in nursing, but the financial manpower was lacking.
