Lawfully His Book 1.

Chapter 16

Chapter 16

CONSEQUENCES

Melissa Fernando

My breathing was rapid and shallow. I could practically hear the sound of my heart throbbing against the cage of my chest. I bit my lips harder this time, I felt the metallic taste, and I instantaneously knew that blood oozed from my lips. He dragged me into the study. When he released my arm, my shaky legs immediately gave in, and I fell down. Tersely, I looked up and met his heinous stare. "Get up!" He said more like yelled, but I didn't conform and kept sitting on the cold floor with tears streaming face down my "Very well, you want it the hard way. So be it." Puzzled, I watched as he took out his mobile phone. He sent me an atrocious and wicked look, causing me to quiver in fear.

"I believe Mrs. Andrea Claus is very dear to you. She is the owner of the quite famous boutique; The Primrose Claus. Her husband, a 49 years old man who works as an Intermediate Software Developer at Golden & Co. An old happy couple with no child but the guardian of their 21 years old niece Demy, who also happens to be one of the best friends of my dear wife. Correct me if I am wrong!" I gasped in bewilderment at him.

How come he knows about them? I continued to stare at him for what seemed like a lifetime before realization drew into me.

"You had me investigated. How dare you!" I pointed out accusingly. The brass of that man!

"You are not completely stupid then!" He said, and I scoffed openly at him, causing him to narrow his eyes.

"You know, for lenders, loans are riskier because the loan's collateral isn't being used for housing, property, at least not in the near terms of our concerned topic." Confusion embedded my nerves as I listened to him.

Why is he talking about loans?!

"Now comes the most interesting part! Some lenders stand in need of a 50 per cent down payment. Mr. Raphael Harold is one of my business associates and the owner of the land where Mrs. Andrea has constructed her boutique. He is a local lender who is familiar with the property and, therefore, requires 50 per cent down payment, but your aunt was able to pay only for 20 per cent. The contact states that if she doesn't make full payment at the end of the year, then the lender will take back his land."

"But the case is reversed, Mr Harold Owe me a great fortune, and he will do anything I say to settle the debt. And I believe it's high time for you to learn your lesson." Fear crept through my spine along with confusion. He put the mobile across his ear and waited for the person to pick up the call. Then, after some time, he finally spoke. other -Indeed Harold? You do remember our last discussion, don't you?!" -That's right, I want you to pull in the protocol; the indenture on Mrs. Andrea. Do it within 35 seconds. That's all I am offering.

It took me a moment to perceive what he meant, and when I did, I became white as chalk with my eyes wide opened. I was horrified. There must be some other explanation. Oh God, no. No, I must be getting the wrong idea. He doesn't mean that he can't do that. He wouldn't be that heartless. He can't be. Please, God, please, let it not be what I'm thinking. My heart was hammering in my chest, I could feel the vein in my temple popping.

Please, Lord, have mercy!

"A-Aries, what d-did in a shaky voice, fearing the answer. I had a strange, egregious feeling about this. No, I must be optimistic. God! do?" I asked you. He sent me a wicked smirk before answering after a few minutes, "Call your aunt, I am quite sure she is having a breakdown right now." He said, giving me his phone, but I didn't need to call her for confirmation. I knew what this vile man had done, but he had already dialled her number, and just in time, she answered the call. I wasn't greeted by her usual sweet and cheery voice. Instead, her voice seemed to contain desolation, sorrow, and melancholy.

"Mel- Isa", She stuttered while saying my name that was followed by cries, causing me to choke back a sob that was desperately trying to escape my throat.

I couldn't take it, hearing her voice was depressing in a way. "Aunty, wh-.... why are you crying." I tried to maintain my voice the best I could and asked her, although I knew the source of her sadness, but I didn't have a choice.

I look at Aries, who had a victorious emotion dancing in his ocean blue eyes. Aunt Andrea let out a sob followed by uncontrollable cries.

"It's all o-over Melissa, ever-everything is gone. My b-b.. Melissa, my boutique is gone. They took it away, the- the land. The boutique will be d-demolished after this week, Melissa... they want to construct their factory. The one that I was able to call mine, my possession, it's gone now. I have nothing.." I clamped my palm on my mouth to stop myself from crying. I couldn't hear it anymore, tears glide on my cheeks and became my vision became watery.

There was a shuffling noise on the other side before Uncle Mark's voice was heard. His voice wasn't any better. The dejection and grief were apparent. "Melissa dear, your aunt is having a hard time right now. The lender has been very merciless. It's all gone dear, her dream. The boutique held so much importance to her. She started it with hard work, and now they took it away. She is broken, I can't see her like this. She can't control herself, and I'm worried about her health. I don't want to sound rude, but can you please call later? She can't talk with you right now." With that being said, he cut the call with a defeated sigh. I fell down on the floor, my face drenched in tears.

Oh God, Aunty...

Her uncontrollable cries kept repeating in my head. I clutched my head tightly, trying to stop the headache.

Everything started coming back, rage consumed my system, and I stood up before the man who was the inception of everything.

I lunged at him angrily, clutching his throat. He didn't see that coming. Therefore, wasn't prepared, causing him to lose his balance, and we both fell down with me on top of him. I sat on him with my legs on either side of his waist and gripped the collar his shirt.

"You bastard! How dare you!" I yelled at him while shaking him furiously. He said nothing, which enraged me more. I punched his chest furiously, I kept giving him punch after punch until I was breathless and exhausted. If only his chest wasn't so hard, I would have kept going, but my fists were hurting from the impact

"Why did you do that? Why?!! They are suffering because of y. I didn't get to finish the sentence as I was shoved against the wall. My breathing stopped as he leaned his face closer to mine, putting his hand on both sides of my head. He caged me across the wall.

"Hold on that tongue of yours, young lady. They are suffering because of YOU. You are the cause of her destruction. Your aunt is in pain only because of you. Everything happened because of you and only you. I warned you not to mess with me, but you defied me anyway, and that is the consequence of your undoing. Keep in mind Melissa Fernando that you- are- the- culprit. You!" He released me and went outside the room, leaving me with thousands of thoughts in my mind.

One moment, I was standing there motionless, and at once, I landed on the ground. It was as if the realization had taken off every wisp of air from my lungs, leaving me breathless. I laid on the floor struggling for air, and I tried to inhale and exhale.

Anything, but noth- ing worked. I felt like I was dying. Tears escaped out of my eyes. That's it, I'm go- ing to die now. Still, I clutched my throat desperately, trying to breathe. What the hell is wrong with me?! I started to feel angry at myself for unknown reasons.

I wasn't until I heard someone shout, suddenly I was being carried off and soon I felt myself being disposed on a soft, comfy mattress making me feel so like I'm on clouds. I instantly relaxed and glanced at him. My vision became clearer, and I could see the face of a man giving me a glass of water. Sam! It was Sam, I gulped down the water, and after a moment, my breathing became normal. Sam went to open the windows, and I inhaled the fresh air, which helped greatly calm my nerves.

"Now, would you tell me what that little merchandise was. You were sweating on the floor with tears leaking out of your eyes, and you were gripping your throat like your life depended on it. You were having a panic attack! Why?" He asked softly, but I kept quiet. Concern was stretched across his beautiful face. Oh God! Everything happened because of me,

I caused so much pain to Aunt Andrea, who was so sweet and caring to me. How could I be that selfish?

How?! I must relate this to Aunty. I should tell her that I'm the cause of her suffering. I am the guilty party

But.....

No, Aries is the culprit.

I would never in my right mind do something that will cause pain to my loved ones. He is just messing with my head. He is manipulating me like my mother did. I wasn't the one who called the lender and ordered him to take his land back. Although Aries did it because he was angry and he was angry at me. But still, it doesn't make me the culprit.

Partly, it is my fault, but not entirely, and I won't admit to something I didn't commit. Howbeit, I must fix this even if I have to get on my knees and beg. I'll swallow my pride, I'll do it for Aunt Andrea.

"My little merchandise, where are you lost?!" I broke out of my reverie when I heard Sam whining. Typical Sam! He stared at me for a while as if studying me. "Stop looking at me like that, you i***t!" I snapped at him, causing him to jump in fright.

"There, there, my fiery little merchandise is back. I'll ask you something and I expect an honest answer from you. Trust me, it's for your own good, Melissa."

I smiled, hearing him addressing me by my real name.

It was odd and funny but that means he is serious right now I rolled my eyes just to show him that the seriousness doesn't suit him before saying, "Fine, go ahead and ask me anything." He took my hand in his, squeezing it as if reassuring me. "Is it Aries? Were you in that state because of Aries?! Tell me with pure honesty, please, so that I can help. I opened my mouth and closed it, not knowing how to respond. Should I tell him? Well, he is my friend now, and I do u." Trust him.

I was still debating on what to say, but then he spoke again, "Just so you know little merchandise, I'm aware of your situation. I know that you and my best friend aren't a happy married couple. Most importantly, I know about his intense thirst for revenge." The declaration made me speechless. He knew about everything all along, and yet he tried to make me trust him.

That imbecile! He was no better than Aries.

I angrily removed my hand from his, seeing my action, he immediately said, It's not what you think merchandise, I have never side up with him. I know you are innocent in all this. When that incident occurred with Isa mom, you were just an adolescent. But Aries is too consumed with rage. He is too blinded by hatred and bloodthirsty for revenge to realize that. He only sees you as the best way to extract his. I'm sorry to say, but your vengeance is the pawn in his game. And well, there is the fact that he hates you with intensity." I look at him with a stupid dumb-founded expression.

To say I was as- astonished would be an understatement. I never thought that he had knowledge about past incidents.

He also knows that Aries despises me. How is that possible?

You dumbo-jumbo, he is Aries’ best friend, of course, he would know duh! But still, Aries doesn't look like someone who opens up with people, even if it is his friend. That just doesn't seem like him.

Anyway, perhaps Sam is very close to Aries and his family. That is why he knows about such personal matters. He called Aries’ mother Isa mom. The thought made me smile. Of course, that makes sense. He will call her mom only if he is close to her. To them! Retardant Melissa! Shut up!! "But your mother is really one cruel b***h. Sorry, I mean no offence, but I agree with Aries on that, she is one talented gold digger." He stated angrily, I didn't say anything because that was true. My mother is exactly how he described, she is indeed a b***h I decided to c***k a joke in order to break the painful silence, "If you say my mother is a b***h then I'm a puppy." It took him a while to acknowledge what I was rambling about before he broke into fits of laughter.

"Nah, you are my little merchandise. But Aries must know that you are not like your mother. The difference between you and Rosemary is like day and night. When he told me that he is bringing you here, I thought that I would meet a spoilt bitchy brat guessing from Rosemary's character but hell how wrong I was! I have a smart mouth that gets me into trouble most of the time. But you have a golden heart, and the thing I love the most about your personality is that you are funny, not boring and dull." He said looking at me with a soft smile causing my cheeks to redden. agree that I was never good at receiving compliments, I know it's weird but I get easily shy and embarrassed when someone compliments me. I mouthed him a quick 'thank you' still blushing.

"Now tell me what did that asshole do to make you cry?" I gasped hearing him, not only because he called the great Aries Alexopoulos and asshole but be- cause of the fact that I have completely forgotten about my objective. I need to fix the mess for aunty!

Damn, I've already wasted so much time. I jumped out of bed startling Sam and ran out of the room. I ignored Sam who was calling me and dashed towards the only place where I'll find that arrogant prick. The library! Standing outside the door, I knocked three times on the door. "Come in." After hearing his command- ing voice, I took a deep breath and prepared myself for the worst Then I opened the door and entered the library.