Dealing with the Mafia King

Episode four

James pressed a woman against the wall, his hand shamelessly hovering over her body, his lips dangerously close to hers. Claire’s breath hitched as the dim light cast their shadow.

Just as she takes a step back, hoping she hasn’t been noticed, James lifts his head and locks contact with her, his expression filled with a slow smirk instead of guilt and surprise as if he’s expecting her.

Claire’s stomach turned with disgust, feeling humiliated and furious. Without a word, she dashes back to her room, slamming the door behind her.

She presses her back against the door, trying to steady the storm inside her. Why? Was he doing this to taunt her? To prove a point? To remind her their marriage is just a transaction?

But at least I deserve to be respected, she thought

She clenches her fist, refusing to let the thought bother her.

“If James wants to play games, I’m also in for it too”

She thought to herself

On seeing Claire’s annoyance, he releases himself from the woman

“Let’s go to sleep. I’m tired,” he said casually, adjusting his collar as if nothing happened

Angel blinked in confusion, her lips parted. “What do you mean? “She asks, pressing herself against his body “But I want you, James” she whispered in his ear, her voice laced with frustration and desire.

James gently brushed a strand of hair from her face before leaning close, his lips barely grazing her ear

“ Wanting something doesn’t mean you’ll always get it,” he said, his voice low and taunting.

She stiffened. “James,” she called, shocked and surprised at the same time.

He pulled back, his expression devoid of warmth. “Go to bed,” he said, stepping past her without another glance.

Claire wakes up feeling all refreshed; she makes herself breakfast instead of dwelling on less important matters.

On getting to the kitchen, she met Angela, ordering the maid around.

She greets her, but gets no response in return. She shrugged her shoulders and proceeded to do what she came to do in the kitchen.

Marient met her cooking and attempted to help her, but she refused. “Instead, let’s talk; tell me about you. How long have you been working here?” she said

“Ma’am, which should I answer first?” she replied smiling

“Okay, anyone,” said Claire happily

“Have been working here for almost 10 years now,” Marinet answered.

“Really! That’s a long time,” Claire replied, surprisingly.

“How have you been coping with a boss like him?” Claire asked

“He’s a nice person, he just wants people to respect him; if you get to know him better, you’ll understand better,” replied Marinet

Claire scoffed,” Indeed he is”

“And what about that lady?” she asked curiously

“Marinet, look at her surprise; you don’t know who she is?” She asked

“I don’t know her,” replied Claire

“Oh, okay, she’s the Boss’ girlfriend,” she said

Okay, thanks so much marinet, you made my morning, it was nice conversing with you, we will do this some other time, bye .”

Claire left the kitchen with a tray of food in her hand and went back to her room.

On getting to her room, she got a missed call from her uncle, she decided to call him back

After some ringing, he picked

“Hello” his voice came through the phone

“How are you?” He added

“Fine thank you” replied Claire

“How is it going over there? You need to come home; I have something to discuss with you,” he said, his voice firm as always.

”Okay, I’ll ask James and let you know,” Clair said softly.

How is my sis…” she wanted to ask, but her uncle cut her off and ended the call.

Claire dropped her phone on the bed and focused on her food.

“What could he want from me again” she thought, pushing every negative thought at the back of her mind

“Everything is going to be fine,” she assured herself

“James,” Angela’s voice cut through James’ study fuming

“What happened?” James asked

“That b***h you called wife dares to insult me; you need to put her in her place,” she said angrily

“Okay, you need to calm down and tell me what happened,” James said

“I was in the kitchen fixing something for us, and on seeing me, she started calling me names with that filthy old maid,” she said, almost crying.

Furious, James, without thinking, rushed down, calling Claire, his voice dangerously loud.

Claire, lost in her thoughts, heard someone yelling her name. She went down to be met with a very furious James

“What happened? Why are you yelling my name like that?” a resounding slap landed on her face before she could realize it.

“How dare you insult Angela?” Hun! James resort

“What” Claire asked confused

“You insulted me when I came down earlier,” Angela said smugly, filling her face mockingly

So, you slapped me without hesitation just for that? She asked, surprise written all over her face.

“You know what! To hell with the two of you, I have no explanation to give you James, she said what she said and it’s what it is.” She said at the brim of tears but held it in and walked out on them

“Babe, you see what I told them? She just talked to you like that and even walked out on you,” Angela said, provoking James

James stormed out of the mansion leaving Angela alone in the living Room.

Claire closed the door behind her and pressed her back against it, tears streaming down her face.

What have you done to yourself? Is this how you’ll continue for the rest of your life? Is this the life you want? Asked her subconscious mind

“You don’t have my options, do you? Remember, your sister’s safety lies in your hand; whatever choice you make will affect her, either positively or negatively. So be wise.” Said another voice

So, you’ll just endure this, allowing them to treat you as a prisoner, criminal names? Reply another voice

“Keep quiet you all” Claire shouted, feeling exhausted.

“You’re strong, you’re beautiful, you’re going to be fine,” she assured herself.

She wiped her tears and went to freshen up.

She dressed in a simple gown and decided to take a walk.

She walks to the garden near the mansion to clear up her head.

She sat quietly on the green grass, staring at the sky, wishing and hoping for miracles to happen in her life.

Lost in her thoughts, someone tapped her on the shoulder. She turned around and couldn’t help but smile brightly.