Chapter Two
1300 Words
The slap resonated through the room as Marietta shook with anger.
“You think he's as useless as you are?” She yelled, her voice booming with anger.
Isaiah's horrified expression morphed into one of satisfaction while Regan stood still, embarrassed and disgraced. Marietta turned to face Donna. “You can do better than….this.”
Donna nodded her head, embarrassed for her shameful husband.
“This wine is original, the best ever.” Marietta announced.
“It's fake.” Regan argued.
She scoffed, scowling at the wooden box he held in his hand. “And what you have there is better?”
“It's a longevity scroll, I had it made just for you.” Regan explained.
She snickered in derision and the rest of the family laughed at him. “Away with the trash!”
“I'm sorry.” Regan apologized, stomaching the insult.
“Fall to his feet and apologize!”
Regan inhaled deeply, his reputation was already ruined, doing this would ruin that of his wife, he could see from that corner of her eyes, how teary she was. Resolved, he fell on his knees before Isaiah.
“I'm sorry, I was wrong.” He apologized.
“It's alright brother-in-law, you don't know luxury even if it hit you in the face, no need to feel bad.” Isaiah gloated.
Regan got up to his feet and walked up to his wife. Donna, unable to bear the shame, slapped him. “You dishonor me!”
He watched as his wife stomped away. Isaiah smirked at him, Regan knew exactly what had happened, the old woman knew it was a fake but why would she have to embarrass her grandson for a very useless son-in-law instead?
The rest of the family found their way around while he was left there, humiliated like every other year for the past three years. A family dinner was scheduled for that night but before then, they all had to go their designated room and do whatever they pleased.
In a slightly dim room, Ling and June; Donna's parents sat at the table, ruminating on the events of the day.
“Don’t you think we ruined her life by getting her married to him?” June asked her husband, referring to Regan.
Ling exhaled slowly. “June, Dad wanted this.”
“I know, but he's dead now and she's suffering from such ridicule because of it, let's get her divorced. They don't have a child yet, she could marry some rich divorcee as well, she's attractive-”
“June! Don't objectify your daughter.”
“What? At least she's better off without that dummy of a husband who brings her nothing but shame.”
“You think I haven't had enough of it?” Donna interrupted, walking into the room.
Juna frowned a little while her daughter sat with them at the table. “You should divorce him, I was telling your father how-”
“I heard you Mom but I want you to know that grandpa's dying wish is that I remain married to him, whatever happens, he's my husband and I'll appreciate if you respect that.” Donna interjected.
“Are you going to spend the rest of your life with him? You'll never gain the respect of the rest of the family.” June revealed.
Donna guffawed. “Dad has been working hard all his life yet they disrespect him, I can manage.”
“Don't talk to-” June began to complain but Ling gave her hand a gentle squeeze. He agreed with his daughter.
A gentle knock on the door interrupted their discussion.
“May I come in?” Regan requested.
June flared her nostrils as Donna gave her consent. Regan walked in with his head hung low. “I'm done with the dishes, is there anything I can help you with?”
“There! All you've got is a house help for a husband, useless!” June snorted.
“Mom!” Donna chastised and rose to her feet. “Let's go.” She ordered Regan, he bowed his head once more in obeisance before leaving the room with his wife.
“What is wrong with you? All I ask for is for you not to embarrass me or my family, is that too much?” Donna asked, her voice breaking.
Regan could see her frustration and that she was at the edge of breaking, the past three years has been hell for the poor girl, she was tormented by her own family because of his financial status, because of him.
All he did was to cook, clean, do laundry and run errands while she assumed position of the husband, it was impossible to blame her for hating him, after all; he ruined her chances of having a good life.
“I'm sorry Donna.” He apologized.
She snorted. “That's all you've ever been, sorry. Can't you just be something better? Do you want to live the rest of your life like this?” She asked, desperation evident in her tone.
“Lover's quarrel?” Isaiah's mocking voice boomed.
Donna frowned, not hiding her displeasure at his abrupt presence.
“You know, he did put you in your place, don't even bother aiming for the top, live the rest of your life quietly, as a pauper's wife.” Isaiah jested.
“Go away Isaiah!” Donna fired at him.
“Why? Do you could have sometime alone with your wife? You know, when grandpa was still alive, he chose you over us, bragged openly about you to everyone and he didn't even try to hide how much he favored you, he had high hopes for you, so high that we all tried to desperately impress him, thinking all his fortune would go to you and I hated you for it but his worse mistake was getting you married to this bum, you finally get to be where you deserve; among lowlifes.” Isaiah confessed.
“Don't speak to her in such manner!” Regan said, defensively.
“You know the wine is truly fake but grandma would rather die than embarrass me, that shows how useless you are so scram, how about you fall at my feet and kiss my shoe, I'll give you a thousand dollars for that.” Isaiah offered, arrogantly.
“Isaiah!” Donna cautioned him, her eyes filled with tears.
“What? You look like you need the money.”
Donna gave Regan a very painful look then she walked away. Regan walked away as well, Isaiah's laughter trailing after them.
He caught up to Donna who wasn't satisfied with his insistence. “Do you really want me to be better?”
“Yes! I'm sick of this ridiculous lifestyle and misery, I'm trying to see the bright side of things but there seems to be none and I'm sorry Regan but I'm exhausted.” She spat out, her voice cracking.
“I'm sorry.” He apologized.
“Of course you are, don't follow me, you’ve embarrassed me enough.” She retorted, sarcastically then walked away.
Breathing deeply, Regan retraced his steps back to the staff quarters where he assisted with the chores, his mind strayed back to the conversation he had with Donna, though she gave him a hard time sometimes, she still treated him like human and with respect, most times, she treated him humanly.
Being the only one who accepted him thr way he was, Regan decided it was time to repay her, he had gotten accustomed to her presence so it was impossible to leave.
In a safe corner, he brought out his phone and dialed a number. “Hello, let's meet at the DragonCrest Fall, bring along the transfer of ownership, I've considered your request.”
- Writer
