Taming the Ruthless

Margarette

Chapter 5: Margarette

I don't know what Lucas did to the body of Ezekiel's coach after Gus ordered him that day. It's almost impossible to get rid of that horrible feeling and it haunts me every night. Who wants to see a lifeless body lying in front of you? Gus is also gone now because, according to him, he has a business to fix which is important, but he did not mention when he will return. I’m happy though, and I can’t seem to explain why. I thought my life was filled with misfortune. I thought I would never enjoy freedom again. I thought that for the rest of my life I would be imprisoned in my father's greed. I thought I would never experience being happy again. I thought I would just be lost in a world full of pain, grief, and sadness in my heart. I thought that my grievances and the cries of my emotions would be locked in my heart. My mind awoke to the present when I heard Lucas’ baritone voice.

"Boss tells you that he might stay in Greece for a while because he has something important to do and he is currently taking care of it there. Even if he wants to explain to you what that is, it's not possible and will only put your life in jeopardy if you find out even a little bit. He also asks that he hopes you take care of Ezekiel and Cattleya because he knows that's what you're going to do. Do you want to tell him something, Miss Aisha?"

I just smiled at the thought.

"Can you please just tell him, Lucas, that he should be careful and take care of his health? Don't let him worry about Cattleya and Ezekiel because I will take care of them. I understand why he can't say what he went to that country for. His safety is the most important thing to me, that's all. Thank you very much, Lucas."

"You will be obeyed and informed, Miss Aisha."

I just smiled back at him before he turned his back on me and started walking away when a realization hit me. I don't want to be bored here at home. I'm very anxious to see the outside. In ten years, I can only see the road when I look out the window. I can call it luck if there is a passing car, but very often only a few choose to pass there.

"Wait, Lucas! Can I pick up the kids at their school? I'm always at home. And I'm bored," I said softly. He stopped, then looked at me and sighed. Looks like… looks like it's not possible.

"Boss strictly ordered that you can't go out because your situation is too dangerous now. Maybe someone will know you because your face is all over the media. I hope you understand, Miss Aisha. But if you want to come, because Boss knows that you insist, you should know how to hide your identity so that no one will suspect and report to the authorities."

Suddenly my mood brightened at what he said. But how can I hide my identity? Hayes… this is hard. Wait…

"Miss hasn’t been to school yet… I mean Mrs. Dalton, she hasn’t been to her children's school yet, not even on Family Day either. No one has seen or met her there. So you could be Mrs. Dalton—just wear sunglasses or whatever tactics you have to hide your cover," Lucas suggested.

Right! Fortunately, Lucas was smart and thought of a solution. I quickly went to the bedroom, then got dressed and arranged myself. I just curled my hair and put on some make-up. Look!! I'm far from my face. Hahaha, they won't recognize me anymore. I only wear make-up once but that's kinda great! I saw Lucas with another two bodyguards waiting for me.

"You are… I mean, we can go now, Miss Aisha." It looked like he wanted to say something but he dismissed it.

I just nodded and followed him. I was being escorted by these two men by my side. They made sure that I got in the car safely and they didn't even allow my head to be hit somewhere.

"Cattleya and Ezekiel will be very happy because you will pick them up, Miss Aisha," I heard Lucas say. I just smiled and diverted my attention outside. They will surely be pleased that I will pick them up at school myself. I looked around and it looked like I was right that in the woods was the location of Gus’ mansion. Quiet and far from civilization. I didn’t even feel the slightest bit of nervousness as we walked through this secluded place. I feel so protected.

"What was the name of Augustus' wife, do you know, Lucas?"

"I can't tell you and I'm sorry. It's forbidden to mention her name and Boss strictly forbids that. You understand me, Miss Aisha, don't you? I can't disobey his order."

I just nodded and then fell silent. It is quite far before it reaches its limit. I could see the huge gate slowly opening when we passed and it also closed immediately. Now I can see the tall buildings. Lots of people walking. I smiled watching them. Maybe it's fun to walk and socialize with them.

"Their school is pretty close. Do you want to go somewhere or go after you pick them up?" Lucas seemed hesitant to say that. I smiled immediately. He was the first person to ask me if I wanted to go somewhere.

What he said made me think. Where have I always wanted to go? There are many. I want to go to the park! To the beach! Go abroad! Watch a movie! And what's more… I'm forgetting so much about it. But what is dominant? It is very difficult to choose just one. I can't count the ones I want to go to with only one or two hands.

"I'm not forcing you to decide right away. I'll ask you later or just tell me what you've decided. I think that's better, isn't it, Miss Aisha?"

That's a good idea. I need to think about it carefully, then I also don't know what to choose.

"Thank you so much, Lucas. I can't measure how happy I am today because of you. Thank you so much. We're friends, aren't we?" I was very encouraged to assume that. That's just how I treat him. He is also loyal to Gus. Then I see his sincere love and concern for my children.

"I can't say yes, but I also can't say no. It's up to you, young lady. I have no right to say no and disobey what you want."

He is like a robot who is programmed, and then a puppet that follows all the desired movements of the person holding him. I'm impressed with his behavior and loyalty to Gus. A person like him should not be wasted but should be cared for and trusted. I think Gus sees and considers him a close friend. There is also a lot of trust in him.

"We're here, Miss Aisha."

I looked outside and surveyed the whole school. My eyes widened because the school was so big! The students here are really rich. The vehicle stopped right in the very center of the school where the largest door stood facing us.

They opened the car door for me and made sure my head wouldn't hit. I could feel the stares around, as if everyone was waiting and watching to see who would get out of this car. I’m wearing the shades I saw earlier in the drawer. Nothing really— I just want to hide my face.

"Who are you? It looks like I've only just seen such a face." The security at the school greeted me immediately, staring at me. I don’t know why, but I felt scared by the way he was looking at me. It's a feeling I can't explain.

"I was insulted by the way you spoke and criticized my boss's queen. Do you want to be strangled, the same way one of your colleagues was? That sounds fun to hear, doesn't it?" Goosebumps spread across my skin at Lucas’ voice. It was so terrifying it could make anyone feel it. I saw the guard's eyes widen suddenly, and the defined emotion that crossed his face was pure regret for what he had just said to me.

I felt bad about it. I was about to speak when suddenly he knelt down, crying and begging me.

"Please forgive me, Lady. I didn't mean to sound so rude talking to you. I–I have kids. Please spare me! Please, Lady. My wife needs me… they will surely starve to death if I die. Please, show mercy on me."

My heart ached at what he said. I wish all fathers were as loving and caring as he is. I was about to kneel so that we were on the same level, but Lucas immediately grabbed my arm and stopped me.

"I want to apologize for the blasphemy I committed in holding your arm, but I'd rather not let you kneel in front of that immodest person. Don’t plan to show him your pure heart, young lady, because he doesn't deserve it."

But he is not at fault if he does not know me. This is not a big deal, and threatening his life is an even greater sin. I didn’t answer Lucas and instead carefully took his hand that was holding my arm. He was about to protest, but when I smiled at him, he kept quiet, averted his eyes, and sighed— a sign that he could no longer stop me.

"Why didn’t I think that you were also stubborn and didn’t listen to orders, young lady? This will kill me one day. Please understand."

I heard the annoyance in his voice. I decided not to kneel anymore. It looks like Lucas will have a big problem if I keep pushing things. I don’t want to hurt him or cause him trouble because of what I do.

"You don’t have to kneel, because I don’t belong to blue blood or nobility for you to bow down in front of me just to apologize. Lucas will not kill you, because I will not let that happen. Stand up, go back to your duty, and take away the apprehension and fear."

I smiled as I saw him stand up and rub the dirt from his pants. He also wiped the tears from his eyes.

"Thank you very much, Miss. Thank you very much, and please forgive me."

He quickly walked back to his post, his face now clearer.

"Why do you even have to scare him like that? Do you think murder is a joke? I don't know why you’re happy with that kind of threat, Lucas."

He didn’t speak. He just turned his back on me and started walking, so I followed. He was scary.

"Sometimes you have to scare their lives against them, Miss Aisha. You cannot apply goodness to everything. Because no matter how kind you are, they will only fool you, especially if you show weakness. I hope… I hope you understand me, young lady, because I have been fooled many times because of that kind of kindness." He said it firmly.

His mind was too closed. I just let him be. But we stopped at the same time when someone smiled at us— or was it at me?

"Welcome to this school, Mrs. Dalton. We are very happy that you have finally visited. I am Serena Miller, the headmistress of this school."

I smiled back, though doubtful. What should I say? They all seemed eager to hear me speak, to hear my voice.

"She’s Miss Margarette Elyse Dalton. And if you can, don’t look at her like that or talk to her like that. Do we understand each other, ladies?"

Wait— why did my name become like that?! I’m really stupid, probably. Hide your identity, Aisha. Why can’t you understand this? Thank goodness Lucas is here to catch me whenever I make mistakes or slip with words and deeds.

"Let's go, Mrs. Dalton. Ezekiel and Cattleya must be waiting. Next time, talk to each other and have a good time, Miss Serena."

Lucas quickly grabbed my arm and pulled me away from them. I just smiled at them to make up for the embarrassment caused by Lucas. They smiled back politely.

I don’t like what you’re up to, Lucas. Is there a problem, and that’s why you’re acting this way now? It’s hard to read the mind of this person because we only talk once in a while. I think we’ve stopped in front of Ezekiel’s classroom, because Lucas finally halted.

"Not everything you see is true. Just because someone with a hidden agenda pretends to be a sheep doesn’t mean he is one. I want you to remember: behind that mask could be the hidden ferocity and poison of a venomous snake. Are you ready to bite that snake and die a loser? I’m just saving you from those possibilities, because I can smell the stench of a pretentious and deceitful man."

He gave a long explanation. But your mind and heart, Lucas, are just filled with anger and doubt.

What if your assumptions are wrong? What if they are gentle and kind, far beyond your expectations of a venomous snake? What if they are real, not deceptive or pretentious? It is difficult to accuse someone if there isn’t enough evidence.

"I don’t know what happened in your past, but I hope you don’t close your heart to other people. Not everyone is as pretentious as you think, Lucas. Sometimes you should choose the words you say carefully—because without realizing it, you’re already hurting the feelings of a true and good person."

He just ignored me and averted his eyes. It looked like he was still upset with me.

"Don’t try to change my beliefs anymore. My only duty is to protect you, take care of you, follow what you command, and respect you. Don’t expect me to do those nonsense things."

It’s up to you. I’m only trying to help you be a good and respected person, but if you refuse, then fine. If you don’t want to be spoken to while turning your back and throwing sharp words, I hope you can at least adjust how you deal with others. It doesn’t mean you have to be rude to people. Because of this, Augustus seems to have built a wall between the two of you. Both of you have twisted beliefs and behaviors. I just don’t know— mentally, both of you are dangerous.

Then Ezekiel’s recitation echoed in the room:

"My Mommy and Cattleya are the most beautiful women in the world. She’s not perfect, but she loves us dearly. She takes care of us and protects us. She’s the best Mommy. And if time repeats itself, she is still the only one I will choose as my Mommy. That’s why my Daddy takes care of her. And then not only will Daddy protect Mommy— I will too! My Mommy may not be perfect, but she gives her best to be the ideal mother every child dreams of. She feeds us with love that is infinite and endless. I have nothing else to ask for but the eternal happiness of my whole family."

I couldn’t contain my smile because of Ezekiel’s words. Am I really the best mother? Really, Ezekiel? I could feel the wetness in my eyes from tears. Crying, but happy. My heart overflowed with pleasure.

I looked at the person who touched me and handed me a handkerchief.

"Stop crying. Can’t you accept that you are a unique mother, Miss Aisha? You quenched their thirst for their real mother’s attention and love. You showed them and made them feel everything that their real mother never did. You completed and colored their lives. Because of you, the two children became lively and happy."

I accepted the handkerchief Lucas gave me and wiped away my tears. My heart is too soft when it comes to tender children.

"They love you so much. You quickly won their hearts and attached them to you. I hope… I hope you don’t leave them or hurt them, physically or emotionally, Miss Aisha."

I can never do that. It is not in my vocabulary to hurt others, especially children. I’ve experienced being hurt myself, and I couldn’t stand it. Why would I make them feel something I know too well?

I smiled as I watched them, seeing how much they were enjoying themselves.

"That won’t happen, Lucas. If… if the day comes when I lose value in Augustus’ eyes, I will never change my love for children. I will never hurt them, and I will never turn my back on them."

"Do you doubt Boss’ words and promises? You shouldn’t, Lady. Trust him. He doesn’t break his word. When he says it’s just you— it’s just you, and no one else."

I don’t doubt Augustus’ promises. I was only saying that the possibility exists. Not everyone in life holds the same interests forever. The time may come when he gets tired of me.

Lucas laughed.

"It seems I was right in my suspicion that you doubted him."

"You’re wrong. I trust him. But like you, I can’t ignore negative possibilities. I don’t know why… but I’m slowly falling in love with him." I gasped after admitting it.

"I hope you are ready to understand his darkness and greed. I hope you will still love him if he shows his demonic side. I hope you will stay by his side as he reveals everything inside him. Because no matter what happens, he is ready to catch the bullet meant for you— just to save your life."