Our Love

CHAPTER 9

HAYDEN'S POV

The ride there was long and dreary. I mentally counted the hours as they dragged by.

Fortunately, we arrived without any attack - God knows I wouldn't be able to handle it.

Still in my illusion of sleep, my assistant-Jake, nudged me awake. He was a blonde with a face card of 8/10. That's why he was most suitable for handling my clients. He has been by my side since I was 15, loyal, efficient and smart to know I could end him if he ever slipped.

Massaging my temple, I carried my briefcase, loosened my tie and headed inside.

I was welcomed with the smell of freshly baked lasagna and seafood sauce.

Making my way to kitchen, I met mom surrounded by a group of maids, directing the chaos with her usual energy. My footsteps echoed, everyone froze. Mom smiled, dropping her gloves and opening her arms for an embrace. While the maids stood, color draining from their features.

With one stare, they all scurried out of the kitchen like chickens and one even bumped her head on the way out.

Mom chuckled, finally meeting me and hugging me. Bending to her height, she ruffled my hair which earned a groan from me.

"Mom, what am I 3?, I've told you I don't like my hair being ruffled". Nevertheless, I kissed her on the cheeks and carried her out.

"The maids will serve the food." But the moment I set her down, she darted back into the kitchen.

I just sighed, massaging my temples. There was nothing I could do about this woman.

A few minutes later, dinner was served and dad was called down. We exchanged a brief nod on the head and focused on our plates.

Lasagna, seafood sauce, oysters and other variety of sea food all my favorites were neatly arranged on the table.

We ate in silence as the only sounds made were from the clanking of cutleries.

After dinner, the table was cleared and we proceeded to the lounge for a short tv time.

Silence preceded again, not that I cared, until dad broke the silence by a cough.

Immediately, our attentions were snapped from the television to dad.

He started,"As you see son, your mom and I called you here for a specific purpose".

Yeah figured as much. I knew they'd never cook my favorite food for nothing. But I dared not voice my thoughts.

He continued,"You see we are getting old and so are you."

I mentally rolled my eyes. Again with this bullshit.

"We need a grandson to take over the family business and massage our old bones. We've given you a choice all these years to choose your bride, but you didn't.

I'm sorry son, but we have to take matters into our own hands. He looked at me fiercely, "We're choosing a bride for you."

I stood up in a fit of rage barely containing my anger. "Dad! I told you it isn't yet time and I haven't found the one." I knew that that'd earn me a whipping but I didn't care.

He glared, "Enough excuses."

Through gritted teeth, I stood up, my chair scraping over the marbled floor,"If you are done, I'm taking my leave."

Before I could even take two steps, I was yanked by the collar and slammed me towards the TV.

I heard mom's gasp but it was too late. A series of punches landed on my face- hard, merciless, leaving no space for meto fight back.

Feeling limp,I felt myself being dragged into the basement by dad.

"Hmph, useless, you haven't learned a thing after all these years."

The basement door was locked, just like all those years ago and a series of screams escaped my lips - filled with agony and pain echoing through those familiar basement walls. And like all those years ago, no one came to my rescue.