Chapter 4
1054 Words
Marcus Blackwood stepped out of his sleek black Mercedes, his long strides eating up the distance as he walked towards the glass and steel tower that housed Blackwood Industries. His PA, John, followed closely behind, his eyes fixed on his phone as he scanned the day's schedule.
As they entered the lobby, the staff turned to greet him. "Good morning, Mr. Blackwood!" "Morning, sir!" But Marcus barely acknowledged them, his gaze fixed ahead as he strode towards the elevator.
The doors slid open with a soft whoosh, and Marcus stepped inside, John following suit. The elevator whisked them up to the top floor, where the executive offices were located. The doors opened again, and Marcus stepped out into a sleek, modern reception area.
His office was situated at the far end of the hall, and Marcus walked towards it. The door slid open with a soft click, and he entered his domain.
The office was a testament to Marcus's taste and power. The walls were adorned with contemporary art pieces, and the floor-to-ceiling windows offered a stunning view of the city skyline. A sleek, black desk dominated the room, with a single, leather-bound chair positioned behind it. The air was thick with the scent of old leather and power.
Marcus moved behind his desk, his eyes scanning the papers and files laid out before him. John took his place beside him, his eyes fixed on his phone as he awaited his instructions.
"Get me the latest numbers on the Johnson deal," Marcus said, his voice low and commanding. "And schedule a meeting with the marketing team for 2 PM. I want to see some new ideas."
John nodded, his fingers flying across his phone as he worked to fulfill his requests. Marcus, meanwhile, turned his attention to the papers on his desk.
The door to the office slid open, and Felix Blackwood, Marcus's elder brother, strode in with a confident air. The tension between them was palpable, a result of years of animosity and rivalry. Despite Marcus's superior intelligence and achievements, Felix had always been their father's favorite, and he never missed an opportunity to make Marcus's life difficult.
Felix's sly smirk grew wider as he approached Marcus's desk.
"I hear you're married now," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
Marcus's eyes narrowed.
"Are you really that obsessed? You're stalking me now?"
Felix's face twisted in annoyance.
"Don't think too highly of yourself. I only happened to hear of it."
Marcus raised an eyebrow.
"That's not possible. No one is aware."
Felix changed the subject, his eyes gleaming with curiosity.
"I'd love to meet her."
"Who?" Marcus asked, though he knew exactly who Felix was referring to.
"Your wife, of course. I'm interested in meeting the unlucky girl who's stuck with someone like you. Tell me, brother, did you force her into the marriage?"
Marcus's expression turned cold.
"My private affairs are none of your business. I don't give a damn about yours, and I don't think you should about mine either."
Felix chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement.
"I guess I'm right."
Felix smirked, his eyes gleaming with malice.
"I bet it won't take long before she figures out who you truly are and runs from you. And when she does, I'll be waiting with open arms."
Marcus's face twisted in rage. "You bastard!" he growled, standing up from his chair to lunge at Felix, but John, held him back.
"Don't! He's not worth it" John warned, his voice firm.
Marcus seethed, his eyes blazing with anger, as John turned to Felix.
"I think it's best you leave now. This is a place of business, and you can't be making trouble here."
Felix chuckled, his smile mocking. "I always knew you were a coward." he sneered, before turning to leave.
Marcus's anger boiled over. "Why does he even have access to my company?" he yelled after Felix left, his voice echoing through the office.
John hesitated, his expression apologetic. "I'm sorry, boss. It's your father's orders."
Marcus's face darkened. "What business does that old man have with my company?" he demanded
"You should leave."
"But sir—"
"I said leave!" Marcus barked, his anger exploding.
John nodded hastily and left the office, leaving Marcus alone in his office. Marcus groaned, running his fingers through his hair in frustration.
Marcus paced back and forth in his office, his mind racing with thoughts of Felix and their troubled past. As he walked, memories long buried began to resurface, and he felt himself being transported back to a time when he was just a kid.
He remembered the countless times Felix had bullied him, taunting him mercilessly until tears streamed down his face. The memories were so vivid that Marcus could almost feel the sting of Felix's words, the ache of his small body as he tried to defend himself. He recalled the way Felix would laugh, a cruel, mocking sound that made Marcus feel small and insignificant.
He remembered the time Felix had locked him in the attic for hours, leaving him in the dark with no food or water. Marcus's heart raced as he remembered the fear and helplessness he felt, the desperation to escape. He had pounded on the door, screaming for Felix to let him out, but his brother had just laughed and told him to shut up.
He remembered the times Felix had sabotaged his school projects, ruining his chances of success. The times he had spread rumors about him, making him a social outcast. The times he had manipulated their father, turning him against Marcus. His father never appreciated any thing he did. He'd always run to him, excited to show him his results but he'll simply shun him off and pay attention to only Felix and Felix would smile, a sly, triumphant smile, as if he had won some twisted game.
Marcus's pacing grew more agitated as the memories flooded his mind. He could feel the anger and resentment building inside him, the sense of injustice and betrayal. He felt like he was that scared, vulnerable kid again, trapped in a nightmare from which he couldn't wake up. And even now, he still couldn't fight back. Felix had gotten involved with some twisted and dangerous people and Marcus wasn't ready to get himself dragged into that mess.
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