HARRIET: The Heiress Strikes Back

Men can be Evil

“On behalf of the Dennis’ family, we will like to thank all the people supporting this family in their trying time as they are recovering from the fire incident that consumed their property and the lives of the mother and two of her children leaving the husband and the remaining three children in shock and burns as they are recovering in the hospital.” The MC spoke to the microphone.

“We also want to appreciate the sponsors of the Winnie Children Foundation taking care of the helpless orphans, we appreciate your support and care.” The crowd cheered.

“Also, a big thank you to all our donors for always donating, especially to Mr. Arthur Benson with the highest donation of twenty-five billion dollars he donated to the foundation. You're too much sir, thank you so much sir. Please everyone give him a big hand.” The hall erupted with sounds of applause. Arthur waves his hand in recognition as he gladly receives the praise.

“Mr. Benson, you are amazing and we love you so much for your love, care, and kind heart towards humanity. Thank you so much for all your support. We really appreciate you sir.” The spokesperson says and the hall becomes louder with cheers and applause.

A photographer comes with his camera to take a picture of the generous billionaire.

“Smile” Arthur nudged Harriet who forced a smile on her face as the photographer took their picture. Her smile dropped when he left. Arthur glared at her icily but she avoided his cold gaze.

“….to everyone present, we appreciate your presence here. Thank you for coming. God bless you all and God bless America.” The MC rounds up and everyone clapped as they rose to their feet.

Everyone began networking, businessmen found some new investors who were happy for the profits they will make in the coming weeks. Harriet and Arthur were chatting with guests as they complimented and congratulated him for his new business venture.

“That’s massive Mr. Benson, I must say. I have never seen such a selfless gesture, you are doing an amazing job sir” a man compliments.

Arthur shrugged, “What can I say Patrick, when you have it, you give it, if you don’t you waste it. I would rather give than waste” he says as he sips champagne.

“Some people are not willing to give though” a woman piped in.

“True but that’s just me, doing my good work” Arthur boasted with so much pride.

“Not even Mr. Filch could donate such an amount” another butted in.

“I don’t know but it takes a billionaire to give billions” Arthur bragged arrogantly.

“And you must be the pretty flower Mr. Benson is engaged to” Patrick’s wife says to Harriet who stood clueless beside Arthur “This must be a lot of work and pressure but also an honor to be the fiancée to a very powerful billionaire with a kind soul” Marilyn says looking at Harriet.

‘Honor my foot, kind soul my ass’ she said internally but smiled as she replied Marilyn, “Yes, Arthur is one of the most industrious yet kind hearted men I have ever met.” Her eyes danced with pride as she touched his chest “He loves helping people and that’s what I love about him” Harriet grinned, hoping they believed her lie.

Everyone around aww.

“That’s so sweet” a lady exclaims “Arthur, you must be so lucky to have a partner like this lovely lady here.” She cooed.

“Eh” was his response as he called a waiter to collect his empty glass and he took a full glass from his tray and dismissed him.

“Okay” the lady says awkwardly. There was an awkward silence before Patrick broke it.

“So, Mr. Benson, how did you get your inspiration to help people, especially those in need.” Patrick asked, trying to keep the conversation going.

“From her” he pointed a thumb at Harriet and everyone was in awe.

“That’s wonderful sir” Patrick exclaimed but Arthur simply shrugged.

“It’s not quite” he sips from his champagne “She is an orphan and had no one to help her so, I did the right thing, helped her and now I am her only hope” he says nonchalantly and Harriet tightens her hold on her champagne glass. Marilyn noticed this.

“Are you okay sweetie?” she asked in concern and all eyes, including her fiancé’s eyes turned to her.

“I am fine” she forced the words out of her mouth. Arthur noticed her tight grip on the champagne glass.

“Darling, your tight hold on that poor glass could shatter it into pieces and that glass cost more than your entire wardrobe, so take it easy” he whispered in her ear.

She looked up at him, “Sure. Thanks dear” she said through gritted teeth and released her hold on the glass.

Their little stunt caused a tense silence in their circle. Patrick and his wife exchanged glances and looked away awkwardly. Bernice, another lady in the group, broke the silence.

“Wow Harriet, right?” she asked for clarification and Harriet nodded. “I love your dress, it suits you and matches your red hair” she compliments and Harriet smiles at the compliment and was about to speak when Arthur snorted.

“Except you are into 50 cents fashion, I don’t know what you see in this cheap piece she calls a dress.” He chortled and some people in the group followed suit.

Harriet felt hot with embarrassment as she wished for the ground to open and swallow her. Patrick looked between the couple wondering what is making a man down grade his fiancée before strangers.

Arthur turns to her, “Make yourself scarce. I need to discuss business with Patrick and my guys here and I don’t need you to embarrass me more than you already did because you here with me is already an embarrassment so leave.” He says openly and turns to Patrick and beckons on him and three other guys to come to him.

Harriet’s face was hot. She was so ashamed and embarrassed. She looked up at the people who had a mix of concern and pity in their eyes and smiled politely then she excused herself from the group and made her way to the bathroom.

She took the liberty of getting herself not to cry before leaving the building and walking outside.

‘It’s not a crime to be poor’ her inner voice said as she hugged herself from the cool night breeze. She leaned on a pillar and waited for him to finish whatever he was doing.

After three long hours, Arthur finally showed up and both of them silently entered the car. The car ride was silent.

When they reached his house and he had parked the car in the garage, she thanked him quietly and stepped out of the car and started making her way to his gate.

“Where are you going?” she heard him ask her. She turned and saw him already out of his car and shutting the door then turned on the car alarm. He took slow strides towards her.

“Home” she replied already fed up of his attitude

“This” he pointed at his mansion “is your home. I only allow you to go to your rotten apartment when I don’t want you around.”

That was the last straw, “Arthur that’s it, enough with all the insults. I know I am not from a rich family but that doesn’t mean I should be treated like trash. I deserve better!”

“Rich?” he asked then laughed “You aren’t even close to middle class. And you already got better. Getting married to me is the best thing that will ever happen to you.” he says arrogantly.

Her nose flared in anger, “You’ve caused me enough embarrassment tonight. What else do you want from me? Why disgrace me everywhere?” she demanded.

He stopped when he was a few inches away from her, and scoffed, “Disgrace you? What about me? Do you know the humiliation I face because I, Arthur Benson, are marrying you? You aren’t even up to my driver’s class not to talk of my class?” he spat disdainfully.

Harriet’s cheeks reddened in anger, her eyes blaze with so much disdain for the man standing in front of her.

“How dare you!” she raised her voice, pointing to his face.

“No, how dare you!” he slapped her hand from his face “You think because I agreed to an arranged marriage that I want someone like you? never! You are a cheap no nothing poor rat with absolutely nothing to offer.” His harsh words left her jaw on the floor.

He raised his head up proudly “Yeah, you heard me, you are nothing. Just like I said earlier, you should count yourself lucky to marry me because you are not my class. You are not worthy of my love or to be loved.” Her eyes filled up with tears at his harsh words.

“So, wake up from your trance and face your reality. If you want to have a conversation with me, raise my status and then we can talk.” He moved closer to her then held her chin up “But for now, stay in your lane or I'll drop you off and marry someone worthy of my love.” He harshly let go of her chin and walked into his house, leaving her standing with a hurt heart and a shocked feature.