CHAPTER FOUR
1553 Words
“Albert, where do you think you're going?“ You just got back and you're ready to go again?“ Evelyn noticed her husband's suspicious movement that morning.
“Good morning to you, too.“ He ignored her speech.
“I'm asking you where you're going? Why are you packing your things? Are we going on a trip now that our daughter is married?“
No response.
“At least, tell me where you sneaked off to earlier this morning.“
“If you must know, I went to pay off my debt. I got back my company.“
“That's good news. Now where are you going?“ She watched her husband pick up his international passport.
No response.
“Should I pack a bag, too?“
He simply left her in the bedroom. He was about to get into his car when a convoy of black SUVs pulled up into his compound. His heart sank. He knew what they were there for. He cursed himself for not fleeing immediately after the wedding.
One of the guards opened the door for Arthur. He stepped out elegantly, but you could see the anger in his eyes.
“My in-law.“ He said cheerfully. “What brought you here early this morning?“
“Good thing I came early, yes, Albert? You were going on a trip, weren't you?“
“No no no. Nothing like that. I was simply going to celebrate my daughter's marriage.“
“I see.“ He was directly in front of him now. “How long do you think you could deceive me for?“
“Mr…” what followed was a resounding slap. Yes, Arthur Shanks hit Albert across the face.
“What do you take me for?“ another slap. This time, Albert fell down to the ground. “How dare you lie to me?“
“I'm sorry. I'm sorry.“ He sobbed pathetically, clutching his face.
“Beat him up.“ Arthur ordered his men. They pounced on him. His screams drove Evelyn out of the room.
“I didn't mean to. I'm sorry.“ They paid him no mind.
“What's going on here?“ Evelyn screeched and tried to get the men off her husband. They didn't budge.
“You, what is the meaning of all these?“ She stopped in front of Arthur who was looking on. “We gave you our daughter and this is the thanks we get?“
The men didn't stop beating Albert. Arthur felt like shoving the woman to the floor, at her condescending tone but he restrained himself.
“Your husband deceived me.“ He simply said.
“Deceived you, how?“
“Your useless husband told me your daughter was a virgin. Imagine my surprise when I eventually slept with her and she was already used.“
“What?“ Evelyn was lost for words. “Is my daughter okay?“
“It's my fault, anyway. I should have made the proper findings. I was too hasty. What on earth made me trust this random fool without investigating?“ Arthur fumed.
LAST NIGHT…
“You're not a virgin?“ Verna wondered why he kept asking the same question.
“Yes.“ His first instinct was to strangle her for her deceit. “I never said…”
Verna tried to back away but there was no running from the man that stalked towards her. He pressed a pillow over her face and squeezed. Verna's scream was muffled as she fought for her life.
“Why did you marry me if you weren't a virgin?“ He yelled and squeezed harder. Verna flailed in a failing attempt to get away from him. He finally let her go. She clutched at her chest to force air through it.
“Please…” Verna didn't say much before he dragged her by the hair into the bathtub. He opened the water and dunked her face in it enough for her to drown. She tried to struggle but she was no match for him.
In the end, she gave up and hoped not to die at the end of it all.
PRESENT TIME.
“Let my husband go.“ Evelyn pleaded for the umpteenth time.
When Arthur was satisfied, he ordered them to let him go. Evelyn rushed to his side to help him up.
“Seize all his properties. Even the ones he got yesterday. Lock them all up.“
“Yes, sir.“
“Dump him in the dungeon. The main one. I'm not done with his pathetic ass.“
“Yes, sir.“
“Mr Shanks, please. I have nowhere else to stay. Have mercy. You can even have the properties but release my husband.“ Evelyn tried to negotiate. Her pleas were met with silence.
*********
Back at the Shanks mansion, Verna was having the worst day of her life.
“I heard you were already used.“ Ever since Arthur told his family she was not a virgin, Verna had been getting treated like a maid. She was currently washing the dishes when her mother-in-law strolled in.
“Good morning, Mrs Shanks.“
“It's not. And a slut like you is not fit to speak my family name.“
“Sorry, madam.“ Verna wanted to ask why she was being maltreated. The words stuck to her throat, scared of receiving more punishment. What she was being punished for was strange to her.
“You're a disgrace to this family. You're not our daughter in law. You're less than the maids in this house. Do you hear me? You have no rights in this house. No rights.“
The maltreatment continued everyday. Most days, the maids were given the day offs. Even the maids treated her badly.
“When you're done scrubbing the walls, I need my clothes washed.“ Andrea, Arthur's youngest sister, dumped heaps of dirty clothes on her.
“There's a washing machine for a reason, Andrea.“
“These particular ones need to be handwashed. And you dare talk back to me, you stupid slut?“ Andrea was the last born. She was the human representation of a spoilt brat.
On one fateful Wednesday, Verna was done with all her chores, and by some miracle, the house was completely empty.
'This is my chance to make that phone call', she thought to herself. With her phone seized, she had no means of reaching anyone. Her best bet was to use the landline in the living room.
Taking her chances, she dialled the familiar number of her best friend.
She picked at the third ring.
“Hello?“ Cora's familiar voice filled her ears. “Who's this?“
“Cora, hi, it's me.“
“V!!!“ She squealed. “Do you call yourself my best friend?“
“Cora, stop yelling at me.“
“Ok. Where have you been?“ She yelled again.
“I can't talk about that now.“
“But you'll tell me everything?“
“I will. Just not now. I don't have time for that now.“
“Are you okay, though? I missed you.“ Cora whined.
“I miss you, too, Cora. Let me talk to my munchkins.“
“Mummy!“ a tiny voice erupted through the phone.
“My munchkins, how are you?“ She was now beaming in joy to hear the voices of her little girls.
“I'm fine, mummy. Lucas is being naughty.“
“Lucas, stop stressing your sister.“
“Mummy, I miss you.“ Lucas whined adorably.
“Oh, baby, I miss you, too.“
“Me, too, mummy. I miss you more.“
“No. I miss her more.“
“I miss you both.“ Verna quickly interrupted before they turned it into an argument.
“When are you coming home, mummy?“
“I don't know yet, love. I don't know. Grandpa is still sick.“
“Awww.“
“I love you both. Always listen to your Aunt Cora, okay?“
“Yes, mummy.“
“Bye, darlings, I have to go now. Give the phone to Aunt Cora.“
“Verna? What's happening?“ Verna debated telling her the short of it. There was no time, though. Anyone could walk in anytime.
“I'll tell you everything when the time is right. My dad is very sick, though.“
“You don't care about your dad, Verna.“ Cora's tone was suspicious.
“I know. But I still have to be there for him, anyway.“
“Promise me you'll take care of yourself, Verna.“
“Stop being a worrywart.“ Verna laughed at her best friend.
“Whatever. Take care of my babies, please.“
“Who's being a worrywart now?“ Cora countered.
“Bye, love. See you soon, munchkins.“
“Ahem.“ Someone cleared their throat behind her.
“Arthur?“ The shock on Verna's face was evident as she wasn't expecting the arrival of anyone.
“Who's making you smile so much?“ He queried. She quickly dropped the phone as if it burnt her.
“I didn't know you were back.“ She tried to deflect.
“Clearly. Since you were busy laughing like a hyena. Who. Were. You. Talking. To?“
- Writer
