Behind Closed Doors

CHAPTER 1 WHERE ARE THEY TAKING ME? A loud sound rented the air as Uncle Bernard barged in and slammed the door behind him. "Amy! Amy!! Amy!!!" he shouted my name repeatedly. "Where the heck is this good-for-nothing girl? Amy! Amy!! Come out here!" he shouted again, this time louder than the first time. "Yes Uncle," I answered, rushing out of the bathroom, my hair and face dripping with water. Something was wrong. I could feel it but I couldn't tell what it was. The look on Uncle Bernard's face wasn't welcoming. He frowned at me, boiling with anger as his mouth vibrated like he was about to spit fire. "Go inside, put on a dress, and pack a few of your things. We are going somewhere," he said. "Do not waste my time," he added. I became confused and had not the slightest idea what was going on. "Where could Uncle Bernard be taking me?" The only thing I remember was that the tension in the house had been high ever since some men came into the house harassing Uncle Bernard over some unpaid debts, a week ago. They looked like men he got his weed and cocaine from. Uncle Bernard was an addict and there was no single day I won't catch him sniffing or puffing in the air. Sadly, my aunt Sharon was in on it as well. They did it together. Sometimes I wonder how they cope with each other. "Was this about the other time?" "Are they trying to run away from their debtors?" these thoughts surrounded my mind as I stood still, trying to make sense of what exactly was going on. Perhaps the only way to know was to speak out. "Uncle Bernard, what is happening? Where are we going? Is it those men, again?" I asked in a low tone. Without hesitation, Uncle Bernard raised his hands and gave me a hard slap on my right cheek with the back of his palms. "How dare you ask me questions? Go in and get your bags. Your husband is waiting for you," Uncle Bernard shouted. The latter part of Uncle Bernard's statement hit me by the bones and for a split second, I jolted and my eyes widened in surprise. "Husband? "What exactly is Uncle Bernard talking about? Who is getting married?". Immediately, so as not to frustrate him anymore, I rushed to my room immediately to pack my bags. I became clueless and lost. I kept packing any cloth of mine I could lay my hands on, in haste. While doing that, I couldn't get Uncle Bernard's voice out of my head. His statement kept ringing like a bell and suddenly a strange voice from outside the room caught my attention. "Tell your daughter to be fast with the packing. Mr. Jones does not have any time to waste. He is expecting us at the mansion," a stern voice said. "Mr. Jones promises my debts would be cleared once I do this, that still stands right? Uncle Bernard asked, scratching his palms and the back of his ears. "Mr. Jones does not go back on his words. Where is your daughter?" the voice asked. I listened closely, sticking my ears to the door but I just couldn't figure out who the other voice was. At first, it was the men from the other day but this particular voice sounded different and it was just one person. The only voice I could make out was that of Uncle Bernard and his response to the strange man's questions. At this time, I knew something was wrong and Uncle Bernard didn't care about me or how I felt. Tears rolled down my eyes as I packed my clothes into a pink box Aunt Sharon got for me on my eighteenth birthday. The door opened slightly and Aunt Sharon stood at the entrance. "Alas, Aunt Sharon would come to my aid. Uncle Bernard is acting funny. She won't allow some man to take me away just like that," I thought. "Will you be fast with that? Your uncle is waiting for you outside!" Aunt Sharon spoke in a loud tone. "Aunt Sharon, please I don't want to leave. Please help me beg Uncle Bernard. What have I done wrong? Where is he taking me?" I cried. "Get dressed and get out of my sight," Aunt Sharon replied, ignoring the tears that rolled down my soft cheeks. I was able to pack the few things I could pack as Uncle Bernard had instructed and in that same moment, took a quick look at the four corners of the room and wept again. Though I had the worst treatment from my uncle and aunt, the thought of leaving them never crossed my mind. They were the closest people to me ever since my parents died in a car accident. "I hope Mr. Jones will keep to the agreement. As you can see, I have a beautiful daughter, that's a bonus, when? Uncle Bernard jested. I couldn't say a word. I stood and watched him discuss me with the strange man in the living room. The strange man had a muscular figure and a thick voice that scared me. He was always quick to respond and had a straight look that made me feel like I needed to take to my heels but I couldn't. He was tall, dark, dressed in dark suits, and dwarfed Uncle Bernard whom I thought was a tall person. His posture and stance resembled that of a bodyguard but the only thing that seemed different was that he was the only one present so he must be the one I am being sold to. "That's her. You can take her," Uncle Bernard said as he pulled my hair. "Don't worry. The man you want to go and meet is very rich and he will take care of you," he whispered to my ears. The man with the muscles dragged me by the hand and led me to the door and outside to a black Toyota car parked outside our little apartment. "Please where are you taking me?" I said in a low tone, scared of being punched in the face. "I'm Reuben and I shall be taking you to Mr. Jones, your husband-to-be," he answered, his thick voice sending another scary signal in the air. I kept mute after that. We were on the road for about an hour till we arrived at a beautiful mansion with a lot of flowers in the compound. As I got out of the car, I felt something sharp beat in my chest and before I knew it, I fell to the ground as everything became dark all of a sudden. "Amy!" an unfamiliar voice caught my ears before I closed my eyes finally. CHAPTER 2 IN A STRANGE MAN’S HOUSE “What news am I hearing, brother? You are getting married? How come I am just getting to know there is even someone in your life?” Ryan said. “Brother, I don't think that should be a problem. I only chose to bring her now. The least you can do is support me on this,” Aaron said. “Hmm, you are sure this is just about marriage? I saw people from Father's company coming around lately,” Ryan said, giving a suspicious smirk. “I have important things to attend to right now if you don't mind. Meanwhile, I need you to make sure she is attended to in my absence. Her name is Amy and please Ryan, welcome her well. Thank you." Aaron said as he walked out of the room. Realizing that I blacked out the moment I got out of the car was one thing, waking up to see I was still in that stranger's house was another. I hoped I would wake up in the house, perhaps Uncle Bernard and Aunt Sharon had given it a rethought but that was only a hope to hell. Everything was still a bit blurry as I struggled to make sense of where I was. Of course, I knew I was in the stranger's house but I still needed to check the place out. All I could see were bright light and colourful curtains and then a voice invaded my quiet supervision. “Hi there, I am Ryan, Aaron's brother,” the voice spoke softly. Aaron was just in the room earlier and his voice wasn't as welcoming as his brother's even though he didn't talk to me directly as he was busy on a phone call which sounded like he was in some sort of argument. “My brother tells me you are Amy, the one he is getting married to. I must say, your eyes are really pretty,” he commented. I couldn't help but blush at his words. That was the first time anyone commented on my eyes. He seemed pretty specific about it and just in that moment, I was glad to hear him say those kind words to me. “Do you need anything? I can make arrangements for whatever you need. This is your home, now,” he said, placing his hands on my thighs. I had to move my legs away to save myself from any harassment. As much as I was uncomfortable, there was something about Ryan, his voice and the way he speaks, quite soothing to the ears. I felt relaxed just sitting there, listening to him before I noticed there was someone else in the room with us. She stood at the entrance of the door staring at me with an evil eye. “Ryan, I need to speak to you now,” she said in a harsh and loud tone. “You can see I am busy and why didn't you knock?” Ryan responded. “Knock before entering Aaron's room? Is this because of her?” the lady at the door said. From the look of it, I figured that was Ryan's sister. The resemblance was striking. “Just leave the room. I'd meet you outside,” Ryan said sharply. She hissed and banged the door behind her. “I'm sorry about that. That's my sister, Jane. A stubborn being but I'm sure she will warm up to you,” he said. I couldn't control it anymore. Tears rolled down my eyes but I had to wipe them off with my hands immediately. Luckily, Ryan had left the room to meet his sister. I could hear them exchanging words, shouting at the top of their voices at each other before everything became calm. Left alone in the room, I busted into tears till I fell asleep. *** **** ***** A week later, The tension had become less calm in the house after the wedding or so I thought. I was seated under a shade in the garden when Reuben, Aaron's bodyguard interrupted my alone time. “Madam, Boss wants to see you and claims it's urgent so you should be quick.” I stood up immediately and followed Reuben to where Aaron was. Aaron was at the bar section of the house sipping his wine from a glass cup with a silver suitcase just right beside him. “What took you so long? Do you think I have time to waste, uhn? He shouted and before I knew it, a hard slap landed on my face. It hit me so hard that I fell to the ground. “In case you don't know, I bought you with money so you answer to me in this house. You obey me and do every single thing I want and the way I want. Now get out of my sight,” he said in a loud tone as he spat on me. I had to struggle to get myself back up on my feet. I could feel the heat emanating from my cheeks. Reuben just stood there, watching, keeping a straight face as usual like he was blind to what just happened. I had a strong dislike right from the day he came to take me from my uncle's house. I just knew there was nothing good about him. I went straight to the room, stood in front of the mirror and I could see the sign of his big palms on my cheek. They became red all of a sudden and were hurting. Just at that moment, for a reason I can't fathom, my memory recalled how my late mom would rush to get me candy whenever I had an injury. According to her, it was meant to take my mind off the pain so she could deal with it. For a minute, I stood there reminiscing how lovely those times were. Suddenly a voice sprang from outside the room. “Amy, are you there?” It was Ryan. I could tell from his cool soft voice. I opened the door slightly to check. I didn't want him to come in or see my face. That would bring about questions I wasn't ready to answer. “Hi. What are you doing here?” I asked, trying to hide my face with the door. “Can I come in? There is something you need to know. It's about your aunt,” he said, staring at his phone. “What about her?” I asked. This time I didn't care about hiding my face anymore, in fact, I had forgotten about it. And he passed his phone to me to check what was on it. “What?!!!” CHAPTER 3 SOMETHING FISHY His grip was so tight as he pulled me closer to him and landed a kiss on my lips. His lips were soft and I felt the warmest embrace as our bodies touched each other. He went down to my neck and kissed me while we locked hands. I could feel his breath on my neck as he moved his body on mine. It felt like electricity and I was charged by it. “What am I doing?” Aaron must not know about this. I am physically and sexually attracted to Ryan and I can't seem to get my mind off him. Ryan has been nothing but a lovable and caring person since I came to the house.” Ryan wouldn't stop kissing despite my attempt to push him off. Well, that's the least I could do so he doesn't feel like I am deeply fascinated by his moves. His hands browsed through my thighs. I was putting on a yellow transparent silk dress. My mind was engrossed in the moment and the only thing that came to mind was “Don't let me go!” He looked straight into my eyes and he whispered “I want all of you to myself, no one else but you.” I cannot deny it but these words did the most that very moment. Not only did it intensify the pleasure we were having, I felt like the words I needed to hear were on his lips and his lips only. For that very moment, I forgot I was married to another and we had the most pleasurable s*x as he laid me on the bed and grabbed my ample boobs and he suckled on it. “Ryan, I need to go now. I have a feeling your brother is back,” I said, my body still hooked to him. “Don't go yet. I want you to spend more time with me,” he answered, again his sweet voice resonating in my ears. “I also want to be around you as much as I can but I need to see Aaron.” We were in one of the guest rooms on the top floor of the mansion. It was our meeting point as Ryan assured us that that particular room was hardly unused by anybody. The building was a four-story building furnished with multiple bedrooms and guest rooms and Aaron's room was in the second room; the biggest room on that floor to be precise. “I need to go. He might be looking for me,” I responded as I took off the bedsheets and went to put on my clothes. I already got to the second floor and had headed to our room when I heard a cough from behind. “Oh no! Who could that be?” my mind raced back and forth as I turned slowly to see who it was. “Amy or what's that your name again? You think you can go just do as you like in this house, in my brother's house?” the voice said. My heart almost jumped out. I thought it was Aaron but it was his sister. But what was this all about? I was indeed curious. “Jane. Hi,” I said slowly. We weren't so close cause I figured she didn't like me that much ever since I and Aaron got married. She scoffed. “Don't even think your greetings will change what I am about to say. I know you are only here because of my brother's money. You, gold digger!” She pulled my hair tight till I screamed. “I won't let you suck him dry. You wretched, good-for-nothing girl. You are just a nobody looking for a place to ruin with your wretchedness but I won't let you!” “So you won't talk, then? I am not surprised because you know I am telling the truth,” “What is she talking about? Does she even know how I feel about all of this? I was forced to marry your brother. This was something I had no idea about.” Of course, this conversation was all in my head. I just couldn't tell her that. That would only bring more trouble. Aaron already told me not to tell anyone about the contract he had with my Uncle and Aunt. She hissed at me and left in anger. At least she didn't pull my hair off. It already hurt so much. My heart felt a bit relieved. Initially, I thought she caught me with Ryan. Meanwhile, I just couldn't get him off my head. Our moments together were always blissful! “But Aaron should be back by now?!” I thought. I had to go inside the room and make everything tidy for him. Whenever he comes back from his numerous daily meetings, he is usually tired and unnecessarily aggressive. I wouldn't want to get on his angry side again at least not after I just had that little drama with his sister. And just at that moment, my phone rang. Yes, it was one of the gifts I got during the wedding from Aaron. A very expensive phone I must say. Speak of the devil, it was Aaron calling me. He must be on his way home. “Hello,” I answered immediately. “What are you doing? He asked. “Nothing. Just cleaning the room and waiting for you." “I need you to do something for me. There is a file case in the drawer just beside the bed. I need you to give them to Aaron. Tell him to meet me at the office. He would understand. That's all,” he instructed and hung up almost immediately. I was already used to that attitude of his, treating me like I was some sort of slave or staff of his. Without wasting much time, I went to the drawer as he said and indeed there was a file case but I was interested in what was inside. Something about it looked strange. It was unlike the rest of the ones I have seen Aaron with. I opened the file and to my surprise, I met the shock of my life... CHAPTER 4 THE FILE IN THE DRAWER “What am I looking at? What is this? Why does Aaron have this with him? What is he doing with it? Am I safe here?” I soliloquize as I stare at the contents in the file case. I should check this quickly before I leave here. As I opened the file and perused through it, I heard a knock on the door. That better not be Jane because this is the wrong time for that kind of drama. Perhaps, I'd just explain to her how I got here and tell her not to say anything to her brother. “No, I don't think she would listen. That girl hates me with every fiber of her being.” I rushed to the door and peeped through the door hole to see who it was. It was Ryan. Why is he here so early? I am not even done checking the file. Aaron must have told him to come and get it. Perhaps he knew I might be tempted to see the contents. I won't let that bother me. I am still trying to figure out why Aaron has my birth certificate with him. He has documents that contain pictures of my aunt and uncle. I even found photographs of them in a joint, smoking pot. Of course, I know my aunt and uncle did this to repay their debts. I was their escape plan even though they never informed me of anything but that aside…. “What was Aaron doing with all of this?” “Is there more to all of this that I don't know? Aaron only told me he was in search of a wife and return he paid my uncle's debts but is that all there is to it or am I being lied to?” I don't even know anymore. Everything became more confusing as I questioned myself. Just in my thoughts, the sound from the metal door in the room kept annoying me. Ryan, on the other hand, won't stop knocking on the door. I had to act quickly. My heart was racing fast. First, I was scared Ryan might suspect I had opened the file. I also found it hard to arrange the files in the order I met. Only if Ryan could just stop knocking for a minute, perhaps I would get myself in order and get this thing right. Ah! There was practically nothing I could do anymore. I had to put them back together anyhow and head straight to open the door. “What took you so long? I have been knocking,” Ryan said, checking the room like he was looking for something. . “Are you hiding something from me? I know my brother isn't back yet so what's the problem?” he asked further. “Should I tell him what I just saw? No. He should know. He is the one Aaron sent to get the file so he must have known, right? I think I would just ask him about it. “Amy, is something wrong? Aaron said you would give me a file. What's wrong with you? He said as he tried touching my hand. “I'm fine. Here it is. I'm sorry. I was busy putting the room in order when you knocked the other time,” I answered. I changed my mind. I am no longer telling him. It's best I just keep it to myself and find out on my own. Hopefully, I won't get into trouble. Ryan turned back after collecting the file from me. “Is everything alright, Amy? You know you can talk to me,” he said. “There is nothing. I'm fine,” I answered sharply. ********** “What is this thing I am hearing? Why are the funds not in my account?” Aaron said over the phone. “Mr. Aaron. You are going to have to be patient with us. We still have some documents you need to sign and the access is fully granted, sir.” “This is taking too long for Christ's sake. I am everywhere attending meetings to ensure the smooth running of the company. How do you expect my board to feel when they hear I haven't even been given the full access to run my father's company?!” Aaron responded in a loud tone. Out of anger, Aaron hung up the call and hit his hand on the table in front of him. A few minutes later, he got another call. “Hello, who is it?” he spoke loudly, still angered by the previous conversation. “Your brother is here to see you, sir,” the receptionist said. “Send him up, Lily,” Aaron responded in a sudden calm tone. Ryan walked up the stairs with the file in his hand but just as he was about to knock on the door to Aaron, he paused to eavesdrop on the conversation Aaron was having. “Hello Mother, I don't know what's happening but it's just taking too long,” he said. Aaron placed the call on loudspeaker whilst he packed the files on his table. “What did they say is the problem? I thought you already met all specifications,” the voice over the phone replied.:_ “Yes. Hell, I even got married to a nobody. What else could they want? Why does my father have to make me go through all of this?” “What do you intend to do with the low-life you call a wife?” “Mother, you know I only married her to get father's properties. She is of no use to me aside from that. After I lay my hands on every single thing Dad owned, I am going to make her life a living hell!",. “You know, son, I see no reason why you picked her in the first place. She is from the slums. You can't be found associating with such a person after all the wealth you shall amass,” “She was easy, cheap and her guardians were willing to sell her off. She was more like the fastest route I could take to get what I wanted. I have no feelings for her whatsoever,” Aaron concluded. “Oh s**t!” Aaron exclaimed as he spilled coffee on one of the documents on his desk. A sound from outside the door interrupted the conversation and out of suspicion, Aaron dropped the call immediately. “Who is that?” “It's Ryan.” Aaron's eyes widened at the sound of his brother's voice at the door. CHAPTER 5 AM I SAFE HERE? The backyard of the mansion was my usual spot. It has a pool and just a few steps away is a small garden that grows beautiful and colourful flowers. The environment was serene and it helped me cool off whenever I was deep in thought. I was up early that morning. Aaron had left the house in a hurry. He wouldn't even allow me to hold his hands before he left the house. Most times, I think he is irritated by me. I sat at the poolside with my legs dipped into the water as I looked around. The thought of my mom and dad crossed my mind. I could still remember how it all happened. It was a rainy day that night and we were just heading back from a street carnival. I could remember my dad putting on a town top and blue jeans with this really weird face cap that cracked me up almost every single time. Mom was busy on her phone and the rain was heavy. I was in the backseat looking out the windows as rain splashed on it. Everything was fine till I heard Dad scream out “The brake has failed! The brake has failed!!” That was the last thing I heard my voice till everything went dark all of a sudden. “Are you done?” a voice from behind said. I know I wasn't thinking out loud so what exactly did she mean if I was done? It was Aaron's mother. She had come visiting the night before and slept in the guest room. A part of me had forgotten she was even around. “Do you know how long I have been here calling your name but you wouldn't respond?” she said, adjusting her dress as it was too long. “I'm sorry ma, I didn't hear you call out my name,” I answered in haste. “And who told you are free to stay wherever you like in this house? You are nobody, young lady, and in this place, we feed you. We tell where to sit and what to eat. Your life is in my son's hands.” “What have I done wrong?” My lips moved even before I realized I had spoken out. “What? You dare talk back to me! You ingrate!” She began to throw curses at me. Before I knew it, Jane appeared out of nowhere and hit me from behind with a book she was holding in her hands “How dare you talk back to my mother like that? Who do you think you are?” she said. All hell let loose that moment as they both ganged up against me. There was absolutely nothing I could do and just when I thought that would be the worst hour of my life in that house……………….. “Mother!” Ryan interrupted. It came at the right time. I was panting heavily trying to catch my breath. Ryan swooped in and took me away from their midst. Right there, on that spot, he whispered to my ears as he held me by the hand “Everything is gonna be fine. I'm here now.” “You shouldn't have done that. They might suspect something is going on between us. You shouldn't take my side like that,” I said to Ryan who was tending to my bruised palm. I had gotten myself injured whilst