Behind the wall

Episode 8

The taxi slowed to a stop under the dim glow of a streetlight. Daniel paid the driver and stepped out, the night air heavy and cool against his skin. He was close now, the long road that led to Victoria’s mansion stretched ahead, silent and lined with tall trees swaying in the wind.

At the gate, the gateman recognized him immediately.

“Evening, Mr. Daniel,” he greeted warmly, opening the gate.

Daniel nodded, “Evening, Sam. I just need to talk to Miss Victoria. It’s important.”

The old man smiled knowingly. “Go ahead, son. She could use a friendly face.”

Daniel started down the gravel path that curved toward the mansion, but halfway there, he froze.

Just off to the side, parked under the shadow of a tree, was Marcus’s car. The headlights were off, but Daniel could see Marcus inside, his phone pressed to his ear, voice sharp and careless.

Curiosity turned to disbelief as Daniel caught fragments of the conversation…

“Yeah, baby, I told you, just be patient.”

“She’s starting to trust me. Once I have control of her shares and assets, we’re gone.”

“Of course, overseas. You think I’d stick around here after that? We’ll be rich. Just a few more weeks, my love.”

Daniel’s eyes widened, his stomach twisting in disgust. He crouched slightly behind a hedge, pulling out his phone and pressing record. Marcus laughed again, his voice dripping with arrogance.

“She actually thinks I love her, poor thing. If she only knew how broke I really am.”

Daniel’s heart pounded. So Elaine was right.

When Marcus hung up, Daniel stepped out from the shadows, fury burning in his eyes.

“Planning your little honeymoon already?”

Marcus spun around, startled. “Daniel?” He forced a laugh. “What are you doing here?”

“What do you think?” Daniel said. “Everything you just said... I’m going to tell Victoria exactly what kind of man you are.”

Marcus’s smile vanished. “You’re making a big mistake.”

“The only mistake was her trusting you,” Daniel shot back, turning toward the mansion.

Marcus cursed under his breath and jumped into his car, speeding off toward the house.

By the time Daniel reached the front door, Marcus was already there, standing beside Victoria in the grand hallway, his voice low and smooth.

“I love you, Victoria,” Marcus said earnestly, taking her hands. “I would never hurt you. You’re my everything. I just want you to be happy again.”

Victoria’s eyes were soft but unsure, she wanted to believe him.

That’s when Daniel burst in, breathless.

“Don’t believe him!” he shouted. “He’s lying to you, Victoria, he’s a scammer!”

Marcus turned sharply, feigning offense. “What is this nonsense? You see what he’s doing, Victoria? He’s jealous.”

“That’s not true!” Daniel said, stepping forward. “I heard him, he was on the phone, talking to someone about taking everything you own. I recorded it.”

Marcus laughed coldly. “Recorded? Really? This is pathetic.”

He turned to Victoria, putting on his best hurt expression. “Look at him, covered in grease and dirt. He’s just angry that you didn’t choose him. He said he was leaving the country, but here he is, still chasing after you, trying to ruin a good thing, he’s just a liar.”

Victoria frowned, glancing between them. “Daniel, what are you talking about?”

“I can prove it,” Daniel insisted, holding up his phone. “Just listen…”

“Enough!” Victoria snapped, her voice trembling. “You had no right to come here, Daniel! I trusted you once, but this, this is too much.”

Marcus stepped closer, wrapping an arm protectively around her. “You see? He can’t let go.”

Daniel’s heart cracked at the sight. “Victoria… please.”

“Leave,” she whispered, tears glinting in her eyes. “Just go.”

Daniel looked at her one last time, at the woman he’d given everything up for, then slowly turned and walked out, the recording still playing softly in his trembling hand.

Outside, the night air was colder than before. He didn’t look back.