IV. Despair
981 Words
The reason for my disappearance is simple. My secret military rehabilitation comes under a government military scheme. Normal civilians aren't allowed or exposed to confidential information that could destroy a nation's pledge to freedom and peace.
That was the only reason why I couldn't reveal anything to skye. She mistook my expenditure and time spent away as cheating. I remained unfazed, but it still hurt.
"Why...are you standing like that?" My mother in law asked, her tone condescending.
"You think by showing you've restored useless strength in your legs, you will be eligible to be my son-in-law?" She spat.
"I don't care what you think or what happens after. But you need to leave. Skye doesn't need you in her life, you must leave Browne Mansion right away." diana was adamant. I turned around, limping still and watched her kick the wheelchair my way.
"Suit yourself and get the hell out of my mansion. We need to leave for Browne Estate in the evening. Might as well get rid of you before that." Diana glared at me like I killed her husband. I walked to my wheelchair slowly, almost losing balance and falling midway. Choi Wu just stood there, her hands folded over her chest.
In my despair, I wheeled away from the room and eventually, I was thrown out of the house. I looked at my bags filled haphazardly with my stuff.
Closing my eyes, I felt a surge of energy. My meridians, the 12 points of energy in my body that didn't quite reach till the end after losing my legs...was being restored.
Finally, after three long years of arduous rehabilitation and strength restoration, my energy was flowing through my meridians, unblocked. Although, there is still a pinch.
There are five superior realms of national martial arts. Firstly, the Warrior level which is the lowest rank but still superior to ordinary people.
Secondly, the Master, followed by the Commander, the Sect Master and finally, The Grandmaster.
In the martial arts cultivation system, my name should have been found in SS rank, as a Grandmaster.
But thanks to the war in Errandale, I lost my title and faced a rank deficit, falling to...
Warrior level...
It didn't appeal to me. I have restored my meridian flow, but I wasn't back on my righteous Grandmaster level. Despite my efforts, it felt unjust for me to have dropped down to a mere Warrior.
I looked back at the Browne Mansion, it was just a house hoarding seven people and three generations under one roof. The main Estate, the Browne Estate, deeper into the heart of the city, was where the Browne family resided. Diana mentioned about them going up the hill in the evening. They had to meet up with the family head, the matriarch.
Time passed by and I found myself in front of Browne Estate. The security didn't quite know about my status, so they allowed me inside.
There, I witnessed the Browne family women climb down from Porches one after the other. All of them were dressed elegantly, traditionally. My wife stood out the most. Her moonglow porcelain skin complimented the burgandy and white modern suit. Her hair was up in a bun, looking as elegant as ever. No one could tell she was screaming and crying just a few hours before.
I slowly wheel myself into the Estate. None of the helpers even came up to help me climb the stairs. I had to fend for myself.
The agony was devious as I held my wheelchair in my arm and walked up the stairs to reach the main door. It welcomed me with the chilly air of the Estate. Mostly, it was silent and eerie, which meant that the meeting with the matriarch was going on.
I wheeled closer to the grand court set up inside the mansion. It was huge, the door studded into the corridor for entry and exit.
They were in a serious discussion. At the head of the table sat the Matriarch, Charlotte Browne. She is the head of the Browne family, Skye's paternal grandmother.
I furrowed my eyebrows at their topic of discussion, "You should give me what's rightfully mine, skye. We both know you were just a standby until I could take it from you."
Jim argued with his sister Skye. My blood boiled at the way he spoke to my wife. If I were in the discussion, he wouldn't even raise his finger on Skye. My brother-in-law was crossing his limits.
"We all know Jim is a spendthrift and a disloyal person. What good will it do if I - the person who truly contributed to raising the company to this level - give this rascal my company to rule?" My wife spoke fearlessly.
"Watch your words, Skye! He is the future leader of Browne Group!" Her father, Jay Browne spoke loudly. I curled up my fist.
"I am the future leader of Browne Group, father. Not this rat who couldn't even secure his job role as a clerk!"
"That's because I was never meant to be a clerk, Skye!" Jim retorted.
"Well, then, you haven't risen on the hierarchy. It's clearly stated that every person in the Choi family shall be appointed as a clerk to rise in rank naturally. Only then will they be eligible for CEO or higher titles." Skye stated assertively. That's my wife.
"That rule doesn't apply to the males of this house, Skye Smith..."
They all turned to the feeble yet firm voice of the older woman - Charlotte Browne, Skye's grandmother, who schemed Skye into marrying me so that Skye would be pushed out of eligibility. Skye had to face so much because of me.
"I will not hand over our family business to Jim. This is my final decision." Skye stood firm with her words.
"...Are you rebelling against the leaders, Skye Smith?"
- Writer
