Chapter 48
Ashley
I didn't know for how long I sat there staring into space. I couldn't label what I was feeling at that particular time. Devastated is the best word to describe my situation. As the saying goes, you reap what you sow. Does that mean I'm slowly paying for my father's mistake? Is there some kind of bad luck lurking around me?
"I think the story time is enough Richard. We should get back to business. The main deal" Rapheal's voice revamped to my ear. I was beyond weak to argue with him so I only let out the words that has been on my mind.
"You really are a heartless man. How can you be so wicked? Using your own sister for your selfish act and also killing your wife all for the name of acquiring wealth. You disgust me. You shameless man" I didn't know how it happens, yet I felt a sharp pain down my chin to the extent of losing my balance.
"Ashley!Don't you dare lay your filthy hand on my daughter again" I heard my father's stern voice. "Just because I'm going easy on you doesn't mean you can play with my emo-"
"You.." The familiar voice resonates to my eardrum. The voice I missed so much. I slowly raise my face to the laptop screen. For the first time I saw a hint of shocked in Raphael's face. "My mother... You" Neil was barely pulling himself together. The sudden revealation shook him to the core.
"How could you do that to her? What gave you the right to? Here I was clueless about the whole thing. Today you made me convinced that you're inhuman"
"Listen to me son. It's not what you're-"
Neil immediately cut him off lifting one of his fingers to the screen. "Don't you ever call me your son again. I'm ashamed of having a father like you. A monstrous murderer" Neil used the voice I've never heard him speak in before. That shows how angry he was.
"She should've known better not to go against my word. I had warned her and when she didn't listen, she's bound to get punished for her mistakes" I thought maybe. Just maybe he'd feel some kind of regret after seeing the disappointing look on his son's face. I guess I thought too highly of him.
There wasn't an once of remorse on his face. Rather, he relaxed back on the chair. The betrayed and devastated look was dimmed visible on Neil's face. How I wish I was there to comfort him. To tell him everything will be okay that I will be there for him.
"You should be lucky yourself" He added resting one leg on the other. Neil shifted his face close, closer enough that his face was the only thing visible on the computer screen. "And you should start counting your days because I'm going to make sure you pay for your crime. You're going to regret every bit of the crime you committed. That is my promise. Be ready for war" With that, the screen went completely black. We were left staring into blank screen.
The room went on with his laughter. I almost thought, he lost one or two things in his head. Until the laughter died down and a frown graced his face. "Poor guy doesn't know what he's getting himself into" He uttered.
"Or maybe you don't know what your son is capable of doing. You always thought of him as a weak and clueless son but the Neil I know is a strong man and he won't hurt his loved ones" The next thing that happened was his tight grip around my neck.
"Don't you dare open your filthy mouth and tell me what I'm capable of or not. Nobody will disobey me and get away with it. I will destroy that person in a blink of an eye. You get it?" His hold lessen and I coughed out clutching my neck. I felt suffocated when he gripped my neck. I was at the brink of losing my life and my mouth cannot seem to keep shut.
"Next time think before you blurt out unnecessary talks" He fled closing the door shut with a loud bang. I took in a deep breath to calm my beating heart that was pumping inside it's chest. I think I will have to come up with another strategy for him. I can't just sit around without finding a way to get out of the place. I don't remember when last I perceive a fresh ear. I don't even know where he took me to.
My mind wandered off to Neil. How he must be feeling taking in the truth of his mother's death. Its something I will never be able to handle. Hearing my own father truth shook me to the core talk less of Neil whose mother was killed by his own father. Why Is life so hard on us? Why can't we leave our lives without problems? However, what I learnt in those few day is, you can not always get what you want. Life is bound to teach you one or two things.
I can't ignore my fathers crimes nor will I pretend that I'm okay with it when I know I'm not. Raphael set a trap and he got lured in but that doesn't change the fact that he destroyed an innocent woman's life. I wonder how she's living her life now. She must hate the world for doing unjust to her. As soon as things are settled, I will make sure I look for the woman. Even though it won't change the fact that her life won't be the same as before, but at least getting her justice will lessen her sorrows.
Throughout the day, my mind was preoccupied with a lot of things. My life problems and the whole thing taking place in my family. I was too weak to try and find a way to escape like I always try to.
~*~*~
Night came and as usual dinner was brought in for me by the same guy. Boiled potatoes. The only food he always brings in. Every day. Morning to night. Even if I complain, I won't get a different food so I stop being hot headed. What's giving me strength is Neil's promised words. I know they will come for me. It might take time considering Rapheal's tight security. However, I know no matter how many men or tight his securities are, he won't be able to last long. That one is for sure.
He settled the small bowl in front of me and was about to leave when I was quick in stopping him. "Why did you choose to destroy your life by working for this heartless man?" I didn't know if it was my words that caught him off guard, his foot came to a halt as his back was still facing me.
"Why did you choose this job of all the jobs in this world? What's so good about putting people's life In danger? What would you gain by doing that?" I added again. This time around, he turned around. His face was a mixture of unreadable expression. Which gave me cue to continue. I might trigger something in him.
"Don't you think one day you might have a family of your own and what you did in the past will come back to hunt your family? Like it did to my family. Do you want something like this to happen in your future life?"
"You don't know anything. So I suggest you shut your mouth. I'm not here to listen to your meaningless advices" He seethe his nose flaring in almost anger. I'm sure there's something beneath his anger. Nevertheless, I'm not someone who give up easily even if my life is on the line. I will say whatever I feel like worth saying.
"Rapheal isn't a kind man. He would destroy you the moment you're of no use to him"
"He saved my life so this is the only way to repay him" My brows raised in question. He saved him? Before I can ask, he beat me to it. "He saved my life when I was about to be killed by loan sharks. He took me in and took care of me and the only way for me to pay his debt is by working for him. So, your meaningless advice is of no use to me now. I've made a decision long ago"
"Even if it will cost you your life? You know, your life is more important than any other thing. Raphael is only taking advantage of what he did to you in the past. You need to get a good life for yourself. Free from any chains of him" His eyes flickered with an emotion which I might or might not be able to understand. Silence fell within us for a split second.
"Eat before the food gets cold" Came his voice and then he turned around.
"By the way, what is the name? I mean your name?"
"It's Henry. And I would like it if you don't ask me anymore question again" And with that he left. My mouth was hung open staring at the door which he left through. What was that? How many more people will Raphael control. He toy with people's life like an item. Regardless of who that person is. However, that has to stop before things gets more Messier. We need to put an end to all his dramas.
