Chapter 9 Hunter and the Prey
Chapter 9 Hunter and the Prey
'What? husband?! I feel like strangling her with my bare hands. But, why is she terribling... and are
those tears I see?
Why, why, why is she making me feel like the bad guy here? Why is she pretending to be scared? This
woman is out to destroy my life and she's also crying like it's her life that is being destroyed.
Is she really terrified or is this all just an act? Of course it's an act, she teared up the same way at the
restaurant when she gave me her word, but today she appeared out of the blues and got married to
me.
She has always acted like I repulse her, always distant and keeps avoiding me like I was a plaque. But
she didn't miss the opportunity to call herself my wife few minutes ago in front of everyone. She's
playing games with me and being very sly about it. I hate her so much'.
"If you ever refer to me as your husband in 'public', I'll make you regret it in public. If you ever for a
moment think you can stand with me as an equal, I'll push you down with my own hands. And if you
think that I'll ever regard you as my wife, then be prepared to get disappointed, over and over again. I
will make everyday you spend with me unlivable. I'll make you regret the actions you took today that
suits you and your mother best. So from now on, I'll make decisions that only suits me and cause you
great pain, more than you have caused me. From this moment on, I'll sacrifice my time in making you
regret ever choosing to get married to 'your sister's husband'. Just get lost, you disgust me!" I yelled,
pushing her aside.
She ran into the bathroom in tears, and I immediately felt like I just made a mistake.
I shouldn't have let her go, I should have made a suffer a little while longer. But I really can't stand the
sight of her.
I'm very upset at the moment and need to cool off, so I left the room, banging the door so hard it might
have been heard downstairs.
I went to my office, I needed to work in other to get my mind off that horrible woman. I tried to distract
myself with work, but I couldn't.
I just couldn't get the look in her eyes off my mind.
'Was she really in pain? Did she regret being rude to me earlier? No, I can't believe her. She is a
treacherous, sly and a pretty good actress. She would stop at nothing until she gets want she and her
mother wants. But what exactly is it that they want from me? I need to find that out first'.
I need to find out somehow and I would need Daniel for that.
I opened my MacBook which I had closed early due to frustration. It had the video clip I has saved
earlier.
I opened the video and watched it for the second time, but it made me even more furious watching it
over again.
I felt a stinging feeling that made my blood boil. I flipped over the documents that were by the side of
the MacBook angrily that they landed on the ground with a loud thud.
She was really messing with me, and I would make sure she regrets ever tolling with me all her life.
I stood up and walked to the overhaul window that looks across the beautiful garden maze at the back
of the Winfrey mansion.
It was already night but the lights from the poles at the backyard made the maze clearer and more
visible.
I could still hear distant noises and cheering of the guest who had gathered for the Welcoming, my
welcoming. If only they knew what a sham this marriage is.
While they think it's a happy marriage, none of us would actually be happy in it. Outside we may
appear to be the trophy couple, but inside we won't be able to stand each other.
'I would never truly accept her into my life, never'.
**********************************************
"Tsk tsk tsk, oh Livy. Why are you here, by this time? Isn't it your wedding night tonight?" Sophy asked
acting ignorant.
"Well, someone lied to me. She told me Markian takes very good care of his woman. I wonder what
else she must have lied to me about..." I replied disappointed and continued,
"...If you can tell me the truth just this once, maybe I'll believe you. Was Markian an abusive husband
towards you? Please, Sophy you have to tell me. Help me out here, please."
"Does he seem like such a man to you? Why do you keep asking such absurd question? Mom must
have been the one brain washing you into thinking the worst about him, right?" Sophy inquired angrily.
"No, Sophy. I never really took to heart what mom said before I got married to Markian, but tonight, I
saw a different side of him that is so terrifying to behold. Tonight, the look in his eyes were like those of
a killer. I... I felt petrified to my bones, like my life was about to end, Sophy " I explained sincerely.
"you've always been scared and petrified to the bones by mere cats, sometimes I just don't understand
you at all" Sophy complained while shaking her head animatedly.
"I think I made a mistake marrying Markian, I was stupid to have listened to you" I replied sadly.
"you did what you wanted, because no one would've been able to stop you, not even if I came back
from the dead. So if you think you made a mistake then it all you sis, not me" Sophy asserted firmly.
"What do I do now? He just doesn't hate me, he loathes me I saw it in his eyes. I knew he would be
upset but I never imagined that this was how I would live my married life with the only man I have ever
loved. I feel very empty" with tears streaming down my soft pink cheeks I recalled Markian's voice -
yelling and ordering her to 'get lost'- as it echoed in my head.
He doesn't want to see the sight of me at all. What was I thinking? How did I play this all out in my head
that it seemed like a possible task when in reality, it was never going to work? I did a great job at
deceiving myself that for sure.
"First thing first. Wake up! Not everything can be solved by passing out on the bathroom floor or feeling
sorry for yourself all the time. Tsk, I can't believe you are still afraid of the dark so much so you passed
out. After all this years, how did you survive?" Sophy questioned.
"I always had the flashlight you gifted me on our 13th birthday. I always kept it with me."
"You're pathetic, you know right? Just wake up and be a wife. No more slacking. Just because he
doesn't want to see you doesn't mean the end for you. You married him, so do your part as his wife and
the others would fall into place" Sophy affirmed.
The bathroom light was so bright that it distorted my vision for few seconds until my eyes adjusted to it
brightness.
Two hands on either of my shoulders gently jerked me to consciousness. I was shivering from lying on
the cold tiled bathroom floor all night and I might have even caught a cold as I involuntarily let out a
sneeze.
The lady who woke me up seemed confused and somewhat upset as she helped me up and led me
out to the bedroom. Laying me on the bed she hurried to get a blanket to place on me.
While she was in the closet I realized it was already morning and my dear husband was nowhere to be
found. The tight knot in my stomach released a bit.
I can't believe he hates me to the point that he didn't even want to see me at all, all night. To know that
he fell asleep knowing I was in the bathroom was just too disappointing.
As the lady -who seemed to be in her late thirties with her hair packed neatly and tight in a bun-
returned with a rob and a blanket, I obediently wore them without hesitation.
I was still shivering so she suggested if I would like a hot cup of tea. I nodded but before she left, I had
to ask, "Where is my husband? Is he downstairs?".
"No ma'am. The Chairman left for the office an hour ago," she hastily replied.
The feeling of disappointment doubled as my stomach churned and ached signalling that I needed to
eat something. I hadn't had anything to eat since yesterday morning which also led to my passing out.
After drinking the tea, Martha -the lady who waited on me- ran a bath for me. I felt a bit better after the
bath but needed to eat something as soon as possible before i'ld pass out again.
While Martha cleaned up the room, I went downstairs to see if I could wipe myself a breakfast
sandwich at least. Surprisingly, another maid was waiting for me down the stairs and led me to the
dinning table.
Apparently, everyone had already had breakfast and left for their daily business, but a second breakfast
table was prepared for me. I couldn't help but stuff my face with toast and bacon as I was very hungry. I
also had oatmeal with it and a glass of orange juice. It was really satisfying but lonely, just like back
home.
Though, I often had breakfast with my mom, she only reads the newspaper article while she eats and I
just try to round up my work from previous day as I had my meal. We don't really talk even though we
are almost always together, be it in public or at home.
I wondered what Markian had for breakfast, if he always had breakfast with Sophy before leaving for
work or not. Were they really a happy couple? Would he and I ever have such a relationship? I Nôvel(D)rama.Org's content.
wondered.
I stretched my hand to grab the newspaper across the table. I was sipping the glass of orange juice
when I saw few articles about Markian, that made me choked on the juice.
I reached for the other newspapers and glanced through them swiftly and each one I look at I'm left
bewildered.
Times daily: Young widowed billionaire speaks up about rumored marriage.
Daily Dose: Castlehill Chairman speaks on the rumor about his remarriage.
Guardians: Markian Winfrey says that the rumor of his second marriage is only but a rumor.
Vice ET: Late super model Mrs Sophia M. Winfrey's husband, billionaire Chairman of Castlehill tells
public that he loves and respects his wife so much. Remarriage is not yet a matter for discussion to
him.
Fabulous Entry: Handsome Billionaire and Heartthrob CEO of Castlehill chooses to remain single as to
honor the memory of his late wife.
Suddenly I felt sick to my stomach, i was going to throw up. I was sweating like a horse in pursuit, I
needed to breath.
The maids attending to me were cautious enough to stay at a safe distance and would not intervene
unless asked to. I got up but got a sharp pain on my forehead like I was being hit on the head with a
plank.
I stumbled and was about to meet with the ground when a sturdy arm grabbed me from behind my
waist and pulled me close. When I opened my eyes, they were met with desert brown eyes and
furrowed brows in a worried expression.
Daniel stood stiff not moving as my body crashed and rested on his, we were literally conjoined to each
other. I could feel is heart beat intensify and the smell of his cologne engulfed my nostrils.
What was he doing here? I thought he left last night. When I felt him stifle, I realized I was holding onto
him too tight, so I tried to regain my balance and let go of him. When he was sure i was steady he let
go of my waist.
Well, that was embarrassing especially with all the maids sending little glances at us. "Are you alright?"
he asked concerned.
"Yes, thanks for the save. You are here? I thought you left yesterday," I asked trying to lighten the
mood. The last thing I want was to be asked why I almost fell down few seconds ago.
"I was going to leave after breakfast. Met with a bad hangover this morning, I must have drank too
much last night. So since I pretty much grew up here in this mansion I have a room upstairs, that was
where I crashed last night. Hope you don't mind?" he asked courteously.
Why would I mind? He practically grew up here, so if he has a room upstairs, who am I to say if or
when he uses it?
"Why would I? It's your room afterall" I replied casually. I mean the man heard me confess my feelings
to the world the other night, he was going to help send me away yesterday on Markian's orders and he
just saved my ass few minutes ago, so speaking to him formally is just a bother.
"Breakfast?" I asked as I stretched my arm to the dinning table. "I'ld also ask the maids to wipe up a
hangover soup for you if you want" I included.
"Oh, no, don't bother. Breakfast would be enough. Have you had something to eat Mrs. Livy?" he
inquired formally.
I guess he isn't getting the idea yet. "Yes, I just finished a while ago. And there is really no need to be
so formal with me. We are family now, ain't we? So, you can just call me Livy." I spoke directly.
Thankfully, he nodded in agreement and started to dig into his breakfast. He was exciting to look at
when eating, like he had no worries at all.
He soon noticed I was staring and slowed his pace. "Do you have plans for today?" he asked.
I haven't really thought that far, so I shoke my head. "I would be busy today, so why don't you call
Heather. I'm sure she would be very happy to hang out with you. But if she can't, then give me a call.
You'd be my excuse for escape today." he said winking at me.
He seems like a cheerful person and very easy to flow with. Even though I'm not sure why he keeps
helping me and would really want to know more about him, but I needed to discuss Markian with
someone other than him. He might not understand since they've been together since childhood.
"Yeah, I think i'd give her a call." I replied with a smile.
As I stood and was about to leave, he grabbed by phone from my hand and typed in his number. He
called his phone with my phone and got my number, he was going really fast I must say, but it didn't
bother me at all.
He asked me to call him whenever I needed to talk or complain about anything, he assured me he was
going to be all ears even if I needed someone to transfer aggression towards. That last bit made me
laugh so much that for a brief moment there I forgot my predicament.
***********************************
Luthel Ind
"What is these?" Markian asked while staring at a small box wrapped as a present.
"Your wedding present from me to you. Go on, open it" Judy ordered.
Markian had gotten a personal call this morning from Judy to come to Luthel Ind. immediately. She was
the last person he wanted to see, but somehow he convinced himself to go meet her and know the
reason for the urgent call.
Maybe, she had seen today's news article and wanted to get an explanation from him. He meant every
word he said to those reporters.
To him, whatever had happened yesterday was just a big joke and nothing more. Judy and Livy could
try their best to make whatever plans they think would help them win him over, but it would never work.
He had made up his mind about Livy's status in his life and nothing was going to change that, nothing.
As he finished unwrapping the box, he opened it and found a key inside with an address. There was
also an envelope inside the box with two flight tickets to the Caribbeans for a honey moon experience.
He looked at the box and the envelope with the tickets in amazement.
"That is the key to your new home, it's a $16M mansion in Prior Lake. Not very far from the city
although far from the Winfrey's mansion, but you are starting a new life so the farther away from your
parents the better. And those are plane tickets to the Caribbeans for your honey moon for 2 weeks.
You're welcome" Judy concluded.
"Thank you, but I don't think I would be accepting any of these. I'm not interested in leaving my family
mansion, and I'm certainly not interested in going on a honey moon trip for 2 weeks." Markian refused
outrightly and continued,
"I know your game Mrs. Luthel, the construction contract with the Hongkong Denles is coming in two
weeks. Without me around, Luthel Ind. would have a big leverage to put up the bid of contract to the
highest bidder. You don't let go of your grudges easily and I know you still want to set an example with
Castlehill, but I would not let that happen. Castlehill is under my supervision, so you'll have to go
through me to touch her. And I'm determined to bag the Hongkong contract weather you like it or
not."