Chapter five

She ignored the greetings from the bodyguards and the maids as she walked into the mansion with her hand constantly wiping the tears that streaked down her eyes.

Madison was both upset and hurt at the same time. She did not know if she could bear the insult anymore. She wanted nothing more but to go into her room and lock herself in.

“Madison. ” her mother called as she saw her daughter's face. She looked worried and stood up from where she sat.

Mr. Allen was equally worried and he also stood up. He might be a very harsh or cold man and father, but he always loved Madison.

“Just leave me alone. ” Madison pleaded and walked up the stairs to her room while supporting herself with the railing.

“I’ll go talk to her. ” her mother said to her father and headed for the stairs after he nodded.

Madison walked into her massive bedroom and ran to the bed, burying her face into it and crying. She was bittered and the only way to feel ok was to release it all.

…

After Madison and chase came out of the club, he ordered her to get inside the limo. She was scared and had no idea what was going to happen.

While in the vehicle, chase turned toward her with his eyes blazing in fury. He grabbed her face, turning her to stare at him. There were no guards in the car, not even the chauffeur, as they all stood right outside, giving them privacy.

They had come with convoys, so it wasn't strange that there were three cars at the front and back of the limo, with armed men standing outside of it. This was to show how powerful and wealthy, the Brian family was.

She had been molested by chase countless times and each one was always more painful than the last. When one keeps getting hurt, eventually he becomes immune to pain but Madison never felt numb from it.

She was always at the receiving end of Chase's anger but her parents never believed her, not even when she showed them the marks on her body.

She needed something to prove that she wasn't right, like a tape or anything that would expose chase and save her from damnation.

“For the last time Madison...” he began as he gripped her shoulder tightly, with his eyes blazing with fury. “Who was he?” he asked again.

For the first time in her life, Madison saw terror in those eyes. She had never been afraid of him before but today was different.

“I don't know him,” she told him and received a slap across her cheek. With tear-filled eyes, she grabbed the door handle. “I can't do this,” she said and alighted the limo.

She could hear him ordering her to come back but she was too upset to oblige to it. She stormed past the bodyguards and boarded a cab. This was her first time entering a public vehicle but she did not mind. Not when she had no other choice.

Sitting in the cab, she stared out through the window with tear-filled eyes. She watched as the cab sped past houses, trees, and other vehicles. She could still hear him in her head when he asked who the stranger was.

Why was her life like this? What had she committed? Why was she puppeted by her parents and had to abide by their every rule?

The door suddenly creaked open and her mother walked in, leaning against the wall and staring at her.

“Just leave.” Madison requested as she turned to face the person, who was supposed to stand by her as the mother that she was.

“You know...” Her mother began, as she walked towards the picture frame on the wall. It was a work of art of a family, smiling together. “Your father and I met at a doughnut shop,” she said and smiled while glancing at her daughter.

“And what has that... ” Madison wanted to say but was interrupted by her mother's chuckle.

“Actually, I was the doughnut seller... Could you believe that?” She asked and ran her fingers on the edges of the frame. “I actually don't know what he came to buy there, but I was certain that I did not like him then.” She continued and walked towards Madison's bed.

She placed her hand on her daughter's and smiled. “I hated him and I thought he was a bad person, but that day was the best day of my life.” she ended and kissed her daughter's hand.

“Why are you telling me this?” Madison asked with a cracked voice, as she slowly withdrew her hand.

“My point is...” She said and stood up, staring right back at the frame. “You can't tell who people truly are if you don't have a part in their life. Even a predator, can be as lovely as a pet. You don't judge one by their past.” Her mother said and Madison snickered.

“He slapped me, mum.” Madison broke to her, as her chest heaved up and down.

“Maybe you did something to upset him." Her mother told her. “But don't worry, I'm sure he must be really sorry now.” She added.

“You know mum... ” She said as she stared at her mother. “Sometimes I wonder if you are... Do you know what a mother is? ” Madison asked as she changed the conversation.

“Madison... ”

“A mother is a therapist... She protects her child from harm, even at her own risk. She supports her child and... ”

“And I have been supporting you! ” her mother yelled at her. “I have been supporting you ever since you were a child and you knew it.” She said and walked towards the bed.

“Mmmm,” Madison mumbled and wiped her tears.

“Madison you will think we are doing the wrong thing, but you will understand in the future. People change and trust me, you will love him.” her mother intoned and stood at the edge of the bed.

“You know what I would love right now?...” Madison asked and sniffed. “... I will love to be left alone.”

Her mother nodded knowingly and walked towards the door. “Just think about it.” She said and walked out of the room, leaving Madison in tears on the bed.

***

Two old-looking men, sat together under a shade, surrounded by a few guards. They were both drinking and smoking as they chatted.

“How's my daughter-in-law? ” Mr. Brian asked as he sipped a glass of wine and began to savor the taste. He was smiling but his face remained expressionless and devoid of any emotions.

“She's doing quite well.” Mr. Allen replied as he kept staring at his friend. His eyes were cold but his lips were parted into a slight smile.

“Why are you staring at me like that, old timer? Join me... This old body can not finish all of these.” Mr. Brian said and chuckled. He smiled as his friend took his glass and sipped from it.

“How's my son-in-law?” Mr. Allen asked him, as his eyes locked on the glass he was holding in his hand.

“The bastard went to have some fun.” Mr. Brian said and picked up a stick of cigar from a tray. “Want one?” He asked as his hand stretched towards his friend.

“No.” Mr. Allen declined politely and smiled at the lady, standing beside his friend.

“Suit yourself.” Mr. Brian said and leaned back on his chair. Lighting the cigarette, he took a whiff and puffed out smoke. “I heard that she's been cheating on my son with some bastard,” he informed and had his eyes locked onto his friend.

They were both staring at each other, neither of them saying another word. Tension filled the air, as the two men sat still, staring at each other.

“You know the deal, dear friend.” Mr. Brian said, breaking the awkward silence between them. “I don't want a daughter-in-law, that goes around with other men. It's unacceptable and I'm afraid I might have to take the deal off the table." He informed and took another whiff.

“Don't." Mr. Allen objected. “Don't call off the deal... I assure you that she won't." Mr. Allen assured with gritted teeth. He had never felt so helpless before. His hands were shaking by his side.

“That's what I like to hear.” Mr. Brian said and puffed out the smoke. His hand ran through his ruffled hair, as his hands reach for a shot of alcohol. “Cheers to friendship." He said with a smile and hurriedly gulped down the content.

“Yeah. ” Mr. Allen said and gulped down his. His face remained expressionless, even as he drank the bitter content. The drink wasn't as bitter as hearing about his daughter, flirting around.

“Hey,” Mr. Brian said and plucked out a grape from the bunch of grapes. He threw it in his mouth and silently chewed on it. “No need to look at me like that... The deal is still on,” he said and rubbed his palms together.

“I hear you haven't dropped the old habit of yours.” Mr. Allen began as he leaned back in his seat. His eyes were still emotionless and his legs were tapping the ground.

Mr. Brian smiled and burst into laughter. “You are funny dear friend,” he said and leaned forward towards Mr. Allen. “… But one more complain, then we are done,” he said in a way that sounded more like a threat.

His eyes were dark and emotionless and just as soon as they did, he returned to his cheerful mood.