CHAPTER TWENTY_FOUR

Lawson and the lady moved to a more private area and continued chatting, while I attended to my guests.

I was with a lady fixing a fake lash when I heard Lawson calling my name.

“ You have a nice place here, this must have cost a huge amount of money. Where do you see the money to stock up on things here? Or how do you get them?” He started the conversation.

“ Lawson, please don't do this here, this is a workplace. I will explain to you when we get home.” I said gently.

Dad intervened when he noticed we were arguing and it was about drawing the attention of the guests.

“ Mr Lawson, please calm down, you can do this when you get home, people are watching”. He tried to talk some sense into him.

“ I don't care if people are watching or not, all I want is an explanation of how she got money to buy these things, I didn't give her much, I told her to start small and see how she can manage the little I gave her before I can invest in her business, but on getting here look at what I see”. He voiced his anger.

“ I understand you clearly, but don't create a scene here today, she is just opening today, how do you want people to see you with your calibre. I and her mother will follow you home to settle this”. My Dad continued persuading him.

“ Alright, I give you the honour as my father-in-law, I will do just that”. He stormed out of the studio

Dad called me to a corner in the studio.

“ What explanation do you have for this?” My Dad asked

“ Dad, don't worry yourself too much, I asked him for money and only gave me 100 dollars, I told him it won't be enough and he said that was what he had. I had to borrow more from the bank and added it to the little savings I had with them.” I explained.

“ If what you are telling is true, he hasn't done well, he is wealthy and can afford more than this. He shouldn't treat you this way, you are married for God's sake”. My Dad said and joined the guests.

The opening party finally came to an end as the last guest finished with her sample hair and leaves.

The staff arranged the studio and we were closed for the day.

My Dad and Mom followed me home but didn't meet him at home.

“ Mr Lawson, we are here in your house, please let's settle the matter on the ground”. My Dad called him.

He said he would be home shortly but it took him thirty-five minutes before arriving.

“ Dad, Rachel is cheating, if not where would she get such an amount of money from to open such a big beauty studio”. He accused me.

I went upstairs to bring the documents for the money I borrowed from the bank.

“ How dare you say it to my face that I am cheating on you, do you think everyone is an asshole like you? You didn't give me enough money when I asked”. I fired back

“ Here is the document from the bank where I took a loan, and I used my car as collateral”. I handed over the papers to Dad.

“ How can you accuse me of such a thing?” I was surprised he could think of me in such a way.

Dad passed the papers to him and his countenance changed after he saw what the agreement was about.

“ How do you expect me to think you would go to the bank for a loan, anyway that's by the way.”. I knew he wanted to bring another excuse.

“ I fired someone in my office and you employed her, what audacity?” He said again.

“ Lawson, don't even go there, I should be in charge of whoever I choose to employ in my studio,” I said. Dad was more confused this time.

“ What has employing a girl had to do with what we are saying here” Dad asked.

“ That girl is her accomplice, she employed her to spy on me and she was fired. Why would you employ her again? I don't want to see that girl in your studio again”. He shouted 

“ That won't be possible, I own my studio, she works for me now and not you, you can't order me around on who to employ and who not to”. I also raised my voice

I remember the girl who created a scene in the studio, they were kissing in front of everyone.

“ Lawson, if this marriage is nothing to you, at least respect me when we are outside. I can accept any form of disrespect from you when we are indoors”.

“ What are you talking about?”. He feigned ignorance 

“ How can you kiss a woman in my presence, in my studio, in the presence of my staff, in the presence of other people? Even if you don't have respect for me, not even for my parents?”. I snapped at him.

“ I owe you no explanation on how I live my life, you don't have any right to question my move” he said and was about to go upstairs.

“You are so disrespectful, ain't you ashamed of yourself? You brought a girl to the party I hosted and you are proud of it. I don't care if you go to her every night but I won't accept it if you disrespect me this way”. I shouted back.

My Dad tried to hold me, and Mom also tried to calm me down and informed me that they would be leaving soon.

I didn't notice when he came back while I was trying to explain things to my parents. He gave me countless resounding slaps and my parents couldn't do anything.

My parents couldn't believe what they just witnessed, he gave me some slaps in their presence but they couldn't say anything because they were scared he would ask for the money they owed him 

What kind of life am I living? Not even my parents can help me 

“ Just go with your parents and never come back here again. I will send my lawyer to you tomorrow” he said and went in.

I went in to take some of my things but he wouldn't let me, he chased me out to go meet my parents.

My parents tried to call him, but he wouldn't answer them.

“ You caused this, how do we find his favour again? You should endure anything he does to you for our sake. Where do you expect us to get money to pay him back?” My Dad asked me.

“Dad, I don't care where you get the money to pay him back, I am

done. Let him bring the divorce papers for me to sign”. I walked away to get a taxi.