THE NIGHT’S AFTERMATH

 “But Dad I also want to be the CEO, why do you love my sister more than me…why aren’t you after my success?” James cried out bitterly.

“Give me a branch in this company that I can head…I don’t want to be under my sister’s order!!” He continued.

“Do you know the financial status of this company?…Do you know the crisis we have been facing for the past few months?…Do you know all these..Do you?” Mr Howells shouted.

But James remained quiet because sincerely, he had no clue.

“Can you see now!…you only care about the hatred you have for your sister…it has really blinded you to the point that you can’t see ways to help and support the company!” Mr Howells said angrily.

“Dad…pls calm down..I’m sure he doesn’t mean it that way” Susan said softly, trying to make him calm.

“You really disgust me…I really question your existence as my son because you don’t have any of my attributes!” He lamented.

“Don’t you ever bring up this discussion again!…is that clear?” He shouted.

“Yes…yes Dad…I’m sorry sir” James said slowly.

“Good…Susan my dear…I have to attend to some meetings I’ll see you later…you can go back to your duty.” Mr Howells said. “Alright Dad.” Susan replied.

Mr Howells left the conference room, leaving Susan and James staring at each other.

“Are you happy now?…this is what you have always wanted isn’t it?” James asked, frowning.

“James listen…I..” Susan said. “No problem…let’s see how this ends and I promise you will regret this!…mark my word…you’re so evil.” James shouted angrily, making his way to the entrance and shut the door so hard behind him.

“Steve come on now!…what’s your problem with choking women?” Dr Martins said angrily.

“I don’t know Martins… it’s just a crazy fantasy.” Steve muttered.

“What crazy fantasy!…listen, don’t let this repeat itself again!!.. you almost killed her!” Dr Martins warned.

“But..she liked it… she was the one saying choke me…choke me…and I had to obey.” Steve answered.

“Choke me..(mimicking him)..and you wanna kill someone’s daughter?…what if she died..huh?” Dr Martins asked.

“Forget it bro!…at least she’s okay now.” Steve replied. “Don’t lecture me now… we’re both beds of the same feathers.” Steve continued, laughing.

“Listen..quite alright..yeah..I have girlfriends, but I don’t choke them.” Dr Martins said in his defense.

“How is she doing now…can I see her?” Steve asked curiously.

“Yeah…but she needs rest, you can check up on her later.” Dr Martins replied.

“But guy, you need to fill me in…on how you guys met.” Dr Martins asked curiously.

“Lol…bro that’s another discussion some other time..let me check on her real quick.” Steve said, heading towards the patient’s ward.

Steve pushed the door slowly, trying not to make any disturbances but didn’t know she was already awake.

“Hey…you’re awake?” Steve said, feeling startled. “Yeah…what happened last night.” She asked, looking confused.

“Huh…yeah..we..we had a thing….like a one night stand..something like that.” Steve replied, stuttering.

“Something…like that?” She asked again, trying to suppress her laughter.

“Alright…yeah we had a one night stand.” Steve said boldly, raising his hand in defeat.

“You’re married?” She asked as she noticed the ring on his finger.

“Yeah…I am.” Steve replied. “I guess…you don’t have a happy home right?” She asked.

“Yeah…I apologize for the way I went off you last night, honestly I just couldn’t control myself.” Steve muttered sadly.

“It’s fine…at least I enjoy it…you’re so good in bed!” She exclaimed. 

“What the hell….” Steve said to himself. “You nearly died last night…and you aren’t even bothered!” Steve said in disbelief.

“Well.. I’m not dead.. so cut the crap.” She said blatantly. “Seeing your face clearly now…I know you, you’re MR STEVE PARKER, the CEO of RUSEL LTD.” She added.

“Well, now that you know my name, I would like to know yours too?” Steve asked.

“My name is Lucy.” She said, “Why do you work in the club…if I may ask?” Steve asked.

“It’s…a long story.” Lucy said sadly. “It’s okay I understand…I should let you get some rest…and here’s my business card, you can call me anytime you need my help.” Steve said.

“By the way…I had a good time with you last night..thank you.” Steve added.

“I did as well…you can count on me if you need my services again.” Lucy said,smiling as she collected his business card.

“Take care..let me know when you’re discharged so I can come pick you up?” He said.

“Okay…thanks, bye.” Lucy said,watching him exit the room.

Later that day, Steve went back home, feeling so tired. Luckily, Susan was not at home yet.

“Urgh….today was so stressful!” Steve said while coming out of the bathroom and changing into a simple polo shirt and shorts.

He tossed himself onto his bed as he slowly drifted away into his sleep.

Susan walked into the house and was greeted by her maid; Kim. “Welcome ma!” Kim greeted her.

“Yeah…thanks…wait!…is my husband back home?” Susan asked, feeling so sad her husband hadn't come home since last night.

“He’s at home ma…he came home this afternoon and has been in his room since then.” Kim answered.

“Oh thank God…i guess I didn't see his car parked in the compound.” Susan thought to herself. 

“Alright, you can go now.” Susan said as she dismissed her maid.

“Hold on….what about my son, is he back from school?” Susan asked.

“Yes ma. He's in his room taking a nap.” Kim answered. “Alright.” Susan said as she headed upstairs to go check up on her husband.

“Baby…” Susan called out, knocking on his door. “Baby?..” she called again, no response.

“Baby?..” she called out this time, pushing the knob and letting herself into his room.

She found him sleeping on the bed. “Oh goodness…thank God he's finally home. She said.

She moved close to him and covered him well with his duvet before she finally placed a kiss on his forehead, gave him a light peck on his lips.

Steve stirred in his sleep. Susan jumped up in shock. “Oh…shit!” she cursed.