Chapter 2 Reputation

CHAPTER TWO

What did you say? Charles asked as if he had hearing problem

I said I'm carrying your baby,the lady said

Hahaha! Whose baby? Charles mocked

Your baby of course Charles. She said as she shivered

Oh really? My baby? Hahaha do I look like a dumbass to you? Charles said as he couldn't believe his ears.

I'm not playing here Charles,I took in for you. You are the only one to have ever had intimacy with me. I swear on my mother's life,I didn't cheat. The lady cried

Listen madam, I'm very sure I had intimacy with you and I'm not impotent but what made you think I would let a whore like you carry a baby for me?

My dad would kick my ass if I ever try to take you to him as my wife. Charles said frankly

Please Charles,do you want my life ruined?

Do you detest me to this extent? But you made so many promises to me. She said as tears rolled down her face.

Charles looked serious for a moment,turned to look at his personal guard like he was ready to speak something positive and suddenly burst into laughter again.

He said,"don't you get it? I said I can't marry you. You're such a wastrel from a wretched background,my dad can't afford to see me getting married to you" Charles mocked again

Just give me a chance Charles and you won't regret it,she wept bitterly

Charles signaled to one of his guards and he immediately moved closer to the lady. Seeing his broad shoulders and thick chest,fear ran through her spine and wished she could disappear instantly. He walked slowly and arrogantly towards her with his footsteps sounding like the thud of a loaded sac.

Smack! The guard slapped the lady,she lost her grip and fell on her face weeping heavily.

"You heard what Mr Charles just said,he doesn't want you. Now get lost or you witness how your bones with get broken like a tiny stick with my bare hands" he said in his loud and bold voice

Without hesitation,fear gripped her,she wanted to talk but seeing the murderous look on the face of the guard,she took to her heels and left the scene.

...

Knock knock!...

Who is there? Harry said as Charles knocked on the door

Harry Astor and Charles Astor are the sons of the richest man in the City Oliver Astor. Harry Astor is the first son while Charles is the second son.Harry is not so handsome but he has a glowing skin which could make ladies trip for him but Charles on the other hand is a very handsome man with short grey hair,broad shoulders and moderately heightened. They lost their mother when they were young and their father as a result of this has so much spoilt them with the wealth he has.

Open the fucking thing dude, it's me Charles,he said as he tried forcing the door to open

As soon as Harry opened the door,Charles almost spat on him for taking too long to open the door and gave him a very wicked look as if he was going to stab him

Hey,over here! What was that thing I just heard? Harry asked pointing to the TV

What? He asked raising his eyebrow in curiosity

Did I not just hear you instruct your guards to beat up some guys out there because they were walking past you and didn't greet you?

Who the hell do you think you are? Harry asked angrily as he moved his face close to Charles's

The son of the richest man in St Albans,Charles replied in an arrogant tone.

Clapping his hands like he just got impressed by someone. He laughed shortly and return his angry look again and faced Charles

"Listen,if you think you can go around and make a mess of the Astor's name because of wealth, you'd better get the hell out of this family and stop representing dad with such messes out there. Sit your fucking ass down somewhere and think,you scumbag, psst!" Harry hissed as he walked towards the couch,picked a pillow and sat down.

Where is dad? Charles asked

Huh? Dad? He is in his room thinking after he heard of... Harry couldn't finish his statement as they heard a Knock on the door.

Go and check who it is, you fool! Harry commanded

Charles walked towards the door dragging his foot like a two year old kid.

Hello Charles, it's me. Alfred said

What do you want? Charles asked as he stood still at the entrance hindering Alfred from entering.

Is Oliver in? Alfred asked

No,he is not...he is in, Charles changed his statement after Harry gave him a murderous look from the couch he was sitting on.

Come in,he said

Thank you, Alfred said

As Alfred entered to sit,he could not but admire the furniture and aesthetics in their living room,he stared at every single thing as if he was from a village.

Sit down and let me go upstairs and inform Dad, Charles said as he walked towards the staircase.

Dad,are you there? Someone is downstairs looking for you. Charles said without entering Oliver's room.

You bastard,get out of that place and tell the person I'm coming, Oliver said furiously as he tried to wear his slippers and tied his robe round his waist.

Oliver walks down the stairs like a kid as he takes each step slowly while Alfred sits on the couch still feeding his eyes with beautiful sights.

Oh Alfred my friend. How are you? Oliver happily asked with a smile on his face

As Oliver arrived ,Charles and Harry left them and went out to their different rooms

I'm very fine,my friend,Alfred replied as they shook hands.

It's been awhile Alfred,how has work been? How is Grace and her daughters? Oliver queried again

They are all doing well, Alfred said.

So,what do we serve you? Oliver asked as he gave a childish look by widening his mouth and expanding his eyeballs playfully.

Humm, I'm fine,I ate and drank before leaving home. Thank you! Alfred appreciated

Really? Okay so why do I have my long time friend here,any problem?

Alfred adjusts himself on the couch and leaned to the front a bit with his two arms on his thighs as if he wants to gossip.

Actually,Oliver, I need your help. As you know that I'm just working in a blacksmith forge and the income from there is nothing compared to what could let me give my daughters the life they wanted. I've tried so many ways to make life comfortable for them but it's for the birds,all my efforts are just wasting.

Charlotte confronted me yesterday while eating and told me she is tired of the wretchedness of the family,I got heartbroken as I never wished to give them this type of lifestyle too.

Please help me, Oliver. Alfred said as he joined his two hands with his palms facing each other just like he does when praying.

Oliver let out an audible sigh as he leaned his head backwards resting his back on the couch he was sitting on.

Alfred, I'll help you but on one condition. Oliver confirmed

Alfred, who was already almost kneeling down, shifts backwards and adjusts himself;he was eager to hear him.

What condition Oliver? Alfred asked out of curiosity

As you know I do not have a wife and I have two sons, your first daughter will be betrothed to one of my sons and she will have access to so many of my companies in the City and she will be the CEO of one of those companies. Oliver explained

In disbelief,Alfred opened his mouth ajar. Alfred couldn't help but remain stunned after hearing the condition Oliver said

Do you mean Charlotte will get married to one of your sons? Alfred asked to confirm

Yes,Oliver confirmed

You must be joking. Are you trying to buy my daughter off?

What if none of them likes her,huh?

What if she doesn't like any of them,will you force them?

I can't do this Oliver,that's so wicked of you,I should sell my daughter to you?

Alfred burst out of fury and stood up to take his leave.

Oliver sat right without getting bothered as he watched Alfred rant and leave his presence.

...