Chapter 3 Heartbroken

Roshan is the right hand man to Roy Dashiel. All his underworld business and operations are personally handled by him while Dorian takes on his office matters.

"Someone willing to sell their daughter?"he asked. "Yes, we can come this evening to see the goods."

"Hmmn" he replied, dismissing him at once.

"If I get a hold on that fox, I don't think I'll be able to not strangle her", Ava grumbled, still venting out her frustration. She felt immensely sorry for Tessa. She was her best friend after all.

Tessa laid down on the couch smudging the pillow to her chest.

"I refuse to see you broken like this Tess. That foolish boy can't get away with this. He couldn't even be humane enough to leave you with any thing. You've been working in his company for two good years, but there's nothing to account for it"

"I can't do anything even if I want to", how else could I pay for the 'good life' he had given to me?", she murmured.

"What foolish good life are we talking about here? You have solely kept that company running till this very moment. What an ungrateful bastard! I've always known you as a smart girl, how did you end up being played to this point?", Ava grumbled.

"Yes I was foolish. Really foolish ", Tessa murmured, her voice broken in resigned abandonment.

Her heart ached seeing Tessa like this. She was usually a lively girl, bright and happy. How did she now resemble a mourning widow. Cole Carter was not worth all this. She took her seat on a small stool next to Tessa, "Do you think Cole Carter is worth your breaking down?"

"What?", Tessa asked, not fully grabbing her.

"Tessa. Do you believe me when I say you deserve better than this? It's that fvcking Cole Carter who lost and not you. You are a gem Tessa. You are strong. You are brave. You are smart. He lost and you won?", Ava said, her voice rising, trying to replenish her lost confidence.

"How do I do that Ava? I have nothing. No job, no asset, no money, no house. I have nothing to my name. Where do I start from?", she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

"We'll start from somewhere Tess. I know your capabilities. You can prove him wrong ", Ava consoled.

"I'll definitely do that. Eventually, I'll bring him to his knees and make him regret what he's done." Tessa whispered, a rare glint of determination flashed in her eyes.

"You can do that Tess. Eventually, you'll make him beg. But first, you have to freshen up, you smell like a horse's mouth right now", Ava joked trying to lighten up the mood and Tess threw a pillow at her, "A horse's mouth? Do I really smell that horrible?", she bantered, sniffing herself, "Eww! I do smell like puke."

"Hurry and freshen up, release those stench, will ya?" Ava teased and they both laughed.

The harmonious moment was put to a halt when Tessa's phone rang. Tessa's mom Viviane called.

The call connected, "Tessa. How are you doing?", the voice from the other end asked.

"I'm okay mom", Tessa simply replied in those three words.

She had barely finished speaking when an arrogant voice shouted from the other end, "Tell her already to make sure she comes home this evening." This was her step father -Diego Marvins speaking. Viviane was her biological mother, she had her three years before she married this stepfather, Diego. He had never considered her his daughter, just simply providing her basic needs and playing the role of a father for the world to see.

His legitimate daughter Abigail Marvins was her step sister, the legitimate and only Heir to the Marvins company. She was the favored one, and be often overlooked all of her excesses and spoiled her to a fault. He had made it clear that he wouldn't let another man's child inherit any of his properties, so since she turned adult, he sent her off to take care of herself.

Tessa remained grateful at least for the years he took her in and gave her a name and a home. To her, that was enough and she wouldn't ask for more. If he was calling her home, it meant the issue to be addressed was very important.

"Tessa. Your father wants you to come back home this evening", she heard her mother say.

"Got it", she replied and the call ended.

"What do they want from you?", Ava asked in curiosity.

"He wants me to be home this evening", she replied.

"What's going on?"

"I don't know. Didn't ask"

"Well, that's a good opportunity. I'll come with you so I can personally deal with that boyfriend snatcher myself ", Ava said.

"No need Ava. I do not want to cause any troubles. I'll just see them and be back tomorrow" Tessa insisted.

"Alright, if you insist. But when I get my chance, I'll make sure to twist that little brat's ears. Now go take a shower already", she hurried Tessa into the bathroom.

--

A convoy of black tinted sports car pulled up at the Marvins family estate. The rumored Mafia boss, King of the underworld and hidden from common eye, stepped out of one of the identical sports cars, his train of trained guards stationed around him creating an oppressive and intimidating atmosphere. Cloaked in a jet black cape that dripped from shoulder to floor length. He exuded a majestic and charming look that gives you butterflies.

Sunset poured on his refined and perfectly sculptured figures, giving off the vibes of every lady's prince charming. But beneath those charming looks, lay eyes devoid of Expressionless and ruthless, Cold and chilling to the marrow, hid beneath the dark shade sunglasses and a barely lit cigarette. He took off the glasses and a pair of dark brown eyes blinked, carefully taking awareness of his surroundings. His well trimmed long lashes fluttered rapidly. He looked like a god who had come down, so close, yet unattainable. He checked the time on his customized black ice million dollar wrist watch, before walking gracefully into the Villa.