Love and Truth Untold

Shirley was scrubbing like did every other day. She was on all four scrubbing the ground to make sure not a single dirt remained on it.

She had diffrent part time jobs at diffrent hours of the day. This cafe where she works is owned by Mrs Benson; a grumpy plus sized woman who found fault with every singe thing she did.

After scrubbing she walked over to the counter where a senior collegue sat.

"Hey Anna, it's my closing hour already.. I have to get going".

"Okay" Anna responded without sparing her a glance.

Shirley waited a while before speaking again

"I was wondering if I could get my pay for the day".

Anna shot her a look.. she actually pitied this young girl standing in front of her. She had never seen anyone who worked as hard as Shirley. What's worse?, she had a burden as a mother.

"Shirley you arrived late to work today and Mrs Benson instructed me to deduct 10 dollars from your pay".

"But I only earn 50 a day, how can she be like that?". Shirley grumbled.

Anna shaked her head in pity. "Here's your 50 dollars, make sure to arrive early tomorrow."

"Thank you.. thank you so much Anna, you're the best".

Shirley ran out of the Cafe as happiness filled her soul. Anna had always been a great help to her even during times she and Mrs Benson fell out.

She never really knew if Anna was being nice because she was hardworking or because she felt pity for her, either ways, it worked well for her.

*

Adon Lancaster, a 26 year old billionaire and CEO of Lancaster cooperation. He had everything good In life or maybe not everything; his love life was a disaster.

He sat behind his desk wondering why his mother had to subject him to a life of misery by forcing him to get married to that nuisance. No doubt he loves his mother and this love made him agree to her resquest without second thoughts.

"5.4.3.2.1". Adon counted in his heart and in a split second the door flew open.

A beautiful lady entered into the office, anger visible in her expression, even her breath was fire.

Adon stared at her from head to toe. What she was putting on did something to him but that wasn't important right now.

"What's wrong Sarah?". Adon picked his words so as not to increase her anger but it did no good.

It's seems like everything he did annoyed her, nothing he did ever satisfied her. In short, his entire existence angered her.

"What's wrong? Adon Lancaster, are you seriously asking me that?. Well, I'll tell you what's wrong. What's wrong is that I hate you.. I hate you so bad I wanna murder you when you sleep, I hate you so much i want you to vanish from the surface of this earth without a trace. That's what's Wrong!!!".

She concluded breathing heavily. She expected him to give the same reaction or at least say something but he remained quiet not uttering a single word.

This is what he had to deal with every single day since they got married three months ago, a tiring day at work and a hellish matrimonial home.

He stood picking up his jacket, he walked towards the door and stopped.

" Meet me in the car, we are going to have dinner."

Sarah tried to decline but Adon cut her off.

"Not a single word, my mother's order". Then he finally walked out."

After he walked out, Sarah banged her head lightly on the table in utter disappointment. His reaction wasn't what she expected at all. She thought bringing their matrimonial matters to his work place would anger him and unleash some hidden demons but none of that happened.

"I guess I'm still stuck with him".

*

Shirley arrived her home about 40 minutes earlier but she sat at their porch and made sure her mother had slept off before entering.

She finally walked into the apartment as quietly as she could. The same sight that greeted her everyday was before her again. A wasted woman who was supposed to be her mother lying comfortably in her own vomits with empty bottles of alcohol everywhere.

She squatted and touched her head. "You're not the only person hurting mama. I'm hurting too but I guess people take hurt diffrently".

She looked around and her eyes landed on the portrait of an old man and a much younger boy. A tear slid down her cheek but she quickly wiped it away.

Her alarm rang and she quickly muted it to avoid waking up her mother.

She mumbled quietly "Another job call, sorry mama but you'll have to clean up for yourself this time".

*

As Adon sat in the car waiting for his so called wife, his mother's call entered. He didn't even let her say a word, he just started complaining about Sarah and how miserable she was making life for him.

"I can't do this anymore mom, she'll kill me before my time and you'd be left with just one son".

"Adon baby, make this work okay. Women can be very difficult to handle, you need all the patience In the world to enable you deal with a woman like Sarah.

You have nothing to loose infact we have a lot to gain by entering a joint partnership with the Adams Co-operation. Besides I like Sarah, she's a beautiful and well mannered girl from a humble background.

"I'm trying, i'm trying okay but she's proving to be stubborn and difficult. Do you know what she did today"?.

Mrs Lancaster sighed. "I don't want to know what she did Adon, you're the man of the house and she's your woman, try taming her.. mould her into the woman you want for yourself."

*

Shirley stood behind the counter of the huge resturant she worked In as a waiter, she was trying to sort the orders but her mind kept drifting to her mother. "I hope she's okay"?

"Shirley? Hey? Shirly"? Joyce; another waiter called multiple times but got no answer from her.

"Hey". She hit her shoulder lightly bringing Shirly back to the real world.

"Yes.. I'm so sorry. Have you been calling me for long"?

"Well yes... we have a couple at the table over there". Joyce pointed.

"Please treat them with utmost respect, they have a black card here". Joyce continued.

"And where are you off to"? Shirley asked with concern sensing the discomfort on her face.

Joyce stopped in her tracks. "Rest room.. I've been having a running tummy all day".

Joyce has always had a runny tummy, it was either caused by something she ate or drank..

Shirley reached the table and greeted politely. " Good evening, may I take your orders please".

"Do you have a gun cause I'm so In the mood to murder someone". Sarah said, throwing Shirly into a fit of confusion.

"I'm sorry, what?". Shirley asked again to be sure she wasn't hearing things.

"I said I need a fucking gun..."

"Behave Sarah Adams". Adon shouted at her banging his already fisted palm on the table. Good thing they rented the resturant for the night and were the only ones there.

Shirley shifted back in fear but lost her balance in the process. She slipped like a little toddler who was learning to take his first step.

She closed her eyes tightly expecting to hit the ground but instead two strong hand caught her, bridal style. Her eyes flung open faster than she had shut them.

Adon helped her regain her balance and she quickly wriggled herself out of his hands.

"Are you okay?, I'm so sorry I shouted like that, I just lost my shit for a moment. Are you hurt?,, Do you need to visit the hospital? I can drive you there".

Adon was busy apologising and checking her from head to toe to make sure she was totally okay. Shirley's eyes travelled to Sarah, she expected to see an angry wife, one who was infact boiling like a volcanoe and ready to erupt anytime soon but instead she sat down smiling happily like she had just won a trophy.

"We'll cancel dinner for the night". Adon said and walked out.

Shirley could tell that he was still angry. Sarah picked up her purse and walked past Shirly, she stopped in her tracks and without looking back she said.

"If you want him, you can have him.. I can even help you".

Shirly watched as Sarah walked out, her mind was a scattered puzzle right now.

"What did that woman mean by if you want him you can have him?. Was she giving her husband away for free.. who wouldn't want a man like that anyways"?.

Shirly snapped out of her thoughts. "Did those people just play with me"?.

Is this what rich people do now? Going around and acting their own drama? What a world.

Shirley stood up early to prepare for work the next morning only to find her mother standing by the corner of the room.

Out of fear she jumped out of bed grabbing the duvet to cover her half naked body.

"Mom what are you doing here"?

She waited for a reply but got none from the woman standing before her. Shirley used this opportunity to take in her mother's appearance; she looked like a mentally disabled patient, dirty clothes, nails, brown teeth.. everything about her was simply unappealing.

"I need some money". The woman said jolting Shirley from her thoughts.

Shirley scoffed angrily.

"I said I need some money brat". The woman repeated impatiently.

Shirley refused giving the woman any answers but walked to her cupboard to bring out her work clothes. The woman ran like a mad dog toward the cupboard pushing Shirley out of the way. She brought out an old metal box for saving and tried breaking it open with her hands.

"Ryan said he needs money for school. My boy is hungry, he needs to eat. Your father isn't back from work yet.. please Shirly your baby brother is hungry please".

The woman cried, scratching her hair and body like she was running mad.

Shirley remained on the ground. Watching her own mother suffer like this brought a lot of pain to her heart, her eye had already become flooded with tears. She was at a loss.

She closed the gap between them and gently stretched her hand towards the woman.... but instead of taking it the woman shifted back in fear.

"Mom"?. Shirley called confused.

"Don't touch me you evil girl. You killed my husband and my son. Don't touch me"?

"I didn't kill anyone mom, I promise".

Shirley sighed sadly. She didn't want to do this but did she have any other option. "Okay I'll give you money for Ryan".

A bright smile appeared on the woman face. "You will"?.

"Yes, I will".

As Shirley searched her work bag for money, the smile on her mother's face slowly vanished as if she realised something. "But how will he take the money when he is dead?, you killed him!!!".

Before Shirley could process everything, her mother jumped on her with every single strenght she possessed sending both of them to the ground.

"Murderer, you pathetic merciless murderer. Someone call the police, I've caught a murderer".

The woman pinned Shirley to the ground, scratching and pinching while Shirley screamed for help.

*

Mrs Lancanster sat before a crying Sarah and a completely silent Adon.

"Adon, what do you have to say about this allegation"?

Mrs Lancaster asked slowly as if counting every word that came out of her mouth.

"Nothing mom, I have nothing to say". Adon replied nonchalantly.

Mrs Lancaster took a deep breath. "So, Sarah is telling the truth. You're cheating on her".

"I'm not cheating on her mom, she lying...."

Sarah didn't wait for him to finish before interrupting.

"Lying, I'm lying. Adon, even if I'm lying, pictures don't lie. You were flirting with that waitress right before my eyes. Holding her and looking into her eyes seductively".

"Flirting... do you even know what you're saying". Adon asked.

Sarah smiled painfully. "You know what?, it's over between us.. I want a divorce".

Sarah turned to Mrs Lancanster. "Mother, I respect you a lot but I cannot be married to a man who has made my life a living hell. My mental and emotional health are at stake right now... I can't anymore. You Adon will hear from my lawyer".

She picked up her bag and walked away. At the door, away from sight she wiped her face and gave a triumphant smile.

"Yessss!!!! I finally did it. I'm almost finally free from Adon, on my way to becoming single again".

Adon didn't need a soothsayer tell him that behind his mother's silence and calm eyes there was a volcanoe waiting to erupt. Despite their closeness, right now he wouldn't dare speak or defend himself for fear of what his mother might say.

But how was it his fault?, right now he felt more than thankful to God for getting rid of this huge obstacle for him.

He was still lost in thought when a voice came from the entrance . "No one is getting divorved".

*

Shirley managed to escape from her mother, the neighbours called the police and they took her mom away. Right now she was seated with her best friends in her totally messed up apartment

They were staring at her angrily, especially Charlotte. Everytime she got in a situation like this with her mother, James was usually the understanding person while Charlotte kept asking the same question over and over again.

"Why won't you take her to a mental home for treatment". Charlotte asked.

"There she goes again". Shirly mumbled.

"She's not mad, Charlotte.. she's just going through a tough phase". Shirley replied.

"Oh you mean the tough phase that happened 6 years ago....? You mean the though phase you got over?.... you mean the though phase that......."?.

"Charlotte stop it". James shouted at her.

"Please James, we need to tell her the truth". Charlotte said glaring hard at him.

"And is this how to tell her the truth, your words are hurting her Charlotte. Not everybody is like you; able to take anything and everything".

Charlotte scoffed at him and got ready to give a befitting answer but Shirley quickly intervened.

"Enough both of you.. enough. My mother isn't mad, she'll be fine, she just needs time".

Charlotte closed the gap and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"It's been six years since the incident Shirley, six years and she has only gotten worse. Fine, if you are worried about the payment for her treatment, I and James can help you out with that. Right James".

James nodded.

"I don't need you both to pity me, she not mad and that's final". Shirley replied back picking up her bag.

Charlotte was beginning to loose her cool again with Shirley's reply.

"She almost killed you.. what would have happend if there was no one around to intervene". Charlotte said with gritted teeth.

"Well, i'm still alive".

"And where do you think you're going with scratch marks all over". A concerned James asked.

"The Cafe.. I know Mrs Benson is going to sack me for real this time".

*

Light came on a dark shabby room and quickly fade away as Charlotte entered and closed the door shut. She stood by the corner awaiting permission to fully come in.

There were three men in the room, 2 were smoking and inhaling white stuffs while the last was staring at his phone as If awaiting a call.

"Arrgggghhhh". The one holding the phone groaned In anger.

"Calm down Paul, she said she'll come". One of the guys smoking said to him.

"She never fails to keep her promise". Paul said emotionally which made Charlotte suprised, of all the years she has spent with Paul, she had never seen him be like this and who is the "she" He was referring to?

"Calm down man, besides your bitch is here already. She gonna make you forget all you worries".

Immediately Paul turned around to face Charlotte, a wide smile spread on his face.

"Mamacita". He called.... come in, why are you standing by the entrance.

Charlotte became confused, Paul always told her to wait for permission before entering into the room. Why was he being nice today?. He definitely has something in plan for her.

The both of you out. Paul commanded.

After the other two had left, Charlotte started taking off her clothes in a seducing manner while Paul licked his lips ferociously.

"Today is gonna be a little diffrent Mamacita". Paul said, his eyes not leaving her small framed body.

He pushed her violently on the bed and went to a corner of the room.

After a while, Charlotte heard dangling sounds.

"Oh no, please God.. please let it not be". She prayed in her heart.

Immediately Paul turned, he raised the big chains with an evil smile on his face.

Her fears were confirmed, he is going to torture her. Tears gathered by the corner of her eyes as she laid motionless. She couldn't run away neither could she scream because the last time she did, Paul and his friends took turns with her until she passed out.

After chaining her, he took out his horse whip and began whipping her with it.

Her screams filled the room. "Please Paul, I'll do anything you want, please don't do this please Paul I beg you in God's name".

Paul scoffed. "God... God..?"

He whipped her harder as if the name she just called irritated him.

"What's my name mamacita"?.

"Paul, your name is Paul". Charlotte replied, swallowing the pain she was feeling.

"Who owns you"?

"You Paul, you own me". She replied again through gritted teeth.

"Who owns your body"? He asked, but got no reply.

"Who else has been touching you"?. He asked again.

"Just you Paul... just you"?. She replied in between hot and painful tears.

"Liarrr"? Paul screamed at her

Charlotte's body was already filled with blood and scars, old and new. She finally passed out but it didn't stop Paul from having his way with her.

James stood few feets away from the very ugly building... Hearing Charlotte scream in pain like that sent a rushing feeling of rage through his veins.

The bastard still had the guts to fuck her. Paul was groaning so loud, James could hear.

"Your days are numbered bastard.. just a little more time".

*

"Well, you're lucky... Mrs Benson wasn't around today, else you would have crawled out of this Cafe without any money".

"Thank you Anna, I really appreciate everything you do for me". Shirley said.

"Well, you have to fix your own problems, I won't always be here, you know that right"?

Shirley nodded slowly.

"Clean up before you leave, it's supposed to be a punishment, but I bet you can handle it. Byee".

Anna left the cafe leaving just Shirley to clean up.

Shirley began singing Giveon's heartbreak anniversary when the Cafe door slid open followed by clearing of the throat.

"Sorry, we're closed for the day, come back tomorrow".

She heard the clearing of throat again and turned around, immediatly a hard slap landed on her cheek.

*

Adon sat on a couch opposite Sarah's. He watched her drink herself to stupor simply because her father refused giving permission for their divorce and threatened to disown her if she went against his orders.

Adon scoffed. "You must hate me so much".

"Is there another guy"? He said again but got no reply.

"His name is Paul right"?.

Sarah shot him a look. "Have you been stalking me"?

"What does he have that I don't?. Answer me Sarah what does this Paul have that I don't."

Sarah scoffed. "Kill yourself".

"Right". Adon picked up his car keys and left the house.

Sarah picked up her phone and saw that she had several missed calls. In anger she flunged the phone across the sitting room and burst into tears.

Sarah gasped the slap stung her soo much that tears already gathered by the corners of her eyes.

No, she wasn't going to let the fall, she wouldn't cry because a stranger slapped her. She had passed through worse things in life. Besides crying would only make her look like a weakling.

"Who are you and why did...."

"Shhhh, darling.. the only person permitted to talk around here is me. Got that"?

The only reason why Shirly was keeping her cool was because the woman standing before her looked elderly and classy. She didn't want to be disrespectful and neither did she want to spend the night in jail.

But this woman crossed all the boundary, who is she anyways?

"My name is Grace Lancanster. Mother of billionaire CEO, Adon Lancanster who is turn is the owner of Lancanster Co operation".

"And what does that have to do with me"?. Shirley asked with palm on her face still nursing her injury.

"You see those men out there". Mrs Grace said pointing out the cafe.

Shirley looked out and saw two men guarding the entrance, they looked like bouncers. Well built and muscular.

"Utter one more word and I'll leave them to teach you a lesson you'll never forget".

Shirley's eyes widen in shock.

"Yes darling. I'm mean every word I say".

Shirley couldn't help but wonder what she did to offend this woman, she had never come across this Mrs Grace in all her 23 years of existence. Although she knew of Lancanster Co operation, what was her business with them?

"I want you to stay away from my son, Adon"? Mrs Grace said taking a seat.

"Who the hell is he, I haven't even met him before". Shirley thought within as that was the only thing she was capable of doing.

"He is a married man with a great career and a very bright future. Whatever he promised you, I'll do double. He cannot love you talk more being with you... I'm satisfied with the woman he is married to and as long as I'm alive nothing and no one will ever come between them".

Shirley scoffed lowly, she felt pissed off right now. How dare this woman?, how much money does she even possess?.

"I have more than enough money to destroy your life and the life of people you love at the snap of my finger".

Mrs Grace said, sounding more dangerous than before. It was as if she penetrated Shirley's mind to hear what she was thinking.

Mrs Grace looked around the cafe. "I see you love this cafe dearly, maybe I'll destroy it first".

Then she faced Shirley properly.

"Heed my warning little girl to avoid doom".

she flashed a cunning smile before walking out.

"YOU'RE FIRED!!!!!!".

*

Adon sat in VIP area of a bar slowly sipping his glass of liquor. Many thoughts ran through his mind at the same time.

How exactly did Sarah come to hate him. This is a woman he loves with the whole of his heart.

They attended the same high school and even college. He fell In love with her the very day she stepped her feet into the classroom from high-school.

Her long curly golden brown hair and green eyes gave her looks of a goddess, she was as cute as a bunny and had a gummy smile while made his heart twirl each time she flashed.

Maybe she didn't notice him but he stalked her; Always sending anonymous texts, placing red roses and chocolate every morning in her locker and telling her to stay away from other guys cause she belonged only to him.

These things made her angry at the beginning because she either gave them out or dumped them in the trash but being the persistent type he never gave up. As time went on, she got used to this gesture and expected it everyday.

On days where he failed to deliver or delivered late. She would frown her face all day refusing to talk to anyone.

He saw how she blushed heavily at every of his anonymous texts, how she adored every stick of Rose and how she ate every bit of chocolate with pure love.

He stalked her up until graduation from college when he was ready to reveal himself.. Then out came the news.

FLASHBACK.

"Dad, you came for my graduation". 20 years Adon said to his father. He wasn't expecting the old man since he

was always busy with work and travelling all over.

"I wouldn't miss it for anything in the world. Come let me introduce you to someone".

He and his Father walked a few metres to VIP seat.

"Mr Lancanster, I thought you wouldn't be able to make it".

"Adams". His father called hapily. "Since when did we start acting formal?". The old men engulfed themselves in a big hug and Adon couldn't help but admire.

"Adon". Mr Lancanster called.

"Yes Father".

"This is my friend, Mr Adams I told you about".

"Hello sire". Adon bowed as a sign of respect.

Mr Adams let our a big smile. "Adon my boy.. you are now very grown. I'm proud of you".

"Thank you sire".

"Oh, my daughter also attends this school, errmmm.". Her name is Sarah... Sarah Adams".

"She's a friend sire".

"She left not quite long to see someone". Mr Adam said looking all over the place.

"Allow me get her sir".

Adon excused himself in search of Sarah. Someone? Who is the someone she went to see.

Adon saw this as a perfect opportunity to confess his feelings to Sarah. He looked all over the school but couldn't find her.

He was about giving up when he heard muffled sounds coming from their classroom. Erasing all thoughts from his head, he took slow steady steps toward the classroom, he opened the door quietly.

The sight shocked him so much.

Sarah?...

Adon caught her making out with the school gangster, Paul lucas. Why on earth was she with him.

Sarah rushed over to Adon all smile, taking his hand in hers she said . "Adon, meet Paul. You know him right"?.

"Of course I do, who dosent know Paul"?.

"He just confessed to me".

"Confess what"?

Sarah squealed hapily. "The flowers, chocolates and anonymous texts. He was behind all of it".

"What, that's not possible.. it can't be him". Adon said.

Sarah was too excited to hear anything so she ran out excitedly.

Adon threw dagger stares at Paul who only grinned in mockery. Adon reached for his trouser pocket as if searching for something only then did he realise. He lost it.

"Are you searching for this". Paul raised a burner phone at him.

That was his burner phone, the one he used in sending those anonymous text messages to Sarah.. no wonder why she believed him but how did he get his hand on it?.

Adon tried hard to calm himself. "How did you get my phone"?.

"You mean this piece of shit right here"? Paul dangled the phone in his hand.

Before Adon could reach for the phone, Paul smashed it on the ground and destroyed it with his feet.

Now he crossed the line. Adon attacked and threw punches at him. Paul stayed still not fighting back as if he had something planned.

Sarah entered the classroom with her friends and the sight before her made her sick.

"Adon? How could you"?

Adon stood up from Paul. "I can explain Sarah, please let me explain".

Seeing how bruised Paul's face was infuriated Sarah the more.

She helped Paul up. "Are you okay"?

"He destroyed the burner phone babe". Paul said pointing to the ground.

Hearing Paul call her babe stirred up butterflies in her tummy but she had a more pressing issue to deal with.

"He lying to you, Sarah. I liked you first. Paul is just trying to come in between us.. I sent those texts, flowers and chocolates". Adon defended close to tears.

"What proof do you have Adon, what proof do you have"?.

Adon tried to form some word but due to his tears they only came out as air.

"Even if you sent those things Adon, I could never like someone as weak as you, someone who tries and fails. Let's go babe". Sarah helped Paul out of the class followed by her friends.

Adon fell to his feets. She was right compared to Paul he looked like a weakling, no muscles or strenght to defend himself that was the reason he never got into trouble.

BACK TO PRESENT.

The story of how they got married was even more complex. It was his father's will, boldly written in there.

He changed a lot, he wasn't the weakling he used to be. He worked hard to be every woman's choice but the one woman he wanted didn't want him back.

*

Shirley walked in the street think of how and why her life turned out to be this bad.

Yes, Mrs Benson fired her. She said she couldn't keep a home wrecker as an employee. The job she struggled to keep, she ended up loosing.

She found herself in front if a bar. "I think I need a drink".

Making her way through diffrent category of drunk people, her mind drifted to her past, precisely, 6 years ago when she lost her father. She was just 16 about to clock 17.

She went into her father's workshop, he was a carpenter. Her mother had sent her to call him and her 6 months old brother for lunch.

She entered and found her father with their little brother in his arms, he was already asleep. As she made her way through the wood, nail and other equipments in the room her eyes drifted to something, something that looked like a gun.

To avoid drawing his attention, She quietly tip toed over to the gun and carried it. As if he knew, her father turned around.

"Shirley, drop that, it's dangerous to play with things like that".

"Is this a gun, dad?, aren't you a carpenter?, carpenters don't use guns".

"Shirley, drop it now".

Before she could drop the gun, she heard a shot, she saw baby Ryan drop to the ground, his tender head hitting the wooden table in the process.

The next scene shocked her to the bones, her father came crashing to the ground with a loud thud.

Baby Ryan and her Father soaked in their own blood, she stood there shocked, unable to move a limb, unable to scream for help.

Her mother came in minutes later, seeing the gun in her hand, she assumed that Shirley shot her father.

"Run". Her father said with his final breath.

Up until today, she didn't still understand why he asked them to run.