Behind Closed Doors

Chapter 27

The door suddenly pushed open, with Joe walking in. He found Mark focused on his computer, not startled by the sudden sound.

"Why did you do what you did?!" Joe screamed.

Mark continued to press the keys on the keyboard, creating a sound.

"Mark! I'm talking to you!"

"You shouldn't just barge into people's rooms like that, especially if it's a library," Mark said, still staring at his computer screen, ignoring his father by the door.

"Away with that nonsense, Mark," Joe moved closer to him. "Why did you go and lie to the entire congregation about that poor innocent young woman?!"

"What poor innocent young woman?" Mark asked, acting oblivious.

"Emily! Your wife!"

Mark chuckled and turned to face his father. "It amazes me that you still call her poor and innocent."

He cracked his fingers gently, making sure each pop sound was heard clearly in the room.

"You still don't get it, do you?"

Joe was immediately confused.

"The old woman was here to beg me the other day. She came along with two of her sons, the younger ones, what were their names again? I cannot even remember... but you know, the pests," he motioned his fingers to belittle them.

"She came to beg on behalf of herself and her sons, for me to continue paying their fees and, you know, fund her lifestyle that's full of one problem or another. But I had her escorted out of my office. I shall not be entertaining gold diggers," he sighed. "Also, people in the church have started treating them badly. Only Emily has been declared excommunicated, but people are beginning to sideline them. They're rendered helpless now, and I'm their only path to prosperity. They need me. They're ready to worship me as their lord, so I overturn their fates."

A smug smile played on his lips as he spoke.

"Emily played the short game, but I'm playing the long game, and I'll be here to enjoy every bit of it."

He leaned backward, lifting his arms to stretch them.

"Now her family is back to square one, even worse off than before she was picked up. I think the most enjoyable moment for me was seeing the light die in her brother's eyes. They must face the consequences of her actions."

"Mark, how can you say all these vile things? This is not the son I trained in the way of God. This is not the son who was interested in becoming a pastor. No," Joe said, still stunned. Every time that Mark spoke about this situation, he was reminded of how very little he knew his son.

"I'm surprised you say all this, Dad," he replied. "I turned out fine, a successful multimillionaire still holding onto his morals via religion. I'm a powerful man of God. Dad, I am the perfect man," he praised himself, flexing at his father.

"No, Mark, you're unrecognizable," Joe shook his head. "Mark, move on, take a wife, have children, forget about Emily. Like you said, she's not worth it! Move on, please. You're the pillar of the church and the society at large! Don't lose your soul because of a woman! This is not who you are. Please, just start a new family. I'm begging you," his father pleaded desperately. "There are a thousand and one women out there waiting to say yes to you. Just please don't do this to her family. You have more than enough to go around. Just at least assist them."

Mark was quiet for a minute.

"Dad, you do not seem to understand, but no problem. I would like to end this conversation here. Emily has been officially declared excommunicated. We'll see the events unfold soon, might be in 15 years, but we'll see," he chuckled. "And I cannot wait."