THE CONTRACT MARRIAGE

30-GRADUATED

OMNISCIENT

"I can't believe you let her slip through our fingers! This is utterly preposterous!"

The huge flower vase was shattered to pieces when it kissed the floor. A set of office pens, several stacks of files and books also faced the same fate due to the strength with which the man's hand moved.

"F-father, t-the men were members of the Mighty Hawk which is currently under Mr Aarif Babangida's control," The man's lips visibly trembled, his eyes bloodshot due to the horror of what he faced a few hours ago.

"Oh? Mighty Hawk? Are you trying to tell me that after all the intel I managed to get my hands on from that man's father and even Lombardi, everything still backfired on us? How is that possible?" The man's veins were prominent, the scar on his forearm revealed when he rolled up the sleeves of his black button-up shirt.

The enormous office was filled with heat that resulted from the rage of the mafia boss. Even though his son carried out all the operations, it was no news to everyone that he was the one wielding the sword.

"There was Zeus and even Steven, Maheer Grema's chief guard. It's a miracle that we made it out alive, all thanks to the emergency exit. They set the whole place on fire after retrieving the old woman," He sharply inhaled, closing his eyes and running a wide palm on his face, not wanting to remember the horrifying scene.

"Maheer, Maheer, Maheer! It's always that boy, always! Ever since he came into their lives, he has been wrecking our plans and causing us losses that'll take years to rectify. I swear I'll crush him the next time I see him. And that wife of his, I underestimated her and she almost cost me my life," The man paused, his shoulders quivering due to the dread of having to face the latter again.

"What's your next move, Father?" He couldn't help but ask after a long, dreadful silence enfolded the office.

"The heart is a stupid thing... It's also the biggest loophole that'll guarantee our triumph. Henceforth, I'll take charge of all the affairs concerning them," His lips stretched into a bone-chilling smile, his eyes crinkling at the sides.

The look on his face was clouded with a startling sadism that depicted a fraction of his true intentions. And from then, the son and the group of men behind him knew that whatever would occur shortly would be no less than dilapidation to irreparable pieces.

*

3 Months Later.

The living room that was once packed with life became a shadow of its former self. The chill that enveloped its walls was like waves of electric shocks that sent the people on the posh couch jittery.

"I called upon you two for a formal introduction. As you all know, I've formally tied the knot with your mother, Barrister Nabila Abbasi, who is now known as Mrs Muhammad Babangida. I'll appreciate it if you forgive past missteps and acknowledge her as the woman of the house and also your mother," The engineer wore a bone-chilling smile that perfectly masked his apprehension while addressing the two people who sat on the carpeted floor.

"Mother? I'll take that as a joke," A scoff escaped Aarif's lips and with serpent-like hazel eyes, his gaze travelled from the husband to the wife.

"Baby, it must still be too much for them to take in. They can call me Aunt, I don't mind at all. After all, I'm not too old to be their mother," Her lips curled into a smirk, making sure they got the underlying meaning of her words.