𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝙲𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚘𝚏 𝚊 𝙻𝚒𝚏𝚎𝚝𝚒𝚖𝚎 ✓ (𝟷𝟾+)

The Past

Please note this chapter will have a domestic abuse reference. Readers discretion advised. The signs *** will convey the start and end of the part mentioning it.

Roger

Getting off work early was one thing but forcing myself to do so for Stella was another. She had planned for us a pre-wedding something. I don't even want to know what it was, never having bothered to ask.

It was the appearance and publicity, I was playing along for. For the world to see the Oswald Murphy alliance. It was also meant to send a message to Brandon, not mess with my company. Roger Murphy wasn't his shy and scared son anymore. I was a force to be reckoned with.

At the Oswald mansion, I walked straight ahead, unwilling to be the center of attention. At the mansion's poolside area there were less people, I settled into a lounge chair.

Stella had weird notions about the engagement party. I mean, who would throw a party at ten in the morning! But I knew better than to question the woman and her ways. After all, it was a deal. Not love.

"Good morning future son," a voice boomed through the lobby. I recognized it the instance it hit my ears, having heard it a million times when I was dating Stella. I can't forget the voice or the man. Malcom Oswald; Stella's father and my pretense father-in-law.

"Good morning Malcom," I bobbed my head in acknowledgement while he trotted up in front. The man, wrinkled face and serious looks scanned me with his peering gaze. 

"Hey come on now son." He shifted his weight, leaning on his left, with his hand in his pocket. "You should start calling me father now.." He patted my back which only infuriated me more. 

Malcom was no less offensive or vile than Brandon himself. I'd assume they both shared the same Satan bond; men who could rain hurt on any woman without any remorse.

"You and I both know the show is only for a time being," My head tilted, watching him shift uncomfortably. "Why play the part when it has to eventually come to an end." I scoffed.

He laughed out like I cracked a joke. "Eventually... Yes yes.. eventually.." Taking a deep breath and exhaling, I could smell the alcohol stench at daybreak. "How eventual is this eventually.. we'll have to see."

Malcom walked away but I knew what he meant. He would use every armour in his box to come at me once the actual theatrics of the deal all began. Once the merger was underway and his daughter bound to me for the world, he would do anything to keep it that way.

I sat back, staring at a distance, feeling the calm before the storm. 

Before the photographer took over the entire place and paraded me with Stella, posing for god knows what magazines, I sat alone and introspected my life. 

The life I lead when, as a child, I had to grow up and be responsible. To take care of my ailing grandparents after mother's demise and with Brandon making way into every brothel. Even this merger, this deal was a way to secure me and my company, whenever Brandon's snorting money would run out. 

It was only a matter of time and I could feel his plan already in motion. I can't even fucking breath the same air as him, let alone share the company.

*Flashback*

Greta cried out. " Please Brandon don't do this.. Please I beg of you. Leave him out of this.."

Brandon took a nearby rod and bashed Greta, his wife and the mother of his child, on her back while she tried holding her child, Roger in her arms, protecting him from his drunk and angry father.