Daniel spent the remaining few hours drinking himself to numbness.
He never should have returned to Minnesota, it was a mistake coming back here. Now he has to see the girl of his dreams in the arms of his cousin.
He was still at the bar even as the Welcoming began. All the attempts of the young ladies present to get his attention had all been made futile.
He wouldn't stop drinking let alone speak to anyone. At least he was getting what he wished for -to be numb to the pain and everything inbetween- that until Livy arrived.
She was dressed in a milk-colored pink flora strapless gown. She had a pink half-cut fur coat that hung few inches below her shoulders with matching strapped-heels.
She was looking exceptionally beautiful than she was in the morning, making it harder for Daniel to focus. She was all he could see as everything and everyone else became blurred.
He tried to stand up from the stool but his legs were numb. He knew he would fall and make a fool of himself if he tries again, so he remained in his seat with his eyes glued on Livy.
He was such a person who knew when to go after what he wants and when to give up. But, ever since Livy appeared in his life, all his sense of reasoning has eluded him.
Soon the music started and she was on the dance floor with Markian. He was finding it hard to understand the sudden disdain he now felt towards his cousin.
Is it because Markian is with the woman of his dreams, or is it because he knew Markian doesn't really like her? But whatever the reason was, this is the first time he had felt such rage towards his cousin.
Markian and Daniel had been more than just cousins growing up, they had been brothers and best friends until he left Minnesota 5years ago.
Castlehill had always been the Winfrey's family business until Grandpa Winfrey-Castlehill died and left his will, making his first son, Matthew Winfrey the Chairman of Castlehill group of companies. And his second son, Tion Winfrey, he made the CEO of Shanghai group which Heather is currently in charge of after Daniel left to Grenada.
As heir to the Shanghai group, his father wanted more from him and would always compared him to Markian.
Tion Winfrey had always envied his brother's position as Chairman and have done unethical things that could naturally create enmity between siblings. So Daniel left for his own peace of mind and for his cousin's sake.
But, could it be that an enmity between both of them is inevitable?
Right now, he really hates that Livy was Markian's woman, and the fact that Markian doesn't want her makes him even more furious.
But he blamed his anger and every associated with his emotions tonight on the alcohol, he was not thinking straight. Maybe a good night rest would bring his mind some peace, so one last look at Livy before headed upstairs was all that was left for him to do when he saw it.
Daniel's mind went on a personal rampage as his eyes fell on Markian's hands on Livy's butt, and Livy's silent struggle to be free of him.
He felt like marching up to the dance floor, grab Markian by the neck and give him a good punch.
Luckily she broke free from Markian's grip, giving Daniel a little sense of satisfaction.
'Wait, what's wrong with me. They are both married now, so why do I still feeling the need to rescue her? She's his woman now, and I'm nobody to her, but why do I still feel this way? Livy, what did you do to me?' Daniel questioned himself.
His eyes fell on her again but this time, Markian's hand gripped her wrist forcefully before he practically dragged her upstairs.
Daniel quickly rushed on his feet, but the alcohol in his system protested against his obtrusion. His head felt heavy and his eyes were finding it hard to focus.
He was drunk but wanted to rescue Livy from Markian, since he knows how cold and destructive his cousin's anger can be better than anyone else.
He began to move his foot one step at a time as he shoved and pushed people out of the way sluggishly.
Before he got to the staircase, a hand touched his shoulder pulling him back. It was Heather.
"where do you think you are going? Stay here and don't create a scene" she ordered sternly.
"Bu...ttt, he dragged Livy upstairsss without her consent. I...have to stop him before he... he does something stupid, he must still be upset with herrr" he dragged as he forced the words out in an attempt to sound clear and firm.
"You can barely stand. Go back, I'll handle it... Trust me, Go!" Heather commanded her brother.
She had always been so authoritative and concerned about her little brother and the reputation of her family. Which is why if Markian does anything crazy tonight, she would never forgive him, so she went after him.
Before she got to Markian's room, he had already shut the door. She banged and banged on the door, but Markian and Livy weren't responding.
'What is Markian thinking right now? Does he intend on hurting her? No way, he wouldn't do that.' she thought. But she recalled the look in Markian's eyes and they were very scary.
Her cousin has a quick temper that almost made him an outcast when they were younger. He wasn't very popular amongst the guys, but occasionally the girls would flock around him because he was very handsome and rich.
His only friend while growing up was Daniel, but it seems there has been a strain in their relationship ever since Daniel left Minnesota.
If he continues like this, she fears the worst as she loved him like a brother too and knows exactly how he gets when he's upset.
If Markian creates a scene and the gossip gets out, only heaven knows what rumors might spread on social media the next day.
''Markian, is everything OK?! Please, open the door let's talk about this. Everyone is worried downstairs, and wants to know what's going on. Markian? Livy! is everything OK?" she called out, but got no response.
She started to worried when she didn't get any response until Markian replied.
"Heather, go back downstairs and entertain the guests. We've had a long day and just want to go to bed early. Tell them to have a good time, and leave when they are done". he stated.
OK, He is lying through his teeth knowing fully that she knows him very well, and that made her even more worried. Markian takes very rash decisions when he is angry.
"Markian, she is your wife now and everyone downstairs knows that. Don't do anything stupid you would regret later. I'm leaving, have a goodnight" she replied.
She's still worried about what would happen to Livy, so she prayed a silent prayer for her.
When she went downstairs, she met Daniel sitting at the end of the staircase. He looked miserable and drunk.
Her brother only drinks when something was bothering him, but what could he possibly be worried about?
It's a strange room, but it was beautifully decorated with flowers and few candlelights lit up the room, making it more difficult to find a way out.
In a quick stride he was face to face with me. One of his hand grapped my left wrist, while the other was on my waist, and using his weight he pinned me to the wall unable to move. I could only manage to wiggle, making my current position even worse.
I was in pain as his grip got tighter and tighter, and I whimpered.
When I opened my eyes, they met with his icy cold eyes. He had a smirk on his lips, he is enjoying what he was doing at the moment- the pain he's inflicting, the fear that constantly grew in me and the soft whimper I let out involuntarily. He was enjoying every bit of his handiwork.
"I'm I hurting you? Do you want me to let you go? Beg me! I might listen if you ask nicely" he spoke softly and teasingly.
I knew he was taunting me, but I needed this to stop. I know I was wrong and spoke out of anger, I never should have spoken to him in such a manner especially after everything that had happened to him because of me.
"Please, I....beg of you. Please...let go of me," I pleaded shamelessly.
"scoffs...I. Don't. Want. To... You seemed to have a lot to say to me downstairs, even everyone wanted to know. So, here I am in private, all ears and ready to listen, so tell me." he requested calmly still while holding and pinning me to the wall.
I was so terrified, I was about to cry. 'Please, let me go... I didn't mean to be rude, I just...my irritation level ticks off when someone I care about is intoxicated by alcohol.'
I can't even say that because I'm the reason he was drinking. He is suffering because I forcefully got married to him.
I'm so pathetic, even right now I'm making excuses for the man whose fingers are boring a hole in my arm and waist. He hates me so much but I still fantasize of a happy life with him.
I must be mad, crazy with emotions I can't fully control.
"Why so quiet 'honey'? Go ahead, say what's on your mind. I really want to hear what you have to say" he request with gritted teeth.
He looks so furious, and if I'm not careful, tonight which is meant to be our first night together might turn into a horrific night.
My eyes were already teary and ready to spill, my cheeks felt so hot like I've been slapped, my legs were giving up on me. Somebody please help. I don't know what to say or do that might make things even worse.
"If you refer to me as your husband in 'public' ever again, I'll make you regret it in public. If you ever for a moment think you can stand with me as an equal, I'll push you down with my own hands. And if you think that I'll ever regard you as my wife, then be prepared to get disappointed, over and over again. I will make everyday you spend with me unlivable. I'll make sure you regret the actions you took today that suit you and your mother best. So from now I'll make decisions that only suits me, and would cause you great pain- more than you've caused me. From this moment on, I'll sacrifice my time to making you regret ever choosing to get married to 'your sister's husband'. Just get lost, you disgust me!" Markian yelled as he pushing me aside.
I got up and ran towards a door beside the book shelf, not knowing if it was a walk-in closet or the bathroom. All I knew was that my entire systems needed me to be far away from Markian, so I ran and shut the door.
My heart was still racing as tears streamed down my face and i squeezed my eyes shut.
I was still trembling with fear and my body hurts, not from his grip but from his harsh words.
What have I gotten myself into all in the name of love? Was I wrong to marry Markian? I'm I really the bad guy? Everything I knew and felt right now was on a heap of questions with no answers.
The floor was cold and the room was pitch black. My heartbeat intensified as blood ran through my brain and flooded my ears, muffling out all sounds. I'm currently in a state of panic as I fumbled on the door knob to get the door but failed.
In few seconds everything went dead as I laid on the cold ground unconscious.
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