Chapter 40: Mark knew you were coming
That bartender was pretty smart. He knew right away once I asked where the ’important’ people gathered.
If I’m lucky, I’ll be able to find Zane or, better still, Mark and put an end to all these games.
I walked towards the elevator, heading for the second floor that I never knew this place had. Gosh, to think I used to be a regular here but never knew.
So many people think the first floor was the only floor but then, why would it be such an expensive place if that was all?
The elevator doors opened and I was exposed to a bright corridor, not like the dimly lit first floor.
There were doors and I could tell they were doors to private booths.
It all made sense now. I just had to find Zane and Mark in one of these booths.
I took a turn and flinched as I saw Zane coming out of one of the booths. I stepped back right away and started panicking frantically.
It was all over if he saw me.
Wait, wasn’t that what I wanted?
If he saw me, then it would be easier for me to get to Mark. There seemed to be guards in front of the booth he had come out from so I wouldn’t be able to get in by myself.
"Ahem," I cleared my throat and adjusted myself to make it look like a coincidence, but as he took the turn and laid eyes on me, he looked surprised for a few seconds and then furrowed his eyebrows.
"Hah, so he was right." He said, which confused me.
Wait, what did that mean? Why wasn’t he shocked? Did he know I was following me?
"Mark knew you were coming and asked me to escort you to him."
My throat instantly went dry. He knew I was coming? How? I was beginning to get confused.
"What are you talking about?" I asked.
"You wanted to talk, right?" Zane grabbed my hand. "Well, you’re in luck. Your brother wants to talk to you."
He pulled me towards the booth, and I don’t know why, but I couldn’t resist. All I did was move my feet after him as he pulled me.
My heart was racing. I was panicking but I could not say a word to stop me. He was taking me to that monster and yet...
The door opened and I saw Mark for the first time in so many years.
He was seated comfortably with two girls wrapped in his arms at both sides and a table filled with alcohol bottles.
There were others in the booth with him but I could only see him with my hollow and shaking eyes.
Mark looked at me, smirked, and said,
"Brother, how long has it been?" He asked and unwrapped his arms from the ladies, pushing his body forward and dropping his arms on his knees. "I missed you."
Those words sent chills down my spine.
This must’ve been a mistake. Yes, it was a terrible mistake. I can’t face this man. He was too much for me.
"Now, why are you standing there? Take a seat, take a seat. Make room for my brother. It has been so long. We definitely need to catch up." He said and I gulped.
What was he acting all friendly for all of a sudden?
He was the devil who hated my guts. There was no way he was friendly for no reason.
"Didn’t you hear?" Zane asked and I snapped out of my fright, looking up at me as he glared at me. "Go take a seat."
I looked at my hand in his grip and closed my eyes, inhaling and exhaling to calm myself.
"Hah," I flung my hand out of his grip and then rubbed it. He held on so tightly as if he was planning to snap my arm. "Since you’re a lackey, better stick to it." I said, which infuriated him but I couldn’t be bothered.
I went to take a seat, even though it was uncomfortable, and allowed him to fume, but he did not do anything. It was like he couldn’t do anything since Mark was there.
"Awn, isn’t that sad?" Mark asked, clicking his tongue. "You used to be lovers? What happened?"
He sounded like he was concerned but he’d need to wipe that smirk off his lips if he wanted to be convincing.
But I couldn’t say that to him. I sighed and said,
"We weren’t compatible," I said.
"Hoho, just like you weren’t compatible with Jessica, I completely understand."
I clenched my pants, my fingers digging into my knees.
Why was he mentioning my ex-wife all of a sudden? It was as if he was trying to provoke me outrightly but I wouldn’t give him what he wanted.
"How are mother and father?" I asked him, changing the topic. "I might’ve been disowned, but their blood still flows through my veins, and I worry.
Mark took a moment before he smiled and said,
"They’re doing fine. Though, they worry about you at times."
Liar. I could see through his lies so easily. Why was he like this? I know it was because of him my parents disowned me. Sure, they were embarrassed for what I had become but it was certainly not enough to disown me.
It wasn’t like I had been a troublemaker who they were fed up with. I had been good before then and was always hard at work in their company, but just for that one thing, they disowned me and paid a severance fee.
It was clear he had instigated it.
I wasn’t a child anymore, and I didn’t need the care of my parents, but it still hurts.
"By the way, brother, you’re looking younger these days. It seems like life isn’t stressing you out anymore." He said and I paused.
Why was everyone telling me I was looking younger? Maybe I might’ve believed others but for my brother to say something like that... I felt he was insinuating something.
"Ha," I scoffed and looked up at him. "You’re probably grinding your teeth in secret that I’m still alive and kicking, right? It’s too bad; I already buried the thought of dying, so I’ll be living longer than you, brother. You can count on it."
