chapter one
Slight content warning!
A bit of violence and assault...
(Russell's POV)
Dad please stop! Nine years old me cried in horror as I watched my dad lash out at my mum, if he were only yelling at her, it would have been better..but the kicks, the punches, the curse words and the way she coughed out blood as he kicked her stomach made me cringe in fear.
I have always been haunted by my past reminded of how much of a weakling I was as a child... of how much I failed my mother.
The memories of that cold night came rushing over me, sending waves of fear through my body. As I stared at the wall clock anxiously, wondering why he was beyond late the door to the living room was flung open and my heart sunk into my chest. I watched in horror as my drunk dad staggered towards mum who was fast asleep on the one seat sofa and landed her a slap across her left cheek.
I need you! His rapsy voice echoed sounding so irritating and unnecessarily loud.
Still feeling sleepy, she sat up quickly but before she could even think right, my dad landed a heavy blow on her chin and then she became his punching bag just like the previous nights. I remembered the way my mum was screaming my name, begging for me to help her at some point but I didn't do anything, I was too weak to do something.
The image of my dad belting my mum down flooded my mind, as each lash landed on her, her wail got louder and when he had enjoyed seeing her in agony, he ripped off her clothes and took her right in my presence. I literally peed on my body trembling in fear as her eyes turned pale white. Since that day, I have never resented anyone else than little me.
A knock on the door woke me up from my nap (flooded with nightmares of my past) as I adjusted myself in my office chair before my personal assistant came inside.
Sir, I have your schedule cleared for the rest of the day, the auction is this evening.
Okay then, you can leave. I said dismissively as I rolled up my sleeves facing the picture window. It gave the full view of the city which was the reason why I bought this building... It was love at first sight.
I opened the refrigerator and picked a bottle of wine, I popped it and the laughter that escaped my throat could only be best described as a guttural sound shocking me myself.
Anyway my long awaited dream was finally about to come to pass so it is only reasonable for me to be joyful.
Flash back...
The next morning ,my mother was brought home by the police, I was overjoyed thinking she was about to let his ass rot in jail but guess what she did...she covered up for him_ the reason I hated her guts so much.
Present...
Taking long strides to my Lamborghini Huracan the latest model released a few weeks back, I sighted my driver running towards the car...his mouth stuffed with food as I glared at him wondering how many times I was going to tell him to stop running, He was stricken in age already.
Pa Andrew! I yelled... he got the message and stopped running immediately.
My P.A scurried behind me, my tuxedo in her left hand. "Sir, Daniel Howards thinks he has offended you because you turned down his dinner offer".
I sighed "Tell him to meet me at Garden city in the next 30minutes. He wants sponsorship so he should at least spend a bit, tell him to impress me...who knows, I just might say yes." With that I got into the car with my secretary in the front seat as Pa Andrew drove out of the carpark.
As soon as I stepped down, the paparazzi came swarming like bees, wanting answers to recent projects, the numerous sponsorships and donations. If there was something I was good at, it was investing in smaller businesses, helping out the needy and provision of basic amenities. Surprisingly, the ladies were always saying something completely different, in several interviews and online platforms I was widely known and loved because of the expressionless look I unwillingly mastered over the years.
Every sane person would have thought it was a normal English auction, actually it was... just that it was beyond that. In this case, the highest bidder goes home with the human item, my sacrifice.
Setting my feet inside, I was welcomed with a standing ovation by lords, politicians, influential figures, royalties, celebrities from all over the country. It was just like every other auction but I pulled so much crowd simply because this particular auction was mine, they had expectations and they were definitely in for a shocker.
The only sound that could be heard was coming from the sole of my shoes as it made brisk impact with the floor as I walked towards the throne_like seat at the very front.
I sat and then the rest sat in unison. Wondering how I attained so much power? I really don't know too but the fact that I commanded respect didn't make me feel good. I knew it wasn't really respect as everyone just wanted something from the billionaire CEO...the goody shoes as I was mockingly called, of course behind my back.
I looked directly at the pole in the middle and a big sack bag was dragged in by two bodied able men, I gave them a nod and then they proceeded to unveil the flash sale item.
There were hushed whisperings and gasps amongst them as I smiled at the twisted confusion on their faces.
"Behold! Our item, she goes to the highest bidder" I cried out excitedly
But...But...A voice interrupted, "Her father is Louis Paige, owner of Westian mafia organization, co_owner of Bergers brand, Sole proprietor of Louis clothing and shoe brand, he is known for his numerous partnerships and shares as a shareholder."
I smirked. you think I don't know? I have waited all these years to have my revenge. I struggled to get to this point so that I could get my revenge and now that I am finally ready for Senator Paige, I officially declare a war.
Now, there were increased murmurings.
Hypocrites! I thundered... I know of how you've been pretending to lick my shoes just to get what you want, today, right here and right now, I am cutting off the leash. choose today between myself and Louis Paige.
I, Russell Kingston do not need to rely on anybody... I was caused so much pain and my mother was murdered brutally. I know most of you here are conspirators and trust me when I say I am coming after you... I am.
The whole room fell silent then I continued
Now to the auction part, I beckoned to my P.A now auctioneer and she started
. "Alright folks, let's get started!" she boomed. "Up for bid today is a rare first edition man will ever see in pristine condition, her features like a canvas of perfection. Her eyes are a deep, rich brown, framed by long, dark lashes. Her lips full and sensual, the color of a ripe, crimson berry. Her cheekbones are high and defined, with a hint of colour from the sun...her skin luminous, like satin silk, with a hint of gold in its glow. Her hair, a dark cascade, framing her face in an ethereal halo with fingers so long and slender, like a musician's. Every feature you see is like a brushstroke of beauty, coming together to create a masterpiece.
The room was hushed as they watched in both fear and excitement.
Do I hear an opening bid?"
"One million dollars!" my voice rang through confident and clear.
A gasp went through the crowd.
"Do I hear any counter bids?" she asked, barely able to contain her excitement, our plan to possess the item was working.
"One point five million!" another bidder, a tall distinguished-looking man in a tailored suit stood at the back of the room, his expression calm and determined.
"Two million!" I shouted
"Two point five million!" he said and the room went in an uproar.
Three million I said and he looked at me, Three point five then.
Getting bored and annoyed with the whole back and forth I decided to silence him once and for all. Five million I said and that ended it.
I ordered for the unconscious lady to be dropped in the boot with the other groceries I had bought on my way home.
it was a secret that couldn't be uttered to the public because they knew the flash sale item is the daughter of a powerful ruler also my party couldn't be messed with.
Lucien scolded me thinking it was silly for me to have gone ahead with the auction especially when i had no intentions of selling her off.
I smiled, it was my way of announcing my debut.