CHAPTER 76: IT’S ALL COMING DOWN TONIGHT [1]
Micheal wore his suit and clicked his cufflinks as he checked himself in the mirror. He seemed of utmost pride as Shaft had invited him to join in his family’s dinner party. This was a way for him to relieve stress, he glanced at his beautiful wife and opened his arm for her to hook hers with.
“You look amazing.” He complimented.
“And you look gorgeous as ever. Old age does not affect you, darling.”
Micheal kissed her and they both walked out of their bedroom, climbing down the stairs as elegantly as ever. Raphael, who was sitting down, stood up to greet his father.
“Good evening, father.”
“Raphael.” Michael acknowledged his greeting.
“Where is Vegas?” He asked him.
“He is probably busy.”
“Busy? Doesn’t he know about the special occasion we have this evening? Try his number for me.”
“Unfortunately, I don’t have it,” Raphael responded.
“How can you not have your brother’s number? What has been happening in this family all this while?” Micheal yelled. Mandarin patted her husband’s arms and nodded once reassuringly at him.
“I will call him. Don’t raise your voice too much for your health’s sake.” She pleaded. Michael cleared his throat and looked at Raphael.
His son was standing strong and tall, now he could see the remembrance between the two of them. He sighed. He convinced himself each moment that he was on the right side of life and not the other way around.
“Mandarin, I need you to wait for me outside. I have a few words to speak with Raphael about.”
“Su…sure.” Mandarin agreed and left reluctantly with a bit of confusion. What could the discussion be about?
Michael walked closer to his son and placed his hands on his shoulders, pressing them firmly but Raphael gave no reaction as he looked into his father’s eyes, wondering what he might want to say because he was done with his business deals.
“I can’t believe that you are now a grown-up man standing in front of me, tall and mighty without any obstacles. This is the man that I have always wanted to want you to become. At times, it felt as if everything that I have been doing is probably for my profit but it’s not true. I think of my kids before doing anything.
I am so proud of you, Raphael. You are an outstanding child worth all the praise in the world. You deserve it, my dear. Your mother must be grateful to have you and continue doing your best for the family company so it can grow and flourish. Come on, let’s go. We don’t want to be late.” He ended his preaching and walked forward.
Raphael’s body shook as he looked at his feet. Why did this feel more homely? Was it because he had never been treated like this for a long time in his life? He closed his eyes and shook his head, he had done more damage to his life than good, and nothing would change that.
Michael on his way outside met Vegas. The two of them stopped while gauging each other’s facial expressions. Vegas walked closer and smiled.
“Father, good evening.”
“Didn’t you know that Shaft will be holding a family dinner meeting and we are invited? Your brother’s engagement is this weekend and here you are…moving all around like a loser.” Micheal insulted him. Vegas gulped and his palms folded due to the anger.
Mandarin quickly came out of the car to intervene between the two.
“Hey, please, calm down. Just like Raphael said, he could be busy. After all, he is running the race that you are running to make the company a big one and bring it back to its place.” She chided him.
“I doubt so,” Michael responded and walked past them into his awaiting car.
Vegas’s breath became harsh and he dangerously looked at his father before staring at his mother.
“Vegas…” She whispered while being pitiful.
“I am leaving.” He mumbled and went in. Mandarin’s mouth was shaking as she had no idea what to say. With pain in her heart, she entered the car and it zoomed off.
Vegas faced Raphael who was standing with a silly smile on his face.
“Hello…brother.” He waved.
“You are the devil behind this.” Vegas blurted out.
“How can I be the devil? I am quite hard-working unlike you. I have always remained the same Raphael from the beginning, humble and always trying to win my father’s heart. Now, I have successfully done that without cheating or acting Superior, but you are referring to me as the devil? [Scoffs] Unbelievable.” Raphael threw his car keys high and caught them. He winked and left.
Vegas looked around before climbing up the stairs. He rushed around and finally was able to get into his father’s bedroom. He went to the wardrobe and wanted to open it but it was locked, it was not easy to open.
“What did he use in making the wardrobe?” He asked himself as he hit all kinds of hard objects but it wasn’t working. He was able to get a stamp that he had been looking for on the bed’s drawer. He smiled and brought out a cheque, Vegas picked up the stamp and placed it on the required side of the cheque before leaving the room quickly.
He went to his room, packed his pieces of luggage, and pulled them out. He was able to put them into his car and soon he zoomed off.
Outside the mansion, Raphael blinked and chewed his mouth with nothing on.
“Is he gone forever?” Don asked from the back of the seat.
“We are going to know by tomorrow,” Raphael responded and ignited the engine.
“Hide.” He ordered and drove to the gate. The gate was opened by the security man after Raphael gave him a pass that he was the one. He slowly drove to the part where there were no lights and the boys excluding Raphael stepped out.
“Call me if anything goes wrong. Destroy everything in the room, okay?”
“Okay, boss,” Don replied playfully.
Erica’s call came through.
“Hey…yeah, I am on my way already. Thanks.” He hung up the phone and looked at his friends.
“Thank you.” He muttered.
“See you after the work is done.” Raphael nodded and drove out of the compound. He was scared that things might not go the way he had planned. What if things go wrong? No, they shouldn’t. He placed his hand on the window as he drove ahead with the other. He was really worried at this point. Being in a rush wasn’t good but then at this point. There was a need for it to be.
*_*_*_*_*_*_*_
The family dinner consisted of Shaft, Vincent, Erica, and the whole Theophilus family excluding Raphael who was probably on his way and Vegas. Extraordinary meals were served in front of them with lots of wines to choose from. Erica would glance at the door once in a while to see if Raphael had arrived.
“Where is Raphael?” Shaft asked.
“He is on his way already. I called him earlier.” Erica responded quickly. Shaft eyes her and then nodded before he continued talking with Michael about the engagement.
“So, I want the party to be held at my place here.”
“Oh really? That is good then. It’s like a division of work. The wedding will be anchored by us. You had enough faith in us, that was why you introduced your daughter to my son in the first place. You can see how persuasion works, they are both in love with each other.” Michael replied. Mandarin could only smile once in a while.
This was not where she ought to be. Her mind constantly hurt for her son, she looked at the screen of her phone and then at the people around her.
“Mrs. Theophilus, are you alright? You look worried.” Erica pointed out.
“Hmm?” Everyone’s eyes darted toward her.
“Oh, I am fine, I have just been stressed out pretty late but I am fine, thank you.” Mandarin smiled pretentiously.
The conversation continued while Vincent continued drinking as if there would be no tomorrow while Erica was thinking if she should call Raphael again. Their eyes met briefly for a second but Erica looked away.
Raphael then walked in, wearing a blue tuxedo that fitted his whole body shape. Everyone looked at him and they couldn’t help but praise his features. Erica licked her lips and smiled seductively at Raphael.
“He is here,” Micheal said proudly and signaled to Raphael to keep walking till he arrived in their midst.
“Good evening everyone.” He greeted them and then took his seat beside Erica.
“Welcome, I was wondering where you were.” Shaft responded. Mandarin had a stern look and for herself busied on the phone while Raphael just nodded.
“There was traffic on the way. I am sorry for keeping you waiting.”
“It’s no problem. We can start eating.”
“But before we do, can I please have a few minutes with…you know, my future wife.” Raphael gritted his teeth but masked it with a smile on his face.
Erica blushed and the men chuckled.
“Alright. Don’t take too long.”
Raphael held Erica’s hand and they left the dining table. Vincent watched them leave.