Chapter 7

Marcus's POV

I returned to the A&M law firm and found Alice waiting for me in my office, arms crossed and eyebrows raised.

"Where have you been?" she asked, her tone demanding.

I walked towards my desk and sat down, deciding to check my computer for the profiles of the candidates for judicial nomination.

"Lillian had an accident," I replied, my eyes fixed on the monitor.

Alice gasped, and when I glanced at her, her eyes widened in shock.

"Is she okay?" she asked, worry evident in her voice.

I nodded and focused my attention back on the monitor.

"It was just a minor accident. We had to pay for the damages," I said, scanning through the candidates' profiles.

"Thank God," Alice said, relief washing over her.

"The way you ran earlier, I thought someone had died. Your face showed genuine concern, even though you claim to hate Lillian. Your actions contradict your words, Marcus," she teased me once again.

I furrowed my brow and scoffed at her comment.

"Shut up, Alice. Don't you have work to do?" I retorted, raising an eyebrow, waiting for her response.

Alice flashed a mischievous smile and then walked towards the door. But before she stepped out, she turned her head to look at me.

"Sometimes things don't go as planned. Sometimes we fall for people we least expect," she said.

I crumpled a piece of paper on the side table and threw it at her, but she quickly stepped out and shut the door, laughing from the other side.

I let out a deep breath and decided to focus on my work.

After a few hours of uninterrupted work, I was interrupted by a phone call. I checked my phone and saw that it was my mother calling.

"What is it, Mom?" I asked, a hint of annoyance in my voice.

"Join us for dinner. I cooked your favourite," she said.

I let out a deep breath and leaned back in my swivel chair, massaging my temples, contemplating whether I should join them or not.

I knew my mom was trying to rebuild our relationship, especially since she decided to be with Gabriel. Their relationship had created a rift between us.

"I'll think about it, Mom," I said.

I could hear her heavy sigh on the other end, which made me feel a twinge of guilt.

"I just want us to be a happy family, Marcus," she said, her voice filled with sadness.

"That won't happen, Mom. You know how much I despise the Hawthornes, yet you chose to be connected to them," I stated firmly, expressing my strong objection to her relationship with Gabriel.

"Marcus, Gabriel is a good man. He's not what you think he is. Can't you give him a chance to prove himself to you?" she pleaded, her voice filled with hope.

"Mom, I don't care if you marry him, but please don't force me to be a part of that family. I can pretend for your sake that I accept them, but you can't stop me from doing what's right. I can't bear to see them enjoy their luxuries while innocent citizens suffer and are abused," I declared.

I decided to become a lawyer when I witnessed my father brutally beating my mother. I was helpless then, but I made a vow to myself that I would gain power so that I never had to witness such injustice again.

"Marcus, have you thought about the consequences of going against the Hawthornes? What will happen to me?" she asked, her frustration evident.

"And aligning myself with them would be beneficial, Mom? I refuse to become like them. I won't allow it," I replied, unyielding in my principles.

"I'll join you and your newfound family for dinner, don't worry," I said, and with that, I ended the call.

No matter how hard I tried, I knew my mother would never fully understand my point of view. Her love for Gabriel had blinded her. But I was determined to make her realize that she was marrying the wrong man.

I would do everything in my power to free her from that hell, no matter the cost.

After a while, there was a knock on my door, and when it swung open, Alice appeared.

"Aren't you going home?" she asked.

Glancing at the clock, I realized it was already six in the evening. I turned off my computer, grabbed my briefcase and coat, and stepped out of my office.

"Dylan invited me for a drink. Do you want to come?" Alice asked as we walked down the hallway.

"I'll think about it," I replied.

Alice nodded, and when we reached the parking lot, we went our separate ways.

I drove to the White House and, after a few minutes, arrived at home.

As soon as I stepped inside, a helper took my coat and briefcase, and I headed towards the kitchen. There, I found my mom busy preparing the table.

"You're here," she said, her voice weak.

I knew she was still upset with me after our earlier conversation.

I walked towards her and hugged her from behind, resting my chin on her shoulder, as I often did when I needed comfort.

"Are you mad at me, Mom?" I asked.

There was a long silence, and then she removed my hands from her waist and faced me.

Cupping my face, she smiled at me.

"I understand it's difficult for you to accept things, but I hope you can find it in your heart to give them a chance to prove they're not the people you believe them to be, especially Gabriel. He's a good man, Marcus," she said, looking straight into my eyes.

I gazed at her intently, and after a while, I nodded, agreeing to her words, simply to end our argument.

"I'll try, Mom," I said, and a smile appeared on her lips. She hugged me tightly.

"Help me set the table," she said, and I nodded, assisting her in arranging everything she had cooked.

When we were done, she called Gabriel, and we sat down to eat dinner.

"Have you reviewed the file I sent, Marcus?" Gabriel asked during the meal.

I looked at him and nodded.

"I've finished reviewing everything. I'll bring the file to your office later," I replied.

He smiled at me and nodded in acknowledgement.

"Martha!" he called out after a while.

Martha appeared and stood beside Gabriel, waiting for his orders.

"What time will Lillian be coming home?" he asked.

"She didn't say, sir," Martha responded, causing Gabriel's eyebrows to furrow.

"Call her and tell her she'll be picked up at precisely 8:00 PM," Gabriel ordered, and Martha nodded before leaving the dining area.

"Marcus, could you pick up your sister? All my drivers are busy delivering goods for tomorrow's event," Gabriel asked.

I looked at him and nodded.

"Sure," I replied.

After finishing dinner, I decided to take a quick shower before heading out to pick up Lillian.

Once I arrived at the restaurant, I parked my car and waited for her to come out.

After a few minutes, Lillian emerged, accompanied by Alexander. They walked towards a dark corner where Alexander's car was parked, and before he got into his car, he kissed Lillian on the cheek.

When Alexander drove away, I stepped out of my car and waited for Lillian.

She was still standing in the dark corner, holding her cheek.

I dialled her number, and she flinched when she heard her phone ring.

"Did you have a good time on your date?" I asked, and when she lifted her head, she finally noticed me.

"Why are you here?" she questioned, her forehead creased.

"I'm here to pick you up... little sis," I replied, emphasizing the last part, which annoyed her.