64: I’ll put you behind the bars!

 

Richard grabbed his wife by the wrist and dragged her to the car. He instructed his men to get the baby from Serina.

Richard’s grip tightened as he dragged Khana towards the car, his face a mask of fury. The baby’s cries pierced the air, desperate and loud. But as Richard cradled Kharl in his arms, the baby stopped crying, his tiny face lighting up in a smile.

"Give Kharl to me. I'll feed him," says Khana in a bitter tone. She sat at a distance, leaving one space between them in the passenger seat.

"Planning to run away again? Did Serina tell you I found your whereabouts? Did you think you could escape?" Richard uttered with a fierce look.

"I'm not running away. I was about to return, but hell sent you there before I could leave," Khana shot back.

"You mean you're going home?" Richard's eyes softened slightly, misreading her words.

"Yes," Khana replied.

Richard misunderstood it and thought his wife was finally coming back. He smiled, caressed Khana's hand, and uttered, "Please forgive me for being rude a while ago. No worries, I'll go back to those nuns to apologize."

Khana heaved a heavy breath and stared out the window, watching the empty road turn into a long line of cars and from trees turn into tall buildings. She knew, they returned to the city and her life would turn into chaos. The tranquility of the journey was quickly fading, and she knew chaos awaited them at home.

At the back of her mind, She needs to rest as an argument will ignite as soon as they arrive at their house.

It was a 3 hour trip, shortened by an exclusive lane in N-Lex. When they arrive at the villa, Richard opens the door for his wife, but Khana refuses to take his hand.

"I'm not staying here," she said firmly, stepping out of the car. "I'm here to talk about a divorce."

"I thought you said, you are returning..." Richard uttered in confusion.

"Didn’t you hear her?" Serina’s voice came from behind as she stepped out of her car, having followed them back. "She wants a divorce."

Richard's fury flared. "Leave us alone!" he snapped, yanking Khana inside the house. He was about to slam the door when Serina jammed her foot in the doorway.

"Dare to lay your hand on my friend again. I'll swear you'll end up in court," says Serina.

"You should focus on preventing your father's downfall. Dare to intervene in my marriage and you'll end up with no penny at all," Richard replied.

Serina was taken aback upon hearing Richard's threat. 

Richard can indeed ruin their family business as he was the best investor they had. Losing her cooperation will immobilize the ongoing projects and bring much profit. 

"Now, F*ck off. Get the hell out of here or I'll twist your foot," Richard added.

"Yaya, get Kharl and never let him out of your sight," says Richard. 

"How did you know where I was? Did Serina tell you?" Khana asked.

"I had someone to follow her. I was right, she was in cahoot with you," Richard replied. 

"That explains it. I knew Serina wouldn't shatter my trust unlike you," says Khana

"I want a divorce," Khana added with determination.

Richard let out a bitter laugh. His eyes darkened as he stepped closer to her, "Then what? Elope with that priest?"

"This is not about him! Why do you think I would elope with a man after divorce? How small is the size of your brain?" Khana replied.

Richard smashed the vase his hand had reached. He bitterly replied, “You take me for a fool?! Do you think I wouldn't know the reason why you want divorce? It turns out that the bastard didn't die and you started seeing him behind my back. You are just using my lies and deception as ground for divorcing me."

"It came from your mouth, you lied and deceived me. Those are the only things you got right, nonetheless is just your pathetic mind's conclusion," Khana bickered back.

"Do you think you can just get away and live with that immoral beast?” Richard uttered. 

“You can’t just name him that way. Don't include innocent people in our chaotic life," Khana responded. 

“If he’s going to leave the church, he should have done that before. Why allow us to get married only to take you back into his arms again? If he really loves you, he won't give you to me. Is it fun to play a fool on me?!” 

"What are you talking about? He won't leave his priesthood.  I told you I am not seeing him again. It happens that he was there when I needed comfort. I did not even have the slightest idea that we would be reunited."

"Funny how you explain it to me. Basically, you want to commit the greatest sin. Dare to date the priest. You shameless woman!"

The sound of the slap was deafening. Khana’s hand had flown out in a moment of raw fury, striking Richard hard across the face.

"You are too much! I just can't live with you anymore! That's how lowly I am to you? But, I don't care what you think of me," Khana mouthed in eager wrath.

“You choose, woman! That d*ck or your child?” Richard replied. 

Khana wasn't surprised, she predicted Richard would use Kharl against her.

“If you choose him. I swear to god, you won’t have the chance to see him ever. Kharl will be in my custody!” Richard added.

“I’ve done everything to make you love me. I thought since that priest died and we got married, everything would favor me,” Richard uttered and covered his palm to his face. He was already in tears. "Henry's existence is what drifted us apart!" He added.

“I tried so hard to love you, Richard. You can’t deny it yourself. It's not about Henry anymore...” says Khana.

“Fine! Hate me, but I’m not going to allow this divorce. You and that goddamn jerk will suffer in my hands. I’ll make sure you end up in bars for having illicit relationships throughout our marriage," Richard replied and threw whatever his hand would grip.

He began throwing things, his rage uncontained. Furniture clattered to the floor, the once peaceful villa now filled with the chaos of his anger.

"I’m going to kill him," Richard whispered into Khana’s ear as he passed by, his voice chilling her to the core. Without another word, he stormed out of the house, leaving Khana shattered.