Ready to Collect the Debt

He is not a heartless human being; he just doesn't show emotion. He mastered it for ten years. But he can sense how people feel. And he could tell how she laughed at the mention of her father's name. It's full of bitterness. But why? As far as he knows, her father sent her to Paris for a better future. Well, that's what parents should do.

After he puts down her luggage, he gets into his room to get changed. He will take a shower as well. She cannot escape from this house any way he thought. The doors and windows are equipped with alarms. He will get her first before she can ever step out of the house.

He gets to the bathroom to take a shower. He has been outside for long hours. He used to be out but not in the city. He drove nine hours going to Brisbane plus nine hours back.

After he is done in his shower and changed into clean clothes, he goes downstairs. He scans the fridge to see what they can have for dinner. He packed his fridge and freezer. He even bought more dried foods. The moment he learned that Shiloh was coming to Australia, he ran to the nearest supermarket and bought everything that they needed. He's been ready even before so that when chances came, he was fully equipped.

He takes four medium potatoes and two pieces of pork chops. He will just make a simple dish. After he washed and patted dry the pork chops, he sprinkled them with salt and black pepper.

He peels the potatoes, then he brings a pot of salted water to a boil. When it is boiling, he adds the potatoes and cooks until they become tender but still firm, at least fifteen minutes. He sets a timer so it won't overcook. When it's ready, he drains it. He takes out a small saucepan and turns it on fire. He puts some butter and milk over low heat until the butter is melted. Using a potato masher, he slowly blends the milk mixture into the potatoes until smooth and creamy.

He will set the table first before he cooks the pork chops. He takes out a two-dinner plate. Bring out two goblets for water and two wine glasses in case she wants some, but he probably needs it. That's in his diet. Then he places the knife and fork on the sides of the plate; he also puts a spoon.

Time to cook the pork chops. He heats the medium-sized nonstick frying pan and puts in a little oil. When it's hot, he puts the pork chops on and cooks them for five minutes on each side. While frying the pork chops, he put two cups of green peas in the microwave oven and set it for two minutes. After the pork chops are done, he puts one on each plate and then he scoops the mashed potatoes and puts them on the side of the pork chops. He drains the green peas and puts them also on each plate. Dinner is ready.

When the dinner is all set, he goes up to call her. It's an early dinner because it's only six, but he is very hungry. He only had a sandwich and soda on their way back.

He knocks at the door when he reaches her room. She didn't respond. He knocks one more time. 

"Dinner is ready. Come down now and eat if you don't want me to open this door and drag you down to eat," he said. 

He will never do that, but if this will make her come out and eat, then so be it; let her think that he is capable of doing that.

He hears a bathroom door open. She is in the bathroom in that case. But she didn't open the door. After a few more minutes, the door opens, and she walks past him. Never said anything. He follows her. 

He could see from behind that she had just taken a shower, and her hair pulled up in a messy bun, was still wet. Her clothes also have some drops of water.

"Sit," he ordered when they reached the dining. 

She glared at him, yet she sat down but still never said anything.

 

"Eat" She just picked up the spoon and scooped a mashed potato.

He also starts to eat.

He observes her. She's a poised woman. Controlled. But there was sadness in her eyes when she glared at him. He noticed that she'd been crying because her eyes were red; even her nose and cheeks were pinkish. Yes, there is anger but that is only a blink. How could the wealthy woman be sad? She has everything. She has a powerful father.

They both eat in silence. She finished the potatoes and beans, but she hadn't touched the meat.

"You don't like meat?" He asked but she only nodded no. He forks it from her plate and puts it in his.

 

"Wine?" She nodded, then she stood up and left the dining.

He watches as she leaves.

She is wrong about him that he kidnapped her for ransom. She is a payment of her dad's debt from him. Though nothing could ever pay his debt. Not even his wealth. What he has stolen from him cannot be retrieved. He just wants to make sure that he will feel what he felt for those ten long years. This is just the beginning.

He wondered how it feels when your only child is captive by the ex-convict.

'We will see each other face to face, Mr. Hansen, soon. I don't need your money, not even a cent of it. I'll ruin your daughter's life the way you ruined mine. Just wait, he's saying in his mind.

He eats Shiloh's pork chop, and when he finishes, he puts the dirty dishes in the sink, wipes the table, and washes the dishes after. After washing, he sits back at the table and pours some more wine. He could finish it. 'I think I'll finish this; only a little left,' he thought.