Chapter 1 : Run From Home

'Brack!'

 Martha pounded the table furiously.  The two stewardesses could only look down.  Immediately became the center of everyone's attention.

 "Can't you hear me! I want to speak to your manager. Call him now!"

 "Miss, calm down. We can have a good talk. We-"

 "No need!"

 Martha did not give the maid a chance to continue her sentence.  She didn't care at all if she had to be the center of attention of other customers.

 "I don't want to talk to people like you!"

 Alex who was behind just shook his head.  Seeing his girlfriend's behavior, made him feel very embarrassed.

 "What is this?"

 A woman came out because she heard a noise.

 "Are you the manager?"

 "Yes, my name is -"

 Martha raised her right hand.  Made the woman stop talking for a moment.

 "You don't need to bother introducing yourself. I just wanted to tell you how bad the service at your shop is. The shop that is billed as the best shop, actually has very, very bad service!"  Martha spoke passionately

 "Oh, I'm sorry about that. Can you tell me what's the problem?"

 Martha spilled all the make-up from the paper bag on the counter.  Making it scattered until some make-up fell.

"Look! They're all from your shop and they're all expired. Do I look stupid enough that you think you can trick me?! Do you want to be held responsible if something happens to my face because of your expired make-up?!"

 The two maids behind the counter quickly picked up the fallen make-up.  The manager took the lipstick that was on the table.  Look at it carefully.  Yes, the lipstick has expired.

 "May I see your shopping note, Miss?"

 "What? I threw it away! Why would I keep such a stupid note."

 "I am so sorry, Miss. If you can't show the shopping note, then you can't apply for a return."

 Martha turned around, looking at all the customers.

 "You all look! How bad the service in this place is! Even the manager is completely unprofessional!"  said Martha while shouting.

 Alex, who was impatient and felt very embarrassed, immediately grabbed Martha's arm roughly.  Dragged her out of the shop.  Leaving everyone in confusion.

 Martha continued to struggle while nagging.  But she doesn't seem to care at all.

 "You're so embarrassing!"

 "What?! You should have defended me!"

 "And why should I defend your childish attitude?! Huh!"

 "How dare you say that to me! Listen, without my father, then you and your family would be tramps on the street!"

 'Plakk!'

 A slap landed on the girl's cheek.  Alex was really losing his temper.  Anger has taken over him.

 Martha was shocked, her eyes were red from crying.  She looked at Alex with a look of disappointment and disbelief.  Alex clenched his fists tightly.  Holding the anger in the heart that is still left.

"I am sorry, Martha. I don't mean to do that. But your behavior today was outrageous and embarrassing. I can't be with you anymore."  Alex shook his head, "I am sorry. Our relationship ends here."

 Alex walked away leaving Martha alone.  The girl was still rooted to the spot with tears starting to fall.

 "Alex! ....Alex! ....how dare you do this to me! I swear I will make you regret it! ...Alex!"

 The man continued to walk without looking back, while Martha continued to scream.  He got into the car and left the place.

 He knew what the consequences would be if did this.  He broke the relationship with the only daughter of the Mendel family.  Owner of 70% stake in his father's company.

 Alex's family company collapsed due to the effects of the pandemic.  Making them have to take a big step by selling most of the shares in Mr.  Carl Mendel, Martha's father.  Knowing that Mr.  Mendel fell in love with Alex, making Mr.  Andrew Davison - Alex's father - forces him into a relationship with Martha.

 Mr.  Davison thinks that Alex and Martha's relationship will create a good relationship between their two families, especially for the benefit of the company.

 Just arrived at the yard, a bodyguard ran in a hurry.

 "Sir, Mr. Davison has asked you to meet him in the his room"

 Good!  Apparently the spoiled girl had quickly complained to his father.  Alex could already guess what would happen next.

Sure enough.  A large book slammed against the door as Alex had just entered his father's room.

 "You are stupid! You can't be trusted at all. You've embarrassed me by hurting Mr. Mendel's daughter! Do you know what the consequences of what you did? Huh? You could destroy our company!"

 Alex clenched his fists.  His heart wanted to scream in front of his father.  But he refused to do that.  He just nodded, holding back his anger.

 "Listen! You have to apologize to Martha and come back to her. Promise me not to do that stupid thing again."  said Mr.  Davison firmly.

 "I can't," Alex said flatly.

 "What?!"

 "I can't, Dad! I can't stand this unhealthy relationship anymore. I can no longer tolerate Martha's spoiled and outrageous attitude!"

 "You ignorant child! Who do you think you are? Huh!"

 "Sorry, Dad. But I can't," Alex said as he left the room.

 He completely ignored his father who kept shouting his name while cursing.

 At night, Alex put some of his things and clothes into the bag in a hurry.  Finished packing, he took a sweater and put it on.  Open the door slowly and look around.  Make sure the situation is safe.

Alex quickly descended the stairs and tried not to make a sound, then walked to the back of the house.  From the kitchen window, he could see two guards walking around.

 The man cursed in his heart.  But a second later he had an idea and smiled.  Alex turned on the stove.  Pulled the curtains that covered the windows and placed them over the blazing fire, then immediately ran to the front of the house, waiting for the guards' reaction.

 Sure enough, soon the fire alarm went off.  All the guards entered the house and the occupants of the house also woke up.  As they focused on the fire in the kitchen, Alex quickly slipped outside.  Run to the garage and get in the car.

 Immediately start the car and quickly get out of there.  Mr.  Davison who heard the sound of Alex's car immediately realized that it was a trap his son had set up as a distraction.

 "Damn it! You two hurry after Alex!"

 "Aye, sir!"

 Brandon and Felix, the two burly bodyguards immediately ran and got into the car to chase Alex.

 Alex turned on the NOS and raced at full speed.  Leaving the two bodyguards far behind.  Makes Brandon and Felix angry because they can't catch up.  Of course this time Mr.  Davison would scold them.

 The time is 04.36 AM.  He pulled the car over to refuel.  Alex handed his debit card to the middle-aged man.  Soon he returned.

 "I am sorry, sir. Your card is decline."

 "What?"

 Alex opened his wallet and took out another card.

 "Try this one."

 The man walked to the counter and soon came back again.

 "It's the same. Do you want to pay with cash?"

 He knew this must be his father's doing.  Alex took out the money in his wallet and started counting.  Leave it to the man according to the nominal price.  Only a few dollars left.

 "Thanks! Your car is fine, but not as good as your wallet."

 Alex did not respond to the man's sarcasm and immediately got into the car to continue the journey to Las Vegas.

 After hours of driving, he decided to take a break while enjoying a burger.  He had just chewed one time, from the rearview mirror he saw two bodyguards who had been chasing him last night.  Alex quickly started the car.

 Unlucky.  In an emergency situation, the car engine turns off.  There is no other choice.  Alex got out and ran as fast as he could.  Seeing this, Brandon and Felix immediately chased after him.  Until they reached the slums, they lost track of the young master.

 They cursed and looked around.  Dismantling the tents of tramps without mercy.  Feeling that their efforts were in vain, the two bodyguards chose to return immediately and report to their master.  Unbeknownst to them, Alex was sitting under a tree not far from them, shaking off one of the beggars' tattered clothes.