UNDER HIS INFLUENCE : CHAPTER 11 – 20
CHAPTER 15, 16 & 17
“I was betrothed to Mason Jones ever since high school by my father who saw my life as a means to build his empire. Despite being bound to Mason, I loved him deeply. When I turned twenty, we got married.
At first, he seemed like the perfect husband, fulfilling his responsibilities flawlessly. He was the best man I could have wished for. But after two years, everything changed. It started with him hitting me in the face after I yelled at him. He begged for forgiveness, claiming it was a mistake. However, he continued to hurt me, repeatedly.
On the fateful day I discovered I was pregnant, I was overjoyed to share the news with him. But when I confronted him about his gambling addiction and tried to intervene, he retaliated by hitting me again. That night, he didn’t stop until I was bleeding…
I lost my first child, and he showed no remorse. He nearly lost everything – his bank was on the verge of bankruptcy, which affected his company. But he never stopped gambling away all he had. When his father called to inquire about the situation, he lied, claiming that he was by my side, taking care of me while I was ill. He would lock me up in a small room or closet for days without food or water. The only sounds I could hear were my racing heart and the darkness was all I could see. It was terrifying.” Maya paused for a moment, wiping the tears from her face.
She continued, “He only abused my body and sometimes the face whenever he is drunk and angry, as he didn’t want to tarnish his image in front of his followers and admirers. I concealed my bruises with long, thick clothing. For the past nine years, I have been bound to this monstrous man, enduring torture and hatred. I’ve suffered nine miscarriages because of him. The doctor told me I may have internal bleeding, but when he found out, he hit me again. And now, I believe I may already have internal bleeding.
As if that wasn’t enough, just last night, he sold me to a stranger’s bed. Thanks to someone who helped me, I would have–” Maya’s voice broke, her chest heaving as she tried to compose herself. The horrifying memories playing in her mind made it difficult to breathe.
She needed to speak out, following Tatiana’s instructions to exclude her part. This live video wasn’t the end of their plan. She continued.
“I know some of you might be wondering why I endured this pain for so long without taking action. Nine miscarriages and still remaining in the arms of the devil?–” Maya snorted, almost mocking herself. “I’ve tried to end this suffering many times, but Mason Jones always finds me, and the punishment is beyond words. I tried to love and be a good wife, but I have reached my limit. And I hope to get justice.” A painful smile appeared on Maya’s face before the video ended.
Mason’s breathing became erratic, his head spinning with anger and anxiety. She hadn’t just revealed and shared those things with the world.
“What do you mean you couldn’t trace a fucking vulnerable woman?!” Mason yelled at his assistant over the phone.
“Boss, I’ve tried many times but it wasn’t working. I also couldn’t bring the news down. It seems she has someone backing her up” his assistant explained.
Realization hit Mason. Last night, the weird dark man, claiming to be king of cards and offered him ten billion. Could he be the one behind these dirty tricks?
Who the fuck is he?
“Keep trying. Don’t stop until you get something”
The news didn’t only stay in Australia, it went beyond, reaching Mason’s father.
As Mason’s phone rang again, he hesitated sighting his father’s name flashing on his phone screen.
“Shit!” He cursed, smashing his phone to the ground. “Fuck!!!!!”
Taking a deep breath, he took his other phone and made another call.
____
UNDER HIS INFLUENCE : CHAPTER 11 – 20
Nathan who was simply having his breakfast with Paisley and watching the news, got the call from Mason. He had already expected and have no intention of picking it up.
He simply switched off his phone and resume eating.
Praisley who saw this asked. “Aren’t you helping him?”
“He built the cross himself, let him carry it” Nathan responded and Paisley glanced back to the news.
“It’s Tatiana’s handwork, isn’t it?” Paisley questioned.
“Who else?” Nathan mumbled.
Paisley sighed. “Are you really not going to do anything? Mason is your friend”
Nathan stood to leave knowing Paisley won’t stop talking about Tatiana.
“Mummy, I’m off to school!” Landon tiny voice came from the living room.
“Bye sweetie, the driver will be the one to take you there today” Paisley said and rushed to follow Nathan upstairs but the man already shut the door.
Huffing, she left reluctantly.
Nathan overlooked the city before him, his hands tucked into his pocket. “Fifty reporters I paid to humiliate her last night and they were all banned from the industry.” He mumbled to himself and let out a chuckled.
“What are you doing Tatiana? Who is backing you up?” He questioned in silence.
___
UNDER HIS INFLUENCE : CHAPTER 11 – 20
“In your face Mason Jones!” Jolene exclaimed raising her middle fingers to the television, as the news played.
“Easy now Jojo, it’s not over yet” Tatiana said adjusting Dylan’s school attire.
“You seem tired, Mom” Dylan said worriedly and Tatiana smiled.
“I’m fine, mummy is just busy, sweetie” She said and kissed his cheek.
“Bye cute lion!” Jolene waved and he did the same.
Catelyn was the one who was taking Dylan to school today.
“Geez! I can imagine his face right now. He must be hitting his head on the wall” Jolene squealed. She recalled something and faced Tatiana with a small frown. “Tatie?”
“Hm?”
“The reporter said someone already asked him to keep the news as the top searched. Strange”
Tatiana knew the person already. She reached her phone and called Parker.
“How is she?” Tatiana asked, her voice soft, lacing with worries.
“The surgeon is attending to Maya. Fortunately, it isn’t critical babe. She’ll be fine, I’ll keep you updated”
“Thanks Parker. My regards to Stacy” Tatiana ended the call. “Before the next plan, I’ll need to tell Cassuis about Dylan first. I heard from Hudson, he’ll be attending another function tonight, I’ll meet him there”
“Sure Tatie” Jolene grinned. “Go get your man!”
“Jojo?!”
___
UNDER HIS INFLUENCE : CHAPTER 11 – 20
However, Cassuis waited for Hudson in the car to buy him cookies from the store. It was upsetting not having those in his office, perhaps he should just buy the whole company and have them supply him steady.
Hudson came back after a while and gave it to him.
“What took you so long?” Cassius asked, his hands unwrapping the box.
“I only spend five minutes man” Hudson rolled his eyes and removed his face mask covering up his identity. “And also you should…”
“Tell me to stop eating these cookies and I’ll just cut your dick” Cassius warned.
Hudson made to retaliate but his eyes caught a familiar young figure. “Ah! There he is!”
“What?” Cassius raised a brow.
“The boy who I gave your cookies to the other day” His replies caught Cassius attention, he wanted to know the little one who love the same cookies as him.
Tracing Hudson’s gaze, a shadow cast over Cassius features as his eyes settled on a boy in uniform, about 5 years old, with jet-black hair, walked hand in hand with a woman he recognized. Catelyn.
His jaw movement of chewing abruptly stopped as his eyes narrowed and darkened.
“How could he look so much like you though. Pretty weird” Hudson mumbled as they watch Catelyn and the boy get into their car.
“Follow them” Cassuis ordered and Hudson obgiled.
Their car stopped before Melbourne Grammar school and Cassuis watched Catelyn and the boy approach the iconic gates. The boy’s feature was like a younger version of his own and the resemblance got him speechless.
It’s not what he think, is it?
He suppressed the urge to approach Catelyn and demand answer. He ordered Hudson.
“Find out the boy’s name and everything about him”
Later, Cassuis stood with an unreadable expression in his office. A subtle tension in the office and his mind was in haywire.
UNDER HIS INFLUENCE : CHAPTER 11 – 20
DYLAN WALLINGTON.
‘Very interesting, little Rebel’ He thought. His jaw clinched as he recalled his research.
He had first assumed Dylan to be Catelyn’s son but Catelyn was married, she can’t bare her child her Wallington. So he asked his men to dig in Tatiana stay at Europe.
He got the answer he never expected.
Tatiana had a son nine months after that night!
___
UNDER HIS INFLUENCE : CHAPTER 11 – 20
The night fell swiftly, and Tatiana hesitated a bit about her intentions. Tonight, she would reveal everything to him.
She wore a simple gown adorned with beautiful embroideries, complemented by hairpins that styled her hair. Sneaking into the hall from the back entrance, away from the reporters, she entered.
As she stepped inside, she saw numerous noble men and women dressed in various exquisite attires. The event was about to commence, and she had arrived early to discuss matters with Cassius.
“Tatiana?” a calm voice called out from behind. She turned to find Indigo, looking as beautiful as ever. Her aura and smile were on another level. “Do you need something?”
“Oh, I’m just here to see Mr. King,” Tatiana replied politely.
“Walk with me,” Indigo demanded, stepping away. Tatiana followed after hesitating for a breathless moment.
“I’m a secret fan of your movies, and we haven’t officially met,” Indigo was the first to speak.
“I’m glad to hear that”
“May I ask why you want to meet my husband. I mean no harm but I’ve seen you around him consecutively” Indigo inquired.
“I just came to discuss a few things with him” Tatiana felt the word ‘Husband’ hit her slightly.
“Cassius is such a fine and kind man, isn’t he? I saw what he did for you that night you were attacked,” Indigo remarked.
“Hm,” Tatiana felt uncomfortable discussing Cassius with the woman he was engaged to. She had no ill intentions towards Indigo but felt guilty and, perhaps, hurt.
“I have loved him since I was twelve. He was my childhood friend, and I spent most of my holidays with him. His mother loves me very much, and he has always treated me like a sister. I rarely see him with other girls. I’m the only one he opens up to, but only during high school and college.
Every day, I wished to express my feelings, but he never seemed to notice. His mother always referred to me as her future daughter-in-law. Then one day, Cassius locked his gaze with mine and uttered the words I had always longed to hear: ‘Let’s get married,'” Indigo narrated.
A subtle frown settled upon Tatiana’s face as she wondered why Indigo was sharing this with her.
“He is everything I ever wanted. Our marriage will blossom like a rose in spring, and our love will flourish like a garden in bloom,” Indigo chuckled, the happiness evident in her voice. “What do you think, Tatiana?”
Tatiana responded, “I think you both are perfect for each other,”
“Perfect?” Indigo’s brow creased lightly. “I don’t believe in perfection. We can only to make it that way. Once one of them fails, the other betrays. And betrayal feels like the world has come crashing down.”
Each of Indigo’s words struck Tatiana deeply. She had loved Nathan with all her heart, thinking they were perfect, and yet he betrayed her on their wedding day.
She knew what betrayal felt like. It was like a dagger to the heart, a wound that never fully heals, a constant reminder of how her trust had been shattered in a gruesome manner.
And that alone burdened her with so much guilt. She bore a child for Cassius. How would Indigo feel when she found out? Was there any difference between her and Paisley?
“Sorry for sharing all of this,” Indigo let out an awkward chuckle. “I just thought you would be a good listener.”
Tatiana forced a smile. She really did.
“Friends?” Indigo halt and stretched out her hand for a handshake. Tatiana glanced at it and slowly accepted.
“Friends,” she agreed, watching Indigo depart. Tatiana let out a deep breath and scanned the hall. A frown appeared on her face when she spotted Jolene. She was not alone; she was holding Dylan.
“What the…” Tatiana hurried towards them.
“Tatie, you finally did it! I’m so proud of you,” Jolene squealed.
“Did what? Why did you bring Dylan?” Tatiana whispered, her voice barely audible. Jolene frowned.
“Huh? You texted me to bring him here because Mr. King wanted to meet Dylan—” Jolene paused. “Where’s your phone?”
Tatiana reached for her purse and drew out her purse. She saw the messages and saw her phone was hacked.
~I’ve told Mr. King about Dylan, and he wish to see him. Bring him over Jojo~
The message reads.
A wave of confusion wash over her, but Dylan’s voice snapped her back to reality.
“Mummy, who is that man that looks so much like me?” Dylan asked, tugging at Tatiana’s dress.
Tatiana followed her son’s gaze and froze. Approaching them was Cassius King.
It was him. He found out before she could tell him.
The world seems to slow down as Tatiana gaze locked with those piercing blue eyes of Cassuis, her heart racing in fear and anxiety. She didn’t know what to think or do, she just stayed frozen on her spot until he got to her.
The intensity of his gaze sent a shiver down her spine, her heart threatening to burst.
And just before she could find a word, the man averted his gaze to the boy clutching into her fabric.
Dylan round eyes was filled with curiosity about the man before him. His eyes followed Cassuis movement as he crouch before him. The man’s eyes was a bit cold, but he found it amusing.
Slowly, a wide grin crept on Dylan’s adorable face as he tilted his head and greeted the man in a tiny voice.
“Hello”
UNDER HIS INFLUENCE : CHAPTER 11 – 20
Click 4 below to continue reading
