CHAPTER 13- A UNION

Walking outside of the Manor, Hades could see the press clamoring at the closed gates. Lisa could be seen talking to a few guards. "No matter what don't let them in" "They'll only constitute a nuisance here" "We won't be needing media coverage until Wednesday."

What's Going On?

Oh Hades, I'm absolutely sorry. These people are like bees to honey. She sighed.

They're Here Because Of Me?

Exactly. I'm so sorry for the inconvenience, I know you probably wouldn't want to be on the media so soon and I honestly have no darn idea how they got to know you were here.

"Mr Lenshaw is it really you?!"

"Mr Lenshaw, a statement please, just a statement."

"Mr Lenshaw is it true that you're a government clone?"

Government clone? What kind of crap is this? Lisa said, disgusted.

I Feel Offended. Hades said, nonchalantly. His words and expressions had no connection whatsoever.

I'm sorry. She apologized, looking up at him with innocent green eyes.

There's No Need. His eyes swept down for a second. Still Wearing Heels I See.

I'm better now, I swear it my legs feel better now.

Seems You Do Like Your Designers In The Water.

There won't be any need for that. Still leaving?

No Marcos Is Gonna Take Care Of The Chaos.

Yes! Thank you papa. She thought, relieved. I see, that's nice.

Whatelse Does This Manor Have To Offer?I'm Getting Bored.

Oh well a few men are playing hockey at the back yard, you could join them.

Hockey....The Last Time I Played Hockey Was Down In My Basement.

I'm sorry?

Hades smirked, faintly. This Time The Ball Wasn't Plastic, It Was Hot Metal And The Target Was The Inside Of A Person's Mouth, Spread Open Against His Will And I Made Him Swallow It. Damn It Was So Hot, It Burst Open At His Throat.

Wh..what the hell? Lisa subconsciously jerked backwards.

Frightened, Moi-Chèrie?

He just called her my darling in French. Lisa noticed. Bloody hell is there anything that doesn't sound way too good when He says it? Oh wait...down to Earth Lisa.

She was getting carried away from the main discussion. Oh yes, what was He saying about playing hockey in his basement?

I.. I don't know what to say. She stuttered. Is that how you deal with all your oppositions?

There Are A Few Other Methods...He shrugged.

That's cruel...she muttered. But why does it feel like you're saying this to ward me off?

Ward Off Is A Strong Phrase.

Grandpa spilled the tea didn't he? She sighed. How could he?

He Thinks We'd Make A .....Perfect Fit.

Oh this is so embarrassing. Lisa wished the ground would swallow her up at that moment.

And you? She asked. What do you think?

I Think It's Very Absurd How Your Feelings Suddenly Changed.

Absurd. That was a very blunt word to use. She winced within herself.

Sober up Lisa, no one had ever brought your chin low and it wasn't going to start with this Man.

Well...I've always liked your personality. She stood, cross armed, putting on her best expression of indifference. We've know each other for years, not to mention our families have been strong allies coupled with the fact that we're no longer kids, so...she shrugged...I'm game if you are.

She was making it sound as if it was an obligation ofcourse, there was no way she was going to make herself look desperate in front of him.

I Know How OverAmbitious The Old Hound Can Be And If He's Pressuring You Into This Lisa You Can Tell Me.

Pressuring? This Man doesn't have a clue how much she loves him, does he? Well time to use this to her advantage and play the obligatory card.

It doesn't really matter Hades, she said calmly. He's right after-all, a union wouldn't be the worst thing ever.

And What If I Can Never Love You?

His question sent her heart to the pit of her stomach, she stared at him speechlessly.

What If All I Ever Want From You Is An Heir? What If You End Up Spending The Rest Of Your Life Deprived As A Wife And As A Woman? What If You Realize I'm Much Darker At Heart? What Then Lisa?

So many "what ifs" Hades. She smiled, like the graceful and composed lady she was groomed to be. You know the funny thing about "what ifs"? They are just probabilities. You'll never know until you try and besides we'll both be too busy with work to notice things getting out of place. You at the company and me traveling around the world for my shoots. It's a win-win if you ask me.

Hades stared blankly into the vastness for awhile and finally said the three words that made her heart sing, the ones she thought she'd only fantasize about for the rest of her life;

"It's Settled Then"

VALENTINO'S STUDY

Knock, Knock

Come in....

It was Hades and Lisa walking in, arm in arm and Lisa....well she was glowing.

Did I miss something? The man asked, smiling.

We would hate for you to papa. Lisa smiled. Well you see, Hades and I...

....We're Getting Married Marcos. He cut in, much to her delight.

Bravo! This is wonderful news indeed.

Yes papa.

How soon is this wedding?

Six mon...

...Three Months. He cut in again and she could already feel the sparkles in her stomach.

Well then, congratulations to the two of you.

Thank you papa.

This makes me so glad. He added.

Just then Hades phone rang and He excused himself from the room.

Oh papa, thank you, thank you so much for convincing...

Lisa...

Yes?

Are you sure you want this?

Yes, why wouldn't I?

This Man clearly has no emotions. I could see it in his eyes. He doesn't even want you.

I know papa, but it's only for awhile. I promise to make it work.

Marcos only sighed. He couldn't say no to his precious jewel. Whatever happens, don't fail to come back home if He turns out to be a dumbass.

Thank you papa. She smiled, hugging him tightly.

THE NEXT DAY

He Proposed!

Girl you're delusional.

Well this time I'm dead serious.

Okay calm down, what exactly did He say? Fiona asked.

He said "It's settled then" oh I'm so so happy!

Have you told your grandfather?

Yes, yes we both went to his study before He left yesterday.

And?

We're having a damn wedding in three months!!!! Lisa shrieked excitedly.

You know what they say, when it's too good to be true, then it's not true.

Lisa groaned, rolling her eyes. Piss off!

Fiona chuckled. Glad I'm getting on your nerves. Too much happiness isn't good for you sweetheart.

Says my favorite person in the world. You must be some kind of witch.

And you're welcome.

Oh yes before I forget, I'll be needing you to take over the manor tomorrow evening.

Going somewhere?

Yes I'm taking Hades somewhere. She smiled, slyly.

You naughty girl what's going on?

Nothing,He's birthday is actually tomorrow and I just wanted to surprise the Devil a little bit. I doubt He even acknowledges that day anymore. I just pray nothing goes wrong.

Yh like He gets abducted or something.

Lisa gasped. How dare you?

Fiona only laughed at her. Have fun girlie.

I will

Careful around him though.

Huh? Why should I?

Just saying...Fiona shrugged...A man like Hades Lenshaw could eat you for a snack without touching his appetite.

Well if you put it that way, I certainly wouldn't mind. Lisa giggled.

I mean it in a bad way girl.

Mhmm like I was expecting you to say something uplifting. A habit with you Fiona. Drop it!

Live your life girlfriend, don't mind me. She chuckled.

Thank you.

OAKS HOME

CHESTER, PHILADELPHIA

A Few children could be seen playing cheerfully in the yard of the orphanage when a black  limo drove in. They suddenly stopped and all looked on in surprise.

We're here? Henry asked, lifting his eyes from his tab.

Yes sir, replied the driver.

Henry got out of the car and surveyed the environment with his eyes, He was anything but enthusiastic about coming down here but He was a desperate Man with little choice. After being confirmed impotent by the doctors, He had no choice but to resort to this last means.

Good morning Mr Lenshaw. We're so glad to have you. I'm Vera. A plump moderately dressed average woman in her late fifties approached him with a welcoming smile. She seemed to be the owner of the orphanage.

Indeed. I Believe I Have An Appointment Here.

Ofcourse ofcourse. This way please, let me show you around. Exactly what gender do you want sir?

A male.

Well you see, we have them here in various stages, we have the babies, toddlers....

I need a teenager, preferably sixteen. He cut her off. If he was going to buy himself an heir, the child might as well be matured enough to start learning certain business ethics. He could afford time wasting with a toddler:

Over here sir, Vera took him to a section for teenagers. Oh my! She gasped at the sight of a boy who was bleeding at the mouth.

What happened to you Kasper?

It was him

Who?

The nameless brat! We were all playing chess and He cheated but He wouldn't admit He did and when I confronted him, He threw a punch and ran away.

Urgh! Where is He now?

We don't know, probably hiding.

I'm so sorry Mr Lenshaw, this doesn't usually happen. Our children are usually well behaved. She explained, nervously.

And who is this nameless brat?

Oh He's not what you're looking for sir, He's only ten.

Ten?! And He beat up a seventeen year old? Henry was amused at the little unknown rascal.

He's quite the nuisance around here but we're still trying to tame him. He only came here a few years ago and since then He hasn't spoken to anyone, much more being social with his fellows. He wouldn't accept to be called by any name we give him. So the kids here just stuck to calling him the nameless one. Vera  further went on.

I would like to see this boy.

But sir, like I said, He's not what you're looking for, He's only ten.

Take me to him.

This way sir.

The boy could be seen curled up on the stairs, alone. When he caught sight of the two of them, He tried to run away.

Come back here this instant! Vera yelled. Here He is, Mr Lenshaw.

I see.

Well? Aren't you going to show some manners? She asked.

Good day Mister. He muttered, reluctantly.

The lady sighed. I told you sir and I would advise you go for someone else, He might only cause you trouble if you take him.

How are you child? Henry asked, ignoring Vera.

Fine. He said.

Heard you beat up some kid for something you were at fault with.

No sir, I didn't cheat, they just couldn't accept I beat them at their own game.

Beat them at their own game. Henry smiled, He was loving this young lad already.

I believe you too.

You...do? Why would you? He frowned. No one ever does.

Not for long anyways.

What do you mean?

How would you like me to be your Father, boy?

W..what?!

Yes or no.

The child looked from his home mistress and back to the gentleman in a tuxedo.

He nodded. Yes sir, anything to get outta this shit hole.

The woman gasped at his words making Henry chuckle.

Aren't you quite the little devil? Aha! That's it..."Hades" your name from now on will be Hades. Now come give your Father, a hug.

May 26th, Hades stared into the calendar that morning, as far as He was concerned this crappy day wasn't the day He was born but rather it was the day He was bought. A cursed birthday. Bought to serve as an over ambitious Man's puppet, bought to be reminded everyday that He was purchased from the gutters to live a golden lifestyle, bought to be reminded that if He didn't play by the cards, returning him back to the gutters wouldn't be a problem. His Father had even made him realize that every single day and even on  the night He killed Venice.

You Have No Heart Father. You Would Hurt Even Your Own Son.

I need a successor more than I'll ever need a son and one thing I will not do is watch you throw away everything I've built, you should be grateful I choose to lay your path on a lawn of precious stones, is it too hard I ask for your undying loyalty and utmost commitment? Take it or leave it Son, this is my purest act of love towards you. You'll thank me one day lad, you will.

Taking his mind off the past, He decided to brood over the present future for awhile. Surely, the last thing He came here for was to end up in a marriage arrangement with the Valentinos. What was He even doing. Not until two days before did He realize how much He wasn't taking his life very seriously when it came to leaving someone after him all thanks to the old man.

Hades let out a sigh, it was getting dark, just five more days till his time at the Valentino Manor would be over and an additional three days supervising Marcos' structure. Just then his phone rang; the voice at the other end was hoarse and threatening.

Who Is This?

I'll send you an address in thirty seconds, come alone.

Who The Hell?!

And Why Should I?

In that case get ready to say bye-bye to Miss Valentino.

What Lisa...?

And you'd better not have any one with you while coming or we'll slit her throat before you even get the chance to take a step.

Hangup!

Argh! Great! Fucking Great! Hades ran his fingers over his hair in frustration.

Bloody hell Marcos was going to have his head if anything happened to his granddaughter under his care. Just then, His phone beeped and it was an address -one word.

"Osceola"

That was a bloody forest! What now? He was supposed to drive into a den of kidnappers without any backups? What did they even want? Screw it! He knew He should have never left the Mansion.

Hades left the manor that night and drove off deep into Osceola. He was met with nothing but trees for awhile. His phone beeped again.

We can see you, get out of your car and walk to the front.

Hades followed the instructions, He got out of his car and walked to the front for awhile until from nowhere, a bag was over his head.

BLACKOUT!