Married To My Sister's Husband novel Chapter 35

Judy

One Week Ago

As soon as Livy confirmed that it was really Sophia I saw that day at the market, things slowly began to fall into place.

Until a week ago I believed my Sophia was dead, but that turned out to be false. So what really happened that night? Why is there an evidence implicating Livy in that incident roaming about?

Whatever went down that evening, I need to get to the bottom of it fast before more damages are done.

Livy can be very naive and oblivious to pending threats or dangers. Which is why I have to protect her in anyway I can, in case Sophia decides to do something cynical with those photographs of Livy when or if she eventually gets her hands on them.

These was my intention, but I had no plans in place of how to achieve it before I receive a nerve-wrecking call from Markian.

Yes- Markian.

I've thought about him too during this time, and I wondered what his reaction would be like if he finds out. What would he do when he finds out his beloved Sophia is still alive?

"Hello Markian, it's been a while. I hope all is well?" I asked nervously.

"Not at all, Mrs Luthel. I'm afraid I've got some chilling news that would change our lives forever," he stated straight away.

I've always admired that straightforwardness of his, but this time it got me a bit rattled. This can't be good.

"You found out, didn't you? That Sophia is alive" I questioned sadly.

It's no denying that Sophia wasn't a good wife to Markian when they were both married, but he loved her so much so he was willing to overlook all her shortcomings. Which is why i'm a bit anxious and worried about Olivia place in Markian's life now her sister is back.

I'm afraid of what would happen to Olivia if Markian were to choose Sophia. I don't think she'll ever be able to regain from such heartbreak, and it would all be because of my negligence.

"Yes... Yes, I found out she's still alive- but that's not all I found. Mrs Luthel, before I tell you all I've discovered about Sophia, I need you to promise me that no matter what, you'll help me find a way to protect Olivia," he requested earnestly.

I was shocked. He wants to protect Olivia? Does this mean he has made his choice, and he chose Olivia? I couldn't tell if I was grateful, proud or relieved. Maybe it's all of it.

"I promise. Whatever makes you think Olivia's life is in danger, I'll help you find a way to protect her." I assured sternly.

With a sigh of slight relief, he told me everything he had just found out from that Carlos Guillian kid. He told me about Livy's pregnancy and the role Sophia and Carlos played in straining her mental and physical health for the past 5months.

I was shocked to my core at the reality of the kind of person my Sophia had turned out to be. I tried to wrap my head around the fact that ever since my girls were little, I've always protected Sophia more hoping she doesn't feel lack of my attention or motherly affection. So, when did all these happen?

"Mrs Luthel, I'm afraid Olivia might chose to protect Sophia and get hurt while doing so. Please, I need your help in finding out exactly how Sophia was able to pull off faking her own death. Once she sees me, I know it won't be long before she approaches me with her demand. And even though I'm not certain what she'll ask for, I know she'll try to blackmail me with something that would either threaten my marriage or Olivia's wellbeing." He stated to my dismay.

Of course she will. If everything Carlos Guillian had told Markian is for sure the truth- and Sophia have been with him for the past 6months, that means she has access to that photo of Livy on the night of the accident.

"Don't worry Markian, I'll do everthing in my power to make sure that Sophia doesn't cause more harm to your family or do something stupid she'll regret." I assured confidently.

This is all my fault in the first place, I took lightly the situation at hand at that time. If I had been more attentive, I would have been able to pick up on the little signs.

Why did Sophia need to go through all these stress? Why is she after her sister who have done nothing but love her all their lives?

If I don't find a way to stop her soon- with the undeniable photo evidence she has, Olivia might just end up behind bars. But I won't let that happen, not on my watch.

"Thank you, Mrs Luthel. Even though I had told you never to meddle in our lives again, you're still willing to help. I will never forget such kindness even if I'll never be able to repay you." Markian confessed honestly before ending the call.

I didn't even get the chance to reply and let him know just how proud I was of him. If one good thing came out of all of these, it should be the fact that Markian and Livy found each other in the end. I should be the one thanking Markian for being so considerate and loving towards my poor Olivia.

I had feared the worst for her sake when I got his call earlier, but it's so nice to know that they both share a deeper relationship now than they did when they had no choice but to get married to each other.

I immediately called in my secretary- Stacy, to cancel all of my works and meetings for the next few days while I'll be busy with finding out exactly what happened the evening of Sophia's supposed accident.

The next day, I set out to find out the truth. The first place I went was the hospital that handled the forensic analysis of Sophia's body 6months ago.

I put a call through to the Head of Directors of the hospital to let him know I was visiting. So, when I arrived, I was given access to the labs as well as documents on my daughter's corpse.

Since the hair, toenails and fingernails of the body was completely burned, I hadn't requested for further DNA test. So, I had only used the fingerprint identification which was of course fabricated to appear as Sophia's.

"...although, I did find something strange. The reason for the hair and nails loss might not have been due to the fire. But, when you asked for no further test to be done, I couldn't confirm my theory." Dr Blake stated, gaining my full attention.

"What do you mean by that exactly, Dr Blake?" I asked impatiently.

"From my personal observation, it seemed that the body was already missing those properties before the fire." he plainly replied.

"So, what you're trying to say is that the body was already dead and missing its hair and nails before the fire?" I asked again for clarity.

"Exactly ma'am. Your daughter was long dead before her body was burned." he replied sympathetically.

Oh, if only he knew that Sophia was still alive, scheming for her sister's downfall.

"Thank you for your help doctor, I'm very grateful." I stated politely before leaving the hospital.

It doesn't seem like finding out how Sophia plotted her death was going to be easy.

As I entered the car and my driver took me out of the hospital driveway, I thought long and hard how Sophia could have possibly pull all of this off- unless she didn't do it alone.

It couldn't have been Carlos, at that time he was on the run from the Feds and wouldn't risk being seen in public. So, she must have had help from someone else- maybe someone so desperate to get her out of the way, and hates the fact that I still had my claws on the company they wished was only theirs.

But I won't stop- not until if find out who the anonymous person is, and how they were able to pull off a fake accident and set up Olivia while doing so. I have someone in mind, but I'll have to set a trap they will surely fall for in order to be a hundred percent sure.

I searched every hospital and morgues in all of Minneapolis, records of missing dead persons that their owners were yet claim from the morgues- but nothing.

There was only one hospital left, but the moment I put a call to the Head of Directors of the hospital, I was immediately denied access into the hospital for some unknown reason.

That wasn't normal, so I immediately asked Stacy to search for the list of directors and board-members of the hospital- including sponsors. When I went through the list, a name stood out in bold letters under sponsors. So, I asked Stacy to get her hands on all the employees file of the hospital, both medical staffs and non-medical staffs down to the janitors.

Few days later, I went to the abandoned factory where I had held that police officer and people who I perceived to have crossed the line with me and make them pay. I'm not a fan of that environment, but the messier and awful it looked and smelled the more terrifying it usually was to my victims.

I took my seat in front of my recent offender as I watched him try to wiggle out of his bondage for a while. He was sweating from whatever it was that Pope and Jack had been doing to him all day. I ordered for his blindfold and gag to be removed and I was immediately obeyed.

The man tied up in front of me is a morgue attendant at the hospital I was denied access into, and his name is Finn Hanson. His profile, background, bank account details, and alibi on the date of Sophia's supposed accident seemed too slick, so I suspected he knew more than he was telling.

"What is this about? Are you the one in charge of this criminal act? This is kidnapping and I'll make sure you all regret these." He ranted referring to Pope and the other guys.

I scoffed in displeasure as I glared at him ranting on and on.

"I can also explain to the cops how you illegally sell dead bodies to rich people for money. I'm pretty sure both you and the hospital you work for will be shut down for life once I make this allegation." I replied while glaring at him angrily.

That didn't get him to humble himself but it sure got his attention.

"Who the fuck are you? What is it that you want?" he asked disrespectfully and paid for his insolence immediately- courtesy of Jack.

I watched him groan in pain with a vacant expression.

"Who I am doesn't matter, what matters is the kind of power I possess. What I want is simple. A single name. Give me the name of the person who contracted you on the 9th of February. It's that simple." I replied plainly.

"Go fu'k yourself b'tch, I'm not saying a word." Finn blurted out confidently, but got another jaw wrecking punch to the face.

"Put Baron through." I ordered calmly and I was obeyed.

I was immediately handed the phone as soon as Baron answered the video call.

"Baron?" I called out.

"Yes ma'am?" He replied politely with his deep voice.

"Be a darling and show Mr Hanson his family," I request before facing the phone to Finn as he watched carefully.

"Daddy?... Daddy, mummy is on the floor, and there are 2 strange men here. (Sobs)...Please, daddy help us," I heard a teenage girl's voice from the phone before I ended the call.

I glared at Finn as he began to struggle violently towards me. Now that's more like it. Of course he is mad, who wouldn't be if their family is held at gun point, but so was my own family at the moment.

"If you touch them, I swear on my life, I'll kill you!" he yelled in anger and fear.

"Relax Mr Hanson, they did nothing wrong to me. Eventually they might have to suffer the loss of loosing you, because my issue is truly with you and not them. But sometimes, my patience runs very thin very fast and the second time I call my guy- Baron, it'll be to finish off your family. And trust me when I say I'll make you watch as they are being killed, and there'll be absolutely nothing you can do about it. So, lets not try my patience. Give me the name I ask for." I ordered calmly.

"You promise to let my family go if I give you a name?" he asked shakily.

"If you give me the right name, yes... I'll let them be. But if you try to lie to me, I'll know and I'll surely make you pay dearly for it." I stated sternly, leaving no room for any funny business.

I already have an idea who it might be that aided Sophia, I just need this man to confirm it, that's all.

"I saw her only once but the Director told me to grant her request anytime she asks for one. She is a well-known sponsor of the hospital, and her name is Mrs. Winfrey- Barbra Winfrey. She transferred the money to my account but she didn't come herself to get the body, she sent someone else." Finn confessed in fear, and my guess was right.

"This woman, did she make any odd request to the body?" I asked for clarity.

"Yes she did. She asked me to make sure I erase all traces of the body's physical identification." he answered without hesitation.

So Barbra aided Sophia, got her the body and helped her fake her death. Did she force Sophia into doing it? Was it all Barbras plan?

I really want to confront her about these, but that's not wise at all. I'll first need a concrete evidence and wait for Markian to initiate the rest of his plan.

"You'll be allowed to return to your family with your life, only after you've sent me a copy of whatever signed document that Barbra had signed before claiming to the body you sold her, also your bank statement of the day she transferred the money to your account. Do this and you're a free man again." I ordered and he nodded slightly in agreement.

I looked at Jack and gave a nod expressing that I was done here. They'll keep an eye on him until he delivers to them what I've asked for.

I walked out of the building, got into my car before I gave out an angry growl. Barbra Winfrey has chosen to make an enemy of me even though I've tried to avoid all of her snares towards me, but this time I'll retaliate in a way that she'll never be able to recover from.

Daniel

After Penelope refused my proposal with the worse kind of excuse ever, I knew I had to do something.

In order not to get rejected for the second time, I have to put an end to all her uncertainties.

So, I found myself at Ager Automated few days ago. Yes. That's Penelope's family company. And even though it was my first meeting with her father- Mr. Xiang Li Chan and her oldest brother- Xiang Lei, it wasn't very pleasant.

Of course, I would be furious too if a stranger walks into my office and demands that I sell off my shares to a company I built with my sweat and blood.

"Who does this kid think he is?... waltzing in here and demanding for my shares and expecting that I just hand it over to him without a thought." Mr Xiang asked his son calmly in Mandarin.

"Pa... These white kids sometimes eats the wrong food once and suddenly think they've joined the big leagues in the Shanghai market. He is the white punk that have been creating commotions with our board members." Lei replied his father in Mandarin.

It's obvious they don't realize that I understand Mandarin as well, but I still kept quiet and let them think I can't understand them.

Lei then rudely scanned me up and down with so much detest and disapproval in his eyes, he wasn't even trying to hide it.

"Mr Winfrey, we thought you've come to talk about business. And since you were highly recommended we thought we should give you a chance, even though we don't do business with foreigners. But you've not only disrespected our attempt of friendship, you've also insulted our good intents. So, I kindly suggest you take your leave now." Lei cited directly at me.

This family is so stiff, no wonder they're willing to sacrifice their daughter to an animal like Zhin Feng.

It was starting to seem like a battle I can't win, but giving up before it's over was never an option for me.

So, I'll just have to straight forward with them. Fear sometimes clouds people's sense of reasoning, but if I can offer them hope, then they might just see the light.

"There is a leech I'm tryin to fight off. And from what I see, he has his teeth deep in Ager Automated. If he's not fought off now, you'll never recover from it. We have a common enemy even though he threatens you more than he threatens me. But believe it or not, I want to see him fall by all means possible." I stated sternly.

"The Zhins are not our enemies as you presume- they are our allies. We won't let you drag us into your personal vendetta with them, that's your problem alone." Lei stated instantly.

My personal vendetta? Wow, ok.

"I know the reason why it seems the Xiangs and Zhins have been allies for few years now, and it has nothing to do with solidarity or mutual understanding. The Zhins have you on a leash and tug you around helplessly because you dont want your secret getting out. So, don't seat there with a placid smile and defend Zhin Feng while dying in silence." I cooed unfeelingly.

It's not like I don't mind their feelings, but these people have become very adamant and comfortable with their situation they aren't looking for a solution whatsoever.

And who gets the short end of the stick? Who gets scarred for life- married to a monster like Zhin Feng? Penelope does!

"Mr Winfrey, please take your leave." Lei repels in calm anger on hearing what I just said.

But I was not done. If I don't have their support, I'll have to go with plan B which is more tedious and time consuming than plan A.

"Forgive me. I really didn't mean to rile you or sound threatening in any way. I just need your help to stop Feng since his defeat would also benefit you and Ager Automated too." I stated calmly.

Even though things don't work out and I don't get their support, I just had to let them know my stance with the Zhins.

"You've only been here for few months and may not yet understand fully how things work around here. But, picking a fight with Feng is a battle you won't win. So, whatever reason that made you think you can just come in here and make ridiculous demands that make no sense at all- and expect us to join forces with you, should be discarded immediately." Lei adviced cowardly.

"I'm sorry, but I can discard my reason so easily. Because I'm fighting for my Love's happiness. So, I'll fight with or without your help."

"What do you wish to gain by getting on Feng's bad side?" Lei asked curiously.

He doesn't have that disapproving look in his eyes anymore. They've been replaced by reasoning and curiosity, and I liked it.

His father on the otherhand shot a mean disapproving look towards the both of us. But there's hope, and slowly but surely they'll all come to their senses.

"Penelope's happiness. Mr Xiang, all I want is for your daughter to be happy. I want to end the Zhins tyranny and bullying so Penelope can be happy without feeling guilty." I cited sternly towards Mr. Xiang.

Her happiness is my priority at the moment and I needed her family to know that.

Lei was about to speak, but was abstrusely stopped by his father with the lift of his hand signalling him to shut up.

"Ma dauter is happi, an Zhin Feng woud make her happier. Zhin Feng is my future son-in-law an siding wit yo will not look good for ma dauter's future as their soon-to-be dauter-in-law. So, I ask yo to leave immedately." Mr Xiang ordered in English.

Penelope is happy? Does he even know what that poor kid is going through? She is anything but happy and that drains me, how can't they see that?!

"With all due respect Sir, I thought the first time I was going to meet you would be to ask for your blessing to marry your daughter. But, I won't be able to do that yet because, I first have to proof myself to you as her father that I would go through hell and high waters for her..." I confess boldly in Mandarin and continued.

"...I know the Zhin Feng have something on you but, I'm also aware that you love your daughter immensely, which maybe the reason why my request feels quite strange. But I'm determined to find a way to rid your family of Zhin Feng's threats- and when I put my mind to do something, I always succeed. I'll take my leave, Sir- but when we meet again, it'll be to ask for your daughter's hand in marriage." I concluded confidently, before I stood up and quietly left the room.

Even though I'm slightly disappointed that I wasn't able to get Mr Xiang's help, I wasnt going to let that stop me.

I just have to work with plan B, which is to find a way to trap Zhin Feng in all his illegalities.

The next day at the office, Penelope walked angrily into my office- pissed off about god-knows-what.

"Hello to you too, Ms Xiang. How may I help you?" I asked curiously but calmly.

She looked quite upset as she scanned me thoroughly with so much regret and disbelief, making me uncomfortable.

"Penelope. What's wrong?" I asked, feeling harassed.

"Mr Winfrey, it's so strange how someone can be very wrong about another person and mistake them to be kind and considerate. Unfortunately, I seem to have made such mistake too." She stated detestably .

"Penelope, did something happen? You need to be a bit clearer, I don't understand what you're saying. Do you want to talk about it?" I inquired, very confused.

Whatever in the world is she talking about? She's making no sense. Did Zhin Feng do something to her or what? I thought.

"Yes. Yes, I want to talk about it." She replied furious.

And then she sudden served me an envelope. I looked at what she had presented before me and I felt my heart sink.

The envelope had a heading with the words; Letter of Resignation. I couldn't believe it. What in the world was going at the moment?

I looked up from the envelope and stared at her in disbelief.

"What the fu'k is this? Whose resignation letter is this?" I asked furiously and upset.

What exactly is going on? It feels like the letter belongs to Penelope, but why? Why would she suddenly want to resign? Is this about Zhin Feng again? I thought.

"It belongs to me Sir. As of today, I'm resigning from S.Group." she plainly stated like it was no big deal, and I was shocked.

"Why?"

"Why? Because, I never thought you would be so petty as to go and blackmail my father and brother into selling their shares to you. Why did you do it? Was it because I rejected your confession of love? Even if that is the case, it was my fault and if you needed to punish someone, it should have been me- not my family. Damn! It's like Zhin Feng all over again.' She stated in comparison.