Trains were Wailing, cars honking in the bustling city. Kate had a scornful look on her face . She was restlessness waving her hands to haul an Uber home which wasn't going well. Her ringing phone wasn't helping matters . She picked it up while waving her hands to haul for another.

" Mrs Reagan, the boss is home and he's in rage . I don't think you should come home for now. I fear he might do something drastic to you " Lisa the headmaid tells her .

Kate was very much aware of Alvin's temperament. She swallowed the lump in her throat thinking of the next step.

" Hello!!! Mrs Reagan, are you there? Please my dear don't come home . He's furious. " Lisa advised . Having witnessed his fiery eyes searching for Kate . She knew she was in trouble.

" I hear you Lisa but staying out will make it worse. I can't find a taxi. I did overtime. My department director is hosting a welcome party for the new CEO. We were busy. Tell me when he has gone to bed" she said with uncertainty. He would likely be awake whenever she's not around.

She sighed running a hand through her dark curly short hair. She bit her lips making up her mind. She was going home to him . How furious can he get' she reasoned shouting for a taxi.

Lisa shook her head in pity. She didn't understand why Alvin didn't let her drive one of his numerous cars. He had tens of them lying in the underground parking lot. She ends the call helplessly , turned and met Alvin's judgemental eyes staring dead at her.

" Who were you speaking to? He asks coldly with his hands on his pockets

" Mrs Reagan. She..." He cut her off abruptly with warning eyes which she understood then continued" Kate said she worked overtime therefore couldn't get a cab . " She explained hoping to calm his nerves .

He narrowed his eyebrows walking out on her . She heaved a sigh of relief then heard his voice.

" I want her home today or she returns to the gutters where I found her" his voiced carried a sort of warning and judgement which had Lisa stiffening at his conclusion.

She picked her phone up dialing Kate's number but she didn't pick. She panicked dialing Kate's friend's number Naomi. She picked after a few rings .

" Yes ! " She answered hoarsely

" I can't reach Kate . Can you call her ? Naomi sat up , all ounce of sleep wiping from her eyes . She could tell Lisa was panicking, with eyes darting to the wall clock which tells ' 11pm' she panicked ending the call while dialing Kate's phone .

While hugging herself with arms around her shoulder Kate thought of Alvin's fiery eyes which reveals how much he loathes her and shuddered. It's the first time she's going home late as in very late . She rolled her eyes at herself" he's going to kill you then divorce you returning you to the crumbs where you come from then he's going to rip everything from you including your daily life as a personnel manager ." She snarled at her remarks cursing at herself.

" It's your fault for believing him . I should have known he didn't meant all that. No one likes a church rat " she hissed ' maybe you did but was eager to be with him. Anyway I got What I wanted. Are you happy? She muttered biting her lips then a taxi stopped in front of her.

' Miss, are you lost ? Can I help" the kind driver said rolling down his glasses

" Yes" she said hoarsely clearing her throat. " I need a ride home. I'll pay" she said finally getting her voice back.

The generous driver nodded as she stood up rubbing her palms on her arms grateful she brought a coat. She opened the car door and sat up while the driver turned the heater on. She smiled muttering a thanks which he responded to with a nod then focused on his driving.

Kate kept imagining Alvin's grumpy face. She only hope he was asleep already. It was twelve midnight. She leaned on the armrest with closed eyes. She just didn't care if he was a bad person or not.

Having witnessed a man's fury herself. She was somehow used to been maltreated. Though Alvin doesn't spend a cent on her, she was grateful he didn't treat her mother so .

Therefore she was glad her mom was happy. She can fend for herself. The drivers voice brought her out of the trance.

" Miss, it's a residential area . private cars only. You need to get one" he advised but she said nothing alighting the car , paying her fare.

" Thank you kind sir. You can keep the change" she appreciated while slamming the door with her hands supporting her handbag simultaneously. The driver stayed behind watching her Walk the distance concluding she was used to it then drove off .

The street light was on corroding with moonlight. Kate walked all the way home, offering a silent prayer. She stood at the gate looking into the distance as the gate keeper quickly opened the door for her .

Everyone of Alvin's workers knew how he treated her. They feel pity towards her . He offered to help her but recalled Alvin's warning' don't ever touch her with those filthy hands ' he would say . He retreated to his post watching as she picked her phone calling someone .

With Hands resting on the jaw and head nodding slowly Lisa opened her eyes to the ringing phone stunned to see her call.

" Yes Mrs Reagan? You're here? I'm on my way " she said in haste rushing towards the door but met Alvin blocking her path

" Let her sleep there . No one enters my house after midnight. She knows that. Tell her to return to her destination. I don't care how but she's not stepping her foot in here " he said Rather calmly not giving a damn if she freeze to death or sleep on the floor.

" But sir Alvin, she might be hungry or could freeze to death. Please I beg you let her in " she pleaded which didn't faze him as he sat down

" Step out of here and don't come back. Where as she remains. She's my wife after all " Lisa seemed to see sense in what he said and quickly gave up the idea of persuasion but she didn't return to her room . Instead she sat down looking at his knotted eyebrows

Kate buttoned her coat to her neck deciding to ring the bell which went on for some time with no response then she knew he wasn't sleeping. His intentions hurt her like a bee sting. She was going to sleep outside the house with no comfort or food. She slowly squat down resting her back on the huge door in regret.

She regretted marrying him . everyone kept telling her he was good for her but he was looking for a priced wife not a Life partner yet she loved him . Despite his cruelty, she still loved him maybe it's because he takes good care of her family and all but at the moment she hated herself for thinking of such.

Two whole hours past and she was still there squatting waiting, hoping.

The gatekeeper couldn't watch anymore as he offered her a room in the gym .

" Thank you" she muttered not in the mood to argue having known her body was freezing thus she slept on the couch in the gym which had his scent as well something she was addicted to. Grabbing a bathrobe, she put it on conversing heat .

Lisa couldn't sleep . dim of light shined in her face as she sprints to the door opening it . It was dawn already.

Alvin stirred on the couch popping an eye open as Kate entered the room. Lisa pulled her into a warm hug . She looked pale , cold, and underfed but he could tell she didn't sleep outside the cold for long. He sneered grabbing her breaking the hug and flinging her to the couch roughly.

" where were you? Have you lost your mind? They don't have dignity in the gutters where you came from? He insulted hovering over her grabbing her chin to look at him forcefully.

She whimpered staring at him with teary eyes ' I did overtime. I came home last night but you didn't let me in. What do you want from me Alvin? She sobbed as he lets her go glaring at her stepping back

" Prepare breakfast. I'm starving " he ordered taking a seat satisfied with her suffering

" Of course. I have to change. " She suggested but he ruled it out

" No . I can't wait for your sluggishness. Go and do what I said. Now leave" he commanded as she nods standing to her feet , picked her bag , arranging her clothes properly

" Where did you sleep Kate? He asked. She simply shrugged then walked out on him square .

The look on his face was priceless as he watched her disappearing figure. ' did she just ignore me' he smirked smiling. Perhaps he should demonstrate.

Lisa joined her in the kitchen but met her sobbing quietly. She felt guilty for it. She sat beside her consoling her which made her cry more .