Chapter 2 Marcus drastic measures

The silence between them felt suffocating until Evelyn finally closed the folder, her gaze meeting Alex's.

“Who wrote this and by the way,who is Marcus Oblitroix?” She queried, appearing to be very confused.

On seeing her expression,Alex immediately understood that the content must be disturbing.

……………………..………

He took the letter from Evelyn and read aloud;

Hi Alex and to my beautiful woman,Evelyn. Ok Alex,let me go straight to the point. Since the day I set my eyes on your phone's lockscreen,I've developed an intimate feeling for your beautiful wife. I could have just done it the hard way by kidnapping her but I would like to propose a deal. You let me have your wife and you get promoted to the post of the Managing Director of my company. And I'm sure you know what it means to be the MD of The Litroix Company. Get back to me as soon as possible and remember; I can be very inconsiderate when it comes to going for what I want.

……………………………………….

Alex’s hand trembled slightly as he finished reading the unsettling words.

He glanced at Evelyn, her brow furrowed in worry and confusion. Placing the letter back into the folder, he tried to maintain composure.

"Evelyn, this is... concerning," he began carefully, trying to mask the unease in his voice. "We need to take this seriously. Marcus seems determined, but I won't let anything happen to you.”

Evelyn's eyes widened, and she reached out, grasping Alex's hand tightly. "What are we going to do? I don't even know this Marcus person!"

Alex squared his shoulders, his protective instincts kicking in. "He's my boss,the chief managing director of the Litroix company,I must figure out why he's doing this”

“I don't know why he's starting to become so desperate, I'm really scared…I wouldn't lie.I’m scared of losing you” He lamented.

Evelyn's grip on Alex's hand tightened, her eyes reflecting her fear. "Alex, I don't want anything to happen to us. Can we please just leave this behind? Go somewhere far away, away from all of this?"

Alex looked into Evelyn's eyes, his heart aching at the desperation in her voice. "I wish it were that simple, Evelyn. But I need to understand why Marcus is doing this. I won't let him intimidate us."

He pulled her into a tight embrace, trying to convey a sense of reassurance despite the turmoil racing through his mind. "I promise you, I won't let anything happen to you and our unborn child. We'll face this together."

The next morning,with unwavering determination, Alex and Evelyn decided to confront Marcus. Gathering the folder and its contents, he headed towards the Litroix company, his mind racing with questions and plans to safeguard Evelyn.

As he entered the building, he went straight to the receptionist. Each step he took showed his determination and annoyance.

His face was flushed with annoyance as he asked the receptionist, "Where is Marcus?"

The receptionist, shocked by his audacity, couldn't help but ask, "Did you just call the CEO by his name?"

Without giving her an answer, he angrily left the reception area and headed towards his office.

As he reached for his office key, a voice from inside called out, "Come in, Alex, the door is open."

Turning the knob, he found Marcus seated in his office chair, flanked by two burly men in red suits, both wearing stern expressions.

"How did you get in, and who are these guys?" Alex asked, pointing at the two hefty men.

Alex asked, pointing at the two hefty men adorned in red suits.

Marcus leaned back in his chair, a smirk playing on his lips. "Ah, these gentlemen are just ensuring our conversation remains civil, Alex."

"Well, I demand an explanation, Marcus," Alex retorted, his voice steady but laced with an underlying intensity.

Marcus chuckled. "Sit down, Alex. We have much to discuss."

Reluctantly, Alex took a seat, his eyes fixed on Marcus, waiting for an explanation.

"I'm sure you've read my proposition," Marcus began, his tone casual yet authoritative. "I want what I desire, and you have a chance to gain a lot in return."

"I won't entertain such ridiculous demands," Alex shot back, his patience wearing thin.

"You should reconsider," Marcus continued, unfazed. "Your career could skyrocket, and all you need to do is cooperate."

"Cooperate with what? Threats and blackmail?" Alex retorted, his voice rising with each word.

"Let's not be hasty, Alex," Marcus replied calmly, gesturing towards the folder on the table. "Consider the options carefully. I'll give you time.

"With that, Marcus signaled to his companions, indicating the conversation was over. As they left the room, Alex sat there, his mind racing, contemplating the gravity of the situation.

He realized this wasn't merely about a job promotion; it was a threat to his family, his integrity,his marriage and everything he held dear.

Outside the office, Evelyn anxiously awaited news. As Alex emerged, she rushed to him, concern etched on her face.

"What happened?" she asked, grasping his hand.

"We need to talk," Alex said, his voice serious, leading her away from the company premises.

As they walked, Alex recounted the tense encounter, detailing Marcus's proposal and the looming threat.

Evelyn's eyes widened in disbelief and fear. "What do we do now?"

"We can't give in," Alex replied firmly. "We'll find a way to deal with this, together.”

They boarded a taxi and headed home.

"While en route to their residence, a pickup van abruptly intercepted their taxi, halting alongside it.

Two imposing figures, garbed in impeccably tailored red suits, emerged from the vehicle, each wielding a firearm—an unmistakable signature of Marcus's cohorts in pursuit.

"Exit the vehicle promptly," commanded one of the men, forcibly removing the taxi's driver from his seat.

In the chaotic and harrowing turn of events, a gunshot reverberated, terminating the life of the taxi's driver in an instant, eliciting a horrified gasp from Evelyn.

"Silence and lie flat," barked the second man, his countenance becoming increasingly severe.

Compelled by the unfolding threat, Alex and Evelyn complied, pressed against the ground.

Evelyn had begun to wriggle in pain as she was lying down on her protruding belly,Alex couldn't help the sight of seeing her suffer as he voiced out.

“Don't you guys have any atom of mercy,my wife's pregnant…. please have mercy” He pleaded

"Is that so?,then let me show you how to treat a pregnant woman" scoffed the second man derisively, dismissing Alex's plea.

Before Alex's disbelieving eyes, the first man callously struck Evelyn's abdomen, eliciting an anguished cry from her. The assault resulted in severe injury and profuse bleeding.

Driven by despair and desperation, Alex instinctively shielded Evelyn, cradling her as tears streamed down his face.

"Marcus, I curse the day we crossed paths," Alex lamented bitterly, overwhelmed by helplessness.

As Alex's plea went unheeded, the second assailant aimed his weapon, poised for another attack. However, a commanding gesture from the first man intervened, halting the imminent threat.

Exhibiting brute force and a chilling lack of compassion, one of the men forcibly seized Evelyn, dragging her into the van, while the other held Alex at gunpoint.

With ruthless exactness, they departed, leaving Alex stranded,in a state of shock.