Chapter 2

His mum.

With all his wealth, power, and intimidating aural, Henry’s main weakness was his mum.

Madelyn Sebastian.

Madelyn Sebastian was in her late forties yet looked so young, like a woman in her prime.

Madelyn was a divorcee. She was the daughter of a wealthy politician. Her husband divorced her years ago because he couldn’t deal with her self-centeredness, selfish attitude, and hostility.

Madelyn was controlling; she always wanted to be in charge and wanted things to go her way, or there would be war.

Madelyn made sure she controlled everything going on in her son’s life.

She was overly focused on herself and her own needs, desires, and ambitions, often at the expense of others.

She tended to prioritize herself even in situations where the needs or wishes of others were more important.

Madelyn loved constant attention, praise, and validation for her accomplishments or appearance without considering the impact of her actions on others.

Her behavior tended to be manipulative, as she used people for her gain without showing genuine concern or appreciation for them in return.

Henry was frustrated by his mum’s behavior. He tried freeing himself from her grip, but Madelyn always seemed to hold something on him whenever he tried to.

The Sebastians lived an extravagant life. They were far from humble and didn’t hesitate to show it.

In the Sebastian mansion, Madelyn was seen on the balcony discussing with her confidantes.

Throughout the discussion, Mira, one of her friends, noticed Madelyn smiling unusually.

“Is everything okay? You have been beaming,” Mira asked.

“Ooh, I’m so happy. I finally found a way to get rid of Maya,” Madelyn answered, laughing.

“Really? Are you firing her?” Mira asked.

“No, I have something more than that. Besides, if I fire her, my son will always bring her back.”

“Who is Maya?” Evelyn, another friend, asked.

“Maya is Henry’s new secretary.”

“Why the need to get rid of her?” Evelyn questioned.

“Evie, that girl is a pain in my a$$. She just came from nowhere to turn my son’s heart against me. Henry doesn’t listen to me anymore. The most annoying part is that rude thing sleeps with my son. I don’t know how she seduces him, but I want her out.” Madelyn sipped from her juice before continuing. “I need to act fast before my son turns that witch into his wife. Who knows? Maybe she will convince him to kick me out.”

“She won’t dare! Such a thing? She is just a gold digger from the trenches,” Mira said.

“Madelyn, what’s the plan?” Evelyn asked.

Madelyn smiled. “You are curious, right? Hahaha, I already arranged a contract marriage between my son and another woman.”

“You did what? Will your son like the idea?”

“He has no choice, dear. Besides, he is over thirty years old. He should settle down. I want a woman who will distract him from Maya. When he gets married, he will be committed to his wife.”

“Are you sure it’s going to work?” Mira asked.

“Why not?”

“What about the bride, who is she?”

“Hmmmmmm, she is just someone. Her dad’s business was crashing, and they need capital and investors to be stable, so it’s like a 50-50 thing: I invest in their company while I get their daughter in return.”

“Jeez, it’s like selling their daughter out,” Evelyn shook her head.

“Haha, who cares? As much as I get what I want. I’ve studied the girl. She is gentle, kind-hearted, and naive.”

“That’s great. She won’t be giving you any problem,” Evelyn stated.

“Yeah, she won’t. She is more like a fool, so easy to take advantage of, my type of daughter-in-law,” Madelyn laughed.

“You are so cunning,” Mira said, joining her in laughter.

Evelyn wasn’t too pleased with everything, especially with Madelyn using the innocent girl for her selfish gain.

Madelyn gabbed with her friends for about an hour before they left for their various houses.

Not quite long, Henry came home.

Madelyn hugged her son. “Welcome,” she said, hugging him.

“Thanks, Mum,” Henry said, pecking his mum’s cheeks.

Madelyn smiled, but that smile turned into a frown when Maya came down from Henry’s vehicle.

Madelyn looked at Maya with disgust.

“Good evening, ma,” Maya greeted, bowing her head.

Madelyn hissed.

“Mum? What’s that for?” Henry asked.

“Why is she here?” Madelyn asked her son.

“I already told you she’ll be staying with us now.”

“And why’s that? Doesn’t she have a home? She is your secretary!”

“Her landlord chased her out because she couldn’t pay her rent.”

“Huh, and you believed that?” Madelyn said with sarcasm.

“Yes, why not?” Henry went in, he was tired of his mum’s behavior towards Maya.

Madelyn followed her son. “A secretary of a billionaire couldn’t afford to pay rent? What’s she using her salary for then?”

“She sends it home. Maya is the breadwinner of her family, so she has little to no to herself.”

“You know so much about her, mmm? I won’t be surprised if you know her family.”

“Well, I do, any prob with that?”

“Should I take the briefcase to your study room, sir?” Maya asked Henry.

“No, take it to my room,” Henry answered her, fixing himself a coffee.

“Your room? Don’t you dare go in there,” Madelyn said, threatening her with a look.

“Mum, what’s that?”

“I don’t want her going there. Give the briefcase to the maids.”

“Mum, she is my secretary. I tell her what to do. Maya, take the briefcase to my room.”

“Okay, sir,” Maya bowed and left, giving Madelyn a contemptuous look.

“Son, I want to discuss some things with you.”

“What’s that?”

“You remembered the company I told you about, Logan Food?”

“Yes, what about it?”

“I signed a contract with them.”

“I’m aware of that.”

“Listen, they are giving their daughter out as stated in the contract.”

“Do we need more maids?” Henry asked.

“Not a maid, my dear son… A wife,” Madelyn said, smiling.

“Wife…? For who?”

“Who else? Do I need a wife? She is for you, my son.”

“Mum, if you are joking, stop.”

“Joke? I already signed the papers with her parents.”

“Mum, I don’t need a wife,” Henry said firmly.

“I’m your mum, and I know what is good for you. You are not getting younger; I need to see my grandchildren before I leave.”

“When it’s time, I will find myself a wife.”

“Now is the time.”

“Is it because of Maya?” Henry asked.

“I never mentioned Maya’s name. Is it a crime to see my grandchildren? You are rich and famous, and you have everything except a wife.”

“I don’t need a wife, not one chosen by you.”

“That’s outrageous! I’m your mother!”

“Mum, either you cancel the deal, or you marry her for yourself.”

“Cancel a deal made with our lawyers and signature?”

“Then you wife her for your driver.”

“You are getting married to Audrey, and that’s it, “Madelyn yelled, banging her hand on the table.

“Who is Audrey?” Henry responded furiously.

“Your wife.”

“Oh, Mum, please give me a break.”

“You should meet her tomorrow.”

“I’m busy.”

“Tomorrow is Sunday!”

“Mum, please, I’m not a kid. You don’t have to force your will on me.”

“I’m your backbone. I made you who you are today. I cover your shits, don’t you dare say you are an adult. You should have thought about that before raping and killing Oliver!” Madelyn yelled.

Those words hit straight into Henry’s heart.

“You don’t have to say that,” Henry said, frowning.

“You couldn’t control your prick, and you went on to rape a minor, and you even murdered her. I had to bribe the police and frame someone else to take the blame. Someone else went to jail for your recklessness.”

“Mum, please!” Henry clenches his fist.

“Please, what? Huh, tell me? You better follow me to your bride’s place tomorrow and wife her up.”

“But…”

“Shh, or you go to prison for your crime.”

Henry couldn’t say anything anymore. He looked downcast.

Madelyn smiled and left, she was glad she got her son using his weak point.

Henry was devastated; his mum knew a lot of his secrets, and she used them to hold him down.

He went to his room, he saw Maya in her underwear lying on his bed.

Maya stood up seductively to Henry. She kissed him, which Henry didn’t reciprocate.

“What’s wrong?” Maya asked worriedly.

“Nothing,” Henry said, barely audible.

Maya kissed him again, placing his hands on her boobs.

Henry’s mind was far away. He kept on thinking about what his mum said.

He looked at Maya, his love.

He loved her and cherished her. She was the queen of his heart.

He promised to wed her. He wanted her to be the mother of his kids, but his mum despised her.

How would he explain to her that he was about to get married to another woman?

How would he bring himself to sleep with another woman apart from Maya?

How would Maya take it? She was his secretary, but they loved each other.

Would she leave him? Henry wouldn’t bear that.

He didn’t want to lose her, but his mum!

He didn’t want to be tied down by marriage or raising kids not now.

He wasn’t ready.

Now, he would be forced to be committed to another woman.

Maya noticed Henry wasn’t with her. She tried gaining his attention, but Henry tossed her to the bed.

“Henry?” Maya asked, shocked.

“I need space. I want to be alone,” Henry said.

Maya went up to Henry, hugged him, and allowed him to feel her warm thighs.

“Is everything okay? You can tell me. Is it your mum?” Maya asked, looking into Henry’s eyes.

Henry was irritated with Maya’s attitude; he wanted to be alone, and here she was, being clingy.

“Get out!” he yelled, pushing her away.

Maya was surprised. “Baby?”

“It’s sir, not baby. I’m your boss! Now get dressed and take your filthy self out of my room. I want to be left alone!” he roared.

Maya couldn’t believe her ears. Nevertheless, she put on her clothes and left.

Madelyn, who was eavesdropping, laughed devilishly.

Maya came out to see Madelyn at the entrance smiling.

Madelyn spat at Maya and left hissing.

Maya knew Madelyn was behind Henry’s recent behavior.

Did he have another girl? Or did his mum poison his mind towards her?

“I will just give him space and come back later. Everything must go according to my plans,” Maya smiled and left to fix dinner for herself.