Stand for Love Ch. 01

"Do we have to starve before you serve us dinner in our own house?" Jane yelled.

"I am sorry I..." Before Adrian could finish his sentence, he felt a hot slap from his uncle's back of the hand and it sent him flying on the floor. He fell down on the cold floor but managed to get up.

"How many times have I warned you about cooking dinner late?" Todd yelled, attempting to give Adrian another slap which failed terribly.

"I didn't finish cleaning the house early and I went to the supermarket really late." Adrian sobbed. "The work was just too much. I need help around the house. I get exhausted most of the time and my body is getting weaker."

"What?" Jane yelled, standing up and grabbing Adrian by the hair. Adrian felt his hair was being ripped out of his head and he winced in pain as he tried not to wail.

"I keep you here, feed you and you can't even do simple house work?" Jane yelled. "You stay in my house. Therefore, you have no such rights to tell me what should be done in my house. Got that?"

Adrian cried as he felt his aunt's grip get tighter by the second. His face was pointed upwards and there was no one to help him out of his situation.

"You are hurting me." Adrian cried as more tears flooded his face. "Please, stop hurting me."

"Really," Jane said huskily. "Then stop questioning my authority and you won't get hurt." She grabbed even his neck. Adrian could hear Cynthia and Jake laughing while he was in pain. It felt like forever and the pain was unbearable.

"I won't, I promise," Adrian cried, feeling like his head was about to come off. "Please, just let me go."

"Good," Jane held firmly on Adrian hair and he winced in pain. "But for asking me such a stupid question you are going to be punished for it."

Jane let go of Adrian's hair and Adrian swore his hair hurt. His head was aching really badly and he was crying. Sometimes Adrian wished he had died with his parents. Maybe he would have been living peacefully in the afterlife. He used to live with his mother in peace and harmony though they were poor and suffering to survive.

Adrian stood up and sobbed waiting for his aunt to give him his punishment. His whole body was giving up but he had nowhere to go. Maybe he was destined to suffer his whole life but he still prayed everyday for his savior to come one day. Was that too much to ask?

"What do you think would be enough punishment for him?" Jane asked as she took a spoonful of that Macaroni and cheese.

"Oh, I know," Jake chuckled. "Tomorrow, Nicholas is coming with his family. There is a lot to do and so much to cook. So instead of hiring professional chefs let him cook the food, clean the whole house and make sure that everything is in order."

Adrian was always busy on weekends especially with dusting and a lot of laundry. There was no way he would be able to do everything and cook a whole lot of food for Nicholas and his family. It was impossible to do everything. This was the first time he would be able to cook for Nicholas and his family because whenever his uncle has guests he is asked to pretend as if he doesn't exist.

"What?" Adrian sobbed. "You know that is impossible with the amount of work that I do on weekends and..."

"We don't care." Cynthia snapped. "Just make sure that you do your chores as well as your punishment."

"Do not ruin this for my son," Jane warned. "I swear I'll kill you if you do not do what I asked. My son's fiancé and his family are really important guests. I repeat, make sure that the house is clean and all the food cooked because you'll die tomorrow if you don't finish everything. I'll make sure that I send you to your wretched mother and you two will spend your wretched lives in hell."

Jane's words were really painful but maybe that was what Adrian needed, to die and not suffer anymore. At least in death, he would be with his parents and they would live happily just like before.

Adrian nodded sadly and he was rudely dismissed to the kitchen where he made sure to clean all the plates. Once he was done with everything, he went to bed early and left them chatting in the living room. There was no way he could take part in family matters or events because he was not considered a family member.

Adrian knew that there was a lot to do come next day. His whole body was tired and his muscles spasmed but he needed to work otherwise, his aunt would kill him just like she had promised. Adrian's plan was not wake up at 5 am but 2 am so that he could do most of the work and then by afternoon begin cooking.

Adrian picked up his alarm clock and set it to 2 am. He still had a few hours to sleep though it wasn't enough.

He slipped under the covers and drifted off to sleep. He was so tired that he didn't even waste any more time. He just closed his eyes and let his conscious mind take him into a deep sleep.

****

Adrian suddenly woke up when he heard his alarm. He couldn't believe it was two already. It felt like he just laid his head on the bed and woke up. He really had a long day ahead of him.

He quickly got out of bed without even bothering to change. He was still sleepy but he washed his face and quick went downstairs as quite as he could be. He didn't want to wake any of the masters or it would be game over for him.

He began his chores with the living room, dusting, scrubbing, washing and cleaning every surface. By the time he was done with the entire living room, it was already 5 am and he had to stop and make breakfast for the masters. He had to work as fast as he could but if they woke up without finding any breakfast, it would be a disaster. Just sandwiches, smoked pork, some vegetables and hot coffee. By 7 am he was done and he carried on with his chores.

Adrian was glad none of the people in the house gave him any hard times. It only meant that they were impressed with everything. He cleaned the kitchen, the whole compound and made lunch. After lunch he was done with everything. The only thing that remained was to start cooking the food which was to be served in the evening. He tried to ask what he should cook but his aunt told him that he had his brain but she warned him never to make a mistake.

Adrian decided to make cheese, potato and sausage casserole, flat iron steak with parmesan sauce, spaghetti and some fruit salads. He was lucky that there was champagne which meant that there was no need to make juice.

Adrian was worried though, he didn't know whether the dishes would be loved by the guests. He was also worried because he had no idea whether he would manage the little hours that he had left. He prayed for the heavens to help him defeat his greatest enemy, time. He really prayed because he didn't want to get a beating.

*****

Nicholas came down the elevator from his room. His house was luxurious and it looked like a palace, white 3 floor mansion, 32 rooms, 2 conference room, 3 elevators, 5 dumb waiters and as many servants as was needed. Nicholas was 23, living the life of a king and he wanted a good life partner. His father had died and he had recently inherited everything from his mother both locally and internationally. He was the president of all the Companies and also owned a few hotels in the country.

In other words, Nicholas was super, stinking, filthy rich. He has an elder brother, Noah, 28 who is a celebrity doctor and his wife Clara. He also has a younger sister, Arianna, 21 who refuses to work but rather loves living a life of luxury. His mother Victoria is a high class lady and also vice president of most of the Companies since Arianna would rather sit than work.

Nicholas loves his family a lot but his favorite is his granny, his late father's mother, Elena. She is so beautiful at 67 and always tells him a lot about life. He has a boyfriend but his grandmother disapproves of him due to his behavior. As a result, she has refused to give his blessings to him.

The elevator door opened and Nicholas rushed out in a black trunk and yellow tank top. It was afternoon and he was having a great day after receiving the news that his friend, George would be arriving in the country.

"Hey," Victoria shouted to him. "Aren't you ready yet?"

Okay, Nicholas was now confused.

"Late for what," Nicholas asked, remembering where he had to go but he was absolutely blank.

"Have you forgotten," Victoria said, looking straight at him. "We are visiting your fiancé and his family today."

"Oh," Nicholas muttered, wondering the reason why he had to go and visit Jake that day of all days. Jakes' behavior was getting unbearable and Nicholas had no idea whether he wanted to continue with the wedding anymore.

He didn't want to make a mistake but his mother wouldn't allow it. She had been the one who had suggested the wedding after all since she and Jane have been friends since, forever. Nichols accepted Jake, yes that is a fact but Jakes' behavior was getting on his nerves and one day he would wake up and call off the wedding. They've been engaged quite okay but that doesn't make them husbands.

"Do we have to go?" Arianna asked, busy tapping on her phone.

"Of course," Victoria gushed. "It's necessary. We have to visit them more often. Jane is my friend and now she'll be family and it's all thanks to my son." Victoria smiled at Nicholas who seemed destructed.

"Seriously, I don't know why they are still together." Arianna said, chuckling teasingly. "The guy is so rude and arrogant. If you ask me, I think my brother deserves better."

"Shut up, Arianna," Victoria yelled. "We've talked about this several times and honestly it's none of your business."

"Mom, please," Nicholas interfered. "Let it go, I'll go get ready."

Victoria smiled as Nicholas went upstairs this time using the stair case. Nicholas ran up the stairs to his luxurious room which seemed large and had all the luxuries he could ever need, hot tub, shower, Jacuzzi all of which were in another room of the same bedroom. It was indeed a luxurious room and it looked like a small house, couches, TV, office, study and his own play station.

As soon as he reached his room, Nicholas stripped to his boxer and rushed to the giant bathroom where he removed his boxer and stood under the warm water which massaged his thick body. He had a huge chest and the way the water stride on his bear muscular chest was just lovely. He leaned to the wall and just let the water massage and make him feel fresh and relaxed.

He always liked spending a long time in the shower, enjoying the massage the water gave him. He stared at himself and he couldn't help but admire his body. He was well built, sexy and muscular. In fact many of his friends called him a perfect package. He found himself laughing in the shower when he remembered how crazy his friend George was. He couldn't wait to see him.

It was about 30 minutes later when he realized that he had been in the shower for too long. It was clear that his mother was getting impatient because his brother popped in the bathroom and told him to speed it up.

Adrian quickly showered, got out of the shower and grabbed his favorite towel. He toweled his wet hair and then body. He went to the mirror, stared at his physique for a minute and went to the large room which he called his boutique and chose his outfit.

He somehow decided to go casual, blue skinny jean and a black T-shirt plus green snickers. He never goes to Jake's with a casual outfit but come on; he's a free man and can wear whatever the hell he wants without anyone instructing him.

He went back to the mirror, combed his dark hair and wore his cologne before he went out of his room to go to downstairs. He was greeted with a warm kiss on the forehead by his grandmother and she cupped his cheeks, smiling back at him.

"You are going dressed like that?" Victoria asked, folding her arms on her chest as if she was disgusted.

"Yes, there is nothing wrong with my outfit." Nicholas smiled.

"Of course, there is. Can't you see...?"

"Don't mind her, son." His grandmother smiled. "You look absolutely stunning. Besides, this is not that important."

"Mother," Victoria hollered. "You've really spoilt him. By the way can I beg you for something?"

"Of course," Elena answered, her eyes locked with Nicholas'.

"Can you please give Jake your blessing tonight?" Victoria begged. "You know how important it is to receive blessings from the groom's grandparents if they are still alive."

In Belenia, it is very important to receive blessings from the groom's grandparents before marriage if they are still alive. It means that they have accepted for that person to be married to their grandson. In this case, Nicholas' Grandmother had refused to bless Jake for some reason.

"No," Elena said, still smiling at her grandson.

"Mother, I have failed to understand why you have refused to bless him. You know very well that he'll soon be your grandson in law. Anyway, you will do it when you feel like it."

The Millers all went out of the house to the cars and they drove out of their compound. All the way to Jake's house, Nicholas just prayed for the day to be perfect without any more drama from Jake because he was getting tired of it. He was riding with his grandmother and she looked at him, squeezing his hand firmly and smiled. Nicholas smiled back at her and she gave him another kiss on his forehead.

An hour later, they all arrived at the house and were welcomed warmly by everyone. Jake gave Nicholas a quick kiss and they both went inside holding on to each other like they were stuck together. Jake was acting really nice and Nicholas knew it was because their wedding was just a month away.

They all sat on the couch and discussed about their wedding plans. Victoria suggested that the wedding cards be made and published in magazines. She also told them that it was going to be a grand wedding unlike anything seen in the city history. Gay marriage was legal and trending. Victoria planned to have her son have the grandest wedding of all time. She was gonna show everyone that she can plan a perfect wedding.

They talked about the wedding for almost two hours until it was 6.pm. They all had a laugh about it and concluded that the wedding should take place in the most expensive hall there ever was in the country. Most of these conversations happened without asking Nicholas' opinion but whatever they decided he didn't care at all. All he cared about was getting some peace after the marriage.

Jane left the room, came back and invited them all to the dinner room. As soon as Nicholas entered the dining room he was welcome by an amazing aroma that filled his nose. Whatever was under those pots must have been really sweet and he couldn't wait to get his hands on it.

"Smells good," Victoria gushed, grabbing a seat quickly. "What is it that you've cooked?"

"Well, it's just a little something our..." Jane paused and smiled brightly. "...our house help made especially for you."

"Really," Victoria said, sitting down carefully on the table. "I hope it's as good as it smells."

"If it isn't, you are free to punish our house help." Todd chuckled, drawing a chuckle from Victoria.

"I sure will." Victoria laughed.

Nicholas grabbed a seat beside Jake and sat down on the chair ready to taste the food that smelled mouthwatering. He was gonna enjoy it and if it was that delicious, then he would love to see the great chef who made it and appreciate him personally.

"Well, dinner is served." Cynthia said, extending her hand to uncover all the pots.

What Nicholas saw made his mouth water. It was really beautiful and well cooked cheese, potato and sausage casserole, flat iron steak with parmesan sauce, spaghetti and some fruit salads. Nicholas couldn't wait to taste that food.

"Wow," Nicholas gushed, rubbing his hands together. "This looks delicious and mouthwatering."

"You can have the first bite and tell us what you think." Todd said, looking straight at Nicholas. "I'll give you the privilege of having the first bite, courtesy of your future father in law."

Jane was really scared as Nicholas took a spoon ready to dive into the cheese, potato and sausage casserole. She promised that if Adrian had made even a tiny mistake, she was gonna send him to hell with his mother. She was really nervous. It was undeniable that the food looked absolutely mouthwatering but anything could go wrong.

"Wait," Victoria said after a chuckle. "Don't you think the mother in law has more privilege? Why should my son taste? I'll do it."

They all laughed.

"No, I'll do it." Elena said. "I am the eldest so I should get to taste first."

They all watched as she took the spoon and tasted the scrumptious looking meal. She began chewing really fast at first but it became clear that she didn't like as her jaw movements became slower and her smile was lost. Nicholas knew that the taste was not so good and that had been the reason why his grandmother lost her smile. Had it been tasty, she would have been smiling.

"Whom did you say cooked this food again?" Elena asked.

"Our...house help," Jane stuttered. Adrian was going to hear it from her now. She had given him a chance not to mess things up but ended up messing everything up. What if Nicholas' grandmother chose to go home in anger? It was gonna be a disaster.

"You also said that we can punish him if this food isn't nice, right?" Elena said wearing a serious look on her face.

"Yes," Jane nodded.

"Well, call him for me because this food is not good at all." Elena said. Nicholas had never seen his grandmother act like that and he got worried. Even if something was bad, she kept quiet and ate in silence. That was unlike her.

"Grandmother, please," Nicholas felt he needed to help the poor guy who had made that dinner. It was just dinner and the poor guy just made a mistake.

"Don't worry, Nicholas." Elena said without any sign of emotions on her face and then directed her face at Jane. "Call him, please."

Nicholas had his hands on his face. He had no idea what was going to happen because his grandmother had never acted like that before. It was obvious that she was gonna scold whoever made that dish. He heard the door to the dining open and after about two minutes opening again. He knew the poor boy had come and he slowly raised his face only to face the shock of his life. He saw the same boy he had seen and spoken to at the supermarket and his heart began racing again.

Nicholas didn't want that boy to be insulted by his grandmother. He somehow had a connection with the boy and it would hurt him to see the boy cry. So many questions ran through his head. He couldn't understand what was going on. He had been to that very house several times but never for once did he see that boy. Nicholas knew there was something special about the boy because he had dreamt about that particular boy that night he had gone to sleep.

"Here he is." Jane said. Nicholas watched as his grandmother stood in front of the boy who had cooked the food.

Adrian was really scared and he was quivering. Jane had really warned him about that particular thing. He was now ready to die that very night.

"Are you the boy who made that food?" Elena asked.

Adrian couldn't afford to answer the old woman. He just nodded in fear.

"They told us that if the food is not good then we can punish you." Elena said with a serious face that made Adrian shiver. He had never met the woman but it was clear to him that she didn't like the food.

"I am really sorry Mrs. Miller," Jane apologized to make to the old woman even madder. "I should have taken charge of the kitchen but since it's his fault, you can do whatever you want to him."

That statement from Jane really made Nicholas' heart to skip. He expected the woman to defend her house help but she was just supporting for his grandmother to do more on the poor scared boy.