Stand for Love Ch. 09

"Don't keep me waiting." Adrian demanded, quickly turning to leave the room.

Victoria waited until he left before she touched her head furiously, growling in frustration.

"God, I hate him so much."

"I think he's become fierce and annoying." Jake said, voice trembling. "He's now scaring me a lot. He has no fear in him at all."

"I don't care," Victoria snapped, letting go of her hair. "All I know is that we need to find that CD. I'm sure it's somewhere in the house, his room probably."

"How are we going to do that? Jake breathed, hiding his shaky hands in his pocket.

"I don't know," Victoria sneered, taking a few steps forward. "But right now we've got to listen to what he tells us or..."

"We'll be in big trouble." Jake gulped as intense fear took him by surprise. Never had he ever thought Adrian would one day turn him into a maid. Yes, that's what he had suddenly become. But it was worth it because the prize at the end would be too great to risk. And that's why he had to cooperate.

"Let's go," Victoria commanded.

Jake nodded and the both of them left the room to begin their second chore in the house. Damn, Victoria cursed, focusing her anger on Adrian. That anger was gonna be her driving force till she eventually deals with the boy.

****

Nicholas quickly opened the door to his office and allowed himself in. He'd never been so confused before, thinking about loving Adrian and hurting him at the same time. It was giving him a really big headache which didn't seem to go away after all. What did he do to deserve that kind of punishment? Did he commit a crime in his past life or what?

He went straight to his chair, put his head on his palm and began thinking deeply about what has been going on in his life lately. Things had been really good in his life a few weeks ago but it was slowly turning out to be the worst nightmare of his life.

"Fuck!" He cursed, furiously gripping his hair.

Gripping his hair so tightly hurt him a lot but that pain was nothing compared to what he'd been experiencing. He'd been quiet since Adrian came but maybe he needed to be a man and talk to him about everything that he'd done to him.

He needed to vent out his anger on him and tell him to leave him alone for his poor heart to heal. Having Adrian around was making him wish, hope to kiss...make love...cuddle with him. That was also adding to the pain.

Nicholas quickly got up, walked about the room, furiously gripping his hair to cause pain to himself. He felt he needed it so that he could come back to reality and accept the fact that his Adrian was no longer there. It was just this guy who had become disrespectful, manipulative and tried to steal his money. Maybe he was not allowing it too because he felt he needed Adrian around him.

Nicholas was too lost that he didn't even hear his door opening and George coming inside. What he only felt was a strong hand gripping his shoulder sweetly, stopping his movements. He stopped in his tracks, looked at George and felt tears building in his eyes.

"Would it look bad if I tell you I'm still in love with Adrian?" Nicholas sighed, giving a really bad smile. "Would you call me a fool if I tell you I still yearn for him?"

George just stared at his best friend without saying a thing. He knew he was in so much pain. He could also feel that pain because it was like their souls were connected somehow. Adrian had hurt Nicholas and in the process hurt him. He always felt so much anger whenever he saw Nicholas in that state.

"No!" George muttered, softly squeezing his best friend's shoulder. "I know you love him and that's the reason why you get hurt each time you see him."

Nicholas looked at his best friend, smiled faintly as a tear ran down his cheeks which he slowly rubbed. He was in so much pain, pain he had never felt before. It was really hurting him badly, making him helpless and vulnerable. If only...if only....if only, he wondered why he used that word a lot.

Guess he was still not over the fact that Adrian had betrayed him.

"I love him so much." Nicholas sobbed, feeling the pain flowing in him. "It really hurts to know that what you had known and believed had been a total lie. I was willing," Nicholas cried, leaning on George for support. "I was willing to give him my entire wealth just to be with him. But finding out that all he wanted was my wealth is killing me." He cried. "I'll never be able to love anyone else. I'd rather live a single life than be with someone else."

George held his friend tighter, sobbing with him. The guy had had more pain than he could endure. Maybe George needed to talk to Adrian, convince him to leave his friend alone to forget about everything that had happened. He was a guy but he couldn't bear it anymore.

Where was the Nicholas who always smiled, joked and talked a lot about his life? Where was the Nicholas who was so wild and down to earth? Where was the Nicholas who talked so much that everyone ended up laughing?

Life wasn't the same anymore without old Nicholas. George needed to get back that old Nicholas. He had to start off somewhere and he knew Adrian was that root. If Nicholas stopped seeing Adrian more often the pain would eventually go away and he'd forget about everything that had happened in the past and probably find a great guy who'd truly love him.

George held Nicholas in his arms close to an hour before he actually stopped crying. He made him sit on the huge couch while he leaned and cleaned his face.

"There we go," George smiled, trying to make his friend feel better. "You look as handsome as ever. Just don't cry again."

Nicholas knew George was trying his best to make him feel better but he couldn't just force it. He couldn't hide his emotions because they were stronger and they were a part of him.

"I'll stop," Nicholas sighed, touching his best friend's hand. He caressed it and loved the warm smile that lighted up George's face. "I promise I will try my best and stop it."

"Thank you." George said, adjusting his tie.

"Any meetings today," Nicholas asked confidently, smiling at his best friend.

George smiled at the instant mood of his best friend. At least his mood had brightened up. Now he was ready to start the day with that kind of Nicholas, at least until they go back home and he sees Adrian Wilson.

****

"Ouch!" Victoria winced, touching her hurting waist.

Fuck, she'd never felt such pain in her life before. Did she have to be on all fours, mopping the tiled floor? Her back hurt...her eyes felt heavy...her hands were in pain and her whole body shuddered as a shot of pain hit her.

She was feeling like a part of her waist had been broken. After long hours of cleaning she was finally done with it. What was left was to make lunch and...oh dust the couches. It was a good thing people were in their rooms because she didn't want to give another explanation.

Realizing that she was done with cleaning the floor, she slowly adjusted herself and got ready to get up. With one knee on the floor and the other leg trying to get her up, Victoria slowly starting rising before she went back down when she felt like her waist had been whipped.

"Ouch!"

She tried again but still failed to do so. Did such kind of pain exist, Victoria thought as a frown appeared on her pretty face. She was too young to be experiencing waist pains or she thought she did.

Victoria slowly rose and got up, holding her waist with her other hand. She needed to sit down before beginning to dust the couches.

"Oh my," Victoria said softly, walking towards the couches. "This waist is killing me." She complained, massaging it slowly with her right hand. Apparently, she'd been on that floor, mopping for too long. If only Jake would have helped her but he was all the way up the stairs doing the same.

Victoria had thought Adrian was innocent, sweet and cute little boy. Who'd have known that such a boy would be able to inflict such pain on her, making her work and ordering her around. She was his mother in law after all. Where was the respect which son in laws gave to their mothers in law? It was like Adrian had turned into a devil overnight.

"Fuck!" Victoria cursed as she reached the living room, holding on to one of the beautiful couches.

She slowly walked to the one on the furthest corner and sat, feeling how comfortable it made her. Somehow the couch found its way with her and made that pain slowly went away. She used her hand and covered her face. With that kind of tiredness she sure could use a nap anywhere.

Victoria raised her legs, laying her tired, beautiful body on the couch. She at least felt a bit comfy before Adrian sees her and orders her around like a silly little slave.

Victoria lay on that couch, feeling comfortable and covering her face. She felt her eyes get heavy as the pain went completely away. She needed some sleep before starting work again. Man this was the worst day of her entire life. She'd made breakfast, cleaned the house and now she would cook lunch and supper too. What could be worse than that?

Adrian slowly came down the stairs, looking all around. He wondered where Victoria had gone because he had left her mopping the floor.

"Where's she?" Adrian whispered, hurriedly coming down the stairs.

He was looking all around till he came down those stairs. He went down to the living room and saw her sleeping on the couch. She looked peaceful and comfortable but then again he was not gonna let her rest when she had caused a rift between him and Nicholas. He was gonna show her just how much he can punish her for meddling in his relationship.

With that in mind, Adrian slowly walked towards her and stood there watching her sleep. He moved his hand and softly tapped on her hand. She moved but she still slept there, looking to enjoy sleeping on that couch. Adrian was not gonna allow that to happen, ever. He tapped her again,

"Jake...please, allow me to sleep before that idiot comes here." She said in a perpetual tired voice.

Did she just call him an idiot? Oh, it was so on.

"Mother," Adrian called softly, tapping hard on her shoulder.

That voice...oh that voice...Victoria literally jumped up once she heard Adrian's voice. She had thought it was Jake but she had called Adrian an idiot right in front of him. What if the boy snaps and decides to show everyone that video. She couldn't allow that.

"Mother, the idiot is calling you." Adrian said. His eyes were locked with hers, feeling her violent breaths and shaking hands.

"That isn't what I meant." Victoria stuttered, trying to put up a smile. "You know I wouldn't call you that, son in law."

Son in law, Adrian chuckled, wondering where that had come from.

"Its fine," Adrian said, flipping his hands in the air. He stared at her for a long time and the woman looked tired and pissed off. There was no need to be pissed off and even though she was, Adrian was gonna make her pay.

"What are doing there?" Adrian asked, crossing his arms on his chest. "Are you done with the chores?"

"Well, you see," Victoria started, smiling like a teenager. "I thought I might take a nap. Wouldn't my good son in law let me do...?"

"Good son in law?" Adrian gasped, dropping one hand and the other touching his chest. "When did that one start?"

Victoria chuckled nervously, looking straight at him. She had been embarrassed enough and now she had to ask for permission to take a nap in her own house. What the hell was going on? Things were supposed to be the other around not like that. Why was she the one being punished instead of Adrian?

"Do I have to ask to take a nap?"

Adrian chuckled teasingly. "Do you want me to be a good son in law?"

Victoria's eyes widened as her heart began racing. Adrian becoming a son in law meant that she would stop working like a maid and sleep like a queen. Even her dresses were getting ruined by her.

"Alright," Adrian smiled. "I'll be a good son in law and tell everything to..."

"No!" Victoria muttered, looking angrily at him. "There is no need to threaten me. I'm doing everything that..."

"Then don't provoke me." Adrian warned, eyeing her in the most terrible way. "Always remember that as much as you don't want the family to find out, I also very much want my husband and I to get back together. And that talk about being a good son in law," He chuckled. "Am being a good son in law and I haven't ruined your reputation in this house but that doesn't mean I won't." He warned.

"So don't push me to my limit because I won't think twice about showing that video to everyone in the house and you very well know what it'll do to your image."

That warning was so scary. Victoria instantly began shaking...her heart began pounding in her chest...her breathing rate became faster and her voice, she couldn't find her voice. It was gone due to the fear of what Adrian had just said to her. She was afraid, angry and fuming.

Looking deep into Adrian's blue eyes Victoria could see that he was really serious about what he had just told her. She immediately knew that Adrian might have been more dangerous than she thought. She had to be careful in whatever she planned or else she'd find herself in jail and that's for sure.

"Gee," Victoria raised her shaky hands in the air. "You don't have to scare me like that whole the time."

"Then..." Nicholas paused and saw her frown. He looked at her and realized that her fists were clenching, showing the anger she truly felt for him. She couldn't do a thing because he was now in power. Mother in law or no mother in law he was angry with her and he was gonna make her dance to his tunes with that evidence.

"Please, mother," Adrian muttered, dropping his face. "Just continue your chores before someone sees me instructing you." He smiled. "Of course, it won't be a problem for me but for you. I'll tell them or rather show them the reason why you are working like this. So chop pity-chop," he dismissed her rudely.

With one final evil glare, Victoria got out of the living room and went to the kitchen to start preparing for her next thing, lunch. There was nothing she hated more than being in the kitchen. It made her blood boil. In a few minutes she was joined by Jake and he sure looked pissed.

"I hate Adrian," Jake mumbled, furiously clenching a pot.

"He's found our weakness." Victoria whispered, her eye glued to the door. "He's just becoming worse by every hour. He doesn't care anymore and that's why..." Victoria trailed off once the door to the kitchen opened, revealing her mother in law inside.

"Mother," Victoria gasped, happy and overexcited.

"What are you doing?" Granny asked.

"We're cooking," Victoria gushed, chopping the onions. "I think we might need your help though."

Granny had left the door open...deliberately because she had a great plan with Adrian. Victoria was gonna wish she had not done what she did to Nicholas and Adrian. Granny was ready to make her daughter in law pay for doing that to her favorite grandsons.

"Of course," Granny smiled as she went near the stove. "I'll help you with anything. You know that cooking is my passion and I cannot say no to it."

Victoria smiled brightly, winking at Jake. Now her plan would be successful, the plans to make her mother in law cook the food and pretend as if she did. It was gonna be a slap in the back for Adrian. He'd never know what hit him.

"Alright, I'm glad you've decided to help."

"Just tell me what to do." Granny unbuttoned her sleeve buttons and began folding them.

"I think you should..." Victoria trailed off once saw Adrian in the door way.

He was looking so displeased, his eyes showed total disapproval and he seemed mad. Victoria lost her smile, dropped the knife and gulped. Just Adrian's eyes alone were able to command her to stop whatever the heck she was trying to do. She was like a dog now and she knew that she had to approve or else....

"I think we'll do it," Victoria smiled sheepishly. "Just go and rest. I'll cook the food and bring it to the dining room."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes!" Victoria said, looking straight at the door. He was gone. Adrian was not there anymore but Victoria could still feel shivers running down her spine making her quiver. She felt a strong wind blow on her face, making her cold and sweaty at the same time. She'd never felt so dirty in her life. Adrian was probably somewhere laughing at her.

"Alright,"

Then her mother smiled, gave her a kiss on the cheek and she left. Victoria was still panting from the fear that she felt at that time. Just what was she turning into? Adrian gave her the creeps and she couldn't help but shiver whenever she saw him. He had something against them and that was the reason why she was afraid.

"Why mother," Jake said, angrily staring at Victoria. "Why did you tell granny that we'd cook the food? We could have..."

"Did you see him?" Victoria's eyes were still on the door even though her mother had closed.

"Who?" Jake sounded worried and confused.

"Adrian!" Victoria breathed, moving her eyes to Jake.

Jake couldn't understand a thing. Was Victoria that scared of Adrian that she even saw him everywhere? Okay this was getting out of hand. Something had to be done before they were completely turned into full time house helps. Jake had no idea how long it would take but something definitely had to be done.

"Where?" Jake asked, looking straight at the door. "I don't see anyone."

"He was there and he was warning me." Victoria snarled, clenching her fists. "If I find that CD I'll make sure that every member of this family insults him and throws him out of this house. He might be laughing now but..." Victoria paused and then gulped. "....I'll have the last laugh. That's a promise."

Victoria's anger and hatred kept on flowing. There was nothing she wanted more than to get back at Adrian for making her do all those silly chores that she had done like a maid in just a day. Had she known that this was gonna happen she'd have made sure that the boy suffered some more.

Victoria took the knife and continued her chopping. She had no idea what she was going to make for lunch and most importantly...how it's gonna taste like.

Adrian's gonna pay for this type of humiliation. Victoria, a classy and egocentric woman turned into a maid. That was limit of everything. If she'd not thought of killing Adrian in the past now she was determined to waste him and make him pay for every embarrassment she'd suffered since morning.

****

"What's this mother?" Noah stared at the food placed before him. It was a vegetable but it didn't look like one. How the hell would he eat something like that for lunch?

"That's a vegetable," Victoria smiled, handing the spoon to him. "Its lettuce and I cooked it especially for you."

Noah looked at the vegetable. He took a spoon, got a few, tasted it and then spat it. That stuff tasted awful. He'd come back home from work just to have that type of food? This thing was getting out of hand.

"Mom," Noah complained, hitting his hand softly on his face. "Please, do you have anything else apart from this food? I'm really starving and I gotta go back to the hospital to see the patients, please."

Victoria was hurt. She was hurt deeply but what could she do? Adrian was the cause of what was going on. It was like he was punishing everyone in the house without thinking twice about it. If not for her can't he do it for his husband? How did he turn out to so wicked?

"I'm truly sorry," Victoria apologized, squeezing his hand softly. "This was all I could fix in the little time that I had."

"It's okay."

Noah understood his mother was trying to make the family feel good that she was cooking for them but he was slowly losing it. He didn't know for how long he'd keep up with it. Sending the maids off for a few days was a really bad idea which would literally breed a lot of problems. Now he had to go back to the hospital with an empty stomach.