Nate POV
I got a text from Danny to meet him urgently at his place. Feeling anxious, I rushed to his house. Rhymes wanted to come as backup. However, I had a gut feeling that I wasn't in imminent danger. I assured him that it probably something casual. When I reached Danny's house,I saw him on the pavement all jolly and smiling.
" I just got a call from the Boss inviting us to a party." Danny had a broad smile on his face like it was a christmas. I could tell it felt like a major promotion for him, but I felt something was off.Yet, I decided to play it out as I regained my composure.
"That sounds great Danny, when are we leaving?"
"Right away…they are already expecting us." Danny responded. I had a cold glint in my eyes. "Alright, lets go." I answered in a cautious tone. I checked around with peripheral vision to check we weren't followed as Danny strode completely oblivious to his environment.
I followed him sheepishly as we arrived the venue. We reached there just some few minutes past 8pm. It had a familiar aura about the location, but we were only allowed to enter through the service door meant for hired help and caterers.
"Why are we going through the back door?" I stared at Danny. He still had his bubbly demeanor.
"The Boss doesn't want to be seen socializing with us in public. But tonight feels different. This is my first time invited to the big house."
As we got closer to the door, my heart beat pumped faster. Why does this place seem familiar?. I thought to myself. On our arrival, there were different expensive cars all packed on the enormous surrounding like sports cars, limousine stretch and even some few brand new Rolls Royce limited editions. It felt like a gathering of the richest families in the city.
"This party must be an important one." I stylishly asked Danny. He nodded in approval as we walked by the kitchen, into the main hall.
It had a fabulous decoration, filled with heart shaped balloons, chocolate fountains, ice sculptures and even female dancers suspended in the air holding a curtain material tightly hanged from the ceilings. The chandeliers sparkling brightly. I narrowed my eyes to spell out the words written on a white surface cloth positioned for all to see.
"Elisa & Victor."
I clenched my fists as I gazed at Danny deeply. He shuddered and slightly lost his balance. But, he snapped back just in time.
"Why will you bring me here Danny?" I shot an angry glare at him. He had a confused look on his face.
"What's wrong, The Boss asked I bring you to -" He scanned around and finally saw the inscription on the white cloth. His eyes widened in shock. The news of my arrest against the Harper went viral during the court hearing. It was still fresh in the minds of many.
Danny's expression was naive but sincere. I could tell he wasn't aware of the reason for the invitation.
"Nate you finally made it!" A loud voice yelled. My eyes turned to follow the source, it was victor wearing a tailored tuxedo looking sharp. He had a smirk on his face while gesturing we come over. Danny's face turned pale as he nervously walked over to him. I had a cold glint on my face as I slowly approached Victor.
"Thank You for making it to my engagement party. I wanted to share the joy with you. Hope you don't mind? Victor snarled. He had a satisfied expression as if this was his plan. I let out a deep sigh.
"It's fine." I replied in a hoarse voice. The guests looked at me with disdain and annoyance.
"Is that the useless son-in-law who was sentenced to prison. What a scoundrel!" Some guests whispers and pointing fingers at me.
The atmosphere became tensed as my eyes darkened. Suddenly, a sharp voice roared out like a lioness.
"What are you doing here, you b*st*rd?" Elena Harper, my ex mother-in-law screamed from the staircase. She came down the stares majestically with a murderous intent in her eyes.
"You have guts coming here after all you stole from this family." She said in a stern voice. The guests gasped in awe while others nodded in confirmation. I felt a thud in my chest with all of them staring at me in disgust.
"I didn't know this was your party. I will be on my way now." I turned around to exit the venue. I clenched my hands till blood came out.
"You-" Elena's face turned red in anger. She never approved of my union with Elisa from the beginning. She berated constantly and pushed for Elisa to divorce me immediately I was sentenced to prison.
"Mother, it's enough. The guests are watching." A soft voice interrupted her. That voice was Elisa Harper, her daughter. She wore a silver colored gown with glitters all over it. She had a sympathetic look on her face as she came down the stairs closely behind her.
Elena quickly regained her composure and forced a smile on her face and she mingled with the guests. I met Elisa's dark gaze one last time before heading out.
I reached the back alley in the venue, where I was confronted by three burly men in masks.
"Where do you think your going to kid?" One asked in a sarcastic tone. They all held rusty iron pipes ready to launch at me.
One lunged at me in swift speed. But I dodged it easily by slightly tilting my head.
Swoosh!
I punched him in his lower abdomen which made him spat blood. The remaining two were taken aback as he was on the floor grimaced in agony. They started trembling and dropped their pipes. In a last bit of effort, they both lunged at me simultaneously in a desperate move.
Thud! Thud!
I moved away quickly and punched one on the face, while I kicked the other in the stomach. They all wallowed in pain and discomfort on the wet ground. I let out a deep sigh while I checked their faces.
They were among Victor's foot soldiers. I grinned as I walked away.