201: LODGE IN, AUNT LUKE’S POV Okay, I literally had no idea how I did it, but I did it. It turns out that the man with the hipster beard was his version of Hercules, and he really beat me. But after the lengthy brawl, I was victorious in the end. I made him unconscious with the strength of Luke Reynold. But the funny part here was that I actually risked my life and my health for that useless aunt of mine. Ever since she left my mansion, I thought she was probably dead or something. But I had to see her today. I was not happy to see her face, but I also wasn’t happy to witness a man trying to do shit to her. I hate it when ladies are in such a situation. No matter how much I dislike a certain woman, if I see her being violated, I’ll try my best to save her. After finishing a battle that seemed like an eternity, I stood near my aunt, my hand covered in blood as I was trying to catch my breath. As I observed the woman seated on the ground, I was moved to the point of feeling pity for her. Her hair was messy, and she looked like someone who had been suffering from hunger for days. Even her dress could say it all. “Wow, you look awful,” I told her, and my eyes widened. She turned her face away. It’s not something new anyway. But a little thank–you would be nice. “So, I think I can leave now, right?” I asked. She didn’t give me a reply. She was still looking in another direction. I wanted to leave, but I knew it would be kind of cruel for me. I would be a bad person from my point of view. I couldn’t just leave her out here. First of all, there were bandits all around–good–for–nothing robbers. Secondly, she looked like a homeless piece of crap. Okay, I think that was rude. “Aunt Mariam, why aren’t you saying anything?” I waited for minutes to get a reply, but she was still silent. I wondered what was wrong. Don’t tell me she has gone nuts or perhaps lost her memory. Nah, it couldn’t be. “Say something, will you?” “What do you want me to say?” And she finally spoke in her regular tone. Not something new. “At least you can thank you. “Of course, I should thank you. Thank you for ruining my life,” she told me sarcastically. “I’m sorry, I don’t get you. How on earth did I ruin your life?” “Can’t you see my current situation?” I scanned her pretty well. “Yeah, I can see that.” LODGE IN, AUNT “This is all your fault.” “My fault? How exactly?” “You expelled me from your residence and were forced to circulate the nonsense that I poisoned your beloved wife.” “When did I do that?” “Don’t lie to me, Luke. My husband kicked me out of his house because of you. “Isn’t something new?” I shrugged. “He took everything for me–the money he gave me, the car, everything–and threw me to the streets.” “Wow, okay, now that’s new,” I uttered, quite surprised. “But seriously, why would he do that?” “It’s all because he had to find out that Ariel was poisoned.” “Well, you were the one who caused it.” “I wasn’t the one who poisoned her.” “Hmm, hmm, then who did?” “I don’t know. She was probably lying.” “I don’t think she’s going to do that,” I vocalized. “Last time I checked, Ariel isn’t the type who’s going to start saying false things.” “Oh, really, is this how you trust her now? Wow, you’ve really fallen in love with that woman, haven’t you?” “Are you going to continue your pointless conversation, or will you accompany me to my vehicle so I can drive you home?” “You want to take me to your house?” Aunt Mariam shot me a skeptical look. “Well, yeah.” She looked at me for quite a few seconds before she turned her face away. “I don’t believe you.” “What? What do you mean you don’t believe me?” “You might drive me to a forest or something.” “What? Why would you even think like that?” “Because you don’t like me, Luke. You never did, and you never will.” “That’s because you hated me. You never treated me like family. I have no idea why.” “It’s just my nature.” 3/4 “No wonder your husband kicked you out of his life,” I muttered. She looked at me immediately. “What do you just say?” She must have heard me. “I was talking about my car keys, I think they must have fallen to the ground.” I lied, scratching my head. “Let me just go get them; you can wait for me until I get back.” “No, you can leave. You’re not useful anyway.” “I’m not useful. I saved your life. That man could have raped you.” “Okay, Superman, thank you.” “It is not my concern if you choose to continue residing on the streets; that is your decision.” I’m going.” As I began to walk away, the sound of a gunshot filled the air, and I heard Aunt Mariam next thing I saw was her hand on my arm. I turned to her. “What happened? You changed your mind?” “Yes. Yes, I did.” “Good, I’m glad you finally got some senses. gasp. The “Hey, just because you’re about to help me doesn’t mean that you’re going to be rude to me. “I can’t help it. It’s just my nature.” I smirked. She let go of me immediately. “You know what? You can leave yourself.” “Oh, you’re serious now?” “Yes, I am. I’ll stay here, right here.” She crossed her arms, making a grumpy face and looking away. “Even after hearing that bullet? Are you sure about that?” “There’s no need for you to be acting like you’re concerned for me.” “Concerned isn’t the word I should be using right now. I only felt sorry for it. You look miserable and terrible. You’ve been living in the garage for ages. “Okay, enough with the insults,” she cut me off. “I’m only saying the truth. You should go and look at yourself in the mirror but don’t worry, you’ll do that when we get home,” I stated before turning around. “I told you already; I’m going nowhere with you.” “Oh, for real? Are you serious? I thought you were just joking.” “Joke’s on you because I’m goddamn serious.” “Nope, the joke’s on you. Someone might just come right now and point a gun at your head; then it’s 201: LODGE IN, AUNT tons of bullets right into your brain.” “I’d rather die than go to your house with you.” “Oh really, you know I can just wake that man up and let him force himself on you.” “Well, it’s better than me being close to you.” I shook my head. “How ungrateful are you?” “And how disrespectful are you?” We heard two more gunshots, and at that very moment, she trembled in fear. I gave her a knowing look. “So, are you coming with me?” She frowned at me for seconds before she finally agreed, “Fine, let’s go.” “I’m glad you had to think things through.” 4/4 I turned around and walked away, making my way to my car with Aunt Mariam treading behind me.