Malice.

Ryan glared at Freya as she ate. The dinner table was enormous but it was always empty just like their house. The only sound was the cutlery and the obvious detest for one another.

" Good night. " Freya wiped her lips with her napkin gently before getting up to leave for her room. She'd barely touched her food.

" Wait." Ryan was loud but gentle at the same time. He slowly rose rom his seat and came to where she was. She unconsciously took a few steps away from him. He scoffed at her attempts to create a physical distance between them.

They were already worlds apart and had been that way for years. He studied his beautiful trophy wife. She was still as gorgeous as when he first met her. He frowned when he realised there was probably no way they'd ever bridge the gap between them.

" Do you have something to say or did you stop me just to look at me?"

" Freya , " He placed his hands on either of her shoulders." What do you want?"

Her blue eyes sprung open. She was confused.

" What..."

" I've never asked what you wanted. I always just did what I thought was best for you. For the kids. " He sighed. " But...for once...I would like to know what it is you want. Tell me what I can do to stop you from hating me so much."

Freya raised her eyebrows for a second before straightening her face. She took a deep breath and stared Ryan straight in the eye.

She cupped his face in her hands and watched him melt with joy at her touch.

Ryan held his breath. He wanted to make an effort at saving this relationship.

" I want a divorce. " She spoke softly and freely. Almost like she'd just asked for a cup of water or even a puppy. His mind didn't pick up what she'd said . He had to ask once more.

" W..What?"

" A divorce , Ryan. I'd like a divorce. " She had no emotion in those blue eyes and her voice was flat. Ryan staggered a few steps back and looked at his wife in horror. Soon his pain turned to rage. His face reddened and his fists clenched.

" I'll never let that happen!" He banged the diner table and the plates shook.

" Over my dead body! Freya, you will never leave me!"

She scoffed openly at him. His threats no longer scared her. They loomed pitiful instead.

" I'd rather die than stay connected to you." She smiled and walked past him.

" You can't run from me Freya Reinster!" He shouted behind her.

" Gladwell. Freya Gladwell." She paused midway the stairs without looking at him.

" You'd better get used to calling me that."

MALICE

Louis lay flat on his bed with his face to the ceiling. One of his hands was on his chest and the other was behind his head. He'd been staring at the ceiling for hours. He was thinking. He was full of spite. Malice.

Lines formed on his forehead when he thought about how Bain had tried to 'explain' why his sister was crying so much. How he'd sat him down and 'explained' how the family apparently used to be neck deep in gang business. How Marcus died because of this. How Gwen joined the 'business' . How Alec was also in the business and how he'd somehow been involved in Marcus' death and how it apparently wasn't his fault.

A dark scoff escaped his lips and he frowned deeply.

" Full out shit...everyone of you. " He closed his eyes. He was tired of being strung along. Of being protected.

He'd long matured and he was tired of letting others take decisions on his behalf. Who decided that Alec had nothing to do with his dad's death? As far as he knew , he wasn't consulted.

And Gwen? His blood boiled when he thought of her. She'd been through alot when their dad died. She'd worked her ass off and yet still , she mother fucking fell in love with the fucker responsible for this.

She was letting her feelings get the better of her. She was confused , but luckily, he was sober. He knew exactly what he wanted and he knew exactly how to get it done. He had to start taking matters into his own hands.

He turned his head to look at the 22 caliber gun he had placed next to his head. He had a sense of determination and spite.

" It won't be long. "

Gwen stared at the file in her hands. She had no idea what it read or what she was supposed to do with it. The voices around her were faint and she was seeing things in slow motion.

" Gwen!" Leander snapped his fingers and dragged her out of her daze. " What do you think ?"

She blinked nervously and gave a plastic smile.

" Is it a yes?" Leander motioned to the file.

Gwen went blank again.

" Yes! I should've said yes , right?" Gwen suddenly held his hand. " I'm a fool. I didn't say anything ! I just sat there like a clown! "

" Gwen..." Leander squeezed her hand back. " Am I over working you?"

" No."

" I'm starting to think you're losing it. " He patted her head as if she was a pet or something.

" No...Leander...I..."

" No rush. I'll let you have a breather. I'll be back in an hour. " He smiled. " Just make sure you go through those reports one more time. "

Gwen slapped her cheeks softly and moaned. She didn't like how weird she'd been acting. Her face was burning hot and she had a thin layer of sweat on her forehead. She held her neck and moved It side to side. Her body ached alot lately.

She shut her eyes and the darkness took her back to that night. The night with Alec. She was still seated ontop of him, cowgirl style, and they were both silent.

Marry me...Gwen...

Her ears were burning and sirens blared in her head. Her throat clogged with something she couldn't make out. Her voice was gone. Just like that , she was mute.

Her hand was still on his chest and she could feel his heartbeat. It was getting faster with each passing second. Was he afraid of what her answer would be? Her breathing hastened and her chest moved up then down.

Her mouth opened but no words came out.

His eyes were fixed on her and she burned under them like a vampire In the sun.

She tried to get away from him but he quickly grabbed her hand and gave her a reassuring look. He was letting her know that he was ready for whatever answer she was going to give him.

She felt tears burn in the corners of her eyes. Eyes that coyly darted around the room. She couldn't fight back the tears that poured down her cheeks anymore.

" A...Alec...I need to go..." She tumbled off of him and ran through the door.

" Fucking bitch!" Gwen cursed herself when she came back to the present. " I'm so stupid."