CHAPTER 4

Ruth aimlessly walked around the house. She had never felt such bossy. Martin was still outside the closer gates looking for the best school for Ruth to study in. He wanted a school where nobody could judge Ruth for the fact that she got married to him at an early age.  

" Ma, the boss has been gone for a while and I really need to seek permission inorder to visit my sick daughter ma. I understand that I need to stay and look after your daughter Purist. Lady Nana has offered to help me" Said Lady Ruby. 

" It is alright Lady Ruby. I have heard your consent. I will talk to my husband about this once he comes back to give you leave. I understand that children are not to be blamed for their parents social standards in the society. You may leave before anybody sees you . Martin Tupfer does not like it when anybody speaks to his wife. What tiresome rules" said Ruth as she signalled Lady Ruby to leave. 

Although she was happy with her life, she could not be able to stand the rules of the closes gates as they called it. This was a field that was never opened unless someone got the permission from Martin. It had everything that a person wanted and only one person was allowed to run errands for others incase there was any. It was a home where nobody easily left. 

Ruth was astonished to see a secret room in the house. She wondered why it had an x mark on top of it with restrictions written on the door not to enter there. 

" Do you need any help Madam? Boss Martin will be here in a short while. He does not spend more that one hour outside the closer gates" said Lady Akeshia who happened to pass by and saw Ruth standing there filled with lots of curiosity. 

" Yes...I need you to help me open this door. I am curious to know why the door has restrictions on the outside. It breaks my heart to see such. I do not like living in a home where there are hidden secrets" said Ruth who was filled with lots if curiosity. 

" You can only ask your husband. That is the main reason why he wants nothing to do with his ex wife. I am sure he will give you a proper answer since he loves you most. Oh! No . You do not have to take my advice into deeper consideration. It might land you into the biggest and deepest trouble. You ought to make an end to this your numerous questions" said Lady Akeshia who seemed a bit angry. 

Lady Akeshia Led Ruth back to her room by helping her since she was still limping although her leisons were already healing. She ensured that Ruth was calm and tried to make her forget about what she saw on the door.

" Remember this, Boss Martin does not like you leaving your matrimonial room. He might get angry if he found out about this and it would put me in trouble. Please do not make me to enter the cell of hell. You just got married to the person and a place that you have no idea about. You just got married to Martin Tapfer. And words is the only one thing that people in this place are careful of" said Lady Akeshia which sounded like advice and warning as well. 

Lady Akeshia left the room a bit frustruated. Ruth tried to trace back her words which scared her every single moment. In a jiffy, she heard the gates of the closer gates open. She peeped through her room window and saw it was Martin. She wanted to go and welcome him but could not do it in remembrance of what Lady Akeshia told her. 

Martin highlighted his car and went straight to his room. But everywhere he passed , people kept bending for him as a sign of honour. 

What was this man?  

Why did he have so much power?

Even the chief of the town had no much power. Yet the closer gates was like a town of it's own too and nobody easily left the gates and that is why they decide to call the place closer gates. Martin entered the room dancing harmoniously. 

" Well, I have found the best private school for you. All the teachers and students respect me and I am sure that they will respect you too. Love, you need to prepare yourself. We will go in the afternoon to buy your uniform. I am sending Lady Akeshia over to help you out" said Martin filled with lots of enthusiasm. 

" But I can do it on...." Said Ruth but Martin suddenly interrupted.

" Lady Akeshia will be here in a short while. She will help you and teach you how to become my wife till the day that you will learn how to become one. I will be in my study. I have had a long day" said Martin who left the room. 

Ruth wondered why Martin never considered her own opinions. Was she that useless? Was she too young to be heard? Did she seem incapable of anything?

Ruth changed into her bath towel and went to the bathtub to shower. She was astonished when she saw Lady Akeshia approaching the bathroom. 

" Must you teach me how to clean up myself too. You have no idea how much it frustruates me that I have to be taught almost everything. Yes I am sixteen years old but I am capable of doing everything by myself. Please.....allow me to have a safe bath by myself" said Ruth angrily. 

" It's orders from Mr. Tupfer that Mrs. Tupfer should learn everything through my assistance before she is left to do everything on her own" said Lady Akeshia in a pellucid voice.

Lady Akeshia took the antiseptic soap and assisted Ruth to have her bath. She therefore assisted her to put on her garments. Ruth seemed upset by all that but she could not do anything. 

MARRIED AT SIXTEEN.