Chapter 1: Three Years of Humiliation
The small dining room was quiet except for the clatter of cutlery. Laga sat at the end of the table, head slightly lowered, picking at the cold rice on his plate. Around him, the Jade family laughed and passed dishes, completely ignoring his presence.
"Pass the chicken," said Miko, Naya's younger brother, without even looking at Laga.
Laga obeyed silently, handing the plate over.
"Three years of sitting in this house, eating free food, and still jobless," Mr. Jade muttered loud enough for everyone to hear.
"Useless man," Miko added. "Even a stray dog would've fetched something by now."
Naya, Laga's wife, didn't say a word. She ate slowly, her eyes distant.
Mrs. Jade sighed dramatically. "My daughter could've married into the Kaza family. But no—she chose a man who can't even pay for toothpaste."
Mr. Jade leaned back in his chair and picked up a folded paper. "Laga," he said. "We've tolerated you for long enough. It's time you leave."
He handed the paper across the table.
Laga stared at it. Divorce.
"Sign it and go," Naya said quietly, without looking at him.
Laga looked up at her. Her face was calm, cold, finished.
He stood up, unfolded the paper, and calmly signed it.
Then he looked at Mr. Jade. "Thank you for the food."
He turned and walked out, leaving silence behind.
Outside, the sun was setting. Laga's shadow stretched long across the driveway. He walked without looking back.
At the gate, a slim man in a black suit waited by a parked black car. As soon as he saw Laga, he straightened.
"Sir," he said, bowing slightly.
Laga nodded once.
The man opened the door. Laga entered the car. It moved silently down the street.
A few minutes later, Laga's phone buzzed.
He answered.
"Sir," said a shaky voice on the other end. "It's old Chief Damba… He's… he's dying. The doctors failed. The family is begging. They say only you can help now."
Laga closed his eyes for a moment.
"Send me the location."