Chapter Four

Tyler's hands trembled as he stared at his phone. He blinked his eyes rapidly to ensure he wasn't dreaming or staring at a Hollywood blockbuster. He was broke and hopeless a few hours ago, and now - a whooping hundred million is laying in the account. His eyeballs dilated, and a fountain of tears formed in his eyes.

The doorbell rang, swinging him out of his thoughts. He put the phone I'm his pocket. He stared at the door for a few seconds, and the doorbell rang again. He sprang up and approached the door. He twisted the knob, and an unfamiliar figure stood in front of him.

"How may I help you?" Tyler mumbled, still concealing the shock in his eyes, even if his heart pulsed like it'll fall off his chest. "You must be Tyler. Tyler Johnson" the man standing in front of him said. Tyler hesitated for a minute. He peered at the man and his line of sight met with the 'UPS' inscription on his shirt. It dawned on Tyler that a delivery guy is standing at his doorstep. "Yes, I'm Tyler Johnson"

"Great. I got a package for you" the delivery guy said. He stretched the parcel in his hands to Tyler. Tyler gripped the package - wrapped in nylon. "You have to sign this for me sir" he gave Tyler a paper to sign.

"There you go" Tyler muttered, holding the paper back to the guy. "Have a great day"

Tyler watched the delivery guy walk away. His gaze settled on the parcel in his hands. He walked back into his room - ready to unbox the package. Tyler tore the shiny wrapping off the parcel, he rubbed his hands over the white box.

Tyler caught sight of a tiny note. "Have fun son"

Tyler's lips pouted with a smile. He opened the parcel and a ring welcomed his eyes. The ring glistened, and its golden shimmer left Tyler's lips forming a silent WOW. He held the ring in his hands. Every moment in the last few minutes made him sink in awe. First, the hundred million dollar alert, and now - an hour expensive and luxury ring sitting in the lair of his cozy room. Johnson better has a decent explanation for all of this.

Tyler placed the ring back in the parcel. He grabbed his phone, stomped his phone on the screen he dialed his father's number.

"Tyler you got the delivery?" His father's voice pieced into his ears.

"Yes, Dad. I got it. But I don't understand what's going on. First, it was a hundred-million-dollar alert, and now it is a luxury ring. Dad is there something I need to know" Tyler asked.

"Son, I'm sorry it took too long to reveal this to you. The Johnson family is not poor. We ate wealthy and influential. I'm sorry I kept mute and watched you suffer. I know it hurts. But I had to wait until you're old enough to understand everything.

Tyler sighed loudly. "It's okay Dad. But that's a huge amount of money. What I'm I supposed to do with all of that?"

Johnson laughed hysterically. "Son the money is yours. I'm sure it'll be enough for you to start a new life, and if it is not enough, I will......."

Dad, the money is enough" Tyler interrupted.

"Good"

"Dad what about the ring? Is it an emblem or something?"

"Certainly not. That ring is a mark that will make you stand out from everyone out there. It is an evidential symbol of the Johnson family. It's a symbol of our power, wealth, and influence. You must have that ring with you all the time. Irrespective of where ever you go. It's only people with practiced eyes that'll recognize that ring and know who you are or what family you come from. Even if you want to keep a low profile and you're not putting the ring on, it still has to be with you. Do you dig?

Tyler paused, processing all he just heard, as of he's in a NASA academy - drilled to become an astronaut. He's been getting the edge of the stake since the placenta was cut off from his mother's uterus. There's more to be learned.

"Yes, Dad. But everything is happening so quickly. It all feels like a dream"

"I understand how you feel son. It is normal to feel that way, but you'd get over it real soon. Enjoy your new life. You deserve it"

"Thanks, Dad"

"One more thing Tyler. I know you're a good kid. But I still need to tell you this. Money and power can change people. We only get to see their true identity when they've got some dollar bills to throw around. Don't stop being who you are. Don't change. You understand?"

"Yes Dad"

"Good. I will be expecting you at the house one of these days. We've got some catching up to do.

"Sure Dad"

"Bye Tyler"

Tyler dropped the phone on his bed. Until a tear tricked down his cheeks, he never knew how emotional that call made him. Maybe those tears encompassed the times he suffered or how hurt it felt to be lied to.

He wiped the streak of tears, sniffling a breath. He reached for the parcel on the bed. He closed it and placed it under his bed.

Tyler's phone beeped. It was a message from Ava.

"Hey, Tyler. It's been ages. I hope you've gotten the balls to ask your crush out now. ........ :) you're doing great huh? It is my birthday party tomorrow. A few bottles of vodka are ready to be popped. I'd kill you if you don't come.. 7 pm. You're coming?"

A smile fled to Tyler's lips.

Ava was the last person on his mind at that moment, but the fact that she reached out made it adorable. He had known her since their days in university. Ava was the only one who took a personal interest in him. It was a platonic friendship that lasted for so long. Till date. He sees Ava as his heroine. She stepped up to save him from a bully, and she bought him a burger and cheese from MacDonald on days he's got nothing to eat. They're more like buddies - people mistake them for lovers too.

"Sure. Text me the Addy." Tyler replied.

It was time to relay Ava's favors. She's been a diamond in the rough. it's time to exhume a diamond. Ava deserves a birthday gift.