Redeemed Son In-law

Selling off the chain

Chapter 5

"No, I haven't," she announced, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "I think I saw it online." Her words fell flat, and as he looked at her, disappointment crept into his expression. He had hoped for more, believed that she might hold some vital information. Yet, it seemed he had built up an illusion in his mind.

As the weight of his disappointment settled on his face, she continued, "Yes, I saw it online in an advertisement." She paused.

With a mix of anticipation and longing, she questioned, "Is this yours? Did Alicia give it to you? Because this... it's pure gold." Her voice held a hint of disbelief.

He shook his head in response, a gesture of denial that shattered her burgeoning hope. 

"You don't have to worry about this," he said, his voice tinged with reassurance as he reached out to gently touch her hand. "And moreover, it's over between me and Alicia. You are all that matters to me from now on."

The unexpected declaration sent shockwaves through her, causing her eyes to widen with surprise. She struggled to process his words, her mind spinning with a mix of emotions. Part of her wanted to believe him, to embrace the newfound sense of security he seemed to offer. But another part couldn't help but feel a twinge of doubt, a lingering skepticism about his sudden change of heart.

"Do you mean the same friend of yours who always comes here every day to check on me on your behalf?" she asked, her voice barely concealing her disbelief. She glanced at him, her eyes searching for any sign of deceit in his expression. "The same person you spent your childhood days with?"

As she spoke, her words were laced with a hint of incredulity, her tone carefully controlled to hide the burst of emotions roiling inside her. Her heart was torn between wanting to trust him and the nagging suspicion that loomed over his every word.

He nodded, his face somber as he confirmed her suspicions. 

"Did you say this chain is pure gold?" he asked, his eyes widening with curiosity as he carefully examined the intricate design and glimmering surface of the chain. The man who gave it to him hadn't given him much time to inspect it, so he had simply slipped it into his pocket without much thought. But now, as he held it in his hands, he couldn't help but feel a sense of awe. 

A fellow patient in the hospital ward noticed the chain and couldn't help but express his admiration. "Wow, this is the first time I've ever seen real gold," he marveled, his eyes fixated on the radiant piece of jewelry.

Determined to secure the funds for his loved one's medical operation and to settle their debts, he made a promise to himself. "Alora, take care of yourself. I'll be right back," he whispered, his words filled with determination and hope. With the chain clutched tightly in his hand, he hurriedly left the hospital, his mind set on finding a goldsmith who would offer him a substantial amount of money for his valuable possession.

Arriving at the store, he presented the chain to the man in charge, who carefully assessed its authenticity. As the goldsmith's trained eyes surveyed the details and weight of the chain, the man could sense the potential to make a significant profit. Recognizing this opportunity, he decided to enter into negotiations with the goldsmith, hoping to secure a higher price for his precious discovery.

"You know, it's an older chain and not many people are interested in buying these in the market. I can only offer you $500 for it," he said, dismissing the chain's value despite being fully aware of its authenticity and the profit he could make from it.

His words struck a nerve with the man, who quickly saw through the deceit. "But my friend, let's be honest here. You're nothing more than a fraudster. Do you really think I'm that naive? I know exactly how much this chain is worth on the market. Pay me $2000, and maybe, just maybe, I'll consider dealing with you," he retorted, his voice laced with a mixture of frustration and anger.

The goldsmith chuckled, evidently taken aback by the man's defiance. "You should have chosen a different target for your dishonest dealings. Now get out of my store," he bluntly ordered, snatching the chain from the man's hand.

"You are a thief," he seethed, the anger evident in his voice. "I will definitely leave, but you better be prepared to come crawling back to me if you're lucky enough that I haven't already sold it to another buyer." With a sense of determination, he placed the necklace back into his pocket and briskly made his way towards the exit. The desperation to sell the valuable item weighed heavily on his mind. He needed the money to cover the mounting hospital bills and the numerous other debts he owed. However, the offer on the table was simply too small.

As he walked away, doubts began to creep into his thoughts. Should he have accepted the meager amount or waited for another buyer who might offer a more reasonable price? 

Remembering his sister's words about advertising the chain, he decided to put it up for sale online with a specific price tag, eager to see who would be willing to pay the high asking price. It seemed like a promising plan, one that held the potential for a fulfilling outcome. Without hesitating any further, he set out to execute his plan.

As he entered the apartment, a sense of neglect and desolation greeted him. The room was covered in layers of dust, giving everything a forlorn appearance. The once cozy and worn chair now seemed like a haven for insects, its fabric faded and worn. The walls, once painted with vibrant colors, now bore the marks of time and neglect, accumulating grime and dirt.

His gaze was drawn to a family photo frame hanging on the wall. It showcased a moment frozen in time, capturing the image of himself, Alora, and their mother. He approached the frame and carefully lifted it from its place, taking a moment to wipe away the dust and grime that had accumulated over the years. His eyes lingered on the photograph, capturing the essence of their once joyful and hopeful existence. It reminded him of the dreams they had of living as a loving family, drawing strength from one another. 

Tears welled up in his eyes, a mix of sadness for the life they once had and hope for a new beginning. He yearned for a fresh start, vowing to live a life free from greed and to appreciate the simple things, even if it meant not having three square meals a day. The allure of freedom outweighed material wealth for him now. With a determined resolve, he carefully hung the picture back on the wall and made a decision to clean up the neglected home. In this abandoned space, he found peace and a peace of mind that he had not experienced in the confines of luxurious living. Stripping off his clothes, he embarked on the daunting task of tidying up the mess. After organizing the house to the best of his ability, he treated himself to a refreshing shower, cleansing away the physical and emotional grime. Ready to face the challenges ahead, he prepared himself to return to the hospital and be there for his sister.

And suddenly, his phone rang, interrupting his thoughts. Glancing at the caller ID, he saw it was Mr. Wesley. A mix of skepticism and fear welled up within him, uncertain of how to handle the situation. With a deep breath, he answered the call, bracing himself for the anger that awaited on the other end. Mr. Wesley's voice echoed through the phone, filled with rage, sending shivers down his spine as if he were facing his own reality.

"Where are you, you son of a bitch?" Mr. Wesley's profanity-laced words struck a nerve, igniting a surge of anger within him.

Resolute, he mustered the courage to stand up for himself. "Mr. Wesley, with all due respect, I will not tolerate you involving my mother in any of our issues. I'm sorry, but you have lost the right to know my whereabouts. I am done with you and your daughter," he replied, finding a newfound strength as he set boundaries and took a stand for his own well-being.

"So you've grown wings and now have the right to talk back at me," he threatened, his lips pressed tightly together, his voice filled with anger and frustration. The tension in the air was evident as he delivered his ultimatum. "I give you 24 hours to come back to this house or else..."

His words hung in the air, heavy with a mix of authority and a sense of impending consequences. 

Not one to back down, Bryan fired back with equal determination. "Or else you will do nothing, keep your useless daughter who didn't think of any other person to have sex with other than my friend inside your house, that's a great honor right?" The words were loaded with bitterness and a hint of resentment.

With that, he abruptly ended the call, leaving Mr Wesley to grapple with a whirlwind of emotions. As he struggled to process the intense exchange, messages chimed on his phone, pulling his attention away. He glanced down to see an unexpected offer — someone wanted to buy the chain from him, and for a staggering $5000. The sum of money took them by surprise, igniting a glimmer of hope or perhaps an opportunity amidst the chaos.

  The realization hit him like a rush of adrenaline. This unexpected offer, a sum of money that could potentially solve all their problems and set them on a path to a brighter future. It wasn't just about the financial relief, but also the hope it stirred within him. The burden of his sister's hospital bills, the weight of their troubles, and the uncertainty of their lives suddenly felt slightly more manageable.

The joy that surged within him was almost overwhelming, threatening to burst through his chest. A wide smile traced its way across a his face.