The Billion-Dollar Windfall: Edwin Volvox

CHAPTER 6

"What mission Sir Carlos?" Edwin was surprised. 

Sir Carlos leaned back. "It's not a tough deal Edwin. Only you are expected to spend one million dollars from the card I gave you. The one million dollars must be used well.'

"I would like to see how best you can utilise the money. You have just a week to do that, Edwin, then we move on to the next thing. But then, in the meantime, welcome back to the family." Sir Carlos declared.

As much as Edwin was happy with the fact that he had finally gotten to know who he really is, his heart wasn't at peace. 

Never in his whole life has he handled an amount that's as big as one million dollars, not to talk of spending it. However, he could tell that it was a simple test to test how extravagant or reserved he could be.

While he was thrown into deep thought, he suddenly heard Sir Carlos command Aiden.

"Aiden, please drive Edwin back home. It's getting late already. I believe he would also want to see his mother at the hospital. So I think it's high time he returned home."

Edwin argued instantly. "There will be no need for that, Grandpa. I'll make use of the public system. Moreover, I don't want to draw attention to myself."

Truth be told, he didn't want to draw attention to himself but then he wanted some time alone where he could think. 

He needed to process his thoughts on how best he could spend the money.

"That's good Edwin, whatever you want. See you in a week." Sir Carlos drew him into a tight embrace before he thereafter let him go.

Instead of taking a cab straight, he took strolls towards the bus station. All these to straighten his thoughts.

Buying a house was the first thing he had in mind. At least that gives Elizabeth a different atmosphere to stay in when she gets discharged from the hospital.

Moreover, he would be free from paying rent.

Then whatever remains, he could think of what else to do with it. He perfectly mapped his plans out, but then an entirely different thought disrupted this.

There was Ciara. Ever since the time he got married to Ciara, she had done everything possible to paint Elizabeth as a bad person.

Not that alone, she tried her best to make life a living hell for her whenever Edwin was out to work.

Edwin slightly sighed trying to consider their living together as a family. He believed it might not work, he needed Elizabeth to be at peace not get entangled with a greedy, lousy housewife.

He was suddenly at a crossed point on what to do, but then right at the same time, his phone chimed. 

"Edwin! What's taking you so long? Have you forgotten I asked you to come home?"

"What's happening Ciara?" Edwin just remembered she had demanded that he be home a few hours ago. 

"Just get over here Edwin. We have things to discuss." Edwin had mixed feelings. He couldn't tell why she was suddenly talking about divorce.

"I will be home in a few minutes." The call went off immediately. 

Since Aiden had promised him that his mom was in the hands of good doctors, then he could take the risk of going home to find out what the problem was.

Why would Ciara suddenly ask for a divorce out of the blue? As quick as he could, he stopped the next available cab.

Throughout the drive, until he got home, his thoughts were a real mess trying to figure out what exactly happened.

He got to the entrance of the house, and something was amiss. 

There were quite a few footwear right at the entrance, but then he couldn't tell who owned them. The question was who were the guests?

Nevertheless, he walked in, only to find his father-in-law, mother-in-law and then another strange man.

"What's happening here? To what do I owe the visit" Edwin faked a smile even though he quite knew that their presence was never for peace.

Whenever they showed up, it was either to warn Edwin or to molest him and impose some baseless family traditions on him.

"Ciara, what's happening? Why did you call me saying you want a divorce?"

"That's because I really want a divorce… Idiot!"

"Is that how you welcome your in-laws, useless son- in-law?" Lucy, his mother in law said.

"My apologies mother. I was only stunned by your presence."

"Yes sure, why wouldn't you be stunned? You have nothing at all to offer my daughter. You made her live in penury and she hence became a cast out amongst her mates, so why wouldn't you be stunned?"

'I warned her from scratch that she is just too good for you. But she wanted to get married to you. Now see how you have made her. You've turned her into an outcast."

"Leave him alone, mother. He never knew my worth, but now. I think he will, but he won't be able to gain it anymore." Ciara turned towards Edwin. "Look Edwin, I'm leaving you for good."

"For good, like you mean divorce?" he asked to confirm his fears.

"Yea sure, you idiot! I tried to manage with you but then you chose your dying mother over me."

"You make sure she gets the best while I get nothing. And on the other hand, just because I used your money to get a dress you beat me," she faked tears.

"What! Ciara! How dare you lie against me?" Edwin yelled out angrily.

He wondered what terrible lies she had told her parents. But they would never try to discover if she was telling a lie or not.

Even if they knew she was telling a lie, Lucy most especially would look for ways to back her up. 

"You human beater! You really have no shame. You are supposed to be out there working your ass out just to give her the best, but here you are laying your shitty hands on her." Lucy added. "How the hell would you beat my daughter?"

"Your family is hell of shit. You all are filled with lies, so it's no new thing if you both believe that I actually laid a hand on Ciara."

"Family of liars."

Before he knew it Lucy stormed towards him intending to dash a slap into his face. "Shut the fuck up, you liar." 

Fortunately, Edwin reflexes were perfect, he caught the arm, and yanked it off such that she whined in pain.

"Mummy, are you okay?" Ciara rushed towards her immediately.

"Yea sure. He is just a perfect example of a lunatic."

Edwin was not moved. "I will not tolerate you or anyone lying against me. If I did really hit her, why not ask for the hit marks?"

"Hit marks, huh! Have you forgotten the regular balm I use just to make sure that the marks disappear within hours so you don't get to spoil my skin?"

"Ciara!" Edwin yelled out. He was blown off by the intense lies from his wife.

She was a perfect example of cruelty, yes, but he never expected this.

"You are quite lucky I wouldn't be calling the corps on you." the strange man who had been silent all along suddenly said.

Edwin scoffed. "And who the hell are you to interfere in my family matters? I would never beat my wife."

The new guy stood up. "I think we've gotten enough of your blabbing and lies. if you know nothing about time management, I do."

"So sign the damn papers and let's get the hell out of your cottage." he threw a paper to Edwin's face.

"What's in the paper?" Edwin's curiosity piqued.