The Hidden Billionaire

THE BILL HAS BEEN PAID

In an elite residence, the death flag is still stuck in front of the gate. People started leaving the funeral home to back at their home. Meanwhile, there was still noise inside.

"What are you saying? You want to borrow my money?” Snapped a middle aged woman to Maks-husband of her youngest daughter. Her voice boomed through the house until all her children and grandchildren ran to witness her anger.

"Yes, Mom. I promise at the end of the month I will back it to you,” said Maks. There is no other way except to borrow money from his mother in law. Because he just have time until this afternoon to pay hospital bills. Otherwise, his wife and baby will not be able to return home.

Mrs.Kev growled with an angry face. “You has no empathy! My husband died yesterday, and I'm still in a state of mourning. But you've provoked me today. You embarrassed me in front of all my family!”

Mr. Asraf Kev, Maks' kind father in law is gone forever.  It certainly leaves a deep sorrow for the Kev family, especially for Maks and Siena.  Because, the only person who is always kind and defends both of them is Mr. Kev. In fact, thanks to him Maks and Siena were allowed to stay at the Kev family's house since Maks was dismissed by the company due to the pandemic.

"You are fuck! You really have no shame. Instead of giving your father in law a condolence flower board, but you want to borrow money from him," said Uncle Brew. Mrs. Kev's sister in law is a parasite in the Kev family. But, he is  one who excels at demeaning Maks when the opportunity arises.

"My husband is right, Maks! You see outside the house, rows of beautifully arranged condolence flower boards from all of Kev's son in law. They use the name of their company and business. But only you son in law doesn't do that!” said a woman who is the wife of Uncle Brew. 

"How could he do the same as them if he was just a street sweeper. HAHA!" Flo laughing mockingly at Maks.  Meanwhile, Maks just silently looked down at his mother in law's feet. For him, it was normal to be despised and humiliated by all of them.

Hera, who is none other than Siena's second sister also sneered at Maks disdainfully, “That's right!  He didn't have any business or property to be proud of. After all, he clearly couldn't afford the flower board. He is so poor!”.

If it does not for an urgent matter like this, Maks would not have dare to borrow money from his mother in law. He thought that his mother in law would give him a loan without getting angry, because this money was for his biological daughter and grandchildren too.  But in fact, Mrs. Kev still insisted on rejecting Maks request.

Flo-the eldest daughter of the Kev family said arrogantly. “Yesterday, my father was still defending you. But from now on, no one will be your helper anymore. The presidential election is getting closer. I don't want the media to cover that my sister's husband is a street sweeper. So, it would be best if you left this house!”

Being the oldest does not mean being wise.  That is Flo. She has such great envy. Especially when Mr. Kev was still alive, Flo was the person who hated Maks and Siena the most because she was always defended by his father. In fact, Mr. Kev's first son in law is a presidential candidate. However, the father of three children never liked the husband of his first child. He prefers Maks who is humble and has manners.

“Maks! If you're a responsible husband to my daughter, then you should get that $1000 worth of money without borrowing. Do you know? My other son in law paid for their wife's delivery with their own money!” said Mrs. Kev to Maks who was still sitting under her feet.

"That's right! You should learn from us who treat her children and grandchildren like queen. We make a living by facilitating modern and sophisticated goods, also abundant in materials. Unlike you, you can't even afford to pay for your wife's delivery,” said Joddy, the first son in law of the Kev Family, with a condescending voice for Maks.

The living room where the Kev family gathered was busy at the moment. They replied to each other to insult Maks. No one was on his side. In fact, to ask about the condition of Siena and her baby, no one made a sound. Mak's wife has been in the hospital for three days risking her life for their baby.

Maks stood up, he realized that his presence here to borrow money was a waste. "Sorry if what I did made you angry and embarrassed, Mom. I will back at hospital," said Maks and stepped out to leave.

“Maks!” called someone. 

Maks stopped his steps and turned back to the source of the sound.

“If you want to get that $1000 worth of money, I can just give it to you today. But, you have to lick the soles of my feet first!” Kenan, who is the second son in law of the Kev family spoke up.

Kenan's words to Maks made everyone in the room laugh out loud. This annoyed Maks, but he does not dare to show it.

Maks continued his footsteps and chose not to accept the offer from his second brother in law's husband.  He would rather earn his money in other ways than to work like a dog licking his master's paw.

***

Maks arrives at the hospital. The 30 year old man immediately goes to the administration to ask for an extension of time to pay for his wife's delivery costs. Because, he has not managed to get the money.

A young woman in an all white uniform greeted him and asked, "Can I help you, Sir?"

“I'm Maks Rostitlav, husband of Siena Kev.  I want to ask for an extension of the time to pay until tomorrow," said Mak pleadingly.

The young woman immediately check the data that Maks mentioned on her computer.  "Sorry, Sir. None of your arrears have to be paid. Someone paid for it today.”

Maks furrowed his brows in surprise.

"How could that be?" He asked himself.

Instead of being haunted by curiosity, Maks decides to ask the administrative officer.  “Miss, do you know who has paid it?"

The young woman looked at her computer screen again. After getting a name she replied, "Here is an account in the name of Mr. Baltasar."

Mak's brow furrowed.  In his heart he said, "Why did he do this to me?"