10

“Is this a joke?” Andrew's tone is sharp with displeasure. “After everything that your extended family has done to you, you want to go before that old troll and beg his forgiveness?!”

Thomas and Doreen give Andrew an icy look. Ruby just covered her mouth because she was about to laugh.

“Boy, William Sanchez is not an old troll, he is a man who can destroy our lives if he wants to. Including yours.” He says. “Yes, it's a bit unfair that we are the ones to apologize, even though he is the one who wronged us. That's just how life is, son.”

Ruby quickly signs to join the conversation. “Papa is right. We need to apologize to Grampa. At least for Uma’s sake. We need to get her into a good school and give her a better life.”

Even though he is still angry with what is being said, Andrew holds his horses.

They might think that they need to apologize to the man, but he has a different plan in his head. He is going to teach Mister William Sanchez a bitter lesson….

Even though Andrew has returned back to Ruby's parents empty-handed, they accept him and they become a small family again.

Uma is very happy, she now has a dad, and her mum and grandparents are all together again!

Finally, the day comes for them to meet William Sanchez. It's his birthday and it's so big that it's even announced on the television.

They are watching the outdated television in the living room, while Doreen is ironing the clothes they will be putting on to attend the birthday party.

Thomas is fixing his old radio. He can't afford a mobile phone anymore, so he has to stick to listening to the radio as a form of entertainment for him.

Andrew is gently touching Uma's head. She is lying on his chest, blinking at the television, even though she doesn't understand what the presenter is saying.

“Do you want the blue or white shirt, Andrew?” Doreen calls from where she is ironing.

“Anyone is fine, mum.” He says over his shoulder.

Thomas looks at Andrew with a slight frown. Andrew has done nothing but sit around all day. He is going to find a job for Andrew very soon.

Ruby comes into the door, bustling with excitement. She raises something that is wrapped for everyone to see.

“Oh, finally. I told you to go earlier so that you will get a good price!” Her mother says.

They all gather around as she begins to unwrap the gift with plenty of excitement. Andrew is the only one whose face is devoid of emotions.

She finally takes off the wrappings and they all stare at the gold watch she has bought. It costs just over $2000, but to them, it's worth a billion.

They have skipped breakfast– except for uma– in the last two months, and they have denied themselves so much just to be able to buy this watch for Mister William Sanchez.

It's supposed to be an appeasing gift so that he will forgive them and let them back into the family.

Thomas was on the board of directors, Doreen was head of interior designs, and Ruby was one of the top managers. If they all have their jobs back, that means that their lives will return back to normal. That's all they want.

Thomas rubs his hands together in excitement. “I know that this is not up to what he buys, but it's going to be something.”

Ruby signs. “What are we going to put it in? I wanted to buy a watch box, but I didn't have enough money.”

“I will make one. Thank God that I have small skills in leather work.”

Andrew shifts in his seat, wwhich makes everyone to turn to look at him. “And you will be the one to hand it to him, Andrew. Remember to bow down very deeply, and humble yourself!”

“I will remember to do that, Dad.”

“Good.” Doreen nods. “I will start to heat some water for your baths. I don't want you kids to be late.”

*****

Doreen has done a very good job in washing and ironing the clothes because even though they are cheap, they don't look too bad.

Ruby adjusts his tie with deep concentration and afterwards, she makes sure that Uma's hair is still in a perfect bun.

Andrew can't stop looking at Ruby, her green dress gives her the appearance of a magical fairy.

She sees how deeply Andrew is staring at her, she laughs and moves her fingers.

“What? Why are you staring so much?”

“You are so beautiful.” He says to her. “It's a good thing that Adriana didn't break you down too much.”

Ruby immediately bites down her lips, a sign of growing concern. She forgot that she will be meeting with Adriana today. Will Adriana try to disgrace them?

Well, it's their turn to enter into the big hall, where the ceremony is taking place.

The place holds hundreds of people, many of whom are influential people in society.

William Sanchez is sitting in a golden chair. His family is standing behind him, and everyone who has brought a gift will be announced before they are allowed in.

Ruby grows even more worried, but Andrew holds her hand and smiles at her. Everything is going to be fine.

“Sir Martins Lancelot! He has brought you a cash gift of a million dollars!”

Everyone claps, including Mister William. The guest bows and walks to their seat.

“Raymond Blue, An 1880 bottle of wine valued at $500,000!”

“Mister Winterburn, the latest Range Rover!”

Soon it's their turn and Ruby's throat has gone dry. Will their gift be enough? Will he accept it?

As soon as they are standing in front of everyone, the faces of people turn sour and they start to whisper to themselves.

Even William Sanchez, his lips are curled with distaste.

Ruby tries to be positive and she turns to Andrew, but to her dismay! He is not holding the watch that they bought! Where is the damn watch? What's in the mystery envelope that he is holding?!

Andrew whispers to the announcer and the announcer frowns, but he walks up to Mister William and says something.

“It's you, the useless boy that married my granddaughter and disappeared!” Mister William huffs. “Tell me, what's the mystery gift you have brought?”

“It's not a mystery if I tell it to you. I want to hand you the envelope myself.”

Ruby nudges him with great fear. What's he doing?! Andrew still walks up to the man and hands him the envelope.

Mister William opens the envelope, but his face turns with immediately. His eyes twitch with bewilderment as he turns to Andrew.

“What is this?!” He roars. “Do you know what this is? Do you have a death wish?”

But Andrew is not moved. “Yes, it's grave spaces I bought from the two best cemeteries in town. Make your choice.”