Zero: God Of Mercenary

Chapter 9: Mother-In-Law

"Of course not," Oliver replied. "It’s my money. Take it. Pay me back whenever you can—no rush, and definitely no interest."

Nate’s hands trembled as he stared at the stack of bills, unsure whether to accept.

This wasn’t just a loan; it was a life-changing sum.

He hesitated, but thoughts of his son's medical bills tipped the scale.

With a deep breath, he pocketed the cash.

"Thank you, Oliver," Nate said, his voice thick with emotion. "I don’t know how I’ll ever repay you."

"Everything will work out, Nate. I promise," Oliver said, sincerity in his eyes.

Nate smiled, a mix of relief and gratitude softening his expression. "I believe it will, buddy."

Somehow, he couldn’t help but replay the image of Anthony trembling in front of Oliver.

Who is this guy really? he wondered, but just as quickly dismissed the thought.

Nah, if he were someone important, he wouldn’t have tolerated Anthony for this long. He’s just another guy trying to get by.

When they reached Nate’s modest house, it showed signs of wear—faded walls, furniture past its prime. But everything was tidy and well-kept.

"Make yourself at home," Nate said, exhausted. "There are some cup noodles if you’re hungry."

While Nate got ready to pick up his son, Chris, from school, Oliver’s gaze wandered to a framed photo of Nate and Chris.

He picked it up, drawn to the boy’s bright smile. 

"Can Chris’s illness be cured?" he asked.

“With a lot of money, yeah,” Nate sighed heavily. "A specialist could help, but that's way beyond what I can afford."

Oliver’s heart tightened. "What if money wasn’t an issue?"

Nate shot him a wary look. "What are you suggesting? Something illegal?"

"No, nothing like that," Oliver said softly. "I can help with Chris’s medical bills. Just let me handle it."

Nate shook his head, his tone serious. "We’re just regular guys scraping by. You’ve already done more than enough just by being a friend."

Oliver nodded, respecting Nate’s pride.

After eating some cup noodles, he headed to the shower.

As the hot water hit his skin, a sudden realization struck him.

"Shit. I left the necklace at the Henverton mansion," he muttered, running a hand through his wet hair.

That necklace, a keepsake from his past, had always been by his side. 

In the chaos of his divorce, he’d left it behind on the nightstand.

"Looks like I’ll have to face Trisha again," Oliver whispered to himself, his shoulders slumping at the thought.

After dressing, he borrowed Nate’s truck and made his way toward the Henverton mansion.

While driving, his phone rang. It was Rebecca.

"Hello?"

"Good afternoon, Sir Oliver. I’m calling to inform you that Anthony has been fired from the market,"

Rebecca said on the other end.

"We’re also arranging proper compensation for the employees he mistreated, including your friend."

"That’s great news, Rebecca. Thank you," Oliver said, his voice warm with gratitude.

"Thanks again for all your help, Rebecca. If you ever need anything, let me know."

"You don’t owe me a thing, Sir Oliver. The assistance you received earlier is a privilege for red card holders,"

Rebecca explained, her voice polite yet measured. "But... if it’s not too much trouble, could I ask a personally favor?"

Oliver raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What kind of favor?"

"Would you go to a party with me... and pretend to be my boyfriend?"

Oliver blinked, caught off guard. "Pretend to be your boyfriend? What’s going on?"

Rebecca’s voice grew embrassment.

"It’s a complicated situation. I need someone to... help me keep certain people at bay. I know it’s an odd request, but I’m in a bit of a bind. It's okay if you not to, I'm asking too much..."

Oliver chuckled softly.

"I see. Well, it doesn’t sound too difficult. I’ll go, but I need to handle some personal business first."

"That’s perfectly fine," Rebecca replied, relief flooding her tone. "The party isn’t until later. I’ll send you the address. And... thank you."

"No problem," Oliver said before ending the call.

As he neared the Henverton mansion, something felt off.

He tried unlocking the gate with his key, but it wouldn’t turn.

After several attempts, it was clear.

Trisha must’ve changed the locks, he thought bitterly.

And clearly, the house seemed empty. No choice, then.

Relying on the skills he’d picked up from his time in the Legion, Oliver deftly unlocked the door and slipped inside.

He made his way to his room, where he found the necklace sitting on the nightstand.

Pocketing it, he began gathering a few of his belongings when he heard footsteps from downstairs.

"Who could that be?" His senses sharpened.

Moving quietly, Oliver descended the stairs, only to come face to face with Carolina, his former mother-in-law.

"What are you doing here?" Carolina’s eyes widened in shock.

"Mother," Oliver greeted, offering a polite smile.

She was always nice to Oliver back to the days. 

He had always thought of Carolina as a second mother. 

But Carolina’s expression now quickly turned to disdain.

"Trisha already changed the locks, and you still managed to break in? Is this how desperate you are to reconcile with my daughter?"

She sneered, her voice dripping with venom.

"No, that’s not my intention," Oliver replied, keeping his voice steady despite the tension.

Carolina scoffed, folding her arms with an air of superiority.

"Who do you think you’re fooling? A broke, pathetic loser like you will say anything to leech off my daughter. You think I’d let you drag her down again? Not a chance!"