CHANGING THE GAME WITH THE CASHFLOW SYSTEM

Accusations

“What has come over you, Jemina!! That thing you call a husband doesn't befit you!

Your father and I accepted your union with him because we thought he is from a rich family. But he's just a common orphan with no legacy left behind! And now we don't want him anymore!! Enough!"

Blake stood outside, at the door, listening to his Mrs. Dennis, Jemina's mother berated her.

His heart tightened in his chest, a feeling of disappointment creeped into his soul. Disappointment towards himself for not making Jemina pass through all these shits.

“You're going to divorce that man. Today! Now!!"

The words hung in the air, settling on Blake's shoulder like a lead. His heart skipped.

Silence fell inside and Blake Listened closely to hear from Jemina saying.

“Mum, No..I can't divorce him. You might see Blake as someone with no assured bright future but he is more, mum.

He has potential. I see a man who is willing to do everything to make something work out. He just needs the chance mum!

The chance to prove to everyone he can do better!”

Mrs. Dennis scoffed. “Chance?!” Her lips twisted with detest. “He has no chance with you Jemina! And you're going to listen to me! Because I'm your mother–”

Jemina shook her head and released a sharp breath, tired already. “You're my mother but mum– you don't decide what path I choose to thread in my life.

Her voice softened now but it was firm and decisive. “Please, let me be the architect of my own life. I can't divorce him"

“How dare you Jemina!! You're going to do what I ask!!

Outside, a feeling of gratitude washed over Blake. Despite the daily insults Jemina faces everyday in the family, she always stands for Blake, refusing to divorce him despite their persistence.

Still standing at the door, Blake heard pa. Walter yells from the living room.

“Everyone, come out here now!!” His voice was sharp and cutting, betraying his old age. That was a clear indication that something is amiss.

The voice startled Blake, making him shocked.

“What's going on?” He muttered and quickly walked away from the door, entering the kitchen.

Mrs. Smith and Jemina came out from the bedroom to see every member of the family already gathered in the living room while Pa. Walter stood at the centre, his eyes dark with rage.

Murmuring buzzed in the room.

“Who among you stole money from my bedroom!!!" He sparked, looking at them with a fierce gaze as if to fish out the thief.

Gasps!!

Dr. Frank walked in. He was surprised to see all the family members standing.

“What is going on here?! I was hearing your voice from outside pa. You're fatigued and getting old to raise your voice at such a frequency." He said with concern in his voice, walking closer.

“Someone among them stole $50,000 from my briefcase!?”

Everyone gasped!

Murmuring buzzed.

Who has the temerity to enter Patriarch Walter's bedroom and steal from his briefcase!?? How bold!

Matriarch Walter walked to her husband with a tentative expression on her slightly wrinkled face.

“Honey, are you sure you kept the money in the bedroom?! No one could have entered your room to take the money.” She said,

“Except someone, grandma.” Mason cut in, his voice filled with intents and all eyes shifted to him.

Dr. Frank was listening with a reeling thought. His confusion about Blake is yet to settle in his mind.

And he was only thinking of one thing at that moment– Blake stole Patriarch Walter's money to pay for Lana's hospital bill. Yes!

“It could be that useless son–in-law. Blake!" Mason Said with a sly smile. No reverence in his voice for Blake, not even slightly.

“What!?” Jemina gasped, shock evidence in her eyes. “What are you talking about?!” She glanced at her mother who was beside her and turned his eyes back to Mason.

“Lie! You might have seen Blake as worthless or any other thing but stealing? He can't do that!" She defended blatantly.

Mason chuckled and took it up, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. Not only is Mason arrogant but also rude.

He continued, his voice insanely calm but it carried a thorn that jabbed Jemina's heart. “How sure are you, Jemina? That your putz you call a husband could have stolen the money out of desperation to save his grandmother. Because when I checked, he was the only person absent at Grandpa's birthday.”

Everyone nodded in agreement. Then murmurs.

“How dare you Mason!!" Jemina sparked, her eyes dark with rage. “How dare you talk about Blake like that?!!”

Dr. Frank released a sharp breath. He looks calm. The kind of calmness that suggests that someone has a lot to say.

“I think Mason is right.” He said quietly but his confession made tension rise in the room. The room fell into silence but curiosity burned in the air.

Jemina whipped her head to his side, her eyes displaying an expression not short of confusion. It was clear that everyone hates Blake but accusing him? She won't take it.

Dr. Frank looked at her. “Blake must have stolen the money.” He said calmly. “We all know how desperate he was to save his grandmother and –”

“Was?!" Mason chipped in, his brow narrowed. “Are you saying his grandmother is okay now?”

Dr. Frank nodded gently as the room gave way to silence again.

“Yes Mason. He paid the money for her surgery. I wondered where he got the money. He even lavish $7000 on a stranger!”

Gasps.

Everything makes sense now. To them.

“That's it?!! Are you all making this about his grandmother now–”

“Quiet, Jemina!!” Her mother hushed.

“No mum! ” Jemina stepped forward. “Fine!! I gave him the money yesterday since none of you were ready to help him!! I gave him $20,000!!"

Dr. Frank chucked, amused. “He paid $40,000, Jemi. With an addition of $7000.” He said.

Jemina gasped. Not only her but everyone.

Dr. Frank continued with the equations, disregarding the shocking expression on their faces.

“$40,000 plus $7,000 is $47,000. And how much was stolen?" He laughed faintly, unable to contain his amusement.

“That's $47,000!” Mason chipped in, surprised.

“So that means ..” Dr. Frank faced Jemina who had stood there, frozen like a chicken in the freezer. “..Blake stole the money and maybe he still has a balance of $3000 in his account.”

Jemina's lips parted. Her mind reeled with different thoughts and possibilities. She gave $20,000 yesterday night? How did that become $40,000+? Could he really have stolen the money?!!

Her shoulder slumped. She looks defeated under the vivid and theoretically braced accusations. Her heart arched as the thought burned through her chest.

Her lips parted to speak but the words caught in her throat. What could she say now?

Mason was watching the drama unfold with a knowing smirk on his lips.

Mrs. Smith shook her head, anger visible in her eyes.

“You see! Look at how that scumbag is dragging you into the mud!! I'm ashamed of you Jemmy!!" She walked out angrily.

Jemina's lips trembled. “Mum–”

“Queit!!!!" Patriarch Walter's voice silences all the idle murmurs and audible voices.