His Forgotten Legacy: Cash Redemption

Chapter Five

Beside him, Vivian stood with her hand on her waist, her stance daring. Running her free hand through her dark silky hair, she grinned knowingly. Their lackadaisical posture further infuriated Cash, and without thinking or minding his audience, he lashed out

“What the hell Vivian!!? You would dare insult and degrade me in public, and still dare to bring the same insult into our matrimonial home!?” he queried while pointing at Justin, his nostrils flaring as he did. 

Vivian chuckled lightly, eyeing him from head to toe, as though he was of no worth, and gave a long and loud hiss. Squaring her shoulders, with one hand, she gently pulled Justin into her home and shoved Cash aside as they proceeded in. Consumed in his anger and humiliation, Cash dragged her back causing her to stumble, her eyes going wild, momentarily shocked. Without hesitation, she raised her hands and promptly slapped Cash, her clenched fist trembling

“How dare you!?”

“How dare you lay your filthy hands on my daughter you worthless being!?”

Vivian and her mother yelled at the same time

Feeling disgraced in the presence of her family members, her cheeks were currently on fire as she glared at Cash, wishing him into oblivion. Like predator to prey, she glowered at him, grinding her teeth, she grated her words

“The next time you pull this kind of stunt will be the very last time you do so. You have no right, I repeat no right whatsoever to lay your disgusting hand on me” She bared her teeth, and with cold eyes, she glared intensely at him. 

Her mother and sister stood beside her, flagging her on both sides, as they threw daggers at him with their eyes. Cassie the outspoken one, who couldn't stand Cash nor the air he breathed, scowled at him and uttered loudly seeking to stoke the fire more, 

“One who hears you questioning Vivian, my sister would think you are a responsible man and husband, without realising you're nothing short of a wretched fool who has nothing, absolutely nothing to show for himself!” she spat at him, causing everyone to guffaw and snicker loudly. 

Holding his head in his hands, Cash stood silently, letting the tears flow, his head down he looked up at Vivian, remorse filling his eyes. He had been wrong to pull her back and he knew it. 

“Vivian, I am sorry for dragging you back in that manner, your attitude hurt me and I didn't know how else to react. Even at that, I'm sorry, but Vivian you shouldn't be doing this you're a married woman and a mother. What things do you want to teach our child, that…”

“That she stands up for herself, and not settle for less. That she chooses a man who will adore and adorn her with the riches and beauties of life and not be stuck with a scumbag like her father! That she gets a man who will give her riches and luxuries and not complaints and zilch!” Vivian interjected angrily, interrupting Cash. 

As she spoke, Cash was reminded of the bracelet he bought for her, the one he had dutifully and religiously saved for. The shop he had got it from was a high-end one, and with the price tag that was attached to it, he knew it was luxurious jewellery. He removed his hands from his head and placed one of them in his pocket to confirm if the box was indeed intact. 

He decided there and then to present Vivian with the gift, he had bought it as a peace offering, and the day and night incident was enough to offer it to her, not minding their family that was present. Swallowing the lump in his throat loudly, he brought out the encrusted box and stretched to it a livid Vivian, offering it to her. 

“I hear you, my wife and I will strive to do better. Speaking of gifts, I bought this for you and had hoped to present it to you today in your office, but you know how that went. It's quite expensive” Shrugging his shoulders, he fidgeted shifting from foot to foot

Vivian’s eyes fell on the outstretched palm, frowned her face, and raised her eyebrow, still gazing at the gift shook her head, and promptly burst into wild laughter, doubling over with laughter. 

Her mother and Cassie who were still beside her, and had seen the gift joined in the laughter. Other members of the family drew near to view the supposed gift Cash had presented, and as they saw they each howled, shaking their heads. 

“Youuu c-all this a g-ift! An ex-expensive one for that matter?” she asked in between laughter, staring incredulously at Cash who avoided her gaze, lowering his eyes, fumbling and touching the back of his neck 

“Absolutely Ludicrous” someone called out, humour and mockery evident in his voice. 

Couldn't the day get any better, or at least end, Cash slightly wondered to himself? The gift had cost him his savings, but Vivian didn't seem to appreciate it nor the thought and gesture behind it. He gave a long sigh, his chin lowering to his chest in defeat. 

Where Cash’s chin was lowered in defeat, Vivian’s was high, her shoulders back, she thrust out her chest and wrist. Flaunting her wrist, she shoved it into Cash’s downcasted face and snarled, 

“Now, this is what you refer to as expensive, not that thrash you present to me! Take a look at it, and know the difference!” slightly lifting his head and eyes, Cash gaped at the jewellery that adorned her wrist. 

Two different pieces of bracelet adorned her hand, one was gold plated, with diamonds encrusted in it, the diamonds shimmered as if to tease him, the other of white gold, and blue sapphire going all around it. Even he could see and admit that the jewellery was a beauty. 

Vivian jerked her hand back, glancing at Justin, she pointed towards him, her eyes still on Cash

“That gentleman over there, who knows how to treat a lady right, and knows her worth, got me these luxurious pieces. You do not want to know how much it costs, but I'll gladly tell you; a whopping five point five million dollars is what!” emphasising her words, she sneered at him, she curled her lips before continuing, “You haven't seen in your entire existence and will most definitely not see! Pray, tell us Cash, how much is this expensive jewellery you say you got me?” 

Dropping her hand, she leaned her ears towards Cash, who grimaced, his ears turning red as he responded, 

“One thousand, five hundred dollars”

Vivian chortled to herself lightly, and sighed dramatically, a twisted smile on her face. Wanting to further embarrass her darling husband, she spoke loudly

“I can't hear you Cash, we can't hear you. Speak louder please” 

Cash cleared his throat, his chin lowered down and muttered once more

“ A thousand five hundred dollars” 

All who were within hearing shot broke out in laughter, chortling, cackling and guffawing loudly in their different tempos. 

He could feel his body going damp, sweat covering him with his feet and body stuck to the ground, unwilling to move. 

Vivian felt pleased with herself, as she swept her gaze around the room, speaking loudly once again, she addressed Cash, 

“So you see, my darling husband, the toy jewellery you claim to have bought for me, can't be compared to the gem someone worthy presented me with” 

Justin who had kept quiet all along, with a smug look on his face approached Vivian, placing his hand on her shoulders, 

“Let him be. You know, expensive is relative. What he considers expensive is what my family considers insignificant. He's not worth it” Pleased with himself, he smiled and ran his hand through his hair. 

Vivian's family laughed, with some nodding their heads in agreement, throwing varying looks of disgust and scowl on Cash’s way. Feeling defeated for the umpteenth time, Cash kept mute, feeling downcast. His body posture slumped, and he made to trudge his way out of their midst and head upstairs. The opening of the main door once again, had him pausing on his feet, as his eyes fell upon the new entrant, trying to swallow the lump in his throat, he gulped.