RETURN OF DON' CARA FROM USELESS TO GREATNESS

Chapter 3

Joshua wanted to yell, but he held himself back. Several thoughts ran through Joshua's mind, but he quickly shrugged them off, as they could ruin the rest of the night, and that was the last thing he wanted. “Let's just get through this event,” he replied, and she nodded her head.

“I'm glad you understand this night is important to everyone, so don't be angry with my family; remember, they are the only family you have since your parents are dead,” she said.

Joshua felt the air in his lungs seized. Joshua's face twitched with hurt. He knew Elizabeth had said more hurtful words in the past, but he didn't expect she would drag his dead parent into it.

Joshua remained quiet and watched as she finished adjusting his tie. Though he never told her the details of his parents' tragic death. Elizabeth was aware it was a sensitive topic, and the fact she brought it up made several thoughts roam through his mind.

“That is better,” she muttered with a satisfied smile. When she noticed he was lost in thought, Elizabeth snapped her fingers at him. “Joshua, it’s time to go,” she repeated, pulling him out of his trance.

With her earlier statement replaying in his head, Joshua trailed behind her as they exited the mansion into the pouring rain.

Most of the family members stood outside, paired up, and slid into several luxurious cars. Mr. and Mrs. Marshall were the first to enter the first car, followed by the twins. When the last vehicle came, Elizabeth was the first to enter, and when Joshua proceeded, he was immediately stopped by the guard with a stern expression.

“You can't use this car,” the guard said, shielding Joshua from the vehicle. Joshua, with a confused expression, glanced at him before narrowing his gaze to his wife, who pretended not to notice the scene as she was busy readjusting her makeup.

“Honey, why is he blocking me from entering the car?” He asked, finally dragging her attention from her hand mirror. Elizabeth, sizing up the guard, averted his gaze back to him.

“I guess it was my mother who gave the instructions. As the host of the event, she probably wants you to arrive in your own cars,” she said.

‘Bullshit!’

Joshua yelled mentally. He knew this was just another way for Mrs. Marshall to make his life difficult. He didn't understand why his wife never took his side even after enduring several humiliations from his in-laws.

Joshua sighed in frustration. “You know your sisters crashed my car, Elizabeth,” he replied. Ever since Brittany took his car without permission and crashed it, Joshua had been using public transportation whenever he went out.

When he noticed the frown arching on her face, he heaved another sigh. “Since we are married, I think it would be better if we arrived together like other couples do,” Joshua said calmly.

“Married!” The word slipped out of Elizabeth's mouth, but she quickly forced a smile. “I know, honey, but you have to understand that my mother has her reasons for everything, and it's for the best,” she added, forcing out a smile and before he could protest, she shut the door.

Joshua watched as the car slowly drove away, leaving him lost in thought. He raised his gaze to the pouring rain, and a few drops landed on his face. For the hundredth time, the familiar feeling of regret crept into his mind.

He wished he hadn’t sold his other luxurious car, along with other properties, just to help his in-laws’ business. He did it out of love for his wife, but now those same people did not regard him at all. He didn't know if all this was a punishment for marrying at a young age; he thought he knew Elizabeth enough to be his wife, but in many ways, his reality kept telling him he was wrong.

Joshua determined not to let the situation get him down, decided to take a different approach. He pulled out his phone and booked a taxi. Fortunately, it wasn't difficult to find one, and in no time, Joshua arrived at the venue where the event was being held. He stepped out of the taxi and looked around at The All-Stars Hotel.

Without hesitation, he glanced at his watch, which indicated that the event was going to start in ten minutes. As Joshua made his way toward the entrance, he noticed an old man searching for someone. When the old man spotted him, he quickly headed in his direction.

“Mr. Joshua, you’re finally here!” He was called out, and Joshua instinctively placed his hand on the man's shoulder.

“What is it, Mr. Molly?” he asked, averting his gaze towards the entrance of the building, which was crowded with several people in expensive clothing.

“The VIP has arrived,” Mr. Molly replied, finally catching his breath. “The governor is here and is requesting to see the organizer of the event,” he added.

Joshua nodded. He knew the event would attract highly important people, and had made sure the event would be successful. He adjusted his suit and made his way around the building using the hotel's private entrance to the second floor, where the event was being organized.

As Mason arrived at the hall, guests were already seated at their tables, and the opening event had just started as planned. Joshua, who had predicted every detail, had created several backup plans to address any situation that could potentially disrupt the evening.

A sigh of relief escaped Joshua's lips as he observed everything was proceeding smoothly. However, he realized the governor was not seated, and he hadn't seen his in-laws either. Joshua began scanning the room but couldn't locate them. Once he was certain that none of them were in the event room, he turned to one of the waiters, who noticed the expression on his face.

“Mr. Joshua, if you're looking for your in-laws, they're in the private room having a discussion with the governor,” the man said before Joshua could ask.

Joshua furrowed his brow. “Why would they speak to him? I thought we had an agreement that I would present details to the VIP myself,” Joshua muttered.