RETURN OF DON' CARA FROM USELESS TO GREATNESS

Chapter 6

He made his way into the grand hall, where the soft glow of chandeliers illuminated the jubilant faces of the guests. Instead of joining the rest of his family at the front, he opted for a quieter spot at the back, seeking a moment of solitude amidst the celebration.

As he settled into his seat, a man recognized as the MC approached the stage enthusiastically. He softly tapped at the microphone, and the chatter that had filled the room began to fade as the guests turned their curious gaze to the speaker.

“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, it is my distinct pleasure to introduce our esteemed guest for this evening—none other than our beloved governor!” As he spoke, a wave of excitement swept through the audience, and eager hands shot up in anticipation.

A moment later, the governor, a man in his late forties, strode confidently towards the podium. His secretary, who was beside him, held a golden award that made the crowd rustle with admiration. When he approached the stand, he took the microphone, prompting silence to roam through the room.

“It has been a wonderful evening, and I could see from the smiles on everyone’s faces that tonight has been special,” he said.

The crowd erupted in excitement. The governor, acknowledging their enthusiasm, nodded his head. “It is only fair to make the announcement that the Marshall family has been eagerly waiting for. This is a business event, which pleases me to announce on behalf of the state. I would like to congratulate the Marshall family for organizing such fantastic events and for being this year's winner of the ETY,” the governor announced.

The crowd, hearing his words, roared in surprise, jamming their hands together. Everyone narrowed their eyes at the table occupied by the Marshall family.

Joshua realized the reason the governor had requested to see him was not only to donate to his business plan but also to inform him he had won an award for organizing the EVENT OF THE YEAR.

With a sigh, he stood to his feet and was about to make his way to the front when his leg suddenly rooted to the ground. His eyes rested on his mother-in-law, who, unable to believe her eyes, jumped up in excitement. With her entire family behind her, she made her way to the stage to be presented with an award.

A series of camera flashlights rain on her as she takes the microphone to make a speech.

“It is a wonderful day indeed. I want to thank each and every one of you for being here today and for making this event possible,” she said, raising the gold statue in the air.

The crowd, reciprocating her gesture, clapped their hands enthusiastically. “I also want to thank my family for their support in making this event a reality. This statue is a symbol of our collective efforts, and to my husband and children, I say thank you,” she said before proceeding to hug them.

The camera does not fail to capture the moment rain flashes on them.

Meanwhile, Joshua, who was at the back, watched as the Marshall family bathed in the glory of his efforts. He knew that Mrs. Williams would want to share in the praise if the award was ever won, but he didn't expect her to cut him off so abruptly.

Accepting this as one of the many surprises of the night, Joshua heaved a sigh and was about to leave the hall when Elizabeth's voice made him glance back.

Elizabeth, with a broad smile, held the microphone in one hand while the other was intertwined with a man Joshua remembered to be Mark. His heart skipped a beat at the sight, and when he focused on the rest of the family, he noticed proud smiles on their faces.

“Today, I would like to make an announcement,” she began, and the crowd, intrigued by her gesture, fell silent and turned their attention to her. “Since good news is meant to be shared, I would love for the public to be aware of my engagement,” she added, and the crowd gasped in response.

Joshua stared at his wife in disbelief, unable to believe what he had just heard. He had planned to discuss their issues when they got home, but he never expected her to take such dramatic measures to convince him to sign the divorce papers.

“Isn't she already married?” A voice whispered beside Joshua.

“Why is she announcing an engagement? Did she divorce her husband without us knowing?” another voice asked.

When Joshua noticed the sudden stop in whispers, he turned to the people beside him, who were staring at him in surprise.

“Are you not her husband? Are you truly divorced?” one of them asked, but before Joshua could respond, another lady next to him chimed in.

“If they are divorced, then why is he still wearing a wedding ring?” Her voice cut through their curiosity.

“Maybe he hasn't moved on and still clings to his ex-wife,” another voice said.

When the crowd yelled in celebration, Joshua raised his gaze to see his wife kissing the man who had his hand wrapped around her waist.

Their intimacy made Joshua's gut twitch with pain, and the side talk salted his wound. He knew he either had to walk away or approach the stage to expose her wife, but his feet remained rooted to the ground with a gaze fixed on the scene.

Elizabeth smiled as she assessed the crowd's reaction. “I know many of you have questions about my previous marriage, but all I can say is that I would never stand by a man who is a cheater!” she declared.

The crowd responded with applause, and the women cheered especially loudly for her. Satisfied with the public's response, Elizabeth leaned in to kiss the man again.

Joshua, realizing the situation, forced down a lump in his throat. He was about to walk away when he noticed the woman whispering behind him.

“How could he cheat on a woman like that!” one of the women exclaimed in irritation.

“A foolish man who has gold but chooses to go after dirt,” another woman added, raising her voice so he could hear her.

Joshua, with a hurtful expression, felt air ripped from his lungs. The accusations against him hung in the air, biting his heart. He knew no matter if he tried to defend himself, the room was already biased. The Marshall family, with their reputation and loyalty to their daughter, was prepared to back her lies.

With a heavy heart, Joshua turned away from the murmur and judgmental eyes that pierced through him. As he reached the door, a mix of anger and sadness swirled within him, and she wore a smirk as she watched him exit the hall.