RETURN OF DON' CARA FROM USELESS TO GREATNESS

Chapter 7

For the first time in a long while, Joshua had gone to a bar specifically to get drunk. The air was thick with the mingled scents of beer and spilled whiskey, creating a perfect backdrop for his heavy heart.

The bartender, now serving him his third round, sighed as he recognized that Joshua was one of the few customers there to drink away his sorrows.

Laughter and muffled conversations buzzed around him, and For a moment, he escaped reality. As the warmth of the liquor envelops him, several girls hit on him, but Joshua is seated alone, ignoring their advances.

The sound of the news broadcasting from the TV at the far end of the room drew his attention.

He turned, and the laughter faded into silence as he caught sight of his wife, radiant and smiling, standing next to the man who had taken his place in her life, being displayed on the screen.

“Can you turn that off?” Joshua said, turning his gaze away from the sight of his wife kissing another man. Although he had seen this scene before, the pain still felt new.

“I’m sorry, sir, but other customers are watching it too,” the bartender replied.

With a sigh, Joshua pulled out his bill, placed it on the table, and left the bar.

Finding his way home was easy since he took the same taxi that had brought him to the hotel.

When Joshua arrived at the mansion, he walked past the living room where the entire family was gathered, except for Elizabeth, whom he assumed was in her room.

As he approached the door, he could hear Elizabeth's voice coming through the slightly ajar door. Still feeling betrayed, Joshua pushed the door open.

“Elizabeth—” the words caught in his throat. Joshua felt his heart skip a beat when he saw the scene before him. His wife was completely naked, giggling with the man she had kissed in the hotel after announcing their engagement.

Realizing Joshua had returned, Elizabeth quickly pulled the duvet to cover her body. “Don’t you know how to knock?” she shouted, directing an angry glare at Joshua, who felt his legs tremble at the sight.

His throat tightened, and he felt short of breath, causing Joshua to stagger backward. As he regained his composure, he fixed a piercing gaze on Elizabeth. “What have you done?” the words slipped from his mouth.

Elizabeth, hearing his question, turned to the man beside her. "Haven't you heard the news? We are engaged," she smiled. "I think I told you about him earlier, his name is Mark.”

"For fuck's sake, Elizabeth, we are still married!" Joshua roared.

“What is he doing here?” Mark, who had been quiet, finally asked, and through the duvet, Joshua could see as he navigated his hand to Elizabeth's chest, grabbing her breast.

Joshua, with rage, staggered forward, but his legs were rooted to the ground by his wife's words.

“What do you think you're doing, Joshua? Don't you feel ashamed?” she exclaimed.

When the man adjusted his hands, she let out a small mournful sound that sent a wave of pain through Joshua's chest. “After all this, you still don't want to sign the divorce?”

“Elizabeth!” Joshua yelled, his voice cracking, before dropping his gaze to the floor. He could partially see his reflection. The disgrace and hurt his wife had caused him were evident in his shadow.

When he finally raised his eyes and saw the smile on her lips, he swallowed hard. “Where is the paper?”

Elizabeth, who couldn't believe her ears, pointed to the table excitedly.

With heavy steps, Joshua walked across the room and picked up the pen next to the envelope. Without contesting the deal made by her lawyer, which left him with only a thousand dollars, he quickly signed the document. Once he finished, he turned his gaze to Elizabeth, whose face was filled with excitement.

“It is done!”

“Finally, I’m free!” She giggled, turning to the man as they locked lips together.

Joshua, having had enough of the hurt and pain, pulled his gaze away from the scene and made his way towards the exit. Just before he could slip out of the room, Elizabeth's voice called.

“Joshua, lock the door on your way out,” she said, sarcasm evident in her tone. Joshua, not turning back, exited the room.

In the hallway, Joshua met the prying eyes of Brittany, who was staring at him with a smile.

“I guess he finally signed the paper,” Brittany's voice mocked, but Joshua, having a thousand thoughts, ignored her and made his way downstairs.

When he approached the living room, his in-laws were already on their feet waiting for him with his luggage. Mrs. Marshall, who was the first to notice his presence, smiled at him.

“If it isn't the useless son-in-law,” she spouted with a grin. “With that look on your face, I guess you finally got what you deserve,” she added, lacing her hand with her husband, who stared at Joshua in silence.

Joshua, who couldn't wrap his head around the reason his mother-in-law had always been against him, met her gaze. “Why, Mrs.Marshall?” He asked.

With a confused expression, the lady stared back at her husband. “Why what?” she scoffed.

“Why have you always been mean and disrespectful to me? I have done nothing but show kindness to your family, which others might mistake for stupidity,” Joshua said, his voice filled with pain as he recalled everything he had done and sacrificed for this family.

Mrs. Marshall, noticing his expression, laughed. Once she was satisfied, she narrowed her gaze back at him. “Respect is for people who have values, and the moment you become less valuable to the family, you also become useless,” she revealed, making his fist curl into a tight ball.