The Magic Black Card

Surprise

Chapter 5

Ethan's curiosity piqued as he asked.

 “A thief?” His gaze darted around the room, eventually fixating on the person seated beside his mother-in-law. 

But his confusion was short, since recognition struck him like a bolt of lightning – it was Johnson. Suddenly, it became clear to Ethan that Johnson must have deceived his unsuspecting mother-in-law. 

“I had no idea that a thief had been living under our roof all this time,” his mother-in-law exclaimed in disbelief. 

Ethan's brows furrowed.

“No wonder my jewelry is always missing,” she exclaimed, frustration clouding her voice. “Johnson told us you stole a valuable card. Where did you get it from? And where the hell did you put the card?” 

Her words were laced with accusation as she rose from her seat, closing the distance between herself and Ethan. With a swift, sudden motion, she unleashed a resounding slap upon his face. At that moment, Ethan's anger surged, his fists curling tightly with pent-up frustration.

“I don't know what Johnson told you guys, but I didn't steal any cards. I am not a thief,” he replied.

“I haven't stolen anything since I started living with you guys, and you know that more than anyone. I didn't steal anything; Johnson lied.” As his words hung in the air, Johnson rose from his chair, anger evident on his face.

“Did you just call me a liar?” Johnson questioned. “Didn't we meet in the bank? Didn't you come with a stolen card? How did you get the card, if I may ask?” As the tension in the room increased, Ethan's face twisted in anger as he glared at Johnson, taking a step closer to him. 

“I didn't steal any cards,” he stated firmly, his voice adamant. “I am not a thief.”

“Yeah, I went to the bank to withdraw some money, but I didn't steal any cards,” he responded, his voice tinged with desperation as he looked towards his wife, hoping for a flicker of belief in her eyes. But, instead of trust, he was met with a blaze of anger, her reaction revealing her disbelief. 

“You even have the audacity to go to the bank and withdraw money from the stolen card. You're leaving my house today,” Mrs. Williams yelled, her words filled with a mix of fury and disappointment. “I can't live with a thief anymore. Enough is enough.”

“I am sorry, but you can't just send me out based on what this man said. I am not a thief. I didn't steal anything.” Ethan said, his voice filled with confidence, yet sounded desperate. However, instead of understanding, Mrs. Williams burst into laughter. 

“You expected me to trust you? Me, trust you, Ethan? It's simply not possible,” she taunted, a cruel edge to her words. “Leave my house now before I call the guards to drag you out for me.” Ethan's heart sank. 

“You can't do this to me. I didn't steal the card,” he uttered, his gaze fixed on his wife.

“Why are you staring at me?” Claire questioned, her voice filled with incredulity. “Why the hell are you staring at me, Ethan? Did you honestly expect me to believe a liar and thief like you?” She yelled, “I am disappointed in myself for getting married to you. I am disappointed in myself for inviting you to go to the birthday party with me.” 

Ethan clenched his fist tightly, his anger boiling within him…even his wife doesn't seem to believe in him either.

“You need to trust me on this, Claire. I didn't do it. I didn't steal the money,” he pleaded, hoping that reason would prevail. 

“You know what? I would rather not hear anything from you again!” Clara yelled, her voice filled with frustration and disappointment. 

“You don't need to get so worked up because of this guy,” Johnson's voice crackled with frustration as his eyes flared with anger.

“The best thing is to divorce him,” he continued, his voice trembling with disgust. “I don't even know why you stoop so low to marry someone like him,” Johnson's words spat out, laced with a mix of disbelief and disappointment. 

But before he could finish his sentence, Ethan's temper immediately skyrocketed into action. His fist, fueled by a surge of pent-up frustration, crashed forcefully into Johnson's face, the impact ringing out in the tense air.

“You low life, son of a bitch! How dare you lay your filthy hand on me?” Johnson cursed, with his eyes narrowed in anger.

Ethan's jaw clenched. “I swear to God, if you dare to repeat what you just said, I will do it over and over again,” Ethan responded, his voice fueled by anger.

“Are you crazy? How can you advise her to divorce me?” Johnson moved closer to Ethan, his anger matching his own. 

In the next moment, he raised his hand and intended to deliver a resounding slap to Ethan's face, which he failed woefully because Ethan caught his hand, interceding the slap midway.

Ethan's gaze bore into Johnson's with a potent mix of anger and intensity, their eyes locked in a fierce and unwavering glare. 

The detectable tension hung in the air, enveloping them like an electrical charge, as they faced each other like formidable predators on the brink of confrontation. Ethan's muscles rippled and coiled with raw energy, poised to defend himself and strike back. 

Without a moment's hesitation, he lunged forward with lightning speed, launching a punch towards Johnson. Yet, Johnson, equally prepared and alert, also tried to intercept the blow, intending to deflect it with a well-timed block just like Ethan had done earlier…but failed as Ethan's fist landed on his lips.

Causing the necklace that Ethan had purchased for Claire slipped from his pocket. Claire's eyes widened in shock as she caught sight of it, her surprise growing with every passing moment.

“And you said you aren't a thief?” Her voice carried a mix of incredulity and a touch of betrayal. “Where did you get this from? Where did you get the money to buy this?” Her words dripped with anger, her trust in him shattered even more.

“You're nothing but a liar. I never knew I got married to a thief,” she seethed, her disappointment lacing every syllable.

“You don't trust me at all? Do you?” he questioned, Claire responded with a scoff, her disbelief evident. 

“You expected me to trust you?” Ethan's voice trembled with a combination of frustration and sadness. “I don't trust you at all. You're nothing but a thief,” he stated. 

The disbelief in his voice was evident as he grappled with the realization that the person he had married didn't even trust him a bit. In response, Ethan let out a weary sigh, his gaze fixated on Claire. 

A mix of anger and disappointment flickered across his eyes, caught in a silent struggle. He had hoped that she would stand by him, trust him unconditionally. Yet, at that moment, it seemed that the trust he yearned for was shattered beyond repair. 

With one last pained look towards Claire, his eyes reflecting the brokenness of their relationship. A heavy silence filled the room as he made his way out, his footsteps echoing as he walked away from their home.

Claire, not wanting to have anything to do with a thief, threw the necklace at Ethan, but he didn't even bother turning around, or even picking it up.

He just couldn't help but be taken aback by Claire's reaction, finding it difficult to comprehend how their relationship had reached such a low point. 

Feeling the need to clear his head, he sought solace in a nearby bar. 

As soon as he stepped inside, a woman approached him, seemingly appearing out of nowhere. 

Her hair flowed down her back in silky waves, the length enhancing her allure. Deep brown eyes sparkled with a mischievous glint, drawing him in. 

Ethan's gaze was captivated by her inviting, full lips, perfectly complementing her high cheekbones and flawless complexion. Her slim and toned figure exuded confidence, a magnetic quality that simultaneously allured and intimidated. Without hesitation, she took hold of his hand and pressed her lips against it, leaving him momentarily stunned. 

A smile played across her face as she spoke, her words tinged with a hint of familiarity. 

“I have been waiting".