The Return Of Lee Young

CHAPTER 3

Lee took a deep breath and drove off, the weight of the two million dollar bill still crushing on him. Mrs Adams life depended on the surgery, and asking Lady Wales for more cash was a non-starter. He was out of options, but he thought he could get a job and earn the money, however long it took.

“Don't worry, Grace, I'll save you, no matter what,” he muttered as his grip tightened on the steering wheel. He slowed down, pulling into the street. After making a stop at the Wales mansion, he pressed the horn gently, but no one responded. Getting out, he walked up to the gate, pressing the intercom repeatedly.

“Who the fuck disturbs at this time?” The security guard barked. But he was surprised when the camera revealed Lee's face.

“So you're the loser who doesn't give up,” the guard sneered. “What're you still doing here after all the drama you caused? Don't you have any shame?”

Lee felt a sting – everyone treated him like trash, including a common security guard. He must've also witnessed what happened earlier.

“I'm still a member of this family, you don't get to talk to me like that.” Lee defended weakly, he sounds weird even to his own ears. Is he still a member of this family, or just someone who runs an errand?

The guard hesitated for a while, then the gate creaked open, though his expression says he'd rather not serve a loser. It's his job, and to avoid any issue, he'd have to do it well, even if that includes answering the loser's call.

Lee parked his car in a dark corner where it fit. He strode into the Wales mansion. It had fallen quiet. The guest had already left, and most of the family had retired to their rooms. The mansion was dark, only a few lights were on in the walkway.

Lee loosened his tie, heading to his and Catherine's room. It's the smallest room in the entire mansion while Bianca and Susan got the largest room. But it's better to live in a tight room than under the bridge.

“Well, well, look who crawled back.” Bianca's voice cut through the silent walkway. A wide mocking smile spread across her face the moment her eyes landed on Lee.

She leaned against the staircase railing, holding a glass of water. “I thought mother made it very clear you weren't welcome here.” Her voice dripped with sarcasm.

“Guess the cold night air scared you back home.” Another voice came cutting through. Susan walked down the stairs, with her phone in her right hand. She launched in an armchair.

Bianca slowly walked closer, crossing her hand. “Let me guess,” she said with a mocking smile. “You realize you don't actually have anywhere to go.”

Lee didn't respond.

“Oh honestly, I almost feel sorry for you.” Bianca laughed softly. “You get thrown out of the mansion in front of everyone and a few hours later you quietly sneak back in because this is the only place you can sleep.”

Bianca circled Lee slowly, “that must hurt your pride… if you even have any.”

Dev chuckled, seated closely. No one noticed he was there. “To be fair, if I were him, I'd come back too. Free food, free house and a rich wife. Not a bad deal.”

Susan nodded. “Exactly. Being a live-in son-in-law has its perks.”

“What's happening?” Cathrine paced downstairs, her eyes glaring at each of them. The noise must've woken her.

“I'm sorry they woke you up.” Lee strode forward, taking hold of Cathrine’s hand.

“You're back.” Cathrine embraced him slowly, relief slipping into her voice.

Bianca applauded with a smirk on her face. “What a love show, I've really fallen for you both.”

Cathrine stepped closer to Bianca, pushing Lee behind her gently. “I won't let you insult my husband after everything you've done to him earlier.”

Dev burst out laughing, clutching his stomach tightly like it'd hurt. “Catherine, you're defending him? He's the man – the least he could do is defend you, not the other way round. “

“That's my decision to make.” Cathrine tilted her head.

“Don't waste your breath on them Cath.” Lee smiled softly at her

“Did you see Mrs Adams?”

Lee nodded slowly. “She had a heart attack earlier tonight.”

Catherine’s eyes widened. “A heart attack?”

“The doctors manage to stabilize her, but she needs surgery as soon as possible.”

“Oh no… we're back to one million dollars again.”

Dev rubbed his chin. “So what's your plan now? Beg on the street?”

Susan added with an unreadable tone, “or maybe you'll finally get a job.”

Bianca snapped her fingers suddenly. “Oh wait… that's not actually a bad idea.”

She looked at Lee with fake excitement. “Why don't you try working? You know… like normal people do.”

Lee chuckled slightly. “I will, thanks for the free advice. I'll earn the money myself.”

They all simply stared at him. A faint smile crossed Cathrine's face.

Then Dev chuckled, cutting through the silence. “You?”

Bianca let out a sharp laughter. “That's the funniest thing I've heard all day.

She looked at Susan. “Did you hear that? Our dear brother-in-law thinks he can just go out and earn a million dollars.”

“Two million dollars actually.” Lee corrected and they all stole glances at him.

“Oh no, you're screwed.” Dev laughed.

Cathrine looked at Lee, and she noticed the fear in his eyes. “Don't worry, we'll figure this out.”

“And how do you intend on doing that?” A sharp voice came from the study. They all turned to see Lady Wales walking downstairs.

“Mom.” Cathrine's hand trembled in fear.

“Cathrine can you hear yourself? Why do you keep going against me for that loser.”

“Mom, please. He's trying to sort things out himself.”

“Stop dreaming Cathrine. A loser like him can't achieve anything.” She huffed.

“He doesn't fit to be your husband. Dump this asshole and marry Mr Smith.” Lady Wales said persuasively.

Cole Smith is the son of the most prominent families in Avandel Height. He has always been interested in Catherine despite the fact that she was already married.

Lady Wales has always wanted to get on the good side of any prominent family, and since the Smiths were at the upper hand, a partnership with them could elevate the Wales family status.

“Mom, stop it. I'll not marry Cole.” Cathrine growled.

“And I'll never be your puppet. Stop trying to take advantage of the situation.”

“You're wrong dear. I've never accepted that loser as my son-in-law and never will I.”

“Mom is right Cath,” Susan said. “You won't have to suffer anymore. Imagine being the wife of the most prominent man in Avandel Height. Those rich ass families will respect you and that'll improve our family's status.”

“Why don't you marry him instead, you're still single.” Cath blurted out. “Thinking about it now, you both have some things in common. He's the heir to the Smiths family, you're also the heir to this family. You'll really get along well,” she smirked.

Susan's expression turned sour. “Haven't I made myself clear enough?”

“I'm not getting involved in this family's mess, count me out of being the heir.” She said,

“Lee, I'm willing to give you whatever you want if you'd just divorce Cathrine.” Lady Wales smirked at Lee's disapproving looks.

“Two million dollars cheque would be handed to you right now if you sign these divorce papers. You can take my word for it.”

“Well that's generous mom,” Bianca finally spoke. “Half a million just to disappear.”

“You should consider yourself lucky,” Dev said to Lee. “Most men in your position will beg for this offer.”

“I can't sell off my wife for a million,” Lee retorts. “She is priceless, and I don't think anyone can ever afford her, not even Cole.”

They all blinked at Lee before a sarcastic laughter followed.

“You're refusing,” Bianca chuckled. “Wow, pride is expensive for someone who's broke.”

Lee looked at Lady Wales calmly, “I'll earn the money myself. You're all too worried for the sake of a loser.”

Lady Wales titled her head. “You? Earn two million dollars? You're more foolish than I thought.”

She turned to take her leave. But before leaving, she said finally, “The offer still stands. Divorce my daughter, and two million dollars will be yours.”

As Lady Wales left the living room, Cathrine nudged Lee and said, “Let’s go back to the room.”

“You need to think of mom's offer, Lee. This kind of opportunity comes once in a lifetime.” Bianca mocked.

Lee walked toward Bianca. He stood so close to her that there wasn't much space between them.

“What're you doing Lee?” Bianca's face burned up.”

“What were you doing with Cole at the hospital?” Lee's lip curved into a dark smirk.

“I thought of it for a long time, what could possibly be going on between my sister-in-law and that rich brat? But I couldn't come up with an answer. Do you mind explaining, I'm sure everyone here is as curious as I am.”

An awkward silence fell into the room. Everyone turned their heads to look at Bianca.

Bianca felt too many eyes on her and she trembled. “How's that any of your business?” She blurts, guilt washed over her face.

No one said anything to defend Bianca because they were also curious.

“Guess you're too scared to answer.” Lee's lips curled into a mocking grin.

“No… no, I'm not scared.” She stuttered. “We went to check on his friend that got involved in a car accident.” She answered nervously.

Lee nodded his head in response, but he knew something was up between them. He walked off to the room with Cathrine arm wrapped around his.

Back in their room, Cathrine lies on the bed alone.

“What was that with Bianca? Did they cause you any trouble?”

“It's nothing. Don't worry about me, they did not cause any trouble.” Lee smiled at her. “I'll sleep on the couch.”

“Why?” Cathrine asked worriedly.

“I have a lot to handle, like finding a job. I don't want to disturb your sleep.”

“Goodnight. Don't stay up too late.” She drifted off asleep.

Lee huddled on the couch, scrolling job listings on his laptop. Most paid peanuts, and he was about to give up when a listing caught his eye:

‘Private courier driver wanted.’

He clicked it, scanning the requirements – valid license, clean record, background check.

A bold ‘APPLY.’ in red stared at him for seconds.

He applied for the job, filled the application out, attached his documents and passed the test.

BINGO!

A text landed: come for an interview at Westbridge Group tomorrow. Lee jumped up in excitement.

He shut his laptop, collapsing on the couch. He thought about everything they said to him earlier, and they were right about him. He was now ending up as a delivery driver, but it beat nothing. The pay was decent; maybe he would be able to save Mrs Adams.