The Return of Billion Boulevard

Chapter 3

Billion stood in front of the door.

   After he was allowed to leave the police station, the three men who had delivered the message to him, offered to drive him home, but he refused.

He wanted to walk. He was aware, however, of the black car which was following him.

He knew the occupants, it was those men, they were most likely following Lord Boulevard's orders.

When he arrived at the mini mansion and got to the front door, he didn't have the motivation to push the door open.

Billion, after a sleepless night filled with fear, worry, and endless thoughts, appeared exhausted and worn out. 

Physically, his eyes were heavy, with dark circles and bags underneath. His face appeared pale and drawn, with lines etched by the stress and anxiety that kept him awake.

Emotionally, Billion was overwhelmed and vulnerable. His worry and fear left him feeling drained and emotionally fragile.

"Billion!". A voice said from behind him. It was Maria.

"You're finally back! I was so worried about you. What happened? Why were you at the police station?". She asked frantically

"Maria, it's good to see you too". Billion said, managing to offer a weak smile

"I had a rather unpleasant encounter last night. As you know, I accidentally spilled wine on a lady's dress at the party, and things escalated from there." 

"I'm aware, in fact, I witnessed it myself. I felt so bad when she was yelling at you. I can't imagine how you must have felt. Did the lady press charges against you?". She asked

"Why would she be the one to press charges?". Billion asked

"She was the one who had you arrested, wasn't she?". Maria asked

Then it clicked, Joshua Brown was a saint in the eyes of all, there was no one anyone would easily believe he had been the one to have his own son-in-law arrested.

"She was. Thankfully, she didn't press charges, but the situation got out of hand, and the police were called. They took me to the station for questioning and to diffuse the situation." Billion explained

"I'm relieved to hear that she didn't press charges, but still, spending a night at the police station must have been stressful. Are you okay? Do you need anything?". Maria asked, her voice laced with genuine concern.

"Thank you for your concern, Maria. It was indeed a stressful experience. I feel a bit shaken, but physically I'm alright. Your kind words mean a lot to me." Billion replied

"Well, I'm here to support you, Billion. If there's anything I can do to help, please don't hesitate to let me know. You're like family to me, and I care about your well-being." She said

"That means a great deal to me, Maria. Your loyalty and care are truly appreciated. Right now, I just need a moment to gather myself". Billion responded

"Of course, Billion. Take your time and remember, you're not alone in this. We're here to support you through any challenges you face". Maria said

"Thank you, Maria. Your kindness and understanding always bring comfort in difficult times. I'm fortunate to have you by my side". Billion replied and watched her walk away after offering a kind smile.

Finally, he decided to walk inside. His intention was to head straight to his room, but he heard voices coming from the living room and he recognized all.

It was Mr and Mrs Brown, Mr and Mrs Harvey, the lady he had mistakenly given shellfish the previous year and Mr and Mrs Williams, the lady whose dress he had accidentally spilled with wine the previous night.

Junior was tempted to continue on his way, but he decided to wait and listen in for a bit. He knew it was wrong, but he couldn't help it. Fortunately, they couldn't see him. 

He however, with a little twist of his head, could see and  hear them clearly. Unsurprisingly, the conversation was about him.

"I simply can't believe how lazy Billion has become. All he does is eat and sleep. He has no ambition, no drive". Beauty said, a disapproving frown etched on her face.

While nodding in agreement, Mr Williams concurred. "You're right, Mrs. Brown. I've never seen anyone so apathetic. He's wasting his life away".

"And to think he had so much potential. Such a shame. It reflects poorly on your family, Mrs Brown". Mrs Harvey said

Mr Brown chuckled and said "Well, it's no surprise, really. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree, does it? I'm sure his parents were never ones for hard work either".

"Yes!". Mr Harvey said in agreement. "I'm sure they were always looking for the easy way out. No wonder their son turned out the same. Lazy and unmotivated".

Billion scoffed when he heard those words. He had told them he was an orphan, so they didn't really know anything about his family.

If only they knew who his father really was. They would take back their words in a heartbeat.

Shaking her head, Mrs Brown said 

"It's a disgrace. Our family name deserves better than this. I can't imagine what people say behind our backs".

"Oh, you can be sure they're talking. Who wouldn't? Billion's become the laughingstock of Glendalton". Mr Williams replied wearing a smirk.

"He's an embarrassment to all of us. I can't even bring myself to introduce him whenever I see him in public as the husband to our dear Stella". Mrs Williams said bitterly

"I bet he's probably lounging around somewhere right now, without a care in the world. It's infuriating". Mr Harvey said snidely

"He needs a wake-up call, that's for sure". Mrs Harvey said 

"You should cut him off completely until he learns some responsibility". She continued

Billion couldn't believe what his in-laws were saying about him. He felt hurt. Although he wasn't being paid, Billion worked more than any paid staff in that house.

"You know what I'm starting to realize. Billion really wanted me dead last year". Mrs Harvey said

Billion's heart nearly stopped when he heard that. "What's this lady saying?!". He muttered

"Why do you think so, honey?". Mr Harvey asked his wife

"An idle mind, they say, is the devil's workshop. That boy has been idle for so long, he probably thought to kill me because I scolded him once for not welcoming me properly". She explained

"That's a possibility. I had scolded him before and look at what he did to me last night". Mrs Williams concurred

"Honestly Mr Brown, you're a really kind man, if it was me, Billion will spend more than just a night in that cell". Mr Williams said

"I wish he would as well but I can't. Despite his many flaws, he's still my daughter's husband. 

I don't want people to think that I'm cruel to my son in law, even though Billion doesn't deserve to be called that". Mr Brown replied

"You're right". Mr Harvey said, nodding his head. "You're such a just and fair man" he continued and the others nodded their heads in agreement.

Billion decided he had heard enough and it was time to get to his room. He had just taken a step when he heard his name. Again, it was Maria.

"Yes, Maria?". He answered

"I just made tea, do you want some?". She asked

"No, thank you, I'm fine". Billion answered. However, as she left, Billion heard his name again, it was Mr Brown.

Sluggishly, Billion made his way to where they were sitting. When they saw him, none of them bothered to hide their looks of disdain.

"Good morning". Billion greeted, but all he got in response was grunts.

"What time were you released?". Mr Brown asked.

"About two hours ago". Billion answered

"And you're just arriving home?". Mrs Williams asked

"Yes ma'am, I had no money with me. I had to walk". He replied.

"Pathetic" Mrs Brown scoffed. "Please remove yourself from our presence, you're polluting the air" she said with a look of disdain.

Billion turned to leave, but Mrs Harvey called him back.

"Yes, ma'am?". Billion answered

Looking intently at him, she said "I know your secret".

Junior's heart dropped. His secret! How?. Surely, that wasn't possible.

"I'm sorry, but what're you talking about?". Billion asked

"Oh, but you do. Drop the act. Evil flows through your veins and your heart is filled with evil intentions". She continued

Billion was scared, but he refused to let it show. 

"I really have no idea what you're talking about Mrs Harvey". Billon replied

"Stop lying and quit pretending!". She yelled.

At that point, numerous questions ran through Billion's mind. What does Mrs Harvey know?

Was she aware of the men Lord Boulevard had sent to him yesterday? Or worse, was she aware of his relationship with Lord Boulevard?

"No!" He muttered, that wasn't possible. How could she?.

But if she has, Billion's charade was over, before she could spill his secret, Billion pleaded. "Mrs Harvey, allow me to explain, please".