When Achiel woke up, he was embraced by a stream of darkness. His eyes were widely opened, but he couldn't see a thing. It was at that moment that he recalled where he was. He was in the dark room.
He sat up. Slowly, he remembered all that happened yesterday. The worst day of his life. How he was cheated on and framed by his wife's elder brother. He tried to avoid the memories.
Suddenly, he recalled something rather stunning. His encounter with a strange man in the dark room. A strange man who told him about things which he didn't quite understand.
He was trying to remember the other details of the encounter when he heard a loud knock on the door. He quickly jumped up. His hour of punishment must be over.
The door was opened from outside, and a ray of light entered the dark room. He walked to the door to see a maid. It was the same maid. The maid who framed him.
"Please follow me, It's time." The maid said.
She couldn't look him in the face. She hurried away immediately.
He followed her from behind to the mansion. He pushed the door open and entered.
It was the day of a family meeting.
Big Madam was seated in her rightful position. Her two elder sons and their wives were present, too. The last child, Fabien, was also present with his girlfriend. Derek and Hannah were the centre of attraction. Acting Lovey-dovey.
The family was looking stylish and elegant.
And Achiel? He stood next to the maids. That was his position. Everyone was expected at the meeting, including the maids. That was why Achiel was present. If not so, no one wanted to see him.
"First thing, I'm glad that Hannah and Derek have finally chosen to go down the right path." Big Madam (or Madam) started excitedly.
"Their wedding will happen in a few months from now. But as we speak, Derek is officially part of the family."
Achiel had his head down. He didn't care about what Madam was saying. He was worried about the recent incident that had happened in the dark room.
Though it still hurt him that this family has no respect for him, yet he could only work his own way out.
"But that is just the secondary reason why we are here today!" Madam announced.
When Big Madam announced that, everyone sat tight. Madam continued talking,
"As we all know, tomorrow is the birthday of grandmother. The great pioneer of the Auroville group, after my father. Every one of you must be prepared to impress her. I do not have to stress how much impressing her would help you gain favour from her and furthermore help your status and career."
The atmosphere suddenly became stiff. Everyone was using cornered eyes to look at his neighbour.
The family of Big Madam was just a small part of the huge family of Auroville. And when it comes to the question of status, every man was for himself. There was nothing like blood relation in question.
In most cases, brothers go against each other at this point.
"As you all know, all the grandsons and granddaughters would be present. There is nothing I can do if you don't prove yourself to her. I wish you all luck." Madam said.
Madam quickly glanced at Achiel for a while, then looked away as though she had made a mistake. She continued talking,
"Grandmother might raise a topic on Hoveland. That's where you come in, Derek. I don't want the sons of my brother acting high and mighty. We must win the favour of grandmother to our side. That way, we get more shares of the company."
"I will do my best, Mother. You can count on me." Derek promised.
Derek's father had a good connection with the Hoveland groups. If he could use that connection, he could surely gain the favour of his mother-in-law.
"Leave everyone." Big Madam dismissed.
Achiel was the first to walk away. He had things to worry about.
"Achiel!" Big Madam called.
Achiel was surprised to hear his name. He turned slowly to see Madam's cold gaze.
"Harold has some unused clothes that are no longer good for him. You can select one of them and wash them. Tomorrow, you're coming with us." Madam said.
Everyone suddenly stopped chatting. What did Big Madam just say? Who was coming with them? Achiel?! How?! Why?!
Everyone was startled.
The family has always visited the grandmother every year for her birthday, and Achiel had never followed them. What changed? Why did Big Madam suddenly include him?
And to think of it, Achiel had just been accused of cheating yesterday!!! What was Big Madam thinking?!!
"Mother, are you sure you know what you are talking about? This bastard will jinx the day!" Harold was nervous as he spoke.
Harold was the first to cuss at Achiel. He appeared very restless. Even though Achiel was the least important person in the family, yet Harold always acted like Achiel was his rival. But Achiel didn't care much. He was just wondering what got over the Madam.
"Are you saying that I am out of my mind, Harold?" Madam scolded Harold.
"I dare not, mother. I was just sayi---"
"Dismiss, everyone. Achiel comes with us!"
Madam stood up and left the room.
Everyone was worried and displeased just hearing that Achiel was coming with them. To avoid any other problems, Achiel slipped through and left.
Achiel left for the little garden in the compound, which was hardly visited by any of the family members. He needed to get something right.
"Was it a system or something? I am a computer genius. I know about the system of computers, hacking, coding, and other smart devices. Could that be what it was all about?" Achiel thought.
Achiel was the best student in computer engineering when he graduated from college. But what was the use of his degree when someone like Madam has influence in some companies that could employ him?
There were no big tech companies in Jade City. All expensive automobiles were imported. But he had promised himself that he would build one when he hit the jackpot.
"It says that I have a lot of money. Money that I can't see. How will I spend the money?" He wondered.
A screen suddenly appeared in his mind,
Ping! The Lavish System generates money from Swiss accounts. A card is all what Host needs.
"A card?"
He touched his pocket. There was an old card in his pocket. He had used the last amount of money on the card to buy the gifts he wanted to give Hannah yesterday before he found out she was cheating.
"Let's see if you are saying the truth. An ATM will tell."
He quickly left the area and headed to the nearest ATM stand. When he got there, he looked around. He needed to be sure that no one was around, in case this leads to an embarrassment.
He swiped the card in.
[Punch in the amount to withdraw]
Achiel thought for a while. The highest he has ever had in his account was $5000. And that was because he was saving up for something. To surprise his wife!!!
He noticed the limit of the ATM. It says $20,000. He got an idea and smiled. Then he punched in,
20,000...
He hesitated for a while, then continued pressing until it made,
$2,000,000
"No losses. Since the highest the machine can pay is 20k, if there's money in the card, it'll only pay 20k."
He nodded and pressed ACCEPT. He had no hope at all. He was just here to prove the system wrong.
COMPLETED. CASH DISPENSING.
"Huh?" His lips gaped in shock.
Suddenly, a flood of cash started to gush out of the ATM. Flying everywhere. Swarming him.