I Am Extremely Rich

Chapter One

"What the fuck is still keeping you in the kitchen, you wretched bitch?!" A deep voice growled from the dining room causing the man in the kitchen to tremble in fear.

It was Leonard Parker, James' father-in-law.

"I'm almost done, sir. I'll be there in a few minutes." James Thomas' heart skipped and raced heavily while responding politely.

Leonard was a physique body-built man who always beat him up constantly, not because he had no strength, but because he showed him respect as his elder and, most especially, his father-in-law.

"You better be fast with whatever you're doing, fool!" Leonard barked, settling comfortably on the chair in the dining area.

He then sighed exasperatedly, letting his angry face slowly shift to that of concern. "Olivia?" He called out to his daughter, James' wife, calmly. "How's the company going? Getting better?" He asked.

Olivia let out a frustrating sigh and reluctantly nodded her head, "Yes, it's moving fine. I'm just putting in my best to see that things work out well." She replied, leaning forward on her seat.

"So sorry, sis. You have been doing this all alone without any assistance." Amelia, Olivia's younger sister, said, clearly concerned.

"And please, know that we're right behind you. Don't stop. Our family's financial stability depends on this family company. Keep striving, okay?" Grandma Aurora added.

"Thank you, Grandma." Olivia nodded, feeling eased. "I'll forever continue to put in my best." She replied and Aurora smiled, impressed by her answer.

"Indeed, you're taking after-" She halted in her words immediately James walked in with a tray of dishes in his hand.

Aurora's smile quickly faded away, twisting into a disdainful look. Everyone equally looked at him disdainfully except Evelyn. It took them, if not almost everything in them, to spit in his face.

"Here he comes. Such a wretched and useless man." She spat, her anger towards James flaring. "So useless that he can't even support the family in terms of finance. Just wondering why he's still living in this house." Her gaze shifted between James and Olivia before finally settling on James.

She had always instructed Olivia to file for a divorce but Olivia wasn't heeding despite her hatred for James.

James only sighed, ignored her, and started to dish out the meal into each bowl, setting them in front of everyone. He occasionally looked at Olivia, his wife with admiration.

Olivia was dressed in a pink gown and her black hair was neatly packed, cascading at her back as she settled comfortably on the chair. Her face was thick with makeup, adding to her beauty which shone like the morning star.

"James, what kept you so stuck in the kitchen? You should know that Olivia had some tasks to tackle today and she wouldn't leave without having her breakfast." Evelyn questioned, her voice soft.

James glanced at Olivia before shifting his eyes to Evelyn, "I'm sorry, Mom." He apologized, sincerely. "I was just-" He tried to explain but Olivia angrily cut him off.

"Just shut up and stop trying to give those nonsense excuses of yours!" She yelled, her eyes blasting with anger.

James looked at her and only sighed. Her anger towards him seemed to increase day after day. And he wondered why she even agreed to marry him in the first place.

James began to serve the meal to everyone, ignoring the insults they were all throwing at him.

"He's so pathetic that I can't bear to even look at him." Grandma Aurora twisted her face in disgust. "It irritates me each time I do. Just wish he could be wiped from the surface of the earth." She added, coldly.

James threw a sharp and piercing look at her. If looks could kill, Aurora at that moment, would have been a dead woman.

To him, Grandma Aurora's ruthlessness was the worst but everyone in the family was just the same except for Evelyn, his mother-in-law, who, out of pity, never joined them.

"Mother, it's best we shouldn't talk to him like that." Evelyn intervened, addressing Aurora. "He's a grown-up man and has a family. Insulting him is only bringing down his self-esteem."

"Self-esteem my foot!" Aurora scoffed, angrily. "Does he even have confidence in himself? He's been married to Olivia for a good three years and has done nothing to prove that he's a man and here you're talking about self-esteem."

"Mom, this man here is just nothing but a burden to this family," Olivia added, supporting Aurora and retorting Evelyn's and her mother's words.

James only remained silent, listening to all their insults. His eyes were formed with tears, and a tear almost dropped from his eyes, but he held them back.

The insults didn't start that day. It has been since he became the live-in-son-in-law of the family. Although he had gotten used to their insults, being truthful to himself, it was really draining him off.

"It hasn't been my fault, Grandma." James, after dishing out the meal and setting them in front of everyone, summoned the courage to speak; his voice was adorned with emotions. "I've been looking out for different jobs but none is working out for me." He explained.

Everyone shot him a deadly shot. This is what he had been saying for the past years now. Evelyn only sighed, clearly tired of his usual excuses.

"That's because you're useless. Wretched, senseless, and useless all at the same time." Aurora fired. "How do you expect anyone to employ someone like you, huh? Tell me."

She glared at James, waiting to hear his response. None came. She then sighed exasperatedly and was about to shoot him another word, but Leonard interjected for the first time.

"Mom, why waste your time on a useless thing like him?" He asked, firing James a fierce stare that almost daggered his heart. "Let's eat and have something important to do with our time instead of wasting it."

Just after that, everyone daggered their gazes at James one more time before concentrating on their meals. Once the lids were lifted, the aroma of the meal wafted into the air, giving the atmosphere a nice scented odor.

However, everyone's faces remained stern as they began to eat except for Evelyn who complimented after a spoonful taste, her voice barely above a whisper, "Well-cooked rice and stew." She nodded approvingly. She smiled, giving James a well-done thumb.

Everyone also secretly nodded their heads, impressed but pretended they didn't like it. Leonard looked up to James, "And why are you still standing there?" He sneered, "Get out and go get yourself useful! Bitch!"

James shamefully bowed his head to the ground and started to walk away.

But Olivia called after him, "Hey, come back here!" Her voice echoed with contempt and authority.

Chapter 2

James paused and hesitatingly turned, his face burnt with shame and embarrassment. He narrowed his eyes on Olivia.

Olivia purposely allowed him to stand there as she ate calmly without saying the reason for the call. James' patience grew thin, his heart clenched while watching her.

Evelyn couldn't endure it anymore so she snapped at Olivia, "You called him; why kept him waiting?" Her face was a bit of a frown.

Olivia looked at her mother and replied coldly, "He has nothing doing so standing there isn't anything crime. It's part of exercise." She mocked. Then she cleaned her mouth with a white tissue on the table.

Taking a sip of the chilled glass of water on the table, she then addresses James, "I'll be leaving for the office soon with my black car." She paused, observing James' reaction.

Seeing no fault, she added coldly, "I want you to get the white car washed because I'll make use of it tomorrow."

James stared at her in disbelief and his cheeks flushed with rage. How could she even say that to him?! That was humiliation in the highest order.

Evelyn was also equally shocked, staring at Olivia, her face filled with disbelief. She wanted to interject but she didn't, leaving James to stand up for himself. Defending him always was doing more harm than good to him.

Meanwhile, Leonard, Olivia's father, Grandma Aurora, and Amelia, Olivia's sister, chuckled mockingly with satisfaction. They loved seeing him get humiliated.

"Wash your car?" James repeated, raising his eyebrows, "What happened to the car wash and what's Caleb's work in this house?" He asked, mentioning Olivia's brother.

Caleb was the immediate sibling of Olivia who was older than Amelia. He was currently at the gym, which was his everyday morning routine.

Immediately he said that everyone shot him with deadly looks. He could see something darker in their eyes. And if look could kill, he would've been a dead person within seconds.

Evelyn was about to back James up but Olivia stopped her with her hand, "Leave yourself out of this, Mom." She then said to James, her words short and simple yet authoritative, "I'm housing, feeding, and clothing you here. Don't dare go against my words!" She blasted.

James was short of words. She was right, and he appreciated her kind gesture, but she seemed to forget that nothing had been his fault.

He had tried his best to get a job, but it was as if he wasn't doing anything since he had always been rejected several times.

James swallowed hard and only nodded his head and walked to the kitchen to have his own breakfast.

Just after he left, Olivia then let her boiled heart chill as she began to eat again. Truthfully, the meal was delicious, which no one would like to miss.

Soon, everyone was done eating, and Olivia grabbed her bag, hanging it on her shoulder. "Dad, Mom, Grandma...." She called, "I'll be leaving now." She announced with a faint smile.

Evelyn let out a deep sigh and took in a shallow breath, letting her eyes focus on Olivia. She returned her smile, stood up, and kissed her forehead, "Please, take care. Good things are only allowed to happen to you today."

"Amen...thanks, Mom," Olivia claimed, maintaining her smile.

Aurora also got up and caressed Olivia's hair, "I have nothing to say because Evelyn, your mother, just said it all even though she's just blindly supporting that leech."

Olivia only let out a deep sigh. Leonard then included, "Good luck, dear." He said and left. Grandma Aurora also joined him after watching Olivia make her way outside.

Just then, James walked downstairs, and seeing no one there, he hurried outside to catch up with Olivia.

Luckily, Olivia was about to enter the car when he quickly called out her name, "Olivia?" He made his way quickly to her.

Olivia hesitated from stepping into the car and she looked at him with irritation, flashing in her eyes, "What is it?" She asked and immediately added, "you want some bucks as usual?"

She already knew that he wanted something anytime he approached her that way.

James slowly and shamefully nodded his head, "Yes," his voice trembled. "I applied for a job online with my phone and got an email to come for the interview today but got no bucks on me for transportation. I just can't afford to get there late." He explained but Olivia was busy checking her wristwatch.

The time was ticking faster and she had no time to waste with this useless husband of hers.

James, however, ignored her annoying behavior and was about to continue, "It won't-" but Olivia shut him off angrily.

"Here you go. Take it!" She took a $10 note from her purse and threw it to James' face. It fell to the ground, causing James to feel embarrassed.

"That's it and make sure you pass the interview because I can't continue to be feeding a grown-up like you forever." She fired, clearly frustrated.

James looked at her before hesitating to answer, "Thank you and I promise to pass the interview." He smiled even though he was uncomfortable with Olivia's words and actions toward him. "But the money won't be enough." His voice cracked again.

"Then look for a way to complete it. I mustn't do everything for you! And if you can't complete it, then trek back home. You can't be useless and let your legs also be useless. Try to make them useful." She waved her hand, unconcerned. Then something crossed her mind, and she voiced it out instantly, "Make sure my car gets washed before you leave, understood?"

James nodded and replied, "Yes." Without looking at him again, Olivia stormed into her car and reversed from the parking lot while James continued to look at the car, slowly waving a farewell hand to her although the windows were closed.

Just as the car was about to drive out of the compound, James said, "Bye, Olivia." But his voice was barely above the humming of the car.

With the car out of sight, James sighed and shook his head, muttering to himself, "You aren't to be blamed, Olivia. I'm emotionally feeling your frustration." Tears almost dropped from his eyes but he manly held them back.

"It hasn't been easy but I promise to take good care of you when I eventually become big or even bigger." He added, emotionally before bending and picking up the money.

Then he walked inside and saw Evelyn, his mother-in-law, standing beside the doorway with a pale expression.

From the look on her face, James could definitely sense that something wasn't right with her, so he cleared his voice and asked politely, "Mother, you look bothered; what's the problem?"

Chapter 3

Evelyn sighed, looking at him, sincerely worried, "I overheard your discussion with Olivia. I'm just worried, this marriage might not last much longer. " She said, blinking her eyes.

James was silent, his face calm yet unyielding, "I understand your point, Mother, but it will." He replied, shaking his head. "I love Olivia and deep down, I know she loves me too." He said, firmly.

Evelyn let out a relieved breath and reluctantly said, "Hmm...I pray so..." And walked away.

As Evelyn walked away, James stood in silence for a moment, letting Evelyn's words linger. Then he remembered Olivia's car and with a deep sigh, he headed back outside to wash the car, his mind already turning to the day ahead.

Ten minutes later, he had finished washing the car and he went to his room to take his bath. Entering the room, he shut the door behind him and headed to the bathroom after pulling off his clothes.

Soon, he was out with a white thick towel wrapped around his waist, feeling refreshed. It was his first time going for an interview, and he knew he needed to get there early, knowing there would be a whole lot of applicants.

James got himself dressed up. He was putting on one of his casual clothes which he had managed to purchase with his little savings.

He then scrutinized himself on the large mirror hanging on the wall, ensuring he was perfectly ok. With a nod of satisfaction, he grabbed a brown envelope where his CV was neatly placed and walked downstairs.

Grandma Aurora and his son, Leonard were the only people in the living room. When they saw James walking downstairs, they stopped in their discussions, exchanging surprised and confused glances.

Then they focused their attention on James who was now closer to them.

"Where are you going with those dirty clothes of yours?" Grandma Aurora was the first to speak and she ridiculed him.

Leonard noticed a brown envelope in his hand and also chided in, "And what's that in your hand?" He was equally disgusted at James' appearance.

James swallowed hard and replied confidently, "You all complained of me being a burden to you so I'm going for an interview hopefully to secure a job. I don't want to bother you all anymore."

Grandma Aurora and Leonard both burst into laughter. "Did I just hear you say job?" Aurora raised her eyebrows at him. "Dressed like this for an interview?" Her amused face turned into a scowl, "have you no shame? What impression would you show? Or do you just want to paint this reputable family a bad image?"

Right after her words dropped, James cursed under his lips, "Reputable family my foot! The family who is badmouthed has no reputation."

"It's clearly his intention. Because why would he dress this way for an interview?" Leonard said harshly, snapping James from his thoughts.

James remained quiet, listening to their abusive words. He sighed and glanced at his cheap watch. It was getting late. As a result, he announced, deciding to tease before hurriedly going out, "I'm running late already, I have to go. See you both soon. Love you."

Aurora's and Leonard's faces twisted into a rage that couldn't contain the room. They clenched their lips, and hands into fists. His words really got them furious.

"May you get involved in a fatal accident, bastard?" Grandma Aurora clenched her lips, cursing after him.

****

Although the road to the interview was bustling, the car that conveyed James finally came to a stop in an hour and twenty minutes. Stepping out of the car, James reached out his hand into his pocket and brought the $10 note that Olivia gave him.

He handed it to the driver who instantly frowned after seeing the money, "What's this for? $10 for an hour and twenty minutes drive?" He sneered, stepping out of the car with a stern face.

James looked at the driver, confused.

The driver continued, tone sharp and harsh, "When was the last time you moved out from your comfort zone?" James was starting to feel embarrassed.

People were passing by and some were entering the company's compound.

James, sensing the tension escalating, brought his voice low and replied, "I'm sorry if that isn't up to the fare. Please, accept it and that will cause a scene, please." He begged politely.

The driver was moved by emotions and compassion, calmed himself but fired before entering his car and drove away, "Next time, sit at home and don't go out when you can't afford the fare. Wretched fool!"

James let out a relieved breath, happy that the driver didn't cause any scene. Taking a satisfied breath, he took a minute to look at the towering glass structure that stood giantly in his front.

The sheer scale was intimidating, but James shrugged his shoulders and went inside.

Inside, the lobby was primitive, with marble floors and a sleek receptionist's desk that exuded professionalism. James approached quickly and cleared his throat, "Good morning, I'm here for the interview." He said, handing his invitation letter.

The receptionist thoroughly read through the letter before glancing at him, her professional smile never faltering. "The venue is room number 300 on the third floor. The interview is just about to start in a hurry. Good luck." She handed back the invitation letter back to James.

James mumbled his thanks, appreciating the professionalism of the receptionist before making his way to the elevator. His mind raced and he felt a pang of embarrassment that washed over his face, seeing the luxurious outfits other applicants were wearing.

But he swallowed hard, stepping out of the elevator and making his way to the prescribed room. Room 300.

The room was thick with anticipation. Men and women with different faces, dressed in crisp suits and polished shoes sat, waiting to be called upon.

James breathed out, seeing that the interview was yet to get started. He scratched the back of his head and sat down silently, joining other awaited applicants, and rolling his eyes around.

The hall was filled with intense silence with everyone quiet and focused. They were all having their CVs with them, prepared to present them.

Just then, a lady stepped forward with a graceful walk, her smile genuine and her voice laced with authority, drawing everyone's attention.

"Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. We highly welcome you all to the job interview section." She began professionally. "And if you can find yourself to be here, then I must say you're most likely to get selected because not everyowhohat applied got the invitation letter."

All eyes were focused on her, listening carefully to her as she continued to address them.

She then shook her head, "But sadly, not everyone here will get this job. Just a few will be chosen and we encourage the rest to try elsewhere."

After she was done addressing them, she began to look around, and her eyes settled on Ja,mes, who was dressed differently from everyone else.

"Hey, you," she pointed at James and he startled, "Why have you come?" Her voice was filled with irritation.

All eyes instantly shifted to James, looking at him disdainfully. James, however, ignored their looks and stood up, his face tightening, but he kept a facade. "I'm here for the interview." He replied firmly, yet his voice broke.

The lady let her eyes trailed from James' head to his feet. Her expression darkened as she asked, "And what makes you think you will get selected?" She sighed deeply, her irritating face never fading. It was clear she was judging from his appearance.

.James hesitated for a while, feeling annoyed and embarrassed, his heart clutched in anger. He was about to respond, but then a man hurriedly stormed into the hall, unannounced; his breath hastened, causing everyone's irritated faces to turn into surprised expressions as their looks now focused on the man.

The lady who was talking to James was also visibly stunned as well. "What's it?" She asked the man, unable to hide how surprised she was.

The man leaned closer, his voice barely above a whisper to the lady's ear, "Boss just arrived now, and he demanded that the interview should be canceled today."He uttered in a hasty voice yet low.