Chapter 5

For several months, Isabella had not heard anything about me or my whereabouts. It seemed as though I had disappeared from the world.

But it had no effect on her as she assumed I was living in misery somewhere, remorseful for ever having met her.

She never once imagined that I would come back, much less in a way that would shake her world.

It was the anniversary evening of Ben Corporation, and the grand event was held in the prestigious large hall of the Ben Hotel.

The venue was second to none, with the hall's exquisite decoration bathed in a warm glow from golden chandeliers.

The room was packed with prominent executives, financiers, entrepreneurs, and workers, including Mrs. June, who sat comfortably near the front in a smug attitude.

The anticipation was palpable as Haven, the General Manager of Ben Corporation, walked confidently onto the stage.

His suit was clean, his smile was lovely, and his presence demanded attention. He took hold of the microphone, and greeted the audience with his well-practiced charm.

"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen," he began, his voice filled with pride. "Tonight, we come together to celebrate not only Ben Corporation's legacy, but also the bright future that awaits us."

As investors whispered to each other in the audience, a round of applause broke out.

"He definitely speaks the truth." One of the investors expressed his thoughts.

"Ben Corporation has been a success from the beginning." Another individual responded.

Haven smiled with satisfaction before proceeding.

"I would like to introduce two people who have contributed significantly to the company's recent success in order to give this celebration even more meaning." He turned a little and pointed to the side of the stage. "We are happy to present Miss Isabella, the Operations Manager for the Vax Division!"

Isabella, wearing a stunning and lovely gown, walked onto the stage wearing a smile on her face. She looked confidently across the hall, enjoying the attention given to her.

Ben Division's operation manager, Don Pedro, stood next to her and nodded slightly to the audience.

"And now," Haven's voice grew more excited, "before we begin the main celebration, we have a special announcement. We are pleased to introduce Ben Corporation's new brand ambassador—someone who represents resilience, power, and prestige."

He turned to face the imposing double doors at the hall's entrance.

"A brand ambassador? That's news." someone from the audience said. 

"I can't just wait to see who it is." Another was curious. 

"Please look toward the entrance, everyone, as we welcome our new brand ambassador!"

The enormous golden doors creaked slowly open, drawing everyone's attention.

And then— I entered.

A hushed silence settled over the hall. Gasps resounded throughout the room. Disbelief spread across their eyes. Conversations were cut short in the middle of their sentences.

Johnson!

I was the same man who had been abandoned, humiliated, and ridiculed. I had just walked into the hall like a king returning to his throne.

I was wearing a spotless black suit, and I exuded a commanding aura and straight posture. The once-weak man now radiated an unstoppable charm.

"Isn't that… The live-in son-in-law of…"

"Mrs. June! That is him, indeed."

The reactions were strong, but Isabella's was the most intense. She took a step forward, her fingers gripping around the microphone, her voice piercing with shock.

"Who the hell invited you here?" she exclaimed, I could hear her heart pounding in her chest.

And the biggest surprise?

The murmurs instantly returned.

"Did he not get crippled?"

"How is this even possible?"

"He appears different."

"What the hell is happening?"

I had carried myself as though I owned the entire room as all that was present—no wheelchair, cane, or weakness.

Haven, on the other hand, was not paying attention to Isabella's question. He continued to stare at my legs. His mind refused to comprehend what his eyes were observing.

"He became paralyzed! He was unable to stand without assistance! How the f**k is he now walking?"

Mrs. June was also staring at me from head to toe with her mouth hanging open, her thoughts racing. "How is it that he can walk?"

When she had last seen me, I had been a broken man, a son-in-law living with her, thrown out like garbage.

However, now? Standing tall and strong now, I was unaffected by the past.

Haven clenched his fists and stepped forward, his voice brimming with rage.

"Leave here immediately!"

I made no eye contact with him. I moved past Haven majestically, taking the slow steps of a man who knew exactly what he was doing.

"I believe," I replied calmly and confidently, "that I have every right to be here."

There was tension in the room just by my presence. No one dared to move. The entire audience—investors and employees—sat stunned in silence.

Haven's eyes fueled more fury "You poor thing, you are not welcome here!"

I paused for the first time while walking. At last, I met Haven's eyes with an unreadable expression as he turned his head slightly.

"That is not your decision to make." I said with confidence.

Isabella's breathing became labored. There was something unusual about me.

The Johnson she knew would have begged to be included, bowed his head, and accepted humiliation.

However, this man? This man appeared completely unconcerned with Haven, as though he did not even perceive him as a danger.

The guests' murmurs became more resumed with intensity.

"How did he get here? Wasn't he so poor?"

"Did his wife not file for divorce?"

"How did he go from being a crippled nobody to this?"

Mrs. June's eyes narrowed and she gripped her wine glass tightly. She sensed the change in power and how my mere presence was tipping the scales.

Then the news was revealed.

I walked over to the front of the stage, took the microphone off the stand, and looked out into the audience. The grand hall echoed with my deep voice.

"I appreciate everyone's presence," I said with ease. "I want to use this opportunity to thank Ben Corporation for their kind invitation. After all…"

My sharp eyes locked on Isabella and Haven as I tilt my head slightly.

"...how better to commemorate the company's anniversary?"

Shocks. Startles. They were all unaware that I had never been disabled, it was all part of my deception!