Chapter 4 Divorce

• Deborah was intrigued by the strange car troop gathered outside the Brighman family's ancestral house. Though she wanted to head back to find out what was happening, she stopped herself when she remembered the embarrassing episode earlier. She was worried that the Brighman family would continue with their derogatory remarks if they saw Austin again. Austin was still her husband, and she did not want him to be treated like a fool, no matter how upset she was with him.
• "There's a car troop outside, Old Mrs. Brigham!" A young member of the Brigham family rushed into the ancestral hall and reported to Nancy. Most of them were preparing to leave so they were surprised to learn of the news. Even though the Brighams were not the most prominent or prestigious family in Fairville, they were highly regarded. Regardless, they were not deserving of such grandiose events as deploying an automobile troop to pay honors to their ancestors. Hence, the news left them feeling perturbed and uneasy.
• "It looks like a military vehicle. Did we offend any important figures? Are they here to investigate the Brigham family?" Someone whispered.
• "Stop speaking nonsense! The Brigham family did no wrong. Why would the military be checking on us? Let's find out what's going on," Nancy bellowed before making her way out of the ancestral hall.
• "Don't be so pessimistic. Maybe the military is here to reward the Brigham family!" Mitchel postulated. He then hurriedly caught up with Nancy and supported the elderly lady out of the hall. After hearing the man's optimistic view, the rest of the Brigham family's mood visibly lightened and they followed them out.
• Once the Brigham family was out of the ancestral house, they saw that the people in the vehicles had alighted and were lined up in an orderly fashion. There were a total of thirty-seven men who were dressed in impeccable suits and standing to attention in military fatigues. At the front of the entourage was a well-built stern-looking man who had a commanding presence that immediately demanded respect. Many of the Brigham family members were astounded by his imposing presence.
• "Why are you gathering at the Brigham family's ancestral house? Is there anything I can help you with?" Nancy asked cautiously. Although it may be impolite to query their purpose, she felt compelled to learn the reason for their visit.
• "We are here to give the sacred scepter to the Brigham family!" A man with the codename Venom Snake waved his burly arms as he spoke from the front of the troop. Following his instructions, a few men swiftly unrolled the green fabric to uncover the object hidden in the truck.
• The Brigham family's eyes widened in shock as they gasped at the majestic bronze sacred scepter before them. It was a five feet tall staff with a round orb at the very top. The valuable monument was decorated with unique floral patterns that further accentuated its design.
• The sacred scepter was seen as a national treasure that signified respect, dignity, and loyalty. It would be an honor to receive such an exclusive gift from the military. The Brigham family was overjoyed to acquire such a rare possession since it implied that the military valued them highly. Their eyes sparkled as they imagined how the bronze sacred scepter would help them advance in the corporate world.
• "Look at their impressive lineup, Grandma. They are definitely people of great importance! To personally present the bronze sacred scepter, they must value the Brigham family very much!" Mitchel said gleefully.
• Nancy could barely conceal her delight as she replied joyfully, "That's great! The Brigham family shall prosper and reach greater heights from now on!"
• "The Brigham family is going to thrive! Hahaha!" All the Brigham family celebrated merrily.
• Venom Snake did not bother to explain further as he could not spot Austin in the crowd. He ordered his men to carry the sacred scepter into the Brigham family's ancestral house. It was a gift for the King of the Southern Continent since only he deserved the cherished possession.
• After his task of delivering the bronze sacred scepter was done, Venom Snake and his men went back to their vehicles and drove off. Their actions were swift and efficient, and they did not divulge any more information than they had to.
• As the rest of the Brigham family was celebrating the joyous event, Nancy was pondering over the reason for the sudden precious gift. She had no idea who the bronze sacred scepter was meant for, but she definitely had not thought that it was for Austin. After all, he was nothing but a loser in her eyes.
• Meanwhile, Austin had followed Deborah back home. During their car ride back, Austin wanted to ask Deborah how she had been for the past few years. Compared to his charismatic and confident self in front of millions of soldiers, Austin was left speechless in front of his wife.
• Deborah was looking forward to receiving Austin's apologies and signs of concern. However, she was left disappointed at his silence throughout the entire journey. Her expression started to harden as time passed. She regretted her decision to register the marriage with Austin and for hoping for his return for the last few years.
• After a half-hour ride, Austin and Deborah finally arrived home. Though she was married, Deborah was still living with her parents as Austin did not have the ability to purchase a house for her. The house was a comfortable size, with two bedrooms, a study room, and a living room.
• Deborah's parents, Liam Wright and Meadow Swanson, were waiting for their arrival in the house. They both worked in education, Liam at the Department of Education and Meadow as a schoolteacher. The Wrights were considered a middle-income family in Fairville.
• Liam and Meadow had received news of Austin's lackluster achievements from the Brigham family, and that he had spent ten years being a military cook. In addition, the man had returned home as he was chased out of the military. They were furious at the bad news, and their faces were clouded with displeasure.
• Liam sat at the dining table and chewed on his peanuts in annoyance. He could not help but to hurl insults and vent his frustrations in-between sips of beer. On the other hand, Meadow was sitting on the sofa and watching television. However, she struggled to concentrate, and her brow furrowed in concern.
• Moments later, Austin followed Deborah into the house. As the King of the Southern Continent, Austin was fearless when confronting a large army. However, he was quivering in fear at the impending encounter with his in-laws.
• "Hi Liam, Meadow," Austin greeted the couple respectfully. However, he was met with silence as Liam and Meadow refused to acknowledge his presence. They knew little of their son-in-law and could only find out about him through the other Brigham family members.
• Liam and Meadow had believed the Brigham family's disparaging remarks about Austin's ability before they met. Prior to their encounter, the couple only felt a tinge of annoyance. However, their fury sprang to life the moment they met the man.
• Liam raised his head and gave Austin a scathing look. He growled, "Hmph! I won't acknowledge you as my son-in-law. You have served in the military for ten years, but the entire time you have only been a military cook. Don't you feel sorry for yourself? I'm ashamed because of you!"
• Meadow gave Austin a frosty look and hissed, "Austin Brigham, you caused my daughter to waste four years of her life waiting for you. We won't be mad at you if you come back with some achievements. However, you left us disappointed! Look at where you are today! Based on Deborah's good looks and talents, she's more than capable of marrying into a prominent family. Yet, she chose to marry you! You have let her down." Meadow was a well-mannered and understanding woman, but she became enraged when she thought of the injustices and sufferings Deborah had to experience as a result of Austin.
• Austin knew that he had disappointed his wife and in-laws and was prepared to face the music. Hence, he was not infuriated at their incessant scoldings.
• "Let's cut to the chase. Hurry get a divorce so that my daughter can be free. You'll be going your own ways from now on," Liam fixed his gaze on Austin and spoke forcefully.