Chapter 4 He’s Changed!
His father’s passing and the change in dynamic in his family was a massive blow!
But Neil had always been stubborn to a fault. He refused to accept his current reality and work hard. Instead, choosing to drown his sorrows in degeneracy and denial!
He wanted to slap them all in their faces!
Thankfully the award winners were announced just as the clock struck four!
The host announced the results of the competition!
“In third place, contestant number three, Jennie O’Moore, with ‘Land of My Soul!”
“In the second place, we have contestant number fifteen, Calvin McConnell, with ‘This Is Your
Home!”
“And finally, in the first place. The winner of this year’s Patriotic themed song contest is Neil Grant! He sang ‘Dracorea the Beautiful! Please put your hands together for our three winners!”
Neil went on stage to receive the prize from Shawn Pash.
“You sang very well. Keep improving, and you’ll represent Cloubury and bring glory to us on a provincial level!”
Shawn encouraged him.
The winner of the contest would go straight to the provincial competition.
Neil was notified that he had to get to the province on July 10 to participate in the competition.
“Don’t worry, Mr. Pash! I’ll work hard!” Neil quickly replied.
Clutching the certificate and the weighty ticket tightly in his hands, Neil burst into tears!
He had donated millions of dollars that were rightly his without a lingering glance during his past life!
But the three thousand bucks in his hand was much more valuable than that!
Strolling through the streets, Neil spent around a hundred on a skincare set for Aneira and some
snacks for the children.
Neil soon arrived home.
While still downstairs, he could hear arguing.
His physical self was better than before ever since his rebirth.
His memory, eyesight, and hearing had drastically improved.
He could hear every word being said.
He could hear his stepmother–in–law, Sharon, and Ancira’s nineteen–year–old brother, Keith.
Sharon was screaming, “You’re coming with me! I’m not letting you stay here with these useless pieces of trash! Come here! I’ll beat you to within an inch of your life!”
Keith held her back, “Mom, don’t hit her! Just let her stay if she really wants to! You can’t force her to do something she doesn’t want to!”
“I’m not going with you! Neil said he’ll change…” It sounded like Aneira was struggling.
Sharon was shrieking now. “How can you believe the words of an alcoholic! You’re beyond help!”
“Mom, I won’t let you hurt her, no matter how upset you may be. I, too, believe that Neil will change!” Keith said.
Neil took to the stairs two at a time, reaching the second floor in no time.
He pushed open the door.
Sharon was dressed in silver and gold. Her fingers were covered in gold rings. She was pinching Anera.
For some reason, Aneira was wearing a long–sleeved grey dress. Her cheeks were covered with streaks of tears.
Keith was standing between the two women trying to keep them apart.
They froze when they saw Neil.
Neil strode forwards, pushing Sharon to the side. He hid Aneira behind him.
“Look what the cat dragged in. Return my daughter to me, you piece of trash!”
Sharon shrieked. She leaped forwards, but Keith held her back.
“Don’t be like that, Mom! Calm down.”
“Calm down? How can I calm down when Ancira has decided to stay with this bastard!?”
“Stop screaming!” Keith yelled. “Let’s listen to what Neil has to say!”
Sharon finally calmed down when she saw Keith losing his temper with her.
She had always favored her son more. She had neglected Ancira and married her off at the first. chance she got.
Whereas her son was the apple of her eye!
Keith quickly turned to Neil, “Neil! Didn’t you say you’d change? Quick! Give my mom and sister your word!”
Neil’s heart ached.
Aneira had changed into long sleeves to hide the wounds on her arms.
If her brother found out about him abusing her, there would be hell to pay!
Turning to face Aneira, Neil immediately showed her the certificate and money he had just won.
“I won first prize in the competition, Aneira! I’ll need to go to the provincial capital on the tenth to compete! The first prize for that is twenty thousand dollars! I can be a singer! And if that doesn’t work out, I’ll find a way to be a singing coach and go on TV shows! I won’t disappoint you!”
Aneira looked dazed and confused.
She had lied to Sharon about Neil changing. Aneira was trying to keep her children from losing their father at such a young age!
But to her surprise, Neil had changed!
The certificate looked real, at least.
Realizing Aneira was softening towards Neil, Sharon jabbed a finger in his face and cursed him
out.
“Stop your little tricks! The certificate could be forged, and who knows where you got that money from! You made Aneira pay your debts. You neglect your wife and children. Why don’t you find a corner on the street somewhere and die there?”
“Stop it, Mom! Neil said he’s changed. Stop yelling at him. I’d rather start a war than tear a family apart!” Keith stopped her.
Neil felt warm inside.
Keith was defending him!
He did not know any of this before his reversion. He was drunk all the time and barely went home. Keith had beaten his close to death after Aneira and their children jumped off the building!
Neil made a mental note to treat Keith well after he became successful.
Neil promised Keith and Ancira.
“Aneira, Keith. Give me a little time. I’ll earn lots of money. My songs will be heard all over the country! Believe me!”
He completely disregarded Sharon.
He may be a bastard, but Sharon wasn’t any better!
All Sharon wanted was to marry Aneira off to an infamous son from a wealthy family she knew. The man was known to drink, indulge in prostitution and gambling. How could such an immoral woman like this call herself Aneira’s mother?!
“I believe in you, Neil! Pick yourself up and treat my sister and my niece and nephew well! I’m taking my mother back with me to Remmington!”
Coaxing and persuading Sharon, Keith dragged her away with him.
“Papa! Up!” His daughter ran over with her open arms.
Neil knelt down and lifted her up.
This time, Aneira did not stop him. Holding onto their son’s hand, she watched him warily.
Neil kissed Yivi’s adorable little face.
“Daddy bought some snacks for you, darling. Look! It’s your favorite teddy bear cookies!”
Yivi’s eyes lit up!
She clapped her hands in glee.
“Yay! Teddy bear cookies! It’s the one that comes out on TV! Yummy!”
She watched TV while at their landlord’s house.
Their TV was practically vintage. But despite the low picture quality, the cookies looked so delicious and irresistible that Yivi practically drooled on sight.
Sitting on their worn–out couch, Neil placed his daughter on his lap.
Opening the bag, he distributed the snacks to his two children.
He then took out the skincare set and handed it to Ancira.
Staring at him warily, Ancira refused to take it.
Trying to convince her, Neil said, “Ancira, I saw them while on the way home and thought of you. I promise to buy you much better ones after I’ve made more money.”
Aneira stayed silent.
She didn’t know if Neil would hit her again for saying the wrong thing.
She had not bought a single piece of clothing or makeup since they moved here from the city.
Her glass–like skin had lost its shine and brilliance from neglect.
She had heard of this brand.
Whilst working as a cleaner at the magistrate’s house, she had heard his wide talking about it. Apparently, it was pretty effective, and the entire set cost over a hundred dollars!
There was no way she could afford it!
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