My in-laws and my wife took particular delight in reminding me of the black card, mocking me for my supposed delusions of grandeur.

One night, as I lay on the cold mattress in the basement, I made a decision. I needed to do something, anything, to break the cycle of misery. I needed to take a risk. The thought of the stone gambling stalls came to me, a glimmer of hope in the darkness. If I could somehow find a valuable stone, it might change everything.

The next morning, I woke early, my heart pounding with a mix of fear and determination. I quietly got dressed and slipped out of the house, careful not to wake Brenda or Eleanor. The air was crisp and cold, the sky still dark as I made my way through the empty streets.

The stone gambling stalls were located in a busy market area on the other side of town. As I approached, the noise and activity of the market filled the air, a stark contrast to the quiet despair of the villa. My heart raced as I navigated through the crowds, my eyes scanning the stalls for any sign of opportunity.

I finally found a stall that seemed promising, its tables laden with uncut stones of various sizes and colors. The stall owner, a burly man with a thick beard, glanced up as I approached, his eyes narrowing with suspicion.

"What do you want?" he asked, his voice gruff.

"I'd like to buy some stones," I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

The stall owner looked me up and down, his expression turning to one of disdain. "Dressed like that? You look like a beggar. You got any money?"

I nodded, pulling out the small amount of savings I had managed to scrape together. It wasn't much, but it was all I had. The stall owner snorted, shaking his head.

"Don't waste my time," he said, turning away.

A group of people nearby overheard the exchange and began to laugh. "Look at this guy," one of them said, his voice filled with mockery. "Thinks he can buy stones dressed like that. Probably doesn't have a penny to his name."

Another person chimed in, joining the chorus of derision. "He should go back to begging on the streets. This isn't a place for the likes of him."

The laughter and insults cut deep, but I forced myself to ignore them. I approached the stall again, my eyes fixed on the stones. One stone, in particular, caught my attention. It was a small, unassuming rock, its surface rough and unpolished. But something about it drew me in, a feeling I couldn't explain.

"How much for this one?" I asked, pointing to the stone.

The stall owner glanced at it, then back at me. "That one's worthless," he said. "But if you want it, I'll sell it to you for fifty dollars."

I handed over the money, my hands trembling. "I'll take it," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

The stall owner chuckled, shaking his head. "Suit yourself," he said. "But don't come crying to me when you find out it's just a worthless rock."

Ignoring the laughter and taunts, I picked out two more stones, each one costing me another fifty dollars. The last of my savings gone, I took the stones and moved to a quieter part of the market, away from the prying eyes and mocking voices.

I requested the stone cutter next to the stall owner to begin to cut my meager treasure, within seconds of him beginning he let out a yell in astonishment "we are in the green!" a glint of green caught my eye. My heart raced as I continued to watch, the further he cut into the unassuming stone he began revealing more of the vibrant color beneath the rough exterior. It was an emerald jadeite, its rich green hues sparkling in the morning light.

I stared at the jadeite in disbelief, my mind racing. This single stone was worth a fortune, easily two million dollars or more. My hands trembled as I held it, the weight of it both physical and metaphorical. This was it – the chance I had been hoping for.

Unable to contain my excitement, I quickly pushed the other two stones to the stunned man. as he began cutting open the other two stones sweat began to drip from his bulging forehead revealing more jadeite hidden within each stone. The stall owner's mocking words echoed in my mind, but I pushed them aside, focused on the task at hand.

By the time I finished, I had uncovered three more pieces of jadeite, each one valuable in its own right. The total worth of the stones was staggering, far beyond anything I had ever imagined.

A crowd had gathered, drawn by the sight of the gleaming jadeite. People murmured in awe and disbelief, their eyes wide with wonder. The stall owner, seeing the commotion, pushed his way through the crowd, his face turning pale as he realized what had happened.

"You... you can't be serious," he stammered, his eyes fixed on the jadeite in my hands. "How did you...?"

The crowd's excitement grew, their voices rising in a cacophony of astonishment and admiration. Someone pulled out their phone and began recording, capturing the scene for all to see.

"Look at that! He's found a fortune!"

"This guy's a genius! Look at those stones!"

The video quickly went viral, spreading across social media like wildfire. People began to call me the Stone King, a mysterious figure who had uncovered a treasure trove of jadeite. But despite the attention, no one managed to capture a clear image of my face. In the confusion and excitement, I grabbed the stones and ran, disappearing into the crowd before anyone could stop me.

Breathless and exhilarated, I made my way back to the villa, the weight of the jadeite heavy in my pockets. The jade bead's warmth pulsed within me, a reminder of the incredible turn of events. I had done it – I had found a way to change my life.

As I approached the villa, my mind raced with thoughts of what to do next. The money from the jadeite could free me from Brenda and Eleanor's cruelty, allowing me to start anew. But first, I needed to find a way to sell the stones without drawing too much attention.

I slipped back into the villa unnoticed, my heart still pounding with excitement. I carefully hid the jadeite in a small, secret compartment I had discovered in the basement, a place where Brenda and Eleanor would never think to look.

The next few days were a blur of planning and preparation. I researched potential buyers, looking for someone who could discreetly purchase the jadeite without attracting unwanted attention. The jade bead's warmth provided a steadying influence, guiding me as I navigated the complexities of the market.

Eventually, I found a reputable buyer, someone who specialized in high-value gemstones and had a reputation for discretion. We arranged a meeting, and I prepared myself for the transaction, the weight of the jadeite heavy in my pockets.

The day of the meeting arrived, and I left the villa early, telling Brenda and Eleanor that I had errands to run. They barely acknowledged me, their attention focused on their phones and morning coffee. I made my way to the agreed-upon location, my heart pounding with a mix of fear and anticipation.

The buyer was a middle-aged man with a sharp suit and an air of confidence. He examined the jadeite with a practiced eye, nodding in approval as he assessed the stones' value.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

"These are exquisite pieces," he said, his voice smooth and professional. "I can offer you twelve million for the lot."

I nodded, my hands trembling. "That's acceptable."

The transaction was completed quickly and efficiently, the money transferred to a secure account I had set up. As I walked away, the weight of the jadeite replaced by the weight of my newfound wealth, I felt a sense of liberation and hope.

Returning to the villa, I knew that my life had changed forever. The money from the jadeite would allow me to break free from Brenda and Eleanor's cruelty, to start anew and uncover the truth about my past.

The following days were filled with a sense of anticipation and determination. I began to make plans, researching places to live and ways to invest the money wisely. The jade bead's warmth provided a steadying influence, guiding me as I prepared for the next chapter of my life.

One evening, as I was cleaning the kitchen, Brenda walked in, her eyes narrowing as she saw me. "Still here, David?" she said, her voice dripping with contempt. "I thought you'd run off by now, chasing after your imaginary fortune."

I didn't respond, focusing on scrubbing the countertops. Brenda's laughter echoed through the room, a harsh reminder of my helplessness.

"You're pathetic," she continued, her voice cold. "Always dreaming of something better, but never willing to face the reality of your own worthlessness."

Eleanor entered the kitchen, her eyes flicking from Brenda to me with a look of disdain. "Is he still going on about that ridiculous card?" she asked, her voice sharp.

Brenda nodded. "He claims someone gave him another one. It's laughable."

Eleanor shook her head, her expression one of disgust. "He's delusional. Just another way for him to escape his pathetic reality."

As they continued to mock me, I felt a surge of anger and frustration. The jade bead's energy pulsed within me, a reminder of the strength I had gained. But I knew better than to confront them. It would only lead to more pain and humiliation.

Instead, I focused on my work, my mind racing with thoughts of Edward and the mystery of my past. I needed to find him, to get answers to the questions that haunted me. But how? Where could I start?

As I lay on the cold mattress that night, I made a silent vow. I would find Edward. I would uncover the truth about my past, no matter what it took. The jade bead's energy pulsed within me, a reminder of the strength and resilience I had gained.

But for now, I was trapped in the villa, at the mercy of Brenda and Eleanor's cruelty. The black card was gone, torn to pieces and thrown in the trash, but the mystery it represented still burned within me.

And so, I endured. Day after day, night after night, I clung to the hope that I would find Edward and uncover the truth about my past. The jade bead's warmth was a constant source of strength, grounding me and providing solace in the midst of my suffering.

The days that followed were a blur of labor and derision, but I clung to the hope that I would find Edward and uncover the truth about my past. The jade bead's warmth was a constant presence, grounding me and providing strength as I navigated the treacherous landscape of my in-laws' villa.

As the days turned into weeks, I continued to search for any sign of Edward, hoping for another chance encounter. I returned to the grocery store and the park, retracing my steps and scanning the faces of strangers, but there was no sign of him.

The days continued to pass, each one a mixture of labor and derision. Despite the jade bead's mysterious power aiding my recovery and providing strength, I knew I needed to change my life. The money from the jadeite stones gave me the means to break free from Brenda and Eleanor's cruelty, and I was determined to use it wisely.

One morning, I woke early, slipping out of the villa before anyone else was awake. The cool air filled my lungs as I walked through the quiet streets, my mind focused on the task ahead. I needed a place of my own, a sanctuary away from the constant abuse and derision.

As I approached the real estate office, my heart pounded with a mix of fear and anticipation. I pushed open the door and stepped inside, the sound of the bell above the door announcing my arrival. The office was sleek and modern, with polished floors and tasteful decor. A woman behind the desk looked up, her eyes widening with surprise as she recognized me.

It was Brenda's sister, my aunt-in-law, Clara. Her face twisted with disdain as she took in my disheveled appearance. "David," she said, her voice dripping with contempt. "What are you doing here?"

"I... I'd like to purchase a property," I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

Clara laughed, a harsh, mocking sound. "You? Purchase a property? Don't make me laugh. You're nothing but a worthless, live-in son-in-law. You can't afford anything here."

My cheeks flushed with embarrassment, but I forced myself to stand my ground. "I have the money," I said quietly. "I just need to see the properties."

Clara shook her head, her expression one of disbelief. "Fine. But I don't have time to waste on you." She turned to a young woman sitting at a nearby desk. "Lisa, take care of this worthless piece of trash."

Lisa looked up, her eyes wide with surprise. She was a beautiful woman, her radiant eyes and kind smile a stark contrast to Clara's harsh demeanor. "Of course, Ms. Clara," she said, standing up and walking over to me.

I felt my cheeks flush again as she approached, her beauty and kindness making me feel self-conscious. "Hello, I'm Lisa," she said, her voice warm and friendly. "How can I help you today?"

"I... I'd like to see some properties," I stammered, feeling awkward and embarrassed.

Lisa smiled, her eyes sparkling. "Of course. Why don't we start with some of our more popular listings?"

She led me to a small conference room, where she pulled out a tablet and began showing me various properties. Each one was more impressive than the last, but one, in particular, caught my eye. It was a beautiful villa designed to look like an old-style Japanese temple, with serene gardens and elegant architecture.

"This one," I said, pointing to the screen. "I want to see this one."

Lisa's eyes widened with surprise. "This is one of our most expensive properties," she said. "Are you sure?"

I nodded, my heart pounding with excitement. "Yes, I'm sure."

Lisa smiled and gathered her things. "All right, let's go take a look."

As we drove to the property, I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nerves. The jade bead's warmth provided a steadying influence, reminding me that I was taking control of my life. When we arrived, the sight of the villa took my breath away. It was even more beautiful in person, the elegant lines and serene gardens creating a sense of peace and tranquility.

Lisa led me through the property, showing me the spacious rooms and beautiful views. I could already picture myself living here, free from the constant abuse and derision of Brenda and Eleanor. When we finished the tour, I turned to Lisa, my heart pounding with determination.

"I'll take it," I said.

Lisa's eyes widened with surprise. "Are you sure? This property is six million dollars."

"I have the money," I said, my voice steady. "Let's do it."

As we returned to the office, Clara spotted us and walked over, her eyes narrowing with suspicion. "What's going on here?" she demanded.

"David wants to purchase the temple villa," Lisa said, her voice calm and professional.

Clara's eyes widened with shock, then narrowed with anger. "You think you can afford that? Don't make me laugh. You're just a worthless son-in-law. You couldn't possibly have that kind of money."

I felt a surge of determination and looked Clara in the eye. "Would you like to make a bet?" I asked, my voice steady. "If I can purchase the property, you'll kneel down and call me father."

Clara's face turned red with fury, but she nodded. "Fine. But when you can't pay, you'll leave this office and never come back."

Lisa led me to the desk and began processing the transaction. As she ran my card, the room was filled with a tense silence. Finally, there was a ding, indicating the completion of the purchase.

I turned to Clara, my heart pounding. "Are you a woman of your word? Will you get down on your knees now, or will you need help?"

Clara's face contorted with rage, and she began screaming and throwing a temper tantrum. "This can't be! You're lying! This is impossible!"

Ignoring her outburst, I turned to Lisa and took the keys from her hand. "Thank you, Lisa," I said, my voice filled with gratitude. "You've been very helpful."

Lisa smiled, her eyes sparkling with admiration. "Congratulations, David. I hope you enjoy your new home."

I nodded and walked out of the real estate office, the keys to my new villa clutched tightly in my hand. My heart was pounding with excitement and disbelief. I had done it. I had taken control of my life and found a way to break free from the constant abuse and derision.

As I walked back to the villa, my mind raced with thoughts of what to do next. The money from the jadeite had given me the means to change my life, and now I had a place of my own, a sanctuary where I could start anew.

When I arrived at the villa, I quickly packed my few possessions, the weight of the keys in my pocket a constant reminder of the incredible turn of events. The jade bead's warmth provided a steadying influence, reminding me that I was on the right path.

Brenda and Eleanor were in the living room, their eyes fixed on their phones as usual. They barely glanced up as I walked in, their expressions one of boredom and disdain.

"I'm leaving," I said, my voice steady.

Brenda looked up, her eyes narrowing. "What are you talking about?"

"I've purchased a new home," I said, holding up the keys. "I'm moving out."

Eleanor's eyes widened with shock, then narrowed with anger. "You can't be serious. You think you can just walk out of here and leave us behind?"

I nodded, my heart pounding with determination. "Yes, I can. And I will."

Ignoring their protests and threats, I walked out of the villa for the last time, the weight of the keys and the jade bead a constant reminder of my newfound freedom. As I made my way to my new home, I felt a sense of liberation and hope.

The temple villa was even more beautiful than I remembered, its serene gardens and elegant architecture creating a sense of peace and tranquility. As I walked through the property, I felt a sense of calm wash over me.