Stephen crouched among the shards of the once elegant kettle, its ceramic pieces reflecting his fractured self-esteem. Marianne towered over him, her eyes alight with the fire of scorn.“You can’t even make a simple cup of tea without causing a disaster,” she sneered, her voice dripping with disdain. “What’s next, Stephen? Will you burn the house down trying to fry an egg?”Stephen’s hands trembled as he gathered the broken fragments, his silence a feeble shield against her barbs.“Look at you,” Marianne continued, her words like daggers. “Sitting at home all day, contributing nothing but mess and trouble. You’re not the man I married.”He wanted to defend himself, to tell her that he was trying, that the job market was tough, but the lump in his throat held his words captive.“Pathetic,” she spat out, turning away with a huff, leaving Stephen amidst the ruins of his pride and their kettle.Stephen's sigh melded with the clink of ceramic shards as he knelt on the unforgiving kitchen f
Stephen's confusion grew, but the old man simply laughed harder, turning on his heel and scampering away with surprising agility. Stephen watched him go, a frown creasing his brow. When he looked down, he noticed a flyer on the doormat. It was a job vacancy for a laundry man, the kind of position he had never considered before. He picked up the flyer, the paper rough against his injured hand. Maybe this was it, the opportunity he needed. Stephen let out a long sigh, a sound that carried the weight of his struggles and the flicker of newfound hope. He would apply for the job. Stephen walked back home, the night air cool on his face. He had a job now, and he couldn't wait to tell Marianne. But the house was dark; she wasn't there. He called her, once, twice, but no answer. Finally, she picked up. "Why are you calling so much?" Marianne's voice was sharp, annoyed. "I got a job, at a laundry place," Stephen said, trying to keep the happiness in his voice. She sighed loudly. "Goo
Stephen's head hung low, the weight of Victor's words and the laughter of the crowd crushing him. Just then, the door swung open, and in walked Marianne's parents with Mr. Lee, the family lawyer, in tow."Hope we're not interrupting anything," Marianne's father said, his eyes landing on Stephen with a look of disdain."Give him the papers," Marianne's mother instructed Mr. Lee with a wave of her hand."Papers? What papers?" Stephen's voice was barely a whisper, confusion etched on his face.Mr. Lee approached Stephen and handed him an envelope. With trembling hands, Stephen opened it to find divorce papers staring back at him."What's this? A divorce?" Stephen stammered, his heart sinking.Marianne stepped forward, her voice firm. "I can't do this anymore, Stephen. I won't be trapped in a hopeless marriage.""But... but why?" Stephen's voice broke."I'm marrying Victor," Marianne declared, her decision final.The room fell silent, the gravity of her words settling like dust after a st
Stephen's phone emitted a soft chime, signaling another notification from the enigmatic app. The screen came alive with text and a floating hologram.```**5G System Activation Complete**Welcome, Stephen.**Host Information:**- Name: Stephen- Surname: King- Status: PecuniaZero- Points: 0.5%**Current Mission:**- Objective: Disgrace In-Laws at Inauguration Event- Deadline: Tomorrow- Reward: Points Increase + Monetary Compensation- Failure Consequence: Termination of Host**Instructions:**1. Attend the inauguration event.2. Execute the plan discreetly.3. Avoid detection.**System Note:**- Maintain composure.- Utilize newfound resources strategically.- Remember, the system is monitoring progress.**Verification:**- Thumbprint: Verified- Facial Recognition: Verified- Account Balance: $500,000,000.05**Next Steps:**- Await further instructions via this system.- Prepare for the mission.- Good luck, Stephen.```The hologram displayed a detailed breakdown of Stephen's cu
The morning light filtered through the curtains, gently pulling Stephen from the depths of sleep. For a moment, he lay in the plush bed, the softness a stark contrast to the harsh reality of the previous day. Was it all a dream? The betrayal, the wealth, the system?He sat up, the luxurious room greeting him, confirming the truth of his new reality. His heart raced as he reached for his phone to check his bank balance. The screen lit up, showing $300 million remaining. Relief washed over him, but it was short-lived as the system's hologram flickered to life before him."Mission reminder," the hologram intoned, the countdown ticking ominously. "Location: Rio 5-star hotel inauguration today."The doorbell rang, snapping Stephen out of his trance. "Enter," he called.The hotel manager stepped in, a respectful nod in Stephen's direction. Behind him, caterers wheeled in a cart brimming with exotic foods, their scents wafting through the air."And this," the manager said, presenting a packa
Stephen's nod was small, but his eyes were alert. Above him, a screen lit up, counting down quickly. It seemed he was the only one who could see the numbers falling away. Time was running out for him to act. In the middle of the room, a man stepped onto the stage. It was time to open the new hotel. "We need your help," he said to the crowd. "Please, give what you can." All eyes turned to Mr. Harrington. He was famous for giving away big money, and today looked no different. Reporters and cameras crowded around him, waiting. Mr. Harrington stood tall, soaking in the attention. "My friends," he boomed, "I believe in this place." He paused, making sure everyone was listening. "And I will give $10 million to make it shine." The room burst into cheers, clapping filling the air. But the hotel owner had a surprise. "Wait," he said, and the room went quiet. "We have a new friend who just gave $25 million." The crowd whispered, "Who could it be?" Stephen, holding a glass of champagne
Stephen turned to leave, his voice carrying a final message. “I’ll be back soon,” he said, each word a promise. The room’s tension was palpable as he walked away, his steps unhurried, controlled. Outside, a few hotel security guards eyed him warily. Stephen ignored their curious glances, focusing on the satisfaction coursing through him. He had disgraced the Harringtons, and they were now left to face the consequences. The head security guard, a burly man with a stern face, handed Stephen his car key. “Here you go, sir.” “Thank you,” Stephen said, his voice steady. He approached his Rolls-Royce Boat Tail, the sleek car gleaming under the morning lights. Sliding into the driver’s seat, he took a moment to appreciate the luxury surrounding him. It was the opposite lifestyle to the way his in-laws had always seen him. As he started the engine, a sense of triumph settled over him. The car purred to life, and he drove through the hotel’s driveway, glancing once more at the buil
The next morning, the sun rose over King's Empire, casting a golden hue across the expansive land. Victor's sleek black SUV rolled through the gates, heading towards the grand white mansion nestled amidst the greenery. Marianne sat beside him, her excitement barely contained. "Isn't it magnificent?" she said, gazing out at the vast acre of land, known for its rich gold mines. "I can't believe this will all be ours." Victor smiled, his grip on the steering wheel firm. "It's been a long time coming, but today, it's finally happening." As they approached the mansion, workers in the fields paused to wave at the passing car. Marianne waved back, her mind already racing with plans for their future. "Victor, I was thinking we could host a huge celebration here. Invite everyone important. Show them what we have." Victor nodded. "Of course. This place deserves to be shown off." The SUV came to a stop in front of the mansion, and a valet hurried over to open the doors. Marianne step
Stephen sat in the corner of a dimly lit café, staring out the window. He had sat there for hours, sipping cold coffee and watching the rain trickle down the glass. The café wasn't crowded-just a few people scattered about, lost in their conversations. His foot tapped impatiently under the table. Enoch was late. Very late. The waiter had been by twice, offering Stephen polite smiles, asking if he needed anything else. Each time, he waved him off, too intent on what was to come. His mind was reeling, questions, doubts, and a growing sense of frustration building inside him. Enoch was never this late. The doorbell above the entrance jingled, and Stephen looked up. His heart stopped at the sight of Enoch stepping inside, shaking rain from his coat. He glanced briefly around the room before his eyes fell upon Stephen, and he hastened to him, an apologetic smile on his face. "Sorry to have kept you waiting," Enoch said, reaching for the chair opposite of Stephen. Stephen did not sa
Stephen sat in the corner of a dimly lit café, staring out the window. He had sat there for hours, sipping cold coffee and watching the rain trickle down the glass. The café wasn't crowded-just a few people scattered about, lost in their conversations. His foot tapped impatiently under the table. Enoch was late. Very late. The waiter had been by twice, offering Stephen polite smiles, asking if he needed anything else. Each time, he waved him off, too intent on what was to come. His mind was reeling, questions, doubts, and a growing sense of frustration building inside him. Enoch was never this late. The doorbell above the entrance jingled, and Stephen looked up. His heart stopped at the sight of Enoch stepping inside, shaking rain from his coat. He glanced briefly around the room before his eyes fell upon Stephen, and he hastened to him, an apologetic smile on his face. "Sorry to have kept you waiting," Enoch said, reaching for the chair opposite of Stephen. Stephen did not say an
Stephen sat in the corner of a dimly lit café, staring out the window. He had sat there for hours, sipping cold coffee and watching the rain trickle down the glass. The café wasn't crowded-just a few people scattered about, lost in their conversations. His foot tapped impatiently under the table. Enoch was late. Very late. The waiter had been by twice, offering Stephen polite smiles, asking if he needed anything else. Each time, he waved him off, too intent on what was to come. His mind was reeling, questions, doubts, and a growing sense of frustration building inside him. Enoch was never this late. The doorbell above the entrance jingled, and Stephen looked up. His heart stopped at the sight of Enoch stepping inside, shaking rain from his coat. He glanced briefly around the room before his eyes fell upon Stephen, and he hastened to him, an apologetic smile on his face. "Sorry to have kept you waiting," Enoch said, reaching for the chair opposite of Stephen. Stephen did not say an
Stephen sat in the corner of a dimly lit café, staring out the window. He had sat there for hours, sipping cold coffee and watching the rain trickle down the glass. The café wasn't crowded-just a few people scattered about, lost in their conversations. His foot tapped impatiently under the table. Enoch was late. Very late.The waiter had been by twice, offering Stephen polite smiles, asking if he needed anything else. Each time, he waved him off, too intent on what was to come. His mind was reeling, questions, doubts, and a growing sense of frustration building inside him. Enoch was never this late.The doorbell above the entrance jingled, and Stephen looked up. His heart stopped at the sight of Enoch stepping inside, shaking rain from his coat. He glanced briefly around the room before his eyes fell upon Stephen, and he hastened to him, an apologetic smile on his face."Sorry to have kept you waiting," Enoch said, reaching for the chair opposite of Stephen.Stephen did not say anythi
Stephen stood by the door, watching as Victor’s car grew smaller in the distance. The rumble of the engine slowly faded, leaving nothing but the usual quiet that hung around the small neighborhood. He let out a breath, resting his hand on the doorframe. The last two months had been tough—tougher than he ever imagined.Without the system—the network of contacts and favors that once made his life easy—Stephen had to figure out a way to survive on his own. And it wasn’t glamorous. Every day was a grind, a constant scramble for enough money to cover the basics. Work wasn’t easy to come by, not when you’d burned as many bridges as he had. But he’d managed to find some odd jobs here and there—just enough to scrape by, though never enough to truly get ahead.He closed the door softly, the sound echoing through the small room. Glancing around the cramped space, he couldn’t help but think of the penthouse he once called home. The stark difference between his old life and this one weighed on hi
Stephen stood in the door and watched as Victor's car dwindled to a dot on the horizon. The rumble of the motor died out, leaving only the silent night air hovering over the little neighborhood. He exhaled a breath, his hand falling to rest on the doorframe. The last two months had been rough-tougher than he ever imagined.No system to fall back on now-the network of contacts and favors that oiled his life-Stephen was forced to scrounge some means of survival for himself. Not quite glamorous, the daily fight, the eternal hustle just for the real basics. Jobs were not easy to find, not when one had burned bridges as he had. But he'd been able to find odd jobs here and there, enough just to scrape by, never enough to get any further ahead.He closed the door behind him with a quiet click. The softness echoed inside the tiny room. Glancing around at the cramped quarters, his mind strayed to the penthouse he once called home. The stark dissimilarities between where his life used to be and
Two months later, Victor stared at the address on his phone, then at the small, run-down building in front of him. It didn’t look like a place Stephen would be living. The paint was peeling off the walls, and the grass in front was overgrown. This was far from the sleek, modern apartment Stephen used to own.Victor killed the engine, stepped out of his car, and walked toward the house. It was a self-contained unit—cheap, cramped, and barely enough for one person. He checked the address again. Room number 9. It matched. Still, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off.When he reached room 9, he knocked hard. The wood felt thin under his knuckles, like the door could break if he wasn’t careful. He knocked again, louder this time.After a moment, the door creaked open. Victor’s eyebrows shot up. Standing in front of him was Stephen, but he was almost unrecognizable. His hair was longer, his face covered with a scruffy beard, and he’d gained weight—his old sharp features now s
Standing beside Ariane's bed, his mind was spinning as he stared down at the screen of the system on his phone. His fingers trembling, he hit the icon for healing skills. He muttered under his breath, "Why can't this work on her? Why can't I save her?The system kept mum-no explanation, no solution. The shallow breathing of his daughter echoed in the room; every weak breath made him helpless. Stephen swallowed hard as his throat went dry. He could fix deals, he could manipulate numbers, but here in this hospital room, he was powerless.The door creaked open, and Stephen turned to see Enoch step in. Gone was Enoch's usual smug expression, replaced with a concerned frown. "What are you doing here?" Stephen's voice was low, edged with suspicion.Enoch shrugged, glancing over at Ariane. "Heard she was sick, so I decided to come by. How's she doing?"Stephen stared at him for a long moment, unsure of how to reply. His mind flashed back to his earlier doubts. Ariane wasn't his daughter, at
Stephen sat cross-legged on a soft mat, his eyes closed to focus on the calm voice of the guru. The air around him was scented with burning incense; a low hum of chanting echoed softly from the walls. He had called in the guru in a last-ditch effort to clear his mind, escape the relentless pull of the system. It had started to devour him, bit by bit, till it was all he could think of, all he could perceive.He was losing his grip, and he knew it.The guru's voice came, calm: "Breathe in. breathe out. let your thoughts flow like water. Do not cling to them."Stephen sucked in an enormous breath, then let it slowly out again, as if to expel everything at the same time: the market crash, the system, the deals that went right past him. The tension between him and Enoch was endless. He'd gotten pulled into something so much bigger than he was that he couldn't possibly control it himself, and however hard Stephen fought his way free of it, he felt ensnared.Then, though, as his breathing st