A Rise to the Throne

Chapter 6: Poor to Master.

Adonis rose early that morning, preparing himself for work. As he stepped into the kitchen, his eyes widened at the sight before him—the dining table was already cluttered with an array of food.

Puzzled, he pondered, "What could be going on here?" Confusion swirled in his mind as he tried to make sense of the unexpected display.

Soon, Adonis noticed Harriet slowly approaching him, adorned in her apron, and a gentle smile gracing her face. She reached out, seemingly intending to embrace him, but his eyes shot her a piercing, icy glare.

"Don't," he uttered sharply, his voice carrying an air of unresolved anger.

"Sorry, darling. Are you still upset about what happened yesterday?" Harriet inquired, hoping for some form of acknowledgment, but he remained silent, withholding any response.

Adonis continued to observe her as she made her way to the dining table and unveiled the meal she had prepared. Despite its enticing appearance, coming from her, it felt like a foul stench emanating from the depths of hell. He wished he could overturn the entire spread, spilling every morsel onto the floor.

"Your food is ready," she announced, turning her attention back to him. However, he merely scoffed at her, his glare refusing to waver.

His gaze shifted between her and the meal before him, realizing that it was nothing more than a feeble attempt to appease him. It was the same old Harriet he had always known, trying to manipulate the situation with her gestures.

Taking that meal, no matter how cunning and deceitful, would only serve to make him appear foolish and nothing more.

"I never told you I was hungry, so keep your meal to yourself," he retorted, his eyes reflecting his deep disdain for her. With his emotions consuming him, he gradually exited her place, his heart heavy with animosity.

As he reached his car, he took a long, calming breath and opened the door.

"Please, don't give me a headache today. I'm in no mood to deal with your mess," he muttered aloud, as if addressing the vehicle itself.

Turning the key in the ignition, the car obediently roared to life, as if aware of the predicament he found himself in. The drive to his workplace was somber, and in no time, he arrived at the bustling headquarters.

Upon entering, he was greeted by a vibrant atmosphere, which felt odd considering he had left home early for work.

"This can't be a mere coincidence. There's more to it, and I must uncover the truth," he whispered to himself, determined to unravel the mystery.

From a distance, he spotted his boss approaching, exuding an unusual level of energy.

Their eyes met, and Adonis's face contorted into a cold, piercing glare.

"You always manage to stand out... Just look at everyone else, so well put-together until your hefty presence disrupts the harmony," he retorted, but Adonis chose to ignore the venomous words, instead extending a courteous greeting to his superior.

"Good morning, sir," he offered.

"Considering your disheveled state, there's nothing good about this morning," his boss sneered. "Oh, and let me inform you, we have a new investor visiting the company today. You better compose yourself and be prepared for the board meeting in just an hour. And please, try to restrain those unruly shoes of yours, unless you want him to think we employ madmen here," his boss added before striding away.

Adonis took a deep breath, lifting his feet off the floor before making his way to his office. Collapsing into his chair, he reflected on the recent events in his life. Strangely, an unshakable feeling gnawed at him, foretelling impending misfortune.

Adonis vigilantly monitored his wristwatch to ensure he wouldn't be late for the crucial board meeting. Opening his computer, he attempted to focus on some work beforehand, but his trembling hands betrayed his anxiety. Frustrated, he powered off the computer.

"I don't think I'll be able to accomplish anything meaningful," he muttered to himself, acknowledging his state of unease.

The sound of his wristwatch beeping signaled that it was time for the board meeting. Adonis rose from his chair, running his fingers through his hair. He felt a tinge of nervousness as he made his way outside.

As he walked, he caught sight of a heavily guarded man brushing past him, emanating a familiar aura. Despite recognizing the body structure, Adonis couldn't see his face, leaving him unable to identify the person.

Arriving at the venue for the event, Adonis locked eyes with his boss, who wore a seemingly genuine smile. Hoping to blend into the background, he attempted to hide behind a coworker, but received a stern glare in response.

"Hey! Don't you dare let that smelly self of yours rub off on me," his coworker fired back at Adonis.

"But... I was just standing be..." Adonis wanted to retaliate, but his boss intervened, cutting him off.

"Everyone, behave yourselves. He'll be here any minute. And you, with your stupid self, try acting like a decent human being for once. Understand?" His boss directed his words at Adonis, leaving him no choice but to nod in agreement. With a heavy sigh, Adonis prepared himself for what lay ahead.

The investor soon entered the hall, dressed in a well-tailored charcoal gray suit that exuded an air of authority. His crisp white shirt contrasted sharply against the dark fabric, emphasizing his impeccable attention to detail. A deep red tie adorned his collar, adding a touch of sophistication to his ensemble.

However, what drew immediate attention was the bruising evident on the investor's face. Faint shades of purples and blues marred his otherwise polished appearance, serving as a stark reminder of the altercation with Adonis during their previous encounter. The marks, though fading, hinted at the intensity of the confrontation and betrayed the lingering effects of the altercation.

Despite the bruises, the investor maintained a stern expression, his eyes cold and piercing, as if he carried the weight of his experiences with him. His demeanor exuded a combination of power, skepticism, and a hint of curiosity, suggesting that he was not one to be easily swayed or deceived.

As soon as Adonis caught a glimpse of his face, his heart seemed to skip a beat. "No, not him. No, no, no, anyone else but him. Oh my God, I can't even bear to face him any longer, this is a disaster," he lamented silently. It was the same man he had encountered with Harriet the previous night, the one he had fought and left visible marks on his face. Adonis's legs began to tremble uncontrollably, and he felt a surge of anxiety overwhelming him.

"We are delighted to have you in our company, sir," Adonis's boss addressed the stranger.

"Can't you just remain hidden in your shell?" one of Adonis’ co-workers bellowed at him for leaning into him a bit. Adonis took a deep breath, desperately trying to make sure that the investor’s attention was away from him as much as possible.

"I believe I should greet your employees now too and get to meet them," the stranger turn investor declared, causing Adonis's heart to race with anticipation.

Approaching the employees, their eyes immediately locked, and the memories of the previous night flooded Adonis's mind. The investor growled at him, sending shivers down his spine as fear consumed him. “You!” He yelled at Adonis.

"I... I..." Adonis tried to speak, but his voice failed him, leaving him incapable of uttering a single word. He observed the man closely, witnessing the hatred and anger pulsating in his chest.

The investor's words struck him like a dagger, "I cannot invest my money in a company that harbors foolish individuals like you," the investor exclaimed, abruptly turning to leave, trailed closely by Adonis's boss.

"Sir... Sir," Adonis attempted to intervene, but his pleas fell on deaf ears as the investor, accompanied by his entourage of security personnel, departed from the premises.

Adonis found himself the center of attention in the hall, a sinking feeling of fear consuming him. All eyes seemed to be fixed upon him, casting judgment and disdain in his direction.

"It’s the Dumbo of course, it's no surprise he brings nothing but bad luck," a voice sneered from the group of workers, further amplifying Adonis's sense of despair.

His boss, fueled by anger, approached Adonis with a fiery gaze. The intensity in his eyes reflected disappointment and frustration. "Adonis, what trouble have you caused this time?" he bellowed, demanding an explanation. But Adonis, overwhelmed by the weight of the situation, could only offer silence in response.

Slowly, Adonis retreated to his office, his steps heavy with a mix of defeat and sorrow. As he sat down, the tears threatened to spill from the corners of his eyes, yet he fought to keep them at bay.

Moments later, the door swung open abruptly, jolting Adonis from his thoughts. Startled, he turned to face the intruder, anticipating the worst. It was his boss, bearing news that would shatter Adonis's world.

"Sir...," Adonis attempted to speak, but his boss would not grant him a moment to express himself.

"Collect your belongings immediately, you're fired," his boss declared, delivering the crushing blow. Adonis's eyes widened in shock, unable to comprehend the sudden turn of events.

"But what have I done to deserve this?" Adonis pleaded, his voice tinged with disbelief.

"The investor has made it clear that he won't partner with us unless you're removed. My hands are tied, and I can't say I'm sorry, cos honestly, I am not. I have had enough of you!" his boss responded coldly before storming out of the office, leaving Adonis to grapple with the harsh reality of his termination.

Adonis delicately wiped away the sweat that adorned his forehead, packing his belongings off the table with a heavy heart. Each item seemed to carry memories of a life he now questioned. How had it all come to this? The fault lay with Harriet, his ill-fated choice of a partner. Regret coursed through him, fueling thoughts of divorce and severing the ties that bound them.

"I should have never stayed with her. It's time to ask for those divorce papers," he whispered to himself, resolute in his decision to pursue legal means once he left the office.

Silently, Adonis made his way to his car, evading the prying gazes that seemed to pierce his wounded soul. His heart raced as he drove down the familiar roads, the tears flowing relentlessly, uncontrolled. "My life is a never-ending vortex of despair," he murmured, the weight of his circumstances crushing his spirit.

As he continued driving, a sudden malfunction struck. His brakes failed, plunging him into panic and desperation. Adonis fought to regain control, but the car continued its unyielding course."Oh God, please save me," he cried out repeatedly, the desperation in his voice echoing into the void. And then, in an instant, his world collided with a tree, the impact shattering his consciousness. Time became a blur, swirling between fleeting seconds, elongated minutes, stretched hours, and suspended days.

When Adonis finally awoke, he found himself in an ethereal room, adorned with beauty beyond imagination. The soft embrace of the bed cradled him, momentarily offering solace. However, as he attempted to rise, he felt a sharp pain emanating from his neck, forcing him to recoil.

"Ouch!" he cried out, his voice laced with anguish.

The door swung open, and a woman gracefully entered the room, her presence captivating. Concern etched upon her face, she approached him with gentle steps. "Master, are you alright? Do you require anything?" she inquired, her voice carrying a soothing melody. Adonis could only stare at her, confusion clouding his mind like a dense fog.

"Master? Me?" The word reverberated within his consciousness, casting ripples of bewilderment.