Alexander completed the purchase of the cars, but instead of taking them immediately, he handed instructions to the dealership.
"I’ll send you the delivery address later. For now, I’ll leave without the cars," he said with a casual nod.
"Of course, sir. We’ll await your instructions," the salesperson replied, bowing slightly out of respect.
Exiting the dealership, Alexander paused. He admired the quiet streets of the upscale neighbourhood but knew there was one essential task left—finding a home spacious enough to accommodate his new lifestyle. He ordered another Uber without hesitation.
“Marxist Homes,” he told the driver.
“Yes, sir!” the driver confirmed, pulling away from the curb.
Marxist Homes was synonymous with prestige, a real estate company catering exclusively to the rich. Owning a property from them was a mark of status, a silent declaration of one’s financial power. The mere mention of their name commanded respect.
At their luxurious office, Alexander was greeted by Mr. Drones, the real estate manager, who wasted no time presenting an impressive portfolio.
"This particular home is listed for $100 million," Mr. Drones explained, sliding a tablet across the polished desk.
Alexander leaned forward, his eyes scanning the high-resolution images. The mansion was breathtaking—modern architecture surrounded by manicured gardens, with a private pool glistening under the sunlight.
“I like this one. Can we go check it out now?” Alexander asked, already visualising himself and Zoe in the space.
“Certainly, Mr. Alexander. Follow me,” Mr. Drones replied, grabbing his car keys.
The drive to the estate was picturesque. Palm trees lined the streets, their swaying fronds giving the area an almost regal ambiance. When they arrived at the mansion, Alexander stepped out of the car and took in the sight before him. It was even more stunning in person.
“I’ll take it,” Alexander declared without hesitation. “Send me your account details so I can make the transfer immediately.”
Within minutes, the transaction was complete, and the keys to the mansion were in Alexander's hands. As he walked into his new home, a sense of pride and accomplishment washed over him. He texted the dealership his new address, ensuring his luxury cars would be delivered by evening.
***
The next morning, Alexander walked into the hospital dressed sharply in a tailored suit. His polished leather shoes echoed through the hallways as he made his way to Zoe’s room.
“Dad?” Zoe’s voice trembled with disbelief. She could hardly recognise him. The man standing before her was a far cry from the struggling father she had known.
“Is that really you, Dad?” She repeated, blinking rapidly.
Alexander smiled warmly and approached her bedside. “It’s me, sweetheart.”
Zoe’s eyes sparkled as she jumped off the bed and ran into his arms. “I love you, Dad,” she whispered, hugging him tightly.
“I love you too, my little princess,” Alexander replied, kneeling to her level and running his fingers through her hair. “Let’s go home.”
Hand in hand, they left the hospital. When Zoe saw the sleek, black Mercedes-Benz waiting outside, she froze.
“This is… ours?” She stammered, her small hands covering her mouth in awe.
Alexander grinned. “Let’s go home, and I’ll explain everything,” he said, opening the door with a flourish.
The ride to their new house was filled with Zoe’s gasps and giggles as she took in the car’s luxurious interior. But her biggest surprise came when they arrived at the mansion. She stood frozen at the gates, her jaw dropping in amazement.
“Dad…what happened?” She asked, her voice a mixture of wonder and confusion.
Alexander crouched beside her, placing a hand on her shoulder. “Daddy made an investment a while back. It just paid off,” he explained, though he knew the concept of investments was beyond her understanding.
“Investments are when you put money in and get more back, right?” Zoe asked, tilting her head.
“That’s right,” Alexander replied with a proud smile. “Now, let’s go inside.”
Inside, Zoe’s excitement bubbled over as she explored every corner of the house. Her laughter echoed through the halls as she discovered the massive living room, the sparkling kitchen, and her very own bedroom, complete with a princess-themed bed.
“This is the best day of my life, Dad!” she exclaimed, throwing her arms around him.
---
Later that evening, as Alexander settled into his new home, his phone buzzed on the dining table. He picked it up and saw an email notification.
Subject: Custody Lawsuit Notice
From: Benjamin Clarke, Attorney at LawAlexander opened the email calmly, his expression unreadable. The attached document was a formal lawsuit from Jeruel, seeking full custody of Zoe. He scrolled through the details without so much as a flicker of emotion, his focus razor-sharp.
“So, it’s court now,” he muttered, placing the phone back on the table with deliberate slowness.
He glanced toward the living room, where Zoe was giggling and stacking blocks into a precarious tower. A faint smile tugged at his lips, but it vanished just as quickly.
His phone buzzed again. This time, it was Jeruel calling.
Alexander picked up without hesitation.
“You’re unbelievable, Alexander!” Jeruel’s voice cut through the line like a whip. “Do you really think you’re capable of giving Zoe the life she deserves?”
“She’s my daughter,” Alexander replied, his voice calm but firm.
“Your daughter?” Jeruel sneered. “You know very well she’s not yours. Stop pretending, Alexander, and give me back my daughter, you thief!”
Alexander leaned back in his chair, his tone controlled but cutting. “It’s not my fault you cheated while we were married, Jeruel. You slept with someone else, and yet this child bears my name. She’s as much my daughter as yours, and I won’t let you destroy her life just because of your mistakes.”
Jeruel’s laugh was sharp and cold. “Keep justifying it however you like, Alexander. Zoe is my daughter—my blood. And the court will side with me.”
“She’s happy with me,” Alexander countered, his voice dropping to a dangerous low. “And I’ll do everything in my power to keep it that way. You can try all you want, but you’re not taking her from me.”
“Keep dreaming,” Jeruel snapped. “We’ll see what the court thinks of your little act.” She hung up abruptly.
Alexander placed the phone back on the table, his face calm but his jaw set in determination.
He glanced again at Zoe, her innocent laughter filling the room as she carefully placed the final block on her tower.
“She’s my daughter,” Alexander said quietly, his voice laced with steely resolve. “And I’ll fight for her until the end.”
A sharp slap stung Alexander’s cheek, but he didn’t flinch. He had learned not to.“Don’t look me in the eyes when I’m talking to you,” Jeruel spat, her voice like ice. Her glare pinned him in place, daring him to defy her.Alexander dropped his gaze, his jaw tightening. His mind screamed to fight back, to say something, but he swallowed it down like he always did. Words only made things worse. He bent to gather the pile of laundry she’d thrown at his feet, moving slowly as though careful not to provoke her further.“You’re pathetic,” Jeruel added, her tone low but cutting. She stood there for a moment, her arms crossed, watching him with a sneer that made his skin crawl. Then, as if the sight of him bored her, she turned and walked away, her heels tapping against the floor.Alexander exhaled softly, his hands trembling as he clutched the clothes. He didn’t dare look up until he heard the slam of the bedroom door. Even then, he hesitated, waiting for the echo to fade before moving.Th
Jeruel arrived at the hospital drenched in sweat, her chest heaving. She had sprinted furiously, her heels clacking on the pavement, refusing to wait for a taxi. Jack had pulled up beside her halfway, the sleek hum of his car cutting through the quiet of the night. Without a word, she had jumped in, and together they sped toward the hospital. Her mind raced with every passing second.Inside the hospital, Jeruel pushed through the automatic doors, her sharp gaze darting across the waiting room. Fluorescent lights flickered overhead, casting a sterile glow on the gray walls. She spotted Alexander slouched in a chair by the secretary’s desk, his head bowed, his shoulders hunched. He looked up as she entered, his eyes tired and red-rimmed.“Jeruel,” Alexander said, standing quickly. His voice trembled with urgency. “I—”She didn’t let him finish. Her gaze dropped to Jack, who had followed closely behind her. Alexander’s eyes widened, lingering on the stranger, his confusion momentarily ec
Alexander spent the night slumped in a stiff hospital chair, his body aching and his mind refusing rest. He stared at the tiled floor, the hum of hospital machines filling the quiet around him. Even as the clock ticked past midnight, his thoughts raced. He wasn’t welcome back at the house; Jeruel had made that clear with her actions. But he couldn’t focus on that humiliation now.His daughter, Zoe, was the reason he stayed. The thought of her small body fighting for breath haunted him. He had failed her, and the guilt pressed down on him like a weight.But beneath the guilt, something stirred. A spark of determination. He wasn’t going to let Jeruel and her family take Zoe from him. He had lost everything once before—his business, his pride—but this? This was a battle he couldn’t afford to lose.At the break of dawn, Alexander stood, his back stiff and his face drawn. He decided his first step: he needed a way to fight back. Money was power in Jeruel’s world, and it was the only weapon
Alexander stood in front of the bathroom mirror, a new man. The once-dull eyes that had been haunted by fear, regret, and humiliation now gleamed with a quiet confidence. The mirror reflected a transformation he hadn't anticipated—a transformation that wasn’t just physical but emotional.The past few years had been spent in the shadows of Jeruel and her family, beaten down by their neglect and scorn. But now? Now, things were different. His phone, vibrating with the buzz of new possibilities, was a reminder of that.He took a deep breath, steadying himself. There were important things to do. First, check on Zoe, his daughter—the only one who mattered in this chaotic mess. Then, he’d pay off the hospital bill. That was a priority. And finally, the divorce papers. He couldn’t delay signing them any longer, but he was ready. After all, the woman who had torn him down had no hold over him now.In the hotel room, Alexander sat on the edge of the bed, the weight of his newfound wealth sinki
As Jack arrived at the doctor’s office, a sense of pride settled over him. His expensive shoes clicked sharply on the hospital's polished floors, a subtle reminder of the power he wielded. With a forced smile, he extended his hand to the doctor, who hesitated for only a moment before shaking it."Good morning, Doctor," Jack said smoothly, leaning against the doorframe as he surveyed the modest office. The walls, though professional, lacked the grandeur Jack was used to. It was fine, nothing spectacular, but certainly not a reflection of the quality he expected.The doctor, still unsure of who Jack was, gave a polite nod, recognizing his outward confidence. “Hello, sir. Can I help you?” He had no idea why Jack was here, but given the man's apparent wealth and stature, the doctor wanted to remain courteous.Jack smirked, sitting down comfortably in the chair across from the doctor’s desk. He looked around the room, his eyes lingering on small details, his posture relaxed yet proud, as i
As Jack stood there, watching the doctor waver, he felt a rush of satisfaction. The man’s hesitation was palpable—fear flickered behind his eyes, caught between the threat of Alexander’s legal action and the undeniable allure of Jack’s money. Jack knew which choice would win out. Who would really believe this “Mr. Poor Alexander” could take legal action?Jack’s lips curled into a sly, almost cruel smirk. He leaned forward slightly, his voice laced with mockery. “Doctor, are you actually afraid? Or is it just the thrill of watching ‘Mr. Poor Alexander’ play dress-up in a thrift store suit?” His words sliced through the air, calculated and precise.The insult hung between them, sharp and stinging. Alexander felt the old instinct to retaliate rising in his chest. He wanted to lash out, to let the anger flood him. But he held it back, his breathing steady, his mind clear. This was not the time.Years of humiliation and betrayals had sculpted him into something different—someone who had le
Alexander’s words were venomous, each one slicing through the tense silence like a blade. He watched Jeruel’s eyes widen in shock as she snatched the phone from the doctor’s hand. Her face drained of color, her trembling hands barely able to hold the device. The truth was sinking in, and there was nothing she could do to stop it. In that fleeting moment, Alexander saw the weight of realization hit her—there were no accusations, no sharp retorts, just the suffocating silence of someone caught off guard.The room held its breath, the silence almost unbearable, until Jeruel’s phone beeped—a sound that broke the stillness with unsettling finality. She hastily glanced at the notification, her face falling further into disbelief as she read the message.Daniella, one of Jeruel’s closest friends, had been at the bank the day Alexander went to apply for the loan. She’d seen him leave the loan officer’s office, and now the truth was staring Jeruel in the face, undeniable.“I think Alexander go
(Flashback to 6 Years Ago)Alexander’s hands trembled, his heart racing as he stared at the phone in his hand. Beads of sweat dotted his forehead, and despite being in the comfort of his own home, there was no air cool enough to ease the suffocating feeling in his chest. His eyes were fixed on the recent news update: “Sheet Coins will not be launching.”The news hit him like a ton of bricks. He had bet everything on this cryptocurrency, pouring in all his hopes after the devastation of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) had decimated his farm. His livelihood, his future, had crumbled to dust with his livestock, and now this investment had been his final shot at rebuilding—his last thread of hope.Now, that hope was gone. What was he supposed to do now? How could he tell Jeruel that he had gambled their entire life savings on a failed crypto launch?His chest tightened as panic surged through him. This was a disaster. How could he explain this to her? Jeruel, his wife, had trusted him. She h