Three

chapter 3-

Matthew stood in the middle of the deserted street, the weight of the world pressing down on his shoulders. The message on his phone still glowed ominously in the darkness, reminding him of the surreal turn his life had taken. But as the cold night air settled around him, his thoughts were interrupted by the sudden sound of a car engine approaching.

A sleek black sedan pulled up beside him, its headlights cutting through the night. The door swung open, and out stepped a woman who carried herself with an air of elegance and authority. Her presence was commanding, and Matthew couldn’t help but feel a sense of familiarity as she walked toward him.

"Matthew," she called out, her voice warm yet firm. "It’s been a long time, hasn’t it?"

Matthew’s brow furrowed in confusion. "Who are you?" he asked, his voice laced with suspicion and a hint of curiosity.

The woman smiled softly, her eyes filled with a mixture of affection and something deeper—regret, perhaps. "I’m your mother, Matthew. I know it’s been years since we last saw each other, but I’ve never stopped thinking about you."

His breath caught in his throat as her words sank in. "Mother?" He hadn’t seen or heard from her in so long that the concept of her reappearing now seemed almost impossible. "Why now? Why after all these years?"

She stepped closer, her expression softening as she placed a hand on his arm. "Your father and I had our reasons for staying away, for keeping our distance. But I’m here to tell you that your exile—our exile—is over. You’re not just an ordinary man, Matthew. You’re part of one of the richest and most powerful families in the world."

Matthew stared at her, his mind reeling. Everything he thought he knew about his life, about who he was, suddenly seemed like a lie. "Rich? Powerful? What are you talking about?"

His mother smiled, reaching into her purse and pulling out a sleek black card. "The money you received earlier—that’s just pocket money, something I sent as a wedding gift. But since you’ve wisely decided to leave that greedy girl behind, it’s yours to use as you see fit. There’s so much more waiting for you, Matthew. You’ll get everything you’ve ever wanted and more. And, I’m sure, you’ll find a better girl, one who appreciates you for who you are."

She gestured toward the car, and a second figure emerged from the back seat—a tall, poised woman dressed in a sharp business suit. Her presence exuded professionalism and competence, and Matthew couldn’t help but feel a sense of respect as she approached.

"This is Miss Lexi," his mother continued. "She’s the director of one of our family’s most important companies. She’ll be your guide, your mentor as you prepare to take over the business. The company is yours to lead, Matthew, and Lexi will ensure you’re ready for the responsibility."

Lexi extended her hand, her smile polite yet genuine. "It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Donovan. I’ve heard a lot about you, and I’m looking forward to working together."

Matthew shook her hand, still in shock from the whirlwind of revelations. "I… I don’t know what to say."

His mother’s smile widened. "There’s no need to say anything right now. Just know that we’re here for you, and we’re ready to help you step into your rightful place. You’ve been through a lot, Matthew, but the worst is behind you. Now, it’s time for you to claim the life that’s always been yours."

With that, she turned and walked back to the car, leaving Matthew standing there, a thousand questions swirling in his mind. As the sedan’s engine purred to life, his mother leaned out of the window one last time. "Take your time, Matthew. Lexi will be in touch tomorrow to start your training. And remember, you’re not alone anymore."

The car sped off into the night, leaving Matthew with a mixture of emotions—relief, excitement, but also an underlying sense of unease. He had just learned that his life was far more complex than he ever imagined, and with that knowledge came the realization that his past, his struggles, were just the beginning.

As he stood there, trying to make sense of everything, his phone buzzed in his hand, pulling him back to the present. It was a message from Yvonne, Rachel’s friend—the one who had defended him earlier.

"Matthew, I got your message. I’m glad you’re okay. We can meet tomorrow, just let me know when and where."

Matthew’s mind raced as he typed out a quick reply.

"Let’s meet tomorrow morning at the café by the park. I have something important to tell you."

He hit send and slipped the phone back into his pocket, his thoughts now focused on what lay ahead. Yvonne had always been a good friend, but now, he couldn’t help but wonder if there was more to their connection. Perhaps she could be the one to help him navigate this new world he had been thrust into.

As he turned to leave, his mind racing with possibilities, a sudden thought struck him—his grandfather. His mother had mentioned the family, but not once had she spoken of the man who had been a looming presence in his life, even from a distance.

Could he still be alive? And if so, what role would he play in Matthew’s future?

With that final question hanging in the air, Matthew walked off into the night, determined to uncover the truth about his family—and himself.