From Ashes to Eminence

Chapter 1. Abandoned

Ethan trudged through the dimly lit streets, his worn shoes scraping against the pavement. Another long night as a guard for the wealthy Richardson family had taken its toll. He couldn't wait to get home, collapse onto the couch, and forget the world.

As he turned the corner onto his street, the faint cry of his three-month-old daughter, Emily, pierced the night air. Ethan's heart quickened. Something was off. Sarah, his wife, usually kept Emily calm and quiet.

He hastened his pace, keys jingling in his pocket. The one-room apartment complex came into view, and Ethan's anxiety grew. He unlocked the door and pushed it open.

"Sarah?" Ethan called out, but only Emily's wails responded.

The small apartment was dimly lit, the single window shaded by a tattered curtain. Ethan's gaze swept the room, taking in the messy space. Sarah's belongings were scattered about, but she was nowhere to be seen.

Ethan rushed to Emily's crib, lifting her into his arms. She calmed slightly, nuzzling her head into his chest.

"Hey, little one, it's okay. Daddy's here," Ethan whispered, trying to soothe her.

As he rocked Emily, his eyes drifted to the wooden table. A piece of paper caught his attention – a letter, addressed to him.

Ethan's heart sank. He knew that look, that tone. It was the same one Sarah had used when she'd threatened to leave before.

With a heavy sigh, Ethan sat down, Emily still in his arms, and began to read:

"Ethan,

I'm sorry. I just can't do this anymore. I thought we could make it work, but it's too hard. We're struggling, and I don't see a future for us. I've tried to hold on, but I just can't.

Please take care of Emily. She deserves better than what we have.

Sarah"

The words stung, like a slap to the face. Ethan's vision blurred as he read the letter again, hoping to find some hidden message, some glimmer of hope.

But there was none.

Emily, sensing her father's distress, began to cry once more. Ethan held her close, trying to comfort her, but his own heart was shattering.

How could Sarah leave? How could she abandon their daughter, their family?

The questions swirled in Ethan's mind as he sat there, numb, with Emily's tears mingling with his own.

He and Sarah were college sweethearts. They had met at their first year in college and it was love at first sight. Ethan came from a wealthy and powerful family: The Noah family. Although he was an illegitimate child, he wasn't treated as such.. or so he thought.

A year after college graduation, Ethan had gotten a job at Financial Horizon, one of the biggest company in Sterling City. He and Sarah decided to get married, the Noah family didn't support nor oppose his decision.. yet at the wedding ground, the moment the exchange of vows and rings were made, the family announced that Ethan was no longer part of the Noah family. He had reeled in shock. Why was he suddenly disowned? What was his offense?

Sarah had assured him it will be alright, and thus they consummated their marriage at a hotel instead. But that wasn't all that happened. Ethan was fired from his job the next day, and his bank account was frozen. His step brothers claimed that all these belonged to the Noah family and thus Ethan shouldn't be allowed access to it. Ethan and Sarah moved to the suburbs area of Sterling City. There, Ethan did his best to get a job at another reputable company, but none approved his request despite his high qualifications. Ethan then had to join a security firm and as a night guard, and sometimes as a bodyguard.

A few months later, Sarah had gotten pregnant, and thus Emily was born. Ethan's weekly salary of $480.77 didn't do just to their living expenses. Ethan hadn't given up on getting a new job, he had submitted applications at several companies, but there had been no response whatsoever.

Now Sarah has abandoned him, not just him, but their three months old daughter as well. As he stared at the calm face of his sleeping daughter, Ethan's resolve was renewed.

"My dear Emily, papa will make sure you get the best in life. I'll do anything and everything to make it possible." Ethan assured his daughter.

Sigh! If only one of these companies will accept his application, he would make good of it and make life better for his daughter.

'Well, first things first, I have to find a place for Emily to stay during the day, I'd have to quit the night guard job and focus on being a bodyguard.' Ethan thought to himself. He had to register Sarah at a daycare. But daycares are expensive.

Ethan placed Emily back in the cradle, and then used his phone to browse.

"The nearest daycare is Kids Haven. Holy Molly! Ethan's eyes almost swirled to the back as he read about the costs of enrolling his child at a daycare.

"The cost of daycare enrollment varies greatly depending on factors such as location, age of the child, and type of care. Here are some examples of daycare costs:

Infant Care: $2,495 per month for full-time care

Preschool: $1,450 per month for full-time care, with an additional $150 curriculum f*e

Toddler Care: $285 per week for full-day care, 4-5 days a week

Before and After School Care: $140 per week for 5 days a week, with transportation

Summer Programs: $225 per week for full-day care

It's also worth noting that some daycares charge registration fees, which can range from $50 to $200 per child or family. Additionally, some daycares offer discounts for siblings or referrals.

At Kids Haven, parents can make a part-payment of $1,000, or $600 a week.." Ethan didn't read further. He still had about $800 in his savings. And his job tomorrow as a bodyguard will net him about a thousand dollars.

Du! Du!

Ethan checked his phone and saw it was a message from one of the companies he had applied for. He's been requested to be at the company as soon as possible for an interview. Ethan checked the wall clock and saw it was still a few minutes past seven. He sprinted to the bathroom, took his bath, combed his hair, changed into his suit, picked up Emily and left the apartment, he will register Emily at Kids Haven daycare, then hurry up to the company for the interview.

What Ethan didn't know was that there was a lot still store for him on that day.