The insults hurled at Ethan by Alex became unbearable.
The gangsters had dealt with him already and stripped him of his dignity as a man, Ethan wasn't going to allow another man do that to him again, let alone that same night.
"Get off me!" Ethan yelled as he pushed Alex off him with all his strength. He swung his right fist at Alex, who weaved it and punched Ethan on his nose before he could block it.
The force of the punch sent Ethan staggering. Brushing off the blood coming out of his nose, Ethan charged at Alex again, who gave him another punch which sent Ethan to the ground. His lips bursted, Blood coming out of his mouth and nose.
Ethan was seething with anger but didn't have the strength to do anything with it. He was too weak and tired to fight back.
Left with no choice, Ethan wiped the blood from his mouth and dusted his body as he managed to stand back on his feet.
He lost. More than once today.
Taking a final look at Laurel, Ethan shook his head as he left the house for them.
"Don't trip on your way out loser." Alex teased as he and Laurel burst into a mocking laughter.
**
The night wrapped the streets in a cloak of mystery, casting long shadows that danced with the flickering glow of street lamps. The silence was broken only by the distant hum of traffic and the occasional echo of footsteps.
Neon signs buzzed with life, painting the pavement in vibrant colors of red, blue, and yellow, while the moon peeked through wisps of clouds, casting a gentle silver glow upon the scene.
Shadows lurked in the alleys, whispering secrets to those who dared to wander off the main path. Above, stars twinkled like distant beacons. Yet, despite the darkness, there was an undeniable beauty to the night, unfortunately it was one Ethan couldn't see.
Out on the street with no where to go, Ethan walked with no destination in mind. He couldn't go back to the house because Laurel and Alex were still there, despite the house being his. He had no one who could help him. He was all alone in the world. No one to call, no one to run too. It was him against the world.
Stopping dead in his tracks, suddenly remembering something, Ethan dipped his hands into his pocket and hurriedly brought out his phone.
A fresh wave of defeat and dejection hit him again. His phone was broken. Was it during the torture from the gangsters? Or during the fight with Alex? It didn't matter, the damage had been done.
There was no way for him to contact the Old man that saved him again.
Heaving a sigh of defeat, he continued walking till he saw a long bench a few steps ahead. Finally his walk had come to an end.
"One day at a time." Ethan concluded as he laid down on the bench to sleep. That was enough problems for one day. Tomorrow will deal with itself when it arrives.
**
As the day opened up, the sun emerged, moving majestically to its work place.
A symphony of colors unfolded, orchestrating a celestial ballet that whispered promises of endless possibilities. A signal of what was in store for Ethan for the day.
Ethan stood up from the bench. Last night was very rough for him. His eyes were heavy with eye bags. His clothes all wrinkled, dirty and stained with blood. His hair was unkept and rough.
"Majestic Skies Building." Ethan whispered under his breath as he began his journey to the place the Old man had told him.
Time to get those answers after all. Today was the day.
Ethan had nothing on him except Hope. That was all he needed. Hope for the best.
With each step in front of the other, Ethan dragged his tired and injured body all the way to Majestic Skies Building...
***
After hours of a journey that seemed endless, Ethan finally made it to Majestic Skies Building.
Ethan stood in awe as he took in the breathtaking beauty of the building.
The building stood tall with a sleek, reflective glass facade that captures the surrounding cityscape.
The entrance is adorned with polished marble and a grandiose revolving door, signaling exclusivity.
The building's exterior seamlessly integrates cutting-edge technology, with discrete security features reinforcing its aura of superiority.
The car park was filled with different exotic cars and supercars.
Upon getting inside, as if embodying a magnet, everyone turned towards Ethan, their eyes fastened on him.
Ethan looked round and saw he had become the object of attention, the reason was obvious. He was tattered and unkept. Looking round he saw that everyone were adorned with a plethora of designers and world class outfits - He was the odd one out.
Taking a second look round, he finally saw who he was scouting out for - A receptionist.
Ignoring the eyes that fed on him, Ethan approached the receptionist. With each step he took towards the receptionist, he gazed around to admire the insides of the building.
The lobby which was spacious and luxurious, welcomed guests with a breathtaking display of modern art and opulent furnishings.
A sweeping staircase crafted from rich, dark wood or gleaming marble leads to upper levels, while a network of elevators stands ready to whisk occupants to their destinations.
The air is scented with subtle hints of exotic fragrances, adding to the ambiance of refinement.
High ceilings adorned with intricate chandeliers cast a soft, inviting glow over the space, while floor-to-ceiling windows offer panoramic views of the city below.
Plush seating areas invite relaxation and conversation, each piece carefully chosen for its elegance and comfort.
Muted tones and textures create a sense of warmth and intimacy, while state-of-the-art technology discreetly integrates into the design, enhancing convenience and functionality without detracting from the overall aesthetic.
Throughout the interior, meticulous attention to detail is evident, from the fine craftsmanship of bespoke furnishings to the impeccable upkeep of every surface.
Every element has been carefully curated to evoke a feeling of luxury and refinement, ensuring that every moment spent within the building is an experience to be savored.
"Hi Good morning." Ethan greeted, getting to receptionist's corner.
"Deliveries are taken to the basement." The lady replied without even looking up. She was clad in a blue corporate gown. There was a name batch sitting pretty on the right side of her chest which said "Mary"
"No sorry, I'm not here for that." Ethan quickly corrected.
"Then what are you here for?" The lady asked, her eyes still fixated on whatever it was she was doing on her laptop.
"Listen Mary, I'm just here to see The Housekeeper." Ethan answered.
With a sudden reflex, the receptionist took her gaze from her laptop screen and placed it on Ethan.
Few people had interactions with The Housekeeper and even fewer had the power to ask to see him. She wanted to know who was it that had the power to ask for The Housekeeper. The Housekeeper wasn't someone anyone just saw anyhow.
The receptionist's face took a drastic change from anticipation to disgust and disappointment when she saw who was in her front.
"I should have known when that unpleasant smell brushed through my nose." She said looking at Ethan with disgust.
"Excuse me?"
"The Housekeeper is a very busy man and does not have time to spare with beggars like you."
"Wow" Ethan scoffed.
"I wonder why those guards always allow you riffraff and parasites enter here anyhow." The receptionist said as she picked up the office phone on her desk to make a call.
"Listen I'm not trying to be a nuisance, please just help me tell the Housekeeper that Ethan is here to see him." Ethan pleaded. He couldn't afford not to see the Old Man..
"I need you guys to come quickly and get rid of this beggar here." The receptionist ordered on the phone, completely ignoring Ethan's plea.
Ethan's only hope of seeing the Old man was about to get dashed.
Left with no choice, Ethan accepted defeat, an action that was becoming recurring for him. No matter how many times he tried to pick himself up, life always found a way to throw him down.Ethan took one last look at the receptionist. He didn't blame her, it was his low position in life that opened him up to her insults.To avoid any more embarrassment, Ethan took to his leave. He would rather die than face another embarrassing moment from the guards again.Stepping out of the reception lounge, Ethan took a look back inside. More than the wall of glass now stood in between him and the reception lounge, Ethan eyes became moist. He was about to loose his once in a lifetime chance.Dipping his hands into his pocket, Ethan brought out his phone. He wasn't about to give up just yet. He would give it a go, one last time."Come on!!" Ethan prayed under his breath as he switched on the phone. "Yes!!" Ethan almost screamed as the phone came on. Maybe he wasn't cursed after all. Maybe he had fin
The air around Alex suddenly became tensed. What the hell just happened? The bright and shining countenance on his face faded away as his eyes saw the Old Man bowing to Ethan."This can't be happening." Alex thought in his mind as terror slowly creeped into his body as the reality of the events began to settle in his mind.He had known the The Housekeeper was the president of Majestic Skies Building. He had also known that there was a Super Family backing The Housekeeper.A deeper level of fear ran through his spine as he tried to put the pieces together. If The Housekeeper saluted Ethan with so much respect, was Ethan a member of the Super Family?"No he couldn't be!" Alex screamed in his mind. That made no sense. Or did it? As Alex pounded on these thoughts, sweat beads began forming on his forehead, his palm getting sweaty, his breathing became laboured."Hope you didn't experience much discomfort?" The Old Man asked with so much care."Nothing to worry about." Ethan responded."I'
Walking back into the building, All eyes were fixated on them. It was a clear representation of Word and Opposite.The Old Man had on a very expensive and exquisite Armani suit. Only 3 of it were made in the whole world. Ethan on the other hand looked unkept and rough all over. They were a classic representation of two different worlds.The pair arrived at the top floor and stood in front of a giant door."We're here." The Old Man said as he pushed the door opened."What the.." Ethan couldn't bring himself to complete the sentence as the door swung open and the scent of aged leather and polished mahogany wafts through the air.Stepping into the CEO's office, Ethan's mouth fell wide open with awe.Inside the CEO's office is a masterpiece of modern decadence. Walls of floor-to-ceiling windows offer panoramic views of the city below, a constant reminder of the empire they command.The floors, adorned with plush Persian rugs, absorb the echoes of footsteps with luxurious silence.Ethan co
As Ethan pounded on his new predicament, a cream colored Lamborghini Veneno Roadster drove and stopped at the gate near him.Only Ethan seemed fazed by the beauty of the car. The guards didn't seem fazed. They were used to such sight every day. Perks of working in the Estate gave them opportunity to behold beautiful sights like this.The car was crafted by a team of master artisans and embodied elegance and extravagance in every curve and contour.Ethan wasn't surprised any more, this was the type of vicinity to see such cars after all.The gull-wing doors gracefully swung open, revealing an interior fit for royalty. A lady in her mid twenties stepped out of the car.She was clad in a simple Blue top and mini skirt, made by the famous Gucci brand. Bracelets of Gold adorned her wrists and neck.Her brown hair was styled in a ponytail that complemented her caramel skin tone. Her skin was smooth and neat like that of a new born.Her eyes were blue like the sky, bright and beautiful. She
Ethan was thrown into a state of fear. Why did he keep going from one trouble into another?."Rebekah calm down." Ethan began. He had to be extremely careful now. If she reacted this way to what he said, how will she react if he told her He was that hidden trillionare she mentioned. "She'll never believe. It would only make things worse." Ethan concluded in his mind."Go ahead and explain yourself Ethan." Rebekah said, her eyes fully settled on Ethan, ready to devour the words that would leave his mouth."Alright so, I met the trillionare by accident. Honestly I didn't even know it was him. He needed something done quickly and I happened to be at the right place and right time to help him, so I did. Instead of paying me, he gave me a chance to work in his Villa, that's how I got the key." Ethan carefully explained. He couldn't believe how effortless he came up with that lie on the spot.A stillness of silence followed for a few seconds, as Rebekah digested everything Ethan had just sa
So would you like to come?" Rebekah asked.The question threw Ethan off guard. He didn't think he would ever be invited to their reunion because he was the least well to do amongst them.It's been a decade since he last saw his classmates. Memories of their last day in highschool briefly flashed through his eyes.He could remember how he air was filled with so much joy and celebration as everyone was with their family taking pictures, sharing food laughing and having a good time, how he stood at a secluded corner and watched with a heavy heart. He remembered how had no one to share the celebration of the day with. He was all alone."Ethan?" Rebekah called, snapping Ethan back to the present."I'll let you know. I can't decide right now." Ethan answered."No problem. Here" she deeps her hand into the car and brings out a card. "The address of the party is there, should you later decide to show up." She added, handing over the card to Ethan."Alright then." Ethan collected the card and
"We're honoured to be privileged to serve you. Master Ethan." Said the young man as they all bowed to Ethan. "I'm Leo, the one in charge of the workers." The man in front began. He was the only one not dressed in the same grey uniform as the others. He was average looking and a couple of inches shorter than Ethan."This is Steve, the Gardener.." Leo continued the introduction, pointing to the young guy on the left side. Steve had quite the muscular build which was not surprising given his occupation."This is Leah, the Chef. She's one of the best in the country." pointing to an average height petite lady. She had on her head an hair cover that was common with cooks. She came fully prepared. "This is Hera, the maid. She'll oversee and take care of the house." Leo explained, as he pointed to the young lady with caramel skin. "I hope that would not be too demanding on only you?" Ethan asked, facing Hera."Not to worry Master Ethan." Hera replied with a bow, her voice soft and tender.
"You too sir." Suzan replied with a smile as she headed out. ***As the day opened up, the night surrenders to the first blush of dawn, a symphony of colors begins to paint the canvas of the sky. With each passing moment, the darkness recedes, giving way as the sun finally breaks free from the horizon, its warm embrace bathes the earth in a soft, ethereal light, awakening the world with promises of endless possibilities and new beginnings. A similitude of Ethan's new reality.The door creaks open as Suzan walked into the room. The thick Italian curtains refused to grant entrance to the rays of the sun that sought to penetrate into the room."Good morning sir." She greeted but got no reply.Walking up to the bed, she noticed he's still sleeping. Deeply for that matter."He must have been really tired." Suzan thought in her mind.Taking her eyes off him, she walked towards the curtains and pulled them open, finally releasing the rays of sun into the room.The rays illuminated the roo