"No fucking way." Alex said in a whisper. He had listened to the whole argument between Ethan and Jackson. ***The warehouse that Ethan and Jackson met was not far from the slum Alex lived in. They were both at the outskirts of the city..Alex had remained in a troubled state all day, occupied in deep thoughts on how he could get back at Ethan, until he heard the revving of a car.He peeped out and saw at a distance a black Range Rover pulling up across the abandoned warehouse house that was a bit close to him.Overtaken by curiosity, Alex stretched his neck to see who would come out of the vehicle. It wasn't everyday that someone came to these parts of town anyways."No it can't be." Alex had said to himself as he saw Ethan come out of the car. "Ethan?" He called out to himself in disbelief. He couldn't believe the person his eyes were staring at. "What was he doing here?" Alex thought in his mind. Seeing as fate had made his revenge a little easier for him, without wasting time,
A great mansion stood behind a gentle hill, at the West end of the city. Its silhouette an elegant harmony of stone and ivy, a testament to generations of wisdom and learning. As one approached, the ornate iron gates whispered tales of the many scholars who had crossed this threshold, eager to unravel the secrets within. The symbol of a Quill and An Ink was boldly engraved on the iron gates that led into the estate. The Symbol of House Rhodes - A symbolization of what they stood for.The gravel path leading up to the grand entrance crunched underfoot like the soft rustle of pages, setting the tone for what awaited inside.Upon entering, the scent of aged paper and polished oak enveloped the atmosphere, an olfactory embrace that hinted at the treasures contained within. The foyer, illuminated by a grand chandelier, was flanked by mahogany bookshelves stretching up towards the vaulted ceiling. Each shelf bore the weight of centuries, laden with tomes that ranged from leather-bound cl
"If the stars won't allign, I'll allign them myself." She said to herself as she got up from the bed. She was his partner after all. ***Outside the city, in a neighbouring town, a black jeep with tinted glass pulled up to a slum. The glass of the back door was rolled down revealing the Old Man with a hat on his head. "We're here sir." The driver announced, turning off the ignition of the car."Very Good." The Old Man said. His eyes scanning and observing the slum in front of him.He had spent too much time in affluence that he had almost forgotten there was another side of life. A side that was the complete opposite of what he and the other elites enjoined.Children in tattered and faded clothes ran all over the open space, with so much joy oozing from them. Despite their social status, they had a genuine happiness and love that most elite could not even boast of. The irony of life. The elite we're blessed with wealth and affluence but most lacked genuine happiness and peace, whi
"It's Jason Lockwood sir." Rachel answered with a straight face."Jason Lockwood?" Ethan repeated the name with surprise. "Send him in." He added."At once sir." Rachel answered and left the office.As soon as she left, Ethan turned back to the laptop in front of him and typed in "Jason Lockwood." Under a second, there was already a list of articles and blogs showing up as the result of the internet search.Ethan had barely begun reading up on him before the door opened once again."He's here." Rachel announced as she ushered in a fine young man, dressed in an impeccable suit that clung to his tall frame with an almost sculptural precision. His bespoke charcoal grey suit was crafted from the finest Italian wool, exuding a subtle sheen under the soft lighting. The jacket, perfectly tailored to his broad shoulders and slim waist, featured sharp, peak lapels that added a touch of boldness to his ensemble. Each button, custom-made from polished onyx, glinted discreetly as he moved.The c
"Hello Ethan, why have you been avoiding me?" Sandra asked, placing one of her hands on her hips."What are you doing here Sandra?" Ethan, the surprised look still remained plastered on his face. Was she spying on him? Ethan thought in his mind."Well let me see" Sandra began by moving around a bit. "I've called you multiple times without you returning my calls, left you a couple of messages but you refused to reply and so here I am in the flesh to see you.""What for?" Ethan asked, standing up and taking a step towards her."To see you obviously." Sandra stated, staring into his deep blue eyes.Ethan stared right back at her, refusing to be the one to break contact first. They stood just a few inches away from each other. His eyes looking down and travelling from her left eye to her right and back again, as did hers."Concerning the project. I'm your partner you can't just ghost me like I don't matter in this." Sandra cleared her throat, breaking the eye contact she held with Ethan,
"Very well then. No more messing around." Ethan said, driving away the silence that took over.***"Come in" the built man said as he ushered the Old Man and his driver into his hut.Inside the man's hut, the dim light filtering through gaps in the haphazardly arranged walls creates a warm, flickering ambiance. The walls, constructed from mismatched pieces of corrugated metal and worn wooden planks, are adorned with colorful scraps of fabric, giving the space a patchwork quilt-like appearance. Each piece tells a silent story of resilience and resourcefulness that had since their little civilization through thick and thin on the rough streets of life.In one corner, a small, handmade altar stands, crafted from an old wooden crate. Upon it rest simple offerings: a few fresh flowers, a small bowl of rice, and a flickering candle, all tokens of reverence to the spirits and ancestors. Above the altar, a faded photograph of a revered elder watches over the room, their wise eyes a silent
But which one? Alex pondered. This was another obstacle he had to cross in actualizing his vendetta against Ethan. He had to carefully pick a suitable house that would share his hatred for Ethan and partner with.***The storm arrived with a vengeance, tearing through the quiet night like a feral beast. A loud crack of thunder shattered the silence, reverberating through the walls of the Master Bedroom.Ethan's eyes shot wide up as the sound of the thunder travelled fiercely with so much strength. He had just another another nightmare. It's been the same recurring dream for the past few days.The nightmare was short and simple, yet so terrifying. Ethan was back at the alley, smashing the boy's head into the wall. Ethan would turn back and see the young boy, standing, looking at him with blood rushing down from his head to the rest of his body.The young boy would shout "You killed me" and with that, Ethan would jump out of the nightmare, back into reality.The storm wasn't helping
"It's me brother." Denera answered from behind the door.Jason heaved a sigh, placing the remote on the table in front of him.The duo outside interpreted the silence as a consent to enter.Pushing the door open, Denera stepped into the office and locked the door behind her. She was draped in an elegant, figure-hugging emerald silk dress that shimmered with every movement. The dress, cut just above the knee, featured a plunging neckline and delicate gold embroidery along the hem. Paired with strappy stilettos and understated diamond earrings, her outfit exuded a perfect blend of sophistication and allure. The Lockwood siblings were all about the Elite lifestyle.She walked over to her brother and sat on one of the chairs across the table."That's new." Jason began as she settled into her chair."Whatever do you mean brother?" Denera asked, feigning ignorance to what her brother was insinuating."You'd always go over there and seat on the cushions" Jason answered, pointing to one of
The warmth of a quiet morning bathed Rhys and Denera in soft golden light as they sat together on a wide sofa in their tastefully decorated living room. The chaos that had consumed their lives for months felt like a distant memory. Denera rested her head on Rhys’s chest, his arm draped protectively around her. Their hands were intertwined, fingers lightly brushing against each other—a silent vow to never let go. "I still can’t believe we’re here," Denera murmured, her voice carrying a blend of disbelief and gratitude. Rhys tilted her chin up, his piercing gaze meeting hers. "We fought for this, Denera. We’ve been through hell, but we came out stronger. I don’t just love you—I’m in awe of you." She smiled, her cheeks tinged with a soft blush. "And I’m in awe of us. Let’s promise to never let anything or anyone come between us again." Rhys leaned down and kissed her gently. "Not a chance. We’re unbreakable now." The two sat in silence for a moment, basking in the tranquility
The morning sun bathed the city in a golden hue as a soft breeze carried the fragrance of blooming flowers. A week has passed and normalcy has somewhat returned. It was a perfect day, fitting for an event of such grandeur. The wedding of Paul and Rachel-the moment everyone had been waiting for had finally arrived. The venue was a masterpiece: one of the most magnificent halls in the city, renowned for its towering crystal chandeliers and intricately carved marble pillars. From the outside, the building glistened with a mix of modern architectural elegance and timeless charm. Inside, the hall was transformed into a dreamland. A canopy of white roses and orchids draped across the ceiling, interspersed with tiny, twinkling lights that mimicked a starry night. Golden chairs lined the aisle, their backs adorned with silk ribbons and floral arrangements. At the center, a raised platform housed an altar framed by cascading vines and glittering drapery. Guests began to arrive, dress
The dim light of Alex’s makeshift room flickered, casting shadows on the cracked walls and the scattered remnants of his old life. He sat on the edge of a wooden crate, methodically strapping his gear into place. His breaths were steady, but his eyes burned with purpose. Tonight was the night. This was what he had been training for—the moment he would finally free Laurel and eliminate Jason. Alex picked up his blade, its polished steel glinting in the faint light. He ran his fingers over the edge, testing its sharpness. A small scar on his knuckle caught his eye—a reminder of all the battles he’d fought leading up to this. He glanced at the photo of Laurel taped to the wall, her smile a beacon of hope amidst his darkened world. “This is it,” he muttered to himself. “For you, Laurel.”With his weapons secured and resolve hardened, Alex stood, pulling his hood over his head. He left the room without a glance back, the door creaking shut behind him.---The screen went black, the t
The sound of tires crunching over the gravel driveway broke the stillness of the evening as Rhys and Denera pulled up to Gerald’s sprawling mansion. The mansion stood like a fortress, its grand columns illuminated by golden lights that cast long shadows across the well-manicured grounds. As their sleek black car came to a halt, the doors swung open, and the pair stepped out, their presence commanding the attention of everyone nearby.Rhys adjusted the cuffs of his tailored suit, his sharp features set in a calm but deadly expression. Beside him, Denera exuded quiet confidence, her heels clicking against the pavement as she moved. She wore a crimson trench coat, her eyes glinting with a dangerous mix of fury and satisfaction.The heavy front doors of the mansion creaked open, and Gerald emerged with his ever-present smirk plastered on his face. He was flanked by a small squad of armed guards, their weapons gleaming under the lights. Gerald was impeccably dressed, his dark green sui
The Anderson mansion was eerily quiet, the moonlight casting a pale glow over the scene of destruction. Ethan and Paul stood amidst the chaos, their eyes fixed on the lifeless bodies of Jackson and Sebastian sprawled across the bloodied garden. The heavy scent of iron lingered in the air, mixing with the faint rustle of leaves. Ethan’s chest heaved as he struggled to steady his breath, his shirt torn and stained with sweat and blood.Paul glanced at Ethan, concern etched on his face. "You good?" he asked, his voice low but steady.Ethan nodded, though exhaustion weighed on every inch of his body. He pulled out his phone, his hands trembling slightly, and dialed Sandra’s number. The ringing seemed to stretch on forever until her voice finally came through.“Ethan…” Sandra’s voice was weak, barely a whisper. Ethan’s stomach tightened. “Sandra, what happened? Are you okay?” he demanded, his tone laced with panic.There was a pause, and then she spoke again, her words strained. “Sebas
The Walton Mansion stood as a fortress of elegance, bathed in the soft glow of moonlight, its high walls and elaborate architecture a testament to wealth and power. But tonight, the serenity of the estate was shattered. The elite strike team, led by Kiara, moved like shadows through the sprawling grounds, their movements silent yet deliberate.A muffled cry broke the stillness as one of the outer guards was taken down swiftly. Kiara stood in the shadows, her piercing gaze fixed on the mansion ahead. Her dark combat attire blended seamlessly with the night, and a wicked smile played on her lips. **This would be a night the Waltons would never forget.**“Move in,” she ordered, her voice low but commanding. Her team obeyed without hesitation, their precision and ruthlessness evident in every step. Inside the mansion, alarms blared as guards scrambled to defend their employer’s home. Shots were fired, echoing through the grand hallways, but the elite team was unrelenting. They moved w
The garden lay in eerie silence after the brutal fight between Ethan and Jackson. The once-pristine space was a battlefield, littered with trampled flowers and streaks of blood. Ethan leaned against the marble fountain, his chest heaving as he wiped sweat and blood from his face. His body screamed in protest with every movement, exhaustion weighing heavily on him.The cool night breeze did little to calm the storm within him. He glanced at Jackson’s lifeless body sprawled on the ground, his neck twisted at an unnatural angle. Ethan closed his eyes for a moment, trying to steady his breathing. **One battle down, but this war is far from over.**The sound of measured footsteps shattered the silence.Ethan’s eyes snapped open, his body tensing as a tall figure emerged from the shadows. Sebastian. Dressed in a dark suit, the Tree House leader carried himself with the air of a predator who had finally cornered his prey. His piercing gaze fell on Jackson’s corpse, and his expression twis
The Anderson mansion loomed like a fortress under the moonlight, its pristine marble façade glinting ominously. The sprawling gardens surrounding it were immaculately kept, their beauty now cloaked in shadows as the night deepened. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves, but the tension hanging in the air was palpable.Jackson stepped out of the black SUV parked just beyond the gates, his heavy boots crunching against the gravel. He adjusted his leather gloves, the corners of his mouth curling into a grin that promised violence. The security guards at the gates eyed him warily, but he had been granted access. The intercom buzzed before one of the guards spoke, “You’ve been cleared to enter. Proceed to the garden.”Jackson raised an eyebrow, intrigued.” So, Ethan knew I was coming. Typical. The man had a flair for theatrics, after all.” Jackson strode confidently through the gates, his hand brushing against the hilt of the blade strapped to his side. The adrenaline surged in his vein
The grand hall of the Tree Symbol House was bathed in the warm, flickering glow of the fireplace, but the heat from the flames was nothing compared to the tension simmering in the room. Sebastian sat at the head of the long mahogany table, his sharp features etched with anticipation. Around him, the inner circle of the Tree Symbol House sat silently, their faces illuminated by the massive flat-screen television mounted on the wall. Kiara, Sebastian’s second-in-command, leaned back in her chair, her sharp, calculating eyes fixed on the news broadcast. Jackson, the most aggressive of the enforcers, stood near the window, arms crossed, his reflection distorted against the glass as he waited for orders like a loaded weapon. The rest of the members sat quietly, their unease palpable in the dimly lit room.The anchor on the television wore a neutral expression, but her words carried the weight of a bombshell. “Breaking news tonight: The court has found Ethan Anderson innocent of all cha