Heavens Fortune System

Unworthy in their eyes

Ethan stood in the shower, lost in thought as the warm water cascaded over him. Could Mr. Caldwell really be responsible for the death of Philip Reynolds? The question felt heavy, like a stone sinking in his chest. His mind raced, but no answers came.

A knock at the door pulled him from his thoughts. Quickly grabbing his trousers, Ethan dressed and opened the door to find Sophia standing there, her face lit up with her usual warmth.

“Good morning, Ethan. How was your night?” she asked, her bright smile softening his mood.

“Morning, Sophia. My night was fine. And yours?” Ethan replied, his gaze lingering on her. He couldn’t help but notice her new hairstyle; it suited her perfectly.

“My night was good too,” she said, stepping closer, her expression growing serious. “Ethan, can I ask you something? What’s your story? I’ve never heard you talk about your family, and… my parents are going to ask. I just need to know.” Her voice softened as she studied his face, uncertain how he’d react.

Ethan hesitated, his breath catching. This wasn’t a story he liked to tell, but he owed her the truth. “I grew up in an orphanage,” he began, his voice steady but thick with emotion. “I ran away when I was young and ended up on the streets. That’s where I’ve been ever since… until I met you. You changed everything, Sophia.”

Sophia’s heart ached at his words. She placed a gentle hand on his arm. “Thank you for trusting me,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

The day of Mr. Caldwell’s birthday arrived with all the grandeur one would expect. His children bustled about, presenting gifts they’d carefully selected. David unveiled a grand, custom-framed artwork worth a fortune. Lila brought an elegant, diamond-encrusted wristwatch. Sophia, true to her thoughtful nature, had spent days assembling a collection of meaningful items: a pair of handmade shoes, a gold necklace, and a few personal touches she knew her father would cherish.

As the family sang “Happy Birthday,” the room brimmed with laughter, music, and chatter. Mr. Caldwell’s influential friends mingled, some bringing extravagant gifts, including a BMW from one of his business partners.

Amid the celebration, Mr. Caldwell scanned the room for Sophia. When he spotted her chatting with a guest, he called her over, leaning in as she approached. “Where’s your boyfriend? Isn’t he here yet?” he asked, his tone low but firm.

Sophia smiled, though her heart fluttered with nerves. “He’ll be here soon, Dad. Please, don’t worry.”

Just then, one of Mr. Caldwell’s oldest associates, Jonathan Sterling, approached. “Ah, Caldwell,” Jonathan began, his voice smooth, “I’ve been thinking. Your daughter is a fine young woman, just as ambitious as you. Why not let her marry my son Lucas? He’s following in my footsteps, and their union would secure both our families’ legacies. A perfect match, don’t you think?”

Mr. Caldwell’s expression hardened. “I appreciate the thought, Jonathan, but Sophia has someone else in mind. He’s coming today.”

Jonathan raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. “Oh? And who is this young man? A son of someone prominent, I hope?”

Before Mr. Caldwell could respond, Sophia interrupted, her voice carrying across the room. “Dad, he’s here.”

All eyes turned as Ethan walked in. He looked sharp in the suit Sophia had picked for him, but the weight of judgment was already pressing down on him like a thousand eyes boring into his soul.

Mr. Caldwell stepped forward, his towering presence commanding silence. “Young man,” he said, his voice deliberate, “what’s your name?”

“Ethan Fallow, sir,” Ethan replied, his voice calm but tense.

Mr. Caldwell narrowed his eyes. “Fallow? I’ve never heard that name. Who’s your father?”

Ethan’s chest tightened, but he held his ground. “I don’t know my father,” he said, his gaze falling to the polished floor.

The room erupted into murmurs. Jonathan’s laugh cut through the tension like a blade. “This is the boy? A man with no background? Sophia, surely you don’t expect this nobody to take care of you.”

Sophia bristled, stepping forward. “Stop it! Ethan isn’t a nobody. He’s the most hardworking, genuine man I’ve ever met!”

“Sophia,” Mr. Caldwell said coldly, “how could you bring someone like this into our home? After James, I thought you’d learned your lesson.”

David sneered, setting his glass down with a thud. “Sophia, seriously, how do you keep finding these gold diggers? Look at him—he doesn’t belong here.”

“Don’t talk about him like that!” Sophia shot back, her voice trembling with anger. “Ethan’s lack of a background doesn’t define his future!”

Her mother, Olivia, shook her head. “Sophia, open your eyes. Men like him… they see women like you as a lifeline. Are you really willing to risk everything for him?”

The whispers grew louder, the weight of judgment suffocating. Mr. Caldwell raised his hand for silence. “This celebration is over,” he declared, his voice cutting through the noise. “Everyone, thank you for coming. My family and I need to speak privately.”

Once the room was cleared, Mr. Caldwell turned to Ethan, his expression hard as stone. “You’re not welcome here. If you truly care about my daughter, prove yourself. Build something. Show me that you’re a man worthy of her. Until then, leave my house, and don’t come back.”

Ethan clenched his jaw, swallowing the lump in his throat. Turning to Sophia, he said softly, “I promise, I’ll come back for you.”

Sophia’s tears fell freely as she watched him leave, her heart breaking with each step he took.

Olivia placed a hand on her shoulder, her voice unexpectedly soft. “If he truly loves you, Sophia, he’ll prove it.”

Days passed in agonizing silence. Sophia’s texts went unanswered, her calls unreturned. Desperate, she went to the hotel where Ethan had been staying, only to find his room empty. It was as though he had vanished.