"Dad, I need a favor."
There was a huge puff of breath from the other end.
"Son, have you forgotten the deal?" The baritone voice asked. "You have just three favors to ask. And that's all, else you must come and take over the company. I wonder w -"
"Dad, I just want a single favor." Justin impeded. "After this one, I will never disturb you again."
"Fine, let's hear it."
"Dad, I'm aware that you're one of the major shareholders of Rover Autos Corporation and you're close friends with Adrian Martell, the CEO," Justin said.
"Yes, I am. And how does that add up to the favor you're asking? "
"Dad, your position as the major shareholder means you have the power to order the withdrawal of a sold car right?" Justin asked.
Silence.
"Dad! Can you hear me?"
"I can hear you, Justin. What car do you want to withdraw and why do you even want to do that?"
"Dad I will tell you the whole story later, but I just need you to do this for me, right now. Please." Justin pleaded.
"Alright, son. What type of car and who was it delivered to?"
"It's a 2023 Range Rover Velar. It was delivered to Bruce Springsteen a few hours ago."
"Alright, Justin. I'd make a few phone calls."
"Thank you so much, father."
"Don't forget. You have two more requests to make. Just two." Justin's father said before hanging up.
Justin's lips widened with a smile as he flung his phone back into his pocket and strode down the block.
****
"You're so pretty," Bruce muttered to Lilly as they walked into the luxurious restaurant.
"Thank you," Lilly said with a smile as she glanced through the insides of the restaurant.
Lilly's eyes widened as she sulked in the opulent decor, her gaze lingering on the crystal chandeliers. She couldn't help but think, 'This is the most extravagant place I've ever been.' Her smile broadened, and she leaned closer to Bruce.
"This is amazing." He said, his voice close to a whisper.
"I'm glad you like it," Bruce responded.
Lilly is from a well-to-do background and has been to several restaurants in the past. But the glamour of this one made her heart jiggle in excitement, as if winning a bet Lilly's eyes dilated with intense awe. She let out a silent breath, but she hovered her palm to her mouth. To disguise her shock and surprise.
Aside from driving her dream car, this locale felt like she was on a vacation in Disney.
The golden chandeliers are shimmering, as their glints slapped over every object in sight. Lilly beheld the seats, and then she realized that no one was sitting on any of them.
Bruce pulled out a chair for her to sit on. "Have a seat."
Lilly's lips pouted in a blushing smile, even though she was used to that gentlemanly gesture.
Bruce sat down after Lilly was comfortably seated.
"And," Lilly muttered nervously, glancing around the lonely restaurant. "Why's everywhere empty?"
"I reserved the entire place for just you and I. "
"Wow!" Lilly exclaimed. She rolled her eyes intensely to savor the elegance of the place once again.
Bruce was going to beacon the waiter to come take their order when someone tapped his shoulder from behind.
Bruce turned his head with keen interest to see who the intruder was. When he locked eyes with the man, he heaved a sigh.
"Mr. Barker, I paid for the car already. What else do you want." Bruce shot arrogantly.
Mr. Barker's demeanor seethed with suspicion as he hemmed his hands to his sides.
"I know. Springsteen, but you would have to return the car."
Bruce's lips tightened as his face shrunk into a grimace.
"Why?" I told you I paid for it already." He thundered.
"Your money will be refunded. The sales were withdrawn with immediate effect. If I don't retrieve the car, I will lose my job." Barker stated.
"Well, that won't be possible. You're not taking that c-"
"I saw it parked outside. It's been towed back to our company already. I just need the car keys." Barker announced.
"Are you crazy?" Bruce yelled as he arose from his seat, facing Barker as if he was going to punch his lungs out. "What do you mean you towed the car? Who gave you the right to do - "
"Here's the car keys." Lilly interrupted, stretching the car keys to Barker.
"Thank you, ma'am." He clutched the keys and dashed out of the restaurant.
Bruce furrowed his brows as he watched Barker walk away.
"Lilly, I'm sorry about that -"
"Just save me that crap." Lilly cut in. She picked up her bag, ready to leave. "You're not worth all the stress. You're pathetic." She yelled and left Bruce to wallow in shame.
"Dad, I want another favor," Justin said, clasping his phone to his ears. "I guess you're finally coming back to take your inheritance. When you exhaust your number of favors." "Dad, I'm not coming to inherit anything. I just need you to do this one last favor for me." Justin said, chafing his hand on a chimney. While the contorted siren of a cop car blared faintly into his ears. "You asked me for a favor some days ago. I wonder what you're up to this time.""It's the second favor I'm asking of you. Are you going to grant it or not?" "Let's hear it." "I need some money. Something close to a hundred and fifty thousand dollars." A soft chuckle echoed from the other end. "I knew you weren't going to grant my request." Justin whimpered, rolling his eyes in disappointment. "I thought you were going to ask for an island or even a penthouse." His father said. "I guess you're going on some cheap shopping spree or something." "Dad, I don't need a penthouse. And you don't have to know
Lilly moved closer to the car with her eyebrows raised in astonishment. Her lips formed an oval shape as she switched her gaze from Justin to the car and then back to her amused folks. "What is going on?" Lilly asked, with her hands hemmed across her chest. "I heard your new car was taken away," Justin said with a flare of sarcasm in his tone. "So I thought to get my beautiful wife a brand new car," Justin added. "Wow!" Lilly exclaimed. She was a bit speechless as she glanced at the car. "He brought her a brand new Urus?" Diana's boyfriend mumbled as he walked towards Diana and plopped his hands on her shoulder. "This is unbelievable," Tucson whispered. Justin paid no attention to the murmurs. "It's all yours baby!" He screamed, stretching the car keys to Lilly. Lilly grasped the car keys. A grin arched across her mouth as she saw the metallic 'Lamborghini' inscription on the car key. She fluttered into Justin's arms and hugged him tightly like she was going to crush his backb
Lilly slammed the door of the car with a loud bang, she strolled towards the loan shark like she was going to get into a physical altercation with him. "You're not going to take the car away," Lilly yelled. The loan shark gave Lilly a cold, calculating gaze. "You have a sexy angry face." He muttered. Justin's face changed into a scowl when he heard the compliment. He seemed to find it disrespectful that the loan shark complimented his wife that way. "But you have to stay out of this," the loan shark added. He gestured for his men to take the car key from Lilly. "Give them the car keys young lady." The loan shark ordered. Lilly didn't listen. She constricted her hands on the keys as her heart thumped rapidly as two men approached her. She drifted to the side, but they didn't stop coming closer. Lilly took fearful steps backward and the men trudged towards her at the same pace. "Don't touch my wife," Justin yelled. He stormed close to the men going after Lilly. One of them lande
Lilly's lips emitted a sigh. She wiped a streak of sweat off her face. She felt a lot of emotions, yet clueless about which one to express first. She felt guilty that Justin succumbed to her pressure. And had to go and lend money to buy her a car. Then again she imagined how broken and disappointed she'd be if the car was taken away. Again she recalled the awkward way her last encounter with Bruce ended. She thought she wasn't going to see him again. Despite what transpired, Bruce came in and saved the day. His act of kindness may have earned him a spot in her heart. "I'm sorry," Bruce said, wrapping his hand around Lilly's neck. At first, he thought she'd shove his hand away. Instead, she pulled him into a warm embrace. Tucson cleared his throat as he and his wife approached Lilly and Bruce. The duo disentangled from the hug. Lilly's cheek melted in a sheepish smile. She's nervous about how she'll introduce Bruce to her family. "Don't you think the handsome man deserves to be int
Justin's laughter erupted like a dam, breaking, echoing off the walls in a manic crescendo. The laughter vanished off Justin's lips when he saw the sincerity in Lilly's demeanor. "Lilly! Are you kidding right now?" Justin asked, nudging his head closer to her. "Are you leaving me for this bastard, you're really - " "You meant to say, rich bastard?" Bruce impeded, his eyes glinting with a cynical smirk. "Shut up. You bastard." He slammed his cuffed hands on the table, the metal cuffs clanking against the wood, ready to pull Bruce in for a fight. "You're the reason why I was here in the first place you animal!" Bruce curled his lips in a sinister smile. "You're here because you couldn't pay your debt." Bruce smirked. "Justin!" Lilly called and Justin sat down. "Sign the papers, please." The welled-up tears in Justin's eyes cascaded. "You want me to sign these papers? Lilly, I love you. I can't imagine a world without you." Justin cried. "But I don't love you! What part of that d
A Rolls-Royce Cullinan pulled over amongst a multitude of people, its sleek black exterior gleaming in the bright camera lights. The hum of its engine died down, and the soft thud of the doors opening drew everyone's attention. The sweet scent of leather and wood wafted out, enticing the crowd as they watched with dropped jaws.Tucson emerged from the Rolls-Royce, his blue tuxedo perfectly tailored to his body, the soft rustle of the fabric echoing through the silence. The golden threads embroidered on his lapel caught the light, shimmering like diamonds as he stepped onto the red carpet, his black patent leather shoes glinting with a mirror-like finish. He appeared like a groom that's ready to walk down the aisle with the love of his life. He held his wife's hand as she slowly alighted from the car. Just like him, Mrs. Tucson's outfit is yelling 'classy.' She's not in her wardrobe exclusive, but the golden sparkles on her red dress attracted onlookers. Her diamond necklace twinkled
"What stupid instructions?" Diana yelled. "You could lose your job right now." She added. "This is so embarrassing," Meeky muttered through gritted teeth. "This whole thing is beginning to erupt a scene here. Mrs. Tucsons said. "I'm afraid we might have to leave." Bruce clenched his teeth, its sound echoing through the air. "We're not leaving. We must go in," Bruce growled. "Yes, we can't leave like that, I paid a whooping one hundred thousand dollars for those tickets. You animals can't cancel them just like that. I must get a refund!" Another loud uproar ensued from the paparazzi. "They've gone broke." "They didn't buy the tickets." "They want a refund? Wow!" "You all should shut the fuck up." Bruce screeched, with a frown. Silence. "Can we pay for new tickets?"Bruce asked, turning to the security. "No sir, the tickets are sold out already." The security guard retorted. "I'm sorry, but you all have to leave now. You're obstructing people from accessing the entrance," th
A faint smile was drawn on his face as he walked in. His eyes were squinted, wondering the reaction on their faces as they watched him getting into a place they thought he would never be able to go in. For a minute he decided to give into his own desires and turned back to look at the entire Tucson family.It was just as he thought—his eyes caught the gaze of Bruce who looked utterly bamboozled, unable to tell what was really going on. Once Bruce caught the eyes of Justin looking back at him he immediately puts up an act.“I am sure he will get kicked out of there," he said. "Filthy bastard. Who does he..." His voice trailed off, uncertainty now fully painted on his face, just as it was on every one of the Tucsons’ faces, as well as Lilly who also looked flustered, trying her best not to be caught staring too much at him.He turned forward again, with a smirk on his face. Seeing Lilly still brought butterflies to his belly, but it was not enough to change anything. He still harbored f