Last Updated:
2024-10-29 19:42:56"Ding! You have reached the 111th floor! Please exit and enjoy!"
The gentle sound reminded Arnold it was time to step out. He adjusted his worn-out suit, brushing away a wrinkle that didn’t exist, his fingers trembling slightly.
‘Every penny, every sacrifice…’ he thought, stepping onto the polished marble floor. His shoes barely made a sound as they touched the cold, smooth surface. ‘All for this moment. A moment to cherish forever with her. Worth it!’
He glanced around, eyes wide with hope and anticipation. The soft music, the sea of red roses glowing under the warm candlelight, and the twinkling stars overhead…it was perfect.
‘She’s going to love this,’ he thought, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. ‘Diana… tonight is for us… for our future…’
His heart was pounding as he imagined her reaction. He could almost see her face light up, her eyes sparkling with joy, her smile soft and blushing.
He stared at the romantic scene he had prepared…red roses glowing and candles flickering softly. However, the world’s most beautiful rose was not here. His heart felt heavy as time passed.
‘Why isn’t she here yet?’
He checked his watch. It’s already ten minutes past the hour.
‘Diana is usually punctual…’ Worries crept into his mind. ‘Could she be in trouble?’
He pulled out his phone, dialing her number with fingers that had suddenly gone cold.
Ring… Ring… Ring…
No answer…
‘Come on, Diana, where are you? Please pick up…’ He dialed again and again, his heart pounding louder with every unanswered ring.
‘God, please keep her safe…’ Arnold prayed desperately, dialing over and over. His tension increased, making his hands shake.
Ominous feelings crept into his mind. He sent her messages and voicemails, none of which were answered.
His anxiety crossed the limit.
‘Let’s try once more…’ he thought, rising from his seat. ‘I need to find her. Maybe she needs my help.’
Ring… Ring… Ring…
His heart pounded louder each time until finally, she picked up.
“Diana! Thank God. Are you okay?” His voice cracked with tension.
“What would happen to me?” Diana’s indifferent voice rang through the phone. “What game are you trying to play now, Arnold?”
Arnold didn’t let her cold tone deter him. He replied with a voice full of love.
“Where are you, Darling? I’m at the restaurant. It’s our anniversary, remember? I’ve been waiting…”
“For what?” Diana’s voice cut through him like ice, each word colder than the last. “You really thought I cared about that? I am very busy unlike you…Don’t disturb me, Arnold. Calling me so many times, are you an idiot?”
The words hit him like a punch to the gut still he tried to respond as naturally as he could. “Diana, I am sorry. It’s just that today is such a special day for us, I…I’ve been planning this for months. I just wanted us to be together tonight.”
“Did I ask you to do this? Do you really think I will play house with you?” Diana snapped, cutting him off.
Arnold felt his grip on the phone tighten, his knuckles turning white. “I love you, Diana. Can you please make time for just today?”
“Love? Don’t be a fool, Arnold. Love is for idiots. I don’t have time for these unnecessary events.” Diana’s sharp remarks cut Arnold’s heart into pieces.
“Diana, please…”
“Shut up, Arnold,” she snapped, cutting him off. “My important client is waiting for me and I have no more time to chit-chat with you anymore.”
The words echoed in his head as the call abruptly ended. He stared at his phone, the weight of her words pressing down on him like a mountain.
He sat at the table, feeling numb, his eyes glazed over as the romantic scene around him blurred into nothingness. ‘Why, Diana, why?’
The waiter approached, but Arnold waved him off with a hollow expression. “No need to order anymore,” he murmured, standing up and making his way back to the lift.
The countless plans he had made to impress his wife now seemed pointless.
‘Maybe I should just disappear…’ His thoughts turned messy, each step heavier than the last.
As the lift doors closed behind him, his phone buzzed with a new message. He hesitated, then pulled it out, half-expecting another cruel remark. Instead, his eyes widened at the words on the screen.
“Come to Room 303 in Hotel Wanda. I am waiting.~ Diana”
‘Diana…?’
His heart leaped, a surge of hope washing away the bitterness he felt earlier.
‘She’s waiting for me… Maybe she’s got a surprise too, maybe she was just messing around earlier!’
His excitement grew as he reached the Hotel Wanda hurriedly in a taxi, which was not very far away from Starlight Rooftop restaurant. After he got out of the taxi, he didn’t bother to wait for the elevator, took the stairs, and practically ran to Room 303.
He rang the bell, with anticipation.
‘The surprise must be her, in red lingerie… with a blushed face and sweet smile.’
The door creaked open, but instead of Diana’s familiar face, Arnold was greeted by a man in a bathrobe…someone he never expected to meet in a place like this…
“Arnold,” the man said, smirking. “What took you so long?”
Previous Chapter
Related Chapters
Return of The Lost Heir: Arnold William Chapter 2
Arnold froze, his eyes locked on the man standing in the doorway. The stranger was handsome, his aura speaking of noble status. He was dressed only in a bathrobe. Arnold checked the room number again, confusion and panic surging within him.‘Am I in the wrong place?’ he thought, his heart pounding louder with each passing second.The man leaned casually against the door frame, an amused smile playing on his lips. From where Arnold stood, he could clearly see the lavish honeymoon suite behind the man. His instincts screaming at him to run, but his feet remained rooted in place.“Ethan, who’s at the door? What’s taking so long?” The familiar honeyed voice ranged from the room.Diana stepped out, her hair damp from the shower, the bathrobe clinging to her well-toned body. Her eyes widened with surprise for just a moment before she slipped back into her usual mask of indifference.“Arnold?” Her voice was cold, devoid of any warmth or concern. “What are you doing here?”Arnold’s hand tre
Return of The Lost Heir: Arnold William Chapter 3
Arnold staggered out of the suite, the door slamming shut behind him like a final judgment. He was utterly shocked, replaying Ethan's cold, sneering voice.“He looked like a dejected dog, didn't he?”Arnold froze in his tracks, his heart twisting painfully in his chest. They hadn’t even waited for him to leave before mocking him. A cruel laugh followed Ethan’s words, one that had once been sweet and comforting. The one he had loved for years…“Pathetic. He is like the perfect example of ‘The toad wants to eat the swan.’ I am really fed up with his ignorance.”Arnold felt like the ground was falling away beneath him. He’d expected her to be distant, maybe even cruel, but this? She was laughing at him, tearing him down like he meant nothing.‘How did it come to this?’ His mind raced, struggling to comprehend the depth of her betrayal. ‘How could she turn so cold, so heartless?’As his thoughts churned, his gaze fell to the ring lying cold on the polished marble floor—a bitter reminder o
Return of The Lost Heir: Arnold William Chapter 4
Arnold blinked, looking at the man who addressed him with such familiarity like he was his lost family…The room was quiet, the only sound was the steady beeping of the heart monitor. He tried to think if he knew the man before but he gave up after a wave of nausea hit him. “Who are you?” Arnold’s voice was barely a whisper, his heart pounding as he looked at the old man. He felt an overwhelming mix of fear, confusion, and a strange sense of familiarity.The old man’s lips trembled as he spoke, his voice shaky with emotion. “Arnold… I’m your grandfather. My name is Aron William.”The name echoed in Arnold’s mind, clashing with everything he had known. “That… That’s impossible,” he managed to say, his breath catching in his throat. “I grew up in an orphanage. I was told I had no family.”Tears welled up in Aron’s eyes, spilling over as he gently cupped Arnold’s face with trembling hands. “My boy… I’ve been searching for you for so many years. You do have a family, and I’m here now.”“
Return of The Lost Heir: Arnold William Chapter 5
Arnold’s eyes widened in disbelief as he took in the luxury car his grandfather had just handed him. “Thank you, Grandpa,” he said, his voice trembling with awe.His grandfather responded with a warm smile and a gentle pat on Arnold’s hand. “You’re welcome, my boy. Remember, this is just the beginning. Much more awaits you.”Arnold settled into the luxurious seat, the soft leather embracing him in comfort. The fresh, calming scent of the forest inside the car helped ground him as he tried to process the surreal turn his life had taken. “I never imagined I’d be sitting in a car like this, let alone owning one,” he murmured, almost to himself.Aron chuckled, pride and amusement in his voice. “Life has a way of surprising us, doesn’t it? This car is just a small part of what’s coming your way. You’re stepping into a world you never dreamed of.”Arnold turned to his grandfather, seeking reassurance. “I’m not sure I’m ready for all this, Grandpa. It feels… overwhelming.”Aron nodded, unde
Return of The Lost Heir: Arnold William Chapter 6
After a series of advanced security checks, the car finally passed through the grand gates. Arnold’s eyes widened in disbelief as the estate came into view. Lavish gardens stretched as far as he could see, and the mansion itself looked like something out of a dream. He sat there, speechless, as the car came to a halt in front of a mansion where two rows of people stood at attention.As soon as the car stopped, Aron William stepped out , his presence commanding respect. “This is my grandson,” he announced loudly, his voice echoing with pride. “And the heir to the William family.”Arnold felt a wave of emotions surge through him as he got out of the car. The rows of people bowed deeply, showing him a level of respect he had never experienced before. It was overwhelming, but there was a strange sense of belonging that warmed his heart.“Come with me, Arnold,” Aron said, leading him into the mansion.The lavish hallway was beyond anything Arnold had ever imagined. Crystal chandeliers hun
Return of The Lost Heir: Arnold William Chapter 7
Leaving the villa, Arnold couldn’t shake the mix of anxiety and determination brewing inside him. The reality of his newfound status still felt so dreamy, but he knew there was no turning back. As they drove in the Lincoln, the butler, Rex, remained calm and composed. His presence was a silent assurance that Arnold wasn’t alone in this.The sleek car pulled up in front of Star Corporation, the building towering above them, a familiar yet now foreign sight for Arnold. He took a deep breath as they stepped inside the lobby. The memories of his last day here, being fired over the phone, still stung.“Let’s get this over with,” Arnold muttered, encouraging himself as they walked toward the reception desk.The receptionist, a woman named Sarah, recognized Arnold immediately. A smirk spread across her face, her tone dripping with sarcasm as she greeted him. “Oh, Arnold, what are you doing here? Didn’t you get the notice? You don’t work here anymore.”Arnold opened his mouth to respond, bu
Return of The Lost Heir: Arnold William Chapter 8
After Rex’s announcement, the tension in the room thickened. Mike, the once-powerful CEO, stared at Arnold in disbelief, his face pale. “You can’t be serious,” he stammered, his voice trembling.Rex’s expression remained icy. “You heard me correctly. It would be effective immediately, Arnold William is the new CEO of this company. As for you, Mike, you’ll be working as his assistant.”The shock was evident in Mike’s eyes, but he knew he had no choice. Decades of service to the company flashed before him, and the thought of losing everything he’d built was too much to bear. He swallowed his pride, bowing his head. “I… I understand,” he muttered, barely able to meet Arnold’s gaze. “I’ll do my best as your assistant, Mr. William.”Arnold looked at the man who had fired him so callously just a few hours ago. The tables had truly turned, and the power dynamics had shifted in his favor. He decided to address one of the issues that had plagued him during his time here. “Your first task,” A
Return of The Lost Heir: Arnold William Chapter 9
Arnold could feel his blood boiling as he stood in front of Diana and Ethan, their sneers fueling his anger. The situation was escalating out of control rapidly, and despite his best efforts to stay calm, their nonstop mockery was pushing him to the edge.“So, Arnold,” Ethan began, his tone dripping with disdain, “Oh my, oh my, still trying to play the big shot? It’s pathetic. You can’t even afford a decent suit, and you want us to believe you own this car?”Diana laughed, the sound cold and cutting. “Honestly, Arnold, you’re better off admitting you’re just a thief. It might save you from further embarrassment.”Arnold’s fists clenched at his sides, but he forced himself to respond calmly. “Keep talking, Ethan. You’re only digging a deeper hole for yourself. And Diana, you know nothing about me anymore.”Ethan’s smirk widened. “Oh, really? Is that why you’re driving this stolen car? Because you’ve suddenly become someone important? You’re still the same loser who couldn’t hold on to
Latest Chapter
- Return of The Lost Heir: Arnold William
Chapter 15
Arnold paced back and forth in the waiting lounge, the cold hospital air biting at him. The red light above the operation theater glowed ominously, each passing second stretching his nerves tighter. The muffled sounds of hurried footsteps and faint voices from the staff beyond those doors only added to the unbearable tension.'Come on, Grandpa. You’re tougher than anyone I know. Don’t give up on me now.' He prayed that his grandpa would try his best to win another battle.He clenched his fists at his sides, his nails biting into his palms. His whole body was tense, fueled by helplessness and anger, and he focused on figuring out the culprit responsible for this event from his recent knowledge about Williams. Every passing second felt like an eternity. He clenched his fists, trying to wash away the exhaustion creeping over him from the blood transfusion. He couldn’t afford to collapse now—not when so much still needed to be done. He shook his head, trying to focus. The sound of hurr
- Return of The Lost Heir: Arnold William
Chapter 14
The city lights blurred into streaks of gold and white as Arnold sped through the streets, the roar of his engine cutting through the quiet of the night. His hands gripped the steering wheel tighter with every second, his knuckles white. The words from Rex’s panicked call echoed in his head, louder than the hum of the tires on the concrete road.“It’s Mr. William… He’s been in an accident.”A cold weight pressed on Arnold’s chest, making it harder to breathe. He couldn’t imagine the image of his formidable grandfather—always so composed, so unshakable—with the idea of him lying helpless in a hospital bed. The thought of happening something bad was making his heart throb like a drum. Pulling up to StarLife Hospital, Arnold jumped out of the car, his heart hammering as he pushed through the revolving doors. The sterile smell of antiseptic and the low murmur of voices filled the air, but he had no time to process it. His eyes searched for a familiar face, and within seconds, he spotted
- Return of The Lost Heir: Arnold William
Chapter 13
As the tension in the air thickened, Arnold found himself surrounded by Ethan’s bodyguards. They loomed over him like a pack of wolves, fists clenched, eyes hungry for violence. Ethan’s sneer was sharp, his smugness practically oozing as he stood there, ready to watch his hired dogs harassing Arnold to show off his power.Arnold stood his ground, his hands at his sides, unfazed by the threat. His heart pounded, but his face remained calm, and controlled. ‘Is this really how he wants to play it? Pathetic.’ He glanced around the courthouse steps. He could call for backup, but that would be playing into Ethan’s game. The guy lived for this drama. Arnold didn’t.“Still think you’ve got the upper hand?” Ethan’s voice dripped with arrogance, his eyes flashing with triumph. “You don’t. You never did, Arnold. I can finish you off even if you are damn hell.”Arnold raised an eyebrow, his voice cold. “The upper hand? Over what? You, your debt, and your miserable attempt at showing off? And abou
- Return of The Lost Heir: Arnold William
Chapter 12
As the doors to the conference room swung open, Arnold was met with a wave of enthusiastic applause. The sound echoed in the grand room, filled with polished wood and towering windows that offered a panoramic view of the city. His heart pounded in his chest, but he forced himself to keep his posture steady. ‘Is this really happening?’ he asked himself, trying to grasp the gravity of the moment.At the head of the long table, his grandfather, Aron William, sat in the main chair. His presence commanded respect, even more so with the way the board members looked at him—admiration and reverence in their eyes. The lawyer stood quietly to the side, his expression neutral but attentive.Aron raised a hand, silencing the applause. He began to speak, his voice deep and measured. “Ladies and gentlemen, I’ve been running this company since I was eighteen years old.” His eyes scanned the room, ensuring that every person’s attention was locked on him. “Sixty years,” he paused for a moment to catc
- Return of The Lost Heir: Arnold William
Chapter 11
Arnold leaned back in his seat, a sly smile playing on his lips as he glanced at Rex, who looked at him back without questioning anything. The hum of the car’s engine was low, almost a whisper compared to the storm of thoughts brewing in his mind. ‘Time to give Ethan Black a taste of his own medicine,’ Arnold thought as he dialed the claims adjuster.The phone rang twice before a crisp, professional voice greeted him, “Good morning, Mr. William. How can I assist you today?”Arnold’s voice was smooth, but there was an edge of amusement in it. “I believe you can. I need to discuss a certain claim—against Ethan Black.”The adjuster paused, likely taken aback by the mention of such a high-profile name. “Before we proceed, Mr. William, I need to verify your identity for security purposes. Can you confirm your full name and the vehicle involved?”Arnold rolled his eyes slightly but complied. “Arnold William. Vehicle registration number… BXL111.” He delivered the information casually, almost
- Return of The Lost Heir: Arnold William
Chapter 10
Arnold was dragged into the police station, his hands bound tightly behind his back. He kept his head held high, even as Officer Jackson roughly pushed him into the interrogation room. The door slammed shut behind them, and Officer Jackson wasted no time sitting in front of Arnold, his eyes full of malicious intent."You think you’re someone special, don’t you? Driving a car like that, but dressed like a beggar. Who do you think you’re fooling?" Officer Jackson asked as if he was sure about Arnold being the car thief.Arnold met Officer Jackson’s gaze, his voice steady. "I don’t need to fool anyone. The car is mine. It was a gift."Officer Jackson scoffed, his lips curling into a sneer. "A gift? From who? Santa Claus? Or maybe you’ve conned some old sugar mommy."Arnold’s jaw tightened, but he refused to take the bait. "My grandfather gave it to me. That’s all you need to know."Officer Jackson laughed, a harsh sound that filled the small room. "Grandfather? Is that the best you can
- Return of The Lost Heir: Arnold William
Chapter 9
Arnold could feel his blood boiling as he stood in front of Diana and Ethan, their sneers fueling his anger. The situation was escalating out of control rapidly, and despite his best efforts to stay calm, their nonstop mockery was pushing him to the edge.“So, Arnold,” Ethan began, his tone dripping with disdain, “Oh my, oh my, still trying to play the big shot? It’s pathetic. You can’t even afford a decent suit, and you want us to believe you own this car?”Diana laughed, the sound cold and cutting. “Honestly, Arnold, you’re better off admitting you’re just a thief. It might save you from further embarrassment.”Arnold’s fists clenched at his sides, but he forced himself to respond calmly. “Keep talking, Ethan. You’re only digging a deeper hole for yourself. And Diana, you know nothing about me anymore.”Ethan’s smirk widened. “Oh, really? Is that why you’re driving this stolen car? Because you’ve suddenly become someone important? You’re still the same loser who couldn’t hold on to
- Return of The Lost Heir: Arnold William
Chapter 8
After Rex’s announcement, the tension in the room thickened. Mike, the once-powerful CEO, stared at Arnold in disbelief, his face pale. “You can’t be serious,” he stammered, his voice trembling.Rex’s expression remained icy. “You heard me correctly. It would be effective immediately, Arnold William is the new CEO of this company. As for you, Mike, you’ll be working as his assistant.”The shock was evident in Mike’s eyes, but he knew he had no choice. Decades of service to the company flashed before him, and the thought of losing everything he’d built was too much to bear. He swallowed his pride, bowing his head. “I… I understand,” he muttered, barely able to meet Arnold’s gaze. “I’ll do my best as your assistant, Mr. William.”Arnold looked at the man who had fired him so callously just a few hours ago. The tables had truly turned, and the power dynamics had shifted in his favor. He decided to address one of the issues that had plagued him during his time here. “Your first task,” A
- Return of The Lost Heir: Arnold William
Chapter 7
Leaving the villa, Arnold couldn’t shake the mix of anxiety and determination brewing inside him. The reality of his newfound status still felt so dreamy, but he knew there was no turning back. As they drove in the Lincoln, the butler, Rex, remained calm and composed. His presence was a silent assurance that Arnold wasn’t alone in this.The sleek car pulled up in front of Star Corporation, the building towering above them, a familiar yet now foreign sight for Arnold. He took a deep breath as they stepped inside the lobby. The memories of his last day here, being fired over the phone, still stung.“Let’s get this over with,” Arnold muttered, encouraging himself as they walked toward the reception desk.The receptionist, a woman named Sarah, recognized Arnold immediately. A smirk spread across her face, her tone dripping with sarcasm as she greeted him. “Oh, Arnold, what are you doing here? Didn’t you get the notice? You don’t work here anymore.”Arnold opened his mouth to respond, bu