Rise Towards Supremeacy From A Nobody

Chapter 6: Whispers from a dream.

These were the most extended moments in Edward's life. He stood there, bewildered, looking at his stepfather and stepmother while Emily and Jasper exclaimed,

"Father, mother, are you mistaken? This is absurd, impossible! How could you agree to lend him money!?"

"That's right; I don't agree with this at all. He's shameless..."

As Jasper and Emily continued to voice their anger, Mrs. Sherwood raised her hand, gesturing for them to quiet down. Then, Mrs. Sherwood and Mr. Sherwood helped Edward to his feet, leaving him in astonishment and confusion.

Mrs. Sherwood placed a hand on Edward's shoulder.

"My son, I consider you my own, and I hope you know that. And of course, as you said, we wouldn't give you anything for free. I also hope that you will become an independent man rather than relying on money given to you by others..."

Hearing Mrs. Sherwood's words, Edward felt a sense of revelation in his heart. It wasn't that they suddenly changed their minds; they discovered he had value to "invest" in. His heart grew colder, but deep down, he reassured himself that having something was better than having nothing. Even if he had to sacrifice his own principles, he would do it to save his mother.

"What are the conditions?" Edward asked.

"It's quite simple. I also realize you are of marriageable age, and I have chosen for you. Felicia Swan, an intelligent and beautiful girl, is the only daughter of Mr. Johnson Swan, a highly renowned businessman. We will give you the money right now so that you can pay the hospital fees for your mother in time, and the engagement ceremony will be organized in the next three days."

After hearing Mrs. Sherwood's words, Emily and Jasper seemed to understand the situation and no longer felt the extreme urge to oppose it. On the other hand, Edward naturally didn't believe in the sweet words Mrs. Sherwood spoke. He knew there must be a problem in this situation. However, he didn't dare to question it, fearing they would change their minds.

Of course, if that girl indeed were a good person, a girl of such fame, then naturally, she wouldn't end up with him. The excellent portion was reserved for the family, while the leftovers were served to Edward. He knew that, and he remained silent.

But three days, isn't it too rushed? This only heightens Edward's sense of unease, as if they were throwing a bomb at him and not giving him enough time to react.

"Three days may seem a bit rushed..."

"Not at all, three days is a perfect timeframe, and our family will prepare everything thoroughly for you. You don't need to worry about that."

Mrs. Sherwood directly interrupted Edward's impending words, then she pulled out a card from her hand and said, "This is the amount of money you need, please take it."

Looking at the card in his hand, all of Edward's doubts and hesitations vanished. This was the money for his mother's medical treatment, this was her lifeline, and it was also the most important thing to Edward at the moment. If he hesitated any longer, he might lose it.

And finally, Edward nodded in agreement. Mrs. Sherwood and Mr. Sherwood applauded, saying, "Then go home and take care of your mother first. If there's any information, I will notify you later. Rest assured, your mother will be saved and appear on the most important day of your life."

Mrs. and Mr. Sherwood's words sent shivers down Edward's spine, but he remained silent. At this moment, he had only one thought in his mind: he had saved his mother.

He disregarded the joyful and mocking gazes around him, like wealthy individuals playing a game, luring their prey into danger while it remained ignorant.

Edward intended to leave just like that, but he suddenly remembered something right then. And he turned back. Edward looked straight into his family's eyes, and with only one line spoken from his mouth, he said, "I wasn't eavesdropping at the library." Surprise and astonishment spread through the air, but Edward didn't stay to explain any further.

He didn't care about those people's thoughts because he had said what he needed to say and felt relieved.

Edward felt relieved and worried as he arrived at the hospital to care for his unconscious mother in her hospital room. The room was filled with the antiseptic smell of disinfectants, and the soft beeping of medical equipment created a peculiar atmosphere. Edward's heart ached as he saw his mother lying motionless on the hospital bed, her face pale and fragile.

He held his mother's hand and whispered, "Mother, I have saved you. Don't worry; you'll recover soon."

He disregarded the joyful and mocking gazes around him, like wealthy individuals playing a game, luring their prey into danger while it remained ignorant.

He didn't care about those people's thoughts because he had said what he needed to say and felt relieved.

Then, Edward met the treating doctor, Dr. Richards, who informed him that the surgery had been scheduled for three days later. Edward thanked the doctor and then pay the hospital fees. Finished, he sat beside his mother, gently holding her hand. Tears welled up in his eyes as he looked at her, hoping for a miracle.

Suddenly, his mother stirred, her voice weak but filled with longing. She began to speak, her words forming a series of dreams and wishes that bewildered Edward.

"Father, please don't chase me away. I was wrong; I shouldn't have gone against your wishes to marry him..."

"Please forgive me..."

"Please don't leave me..."

"I am... Melona Goreng..."

Melona Goreng? Was that his mother's full name? Edward had never heard about her actual family name. Since she married his father, she had taken the Sherwood name.

What did her words mean? She spoke about family and mysterious origins, but the meaning behind her words eluded Edward. It was as if she was between dreams and reality, murmuring stories that only she knew.

 "Mother... I don't understand," Edward said, his voice trembling with confusion and worry. "Please, rest. Save your strength for the surgery."

His mother's eyes, filled with love and sadness, looked into his face. She whispered, barely audible, "Edward, my dear... remember who you are... our family's legacy... our hidden past... protect..."

Her words grew faint, and she drifted into a peaceful sleep. Edward's mind was flooded with questions and profound unease. He couldn't grasp the meaning behind his mother's words, but at that moment, his top priority was her health. He gently kissed her forehead and vowed to protect her, no matter what secrets her words held.

While waiting anxiously, Edward suddenly received a phone call. It was an unknown number. Lately, amidst numerous upheavals, he seemed sensitive to any phone numbers not in his contacts. But after some hesitation, Edward decided to answer.

A severe and cold voice came from the other end,

"I am your father," said the voice on the other end.

Edward was taken aback, lifting the phone from his ear and looking at the incoming call number again. Why would they call him so urgently right after he left their house? Could they have changed their mind and wanted to reclaim the money?

With these thoughts racing through his mind, Edward's heart couldn't help but beat faster. Mr. Sherwood said, "I called you to inform you about the engagement ceremony details. Your engagement ceremony will be held at the Milalapua Paradise Island Hotel. At 8 a.m. Remember to dress appropriately and be on time."

His father's words were abrupt and brusque, and then he hung up.

Edward stared at the phone, unable to suppress a sigh. He had also yearned for his father's affection, but it was a luxury he had long since killed off with his own hands.

He didn't know what his future would be like now. A engagement ceremony? Could it be a disaster?

In the evening, Edward walked back to the dormitory. After taking care of everything, he needed to rest and prepare for the upcoming classes and events in the next few days.

He walked hesitantly, his jacket pulled tightly over his head and face, his hands in his pockets, and earphones inside, playing some of his favorite music. It lifted his mood somewhat.

Edward bowed his head, seemingly hiding in the darkness, quiet and contemplative. The path back to the dormitory was familiar, so he needed to pay more attention and have the mood to observe.

Suddenly, a pair of sneakers appeared in front of him.

Edward was startled; instead, what appeared before him now were pairs of feet. He lifted his head, simultaneously removing the hat covering his view. And Edward saw... a group of people blocking his way.

And the person in the middle... was Jasper.

Jasper?

Confusion and bewilderment showed in Edward's eyes. Why was Jasper here? Why was he blocking his path?

Jasper spat out the chewing gum from his mouth onto the ground, then approached and pushed Edward.

"Where do you think you're going, you thief?"

Edward didn't understand what Jasper was trying to do; why he suddenly sought him out for a confrontation like this? They had never crossed paths before. Could it be because of what happened today? But Edward needed to see how it could be disadvantageous for Jasper. If anything, it was in a positive direction.

"What do you want?" Edward asked, perplexed.

Edward looked at the youths in front of him, seemingly aware of what was about to happen, and he didn't want to get involved in trouble. He felt that he already had enough problems to deal with.

"Now I have to go back to the dormitory. It's almost time for the dormitory to close," Edward said, wanting to leave immediately. But Jasper didn't let him off easily; he grabbed Edward's shirt and pulled him back.

"It's just that I've had enough of you today, so I want to teach you a lesson," Jasper said, then punched Edward straight in the face. The unexpected blow caught Edward off guard, and he fell to the ground, dazed as the surroundings blurred. His vision became hazy, his head spinning, and he tasted a metallic, bloody flavor.

"Let me beat him up."

Before Edward could regain his senses, Jasper shouted, and the group immediately rushed in to attack him.

The incident happened so suddenly that Edward couldn't react in time. He hadn't even had a chance to stand up, let alone resist. All he could do was lie on the ground and endure the brutal blows.

Edward raised his arms to protect his head while curling up his body. The group continued to punch and kick him, even targeting his head relentlessly. Edward felt the pain in his bones, and his entire body was bruised. After a few kicks to the head, Edward's consciousness started to fade, and eventually, he lost consciousness altogether.