Chapter Eight; The Unveiling
The day of the Jay Tech launch event had finally arrived, and the anticipation was palpable. The company was unveiling its latest innovation, the ‘EmpowerD’ – a revolutionary device designed to help people with physical disabilities, this was inspired by John’s impairment. He realized he was able to achieve a lot to include building his brand from scratch despite his physical limitations using the virtual world. Today, a lot of questions will be answered, John thought to himself. The city’s top families had received exclusive invitations to witness the unveiling, and Anthony saw this as the perfect opportunity to network and secure a contract with Jay Tech. As the guests began to arrive, Anthony’s eyes scanned the room, looking for the high-profile families he was trying to impress. In order to ensure their family business does not crash. He spotted the prestigious Smiths, the influential Watsons, and the wealthy Taylors, all mingling and chatting with the Jay Tech executives. They were holding hands, drinking wine and discussing what he perceived as business. “Joy, we need to make a good impression today,” Anthony whispered to his daughter as they made their way through the crowd. “I have a feeling this device is going to change the game, and I want to be a part of it.” “I know, Dad,” Joy replied, smiling and waving to a nearby guest. I believe that despite the rejection of our proposal by Jay Tech, we can collaborate with other influential families, so that we can be stronger. “Let’s just enjoy the event and see what opportunities come our way.” With Alex’s influence, we should be able to connect on a higher level. They both found a spot to sit. Alex joined them few minutes after they had arrived, he pecked Joy while he greeted his soon to be father in law. As they reached the main stage, the lights dimmed, and the day’s host, Mr. Thompson, stepped up to the microphone. “Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the unveiling of the EmpowerD!” he announced, his voice booming through the hall. “This device is not just a product, it’s a symbol of hope and empowerment for those who need it most and I’m sure every one will testify to this at the end of this program. Mr Thompson gave a welcoming and opening speech introducing the device, it’s usage, and the benefits to the economy. By the time he was done, everyone was looking forward to its launch and they were eager to invest in this new innovation. Going further , let me introduce the CEO of Jay Tech, the mastermind behind this revolutionary device… Mr. John!” The crowd erupted in applause and gave a standing ovation, as Mr. John, the CEO, was wheeled to the stage, a confident smile on his face. Anthony’s eyes widened in surprise – he had expected a high-profile CEO, not his son-in-law in a wheelchair. He thought to himself if it was a mistake, what was John doing on the stage? Knowing how much he had offended him, he felt a sense of unease. “What’s going on?” Anthony whispered to Joy, his voice full of disbelief. “I don’t know, but he seems to be the one in charge,” Joy replied, her eyes fixed on the stage. How is it possible that he owns this organization? Same organization we worked so hard to partner with? No wonder we were rejected! She suddenly remembers the contract John brought to them, Dad, does it mean that the contract was real? Does this mean we have ruined our chances of working with Jay Tech? I honestly don’t know Joy, he said in confusion. But we’ll fix it, after all he is Family. Sarah and her daughter at the other end were surprised, Sarah said softly almost quietly “ was this why you were always glued to the system John? but Emily suddenly shouted out to the crowd, “I love you, Dad!” As John began his speech. “Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, and fellow visionaries, Today, I stand before you as the CEO of Jay Tech, proud to unveil our revolutionary device, the “EmpowerD”. But my journey to this moment was not easy and full of various challenges that seemed to be an obstacle. There were times I almost gave up, but my family kept me pushing! I know this came as a surprise to them all. Just a few years ago, I was involved in an accident that left me crippled and wheelchair-bound. I became dependent, There was nothing I could do on my own, I needed assistance with every little task Shortly after, I lost my position in the business I was formerly building. I felt like my world had been turned upside down. I struggled to find purpose and meaning in my life. But then, something changed. Everyone’s gaze was fixed on him as he continues. I realized that my disability was not a limitation, but an opportunity. I began to focus on my strengths and passions, and I discovered a new sense of purpose. Thankfully my PA Ted played a major role in this, likewise my physiotherapist, Rachel. I founded Jay Tech with a mission to empower people with disabilities, to give them the tools and resources they need to thrive. Ensuring they are not limited by their disabilities. Helping them find their inner strength and building on it. Today, we take a major step forward with the “ EmpowerD”. This device is not just a product – it’s a symbol of hope and empowerment for those with one physical impairment or the other. It’s a reminder that our disabilities do not define us, and that we all have the power to make a difference. So, let us continue to push boundaries, to innovate, and to empower. Let us show the world what we’re capable of, and let us make a difference together Thank you.” The crowd stood up and gave an applaud to him, Suddenly, a huge announcement was made! The Cooper Family was here? Everyone was surprised and there were murmurs in the hall.Chapter Nine; A Surprise Honor As John gave his speech, a sudden announcement echoed through the hall, sending a wave of surprise through the audience. “Ladies and gentlemen, The Coopers family is here!John was surprised, The Coopers family was the least he had expected to show up today.While he looked towards the entrance, he saw a familiar figure, his dad in the company of other relatives. Mr. Michael, John’s father, walked onto the stage, accompanied by several family members.They approached John, their faces beaming with pride.His dad suddenly started speaking “Ladies and gentlemen,” He began, his voice trembling. “Today, we are here to right a past wrong. A wrong that has caused a lot of havoc to our family John, our son, was disowned by us many years ago due to a misunderstanding. We thought his association with Emily, his wife, would tarnish our family’s reputation. We decided to let him go, hoping he would come back to his senses.But we were wrong, and we’ve com
Chapter Ten; The Mysterious Walking Stick.John’s journey to recovery began with a long-awaited trip overseas for his spinal cord and orthopedic surgery. The cost were fully covered by the Coopers Family.Sarah, his devoted wife, accompanied him, providing emotional support every step of the way. The flight was extremely tiring and demanding, but John’s determination to regain his mobility kept him going.The surgery lasted for about twelve hours and was a success. Soon, John began his rehabilitation journey. The initial days were challenging, but with each passing day, he grew stronger and more determined. Sarah was always by his side, encouraging him through the tough times and celebrating his small victories.After several weeks of intensive therapy, John was finally cleared to return home for follow up. He was excited to see his daughter, Emily, and hopes to start his new life with his newfound mobility. As they arrived back home, Emily eagerly welcomed her father, she miss
Chapter Eleven; A New Chapter.John’s days passed in a blur as he delved deeper into the mystery of the walking stick. He spent every spare moment researching, experimenting, and practicing with the stick, hoping to unravel the mystery. Sometimes, he feels overwhelmed and wants to avoid the situation, but he just finds himself drawn towards the stick as if it was a part of him.Emily and Sarah watched with a mix of fascination and concern as John’s obsession grew but they knew they had to keep the secret and stand by him.John walk about the neighborhood with the stick, like he was still dependent on it to prevent suspicions from anyone.The once lively atmosphere of their home had shifted, the air heavy with the tension of unspoken fears and uncertainty. One afternoon, Emily, bored and restless, full of inquisitiveness, snuck into John’s room, seeking adventure. Her eyes landed on the walking stick, leaning against the wall, and she couldn’t resist the urge to hold it, she felt d
Chapter Twelve; The WarningJohn's eyes snapped wide open, his chest heaving as he gasped for air.He was drenched in sweat, and his heart racing, he looked scared and terrified.For a moment, he lay there, disoriented, unsure of what had awakened him. Then, the memories came flooding back, the dark figure, the sinister laughter, the feeling of impending doom.He suddenly had a weird headache.He became more worried. He threw off the covers and sat up, his mind racing. The room was very dark, and he could barely see around him.He rubbed his face, trying to shake off the vivid nightmare. But the fear lingered, and the memories came flooding.He swung his legs over the side of the bed and planted his feet firmly on the ground as if anchoring himself to reality. His breath slowly steadied, but his thoughts remained a mix of anxiety and unease.Without hesitation, John quickly threw off his pajamas and slipped into his robe. He didn't bother with slippers; the chill of the night ai
Chapter Thirteen; The TranceJohn's hands trembled as he held the parchment with the strange symbols. He had only 48 hours to uncover the truth.His eyes scanned the parchment, trying to check for any hidden meaning within the cryptic symbols. As he examined more closely, he noticed a faint mark in the corner.It looked like a small arrow, pointing towards a specific symbol.His heart raced with the realization that this might be a secret message and guide.He followed the arrow to a symbol resembling a cross with two curved horns on either side.A memory suddenly stirred within him. He was trying to figure it out when he suddenly remembered that he had seen this symbol before in an ancient text, one associated with a long-forgotten cult.His mind flashed to the dusty pages of the book he had studied months ago."Could it be?" John whispered to himself, his voice barely audible in the silence of his study.Suddenly, the symbol began to glow, filling the room with a soft, strange a
Chapter Fourteen; Above and Beyond“Dr. Lee, it’s John. I need your help. Something’s happening to Emily, Please respond,” John pleaded, his voice laced with desperation.John waited anxiously for Dr. Lee’s response, his eyes fixed on Emily’s peaceful face. His mind was racing with dark thoughts. What if Ravius had already taken Emily? What if she was lost forever, trapped in some dark realm?The minutes dragged on until finally, the phone rang. John snatched it up before the second ring.“John, I’ll be there in an hour,” Dr. Lee’s voice was calm but grave. “Don’t let her out of your sight.”When Dr. Lee arrived with his nurse, and the tension in the house was palpable. John and Sarah stood near Emily’s bedside as the doctor approached her, his expression inscrutable.The nurse performed a series of checks, taking Emily’s pulse and vitals while Dr. Lee observed with an intense focus. Minutes later, the nurse turned to Dr. Lee, shaking her head slightly.“Medically, she’s stable
chapter one; The shattered strength In the dimly lit hospital room, the sterile scent mingled with fear as John lay motionless on the hospital bed, his once strong body now frail and fragile. A few days ago, John was driving home from work when his car skidded off the road and hit a tree. He suffered serious injuries, including a broken spine, and was rushed to hospital. The accident left him crippled, confined to a hospital bed, and struggling to accept his new reality. Sarah, his wife, sat beside him with a worried look on her face, her hand holding his limp fingers. She glanced anxiously at the door, waiting for her father to arrive. Anthony, a tall man with a stern face, entered the room, his eyes narrowing as he took in John’s broken form. He had once loved John like a son, but now his expression showed only disappointment. “Father, welcome,” Sarah acknowledged, her voice tense with apprehension. “How is he?” he asked, his tone sharp. “He’s stable,” Sarah r
Chapter Two; Finding Strength. As the days passed and John's physical wounds began to heal, he knew deep down that he had reached a turning point. He was soon discharged from the hospital, and a discharge plan was drawn up for him, with weekly visits from a physiotherapist to help with his recovery. However, he remained confined to his wheelchair, unable to move without the help of his wife Sarah. It was a sunny day, and he was home alone when he heard a knock on the door. It was his personal assistant Ted. Ted had been working closely with John since Anthony, his wife's father, handed over their small business to him, which had grown massively over time to compete with some of the larger companies in the city. John looked at Ted, "You don't look like you've got any good news for me yet!" Ted looked very sad and unsure of how to communicate with his boss. He handed him a letter, which John glanced through and realized that his father-in-law had replaced him with his dista