“Great!” the call recipient exclaimed on the other end of the call as his voice brimmed with excitement.
He briefly glanced at the glimmering Graff Diamond Hallucination on his wrist as he peeked at the digits displayed.“Rob, meet me at the villa immediately.” The call recipient demanded.“Understood, boss!” The thug’s leader replied before the call ended.Following their leader’s orders, the thugs swiftly reverse their vans as they race toward the luxurious villa, passing by a magnificent water fountain that added a dominating aura to the air.Rob quietly entered the grand villa, as he locked his eyes on the tiled, golden floor with the word ‘REX’ customized on it.“Aren’t you supposed to be here?” A middle-aged man’s shrill voice echoed, shoving Rob to rush toward him.The middle-aged man had brown shoulder-length hair, and he wore an expensive grey suit that fitted his healthy-sized body.His legs were straddled as he sat in a golden wheelchair that was adorned with a large, customized 'R' signifying his true identity—Rex."Good morning, boss," Rob greeted respectfully as he settled into a plush cushioned chair, before gazing at the middle-aged man."Did I permit you to take a seat?" The middle-aged man’s voice echoed authoritatively, his words resounding throughout the room. Rob immediately sprang to his feet as he removed his black hat as a gesture of respect.“I apologize for my awful manners, boss,” Rob mumbled, bowing his head to express his extreme respect for Rex. Deep down, he admired and feared Rex, who had been of great help and acted like a disciplinary godfather during his youth.Rex snapped his fingers, signaling his men to leave the room. He wanted Alex’s existence to be a secret, since many of his rivals tried to kill Alex when he was very young. "His home address..." Rex's voice trailed off with a hint of curiosity tinged with determination, and Rob stretched out a document. A sense of warmth and gentleness reflected in Rex’s eyes as he opened the document, which contained Alex's home address and the names of the people who lived with him.Softening his strict tone, Rex's voice lowered as it became filled with concern. "And Irene? How is she doing?" Rex inquired, closing the document and locking eyes with Rob.Rob muttered quietly, barely audible, "She passed away many months ago."The statement hit Rex hard like a sharp knife, stirring a mix of emotions within him. A sudden wave of sorrow and grief washed over him. His hands trembled, causing the document he held to slip from his grasp, as his body seemed to weaken.“How? I mean… why?” His lips quivered, and he couldn't hold back the threatening tears that stung his eyes.“She died of cancer, boss,” Rob muttered, almost in tears himself, as Irene had also been an important, caring woman in his life.Rex wiped the tears that rolled beneath his glasses, and muttered, “You may go,” using a choked-up voice, and Rob obeyed.As Rob briskly made his way out of the villa, he found his path blocked by a tall, masculine figure.“Why are you here?” The tall man rasped, and Rob instantly recognized who it was.It was none other than Thomas, Rex’s illegitimate son, whose wrists were adorned with golden jewelry.Rob maintained his position, facing Thomas boldly, as he hastily added. “I was on my way to meet up with some people from my gang when I decided to come and check on my godfather. Is there anything wrong with that?"A soft, devilish chuckle echoed. “I hope you are not collaborating with Dad to find Alex and his miserable mother again.”“If you are, it's best you stop. You know what I'm capable of, right?” Thomas boasted and Rob laughed out.“Thomas, Thomas,” He called out in a singing tone. “Do you know what Alex is capable of when he returns as the true heir and legitimate son? Don't get your hopes up about inheriting everything from Godfather. Hopefully, he will live long for Alex to reign.”“You little thing-!” Thomas scowled, clenching his fist as he attempted to throw a punch at Rob’s face. However, an idea strokes his mind, and he quickly calmed himself.“What do you want?” Thomas asked, his tone now more patient as he noticed Rob’s pale face.“Cash? Women? Cars? Mansions? Mention it!” Thomas taunted as he gestured grandly. Meanwhile, Rob’s mind rambled around the thoughts of money. He imagined the luxurious villa and the dominance or power he would have. He yearned for that kind of control and power. Money consumed his thoughts as it taunted him with the promise of freedom.“Imagine having this villa all to yourself and a lot of power as your footstool. Don't you want that kind of dominance, Rob?” Thomas added, tempting him further.Thomas seemed like a good opportunity to Rob, offering a glimpse of a different future- a chance to escape his thuggish pasts, the webs of working for Rex, and to earn the respect of his girlfriend's parents. Their pride would be immeasurable if he could present himself as a responsible and independent man. He couldn't reject Thomas’s offer after much thought.“Ten million dollars… And I will work with you.” Rob muttered, and a huge grin appeared on Thomas’s face with a tone of defeat.“If you are ready to work with me, then… let me add some sexy toppings to ten million,” Thomas spoke, his voice filled with determination and happiness.“I like the idea of toppings. Deal!” Rob exclaimed joyfully and Thomas stretched forth his hand before they both made a soft handshake. “Deal!”Feeling assured that no one eavesdropped on their conversation, Rob proudly walked out of the villa, while Thomas smugly watched him before turning to his female personal assistant, Rita.“After Rob is done with this deal, eliminate him.” He ordered and Rita responded with an aggressive nod as her blonde hair remained packed in a bun.“What about Mr. Rex, sir? His health has been improving lately,” Rita muttered, cautious in her tone, and Thomas sighed.He clenched his fist angrily and lashed out at her. “Why would you allow that to happen?!”“Sir, you are the one who ordered me to let that happen,” Rita replied quickly, trying to appease him, but Thomas had gripped her neck already.“From now on, make it worsen! If possible, make him bedridden for a very long time!”“Understood?!” He snarled, his voice ringing loudly throughout the villa.With little effort, Rita managed to nod instantly as his tightened grip on her neck choked her.He released her from his grip, then a mischievous grin spread across his face as he pondered on his next move.“But first, let's celebrate this new deal. How about a little party?” Thomas spoke rejoicefully and Rita nodded. “Anything you desire, Mr. Thomas,”“Hey, don't act like I don't care about you,” Thomas added, draping his arm on her thin shoulders playfully. “I will get you a new apartment after I get what I want.”“Thank you, sir! I’m very grateful!”In a small restaurant near Jack’s new apartment. Alex sat in a peaceful area, far away from the soft music the waitress played. There were only a few patrons in the restaurant, and it was very quiet. With a cup of water placed before Alex, he sipped slowly to bid his time until Jack returned with the apartment key. Without a way to unlock the door or contact Jack, he relied on patience. The rich scent of freshly brewed coffee filled the air as it tickled his senses, but he had no money to afford them. He contented himself with the water he had managed to obtain for free. Amidst the peaceful atmosphere in the restaurant, the door swung open, accompanied by a subtle and luxurious fragrance that enveloped the air. Bella walked in majestically, dressed in an elegant Gucci attire, as her group of female friends followed her closely. They decided to dine at the small restaurant after Bella had deceived them with positive feedback about the restaurant’s food. Deep down, she wanted to avoi
The next day, Alex got hired in the same hotel Jack worked at. It was very exhausting as he walked home slowly with Emma after school closing hours. Surprisingly, their apartment’s door was opened ajar and the locks were broken. Alex strode cautiously toward the apartment to see who broke in. To his utmost surprise, he sighted Rex in a golden wheelchair without recognizing him. Meanwhile, Emma adored the golden wheelchair as she gaped at the muscular escorts who stood behind Rex.“Whoa,” Emma mouthed, breaking the silence in the room as it attracted Rex and his escort’s attention.“You came…” Rex muttered, his voice filled with emotions, while Alex became confused and instantly furious. He couldn't understand his emotions himself, but he managed to bring himself to question Rex. “Why did you break the locks and come into our apartment unannounced? Are you all burglars?” Alex questioned, his voice filled with anger.“I was so eager to see you and I could not wait in the car anymore, s
The sun beat down persistently, it was a scorching summer afternoon.Working on the hotel’s terrace, beads of sweat dripped down Alex’s forehead. He glanced at Jack’s phone to check the time Emma would return from school.“She should be home. It’s her school closing hours already,” Alex muttered to himself, and just then, a message popped up.It was from Emma’s class teacher, informing him that she had dropped Emma off at their apartment, knowing that Alex and his father were busy with their menial jobs.Alex glanced at Jack. “Dad, Emma is home already,” he spoke, before dropping the mop. He had to leave the hotel quickly, to prepare lunch for Emma since she preferred fresh meals over the hotel’s leftovers. “I’m done cleaning, and I'm pretty hungry. Let's go home together,” Jack suggested before pushing the mops into the storeroom. He locked the storeroom then they both departed from the restaurant, before striding to their apartment. The scorching sun increased its power, and they
The night passed away like a soft sigh in the darkness. Jack’s mind kept pondering on what Alex told him the other night. He didn't have a good sleep as he became restless and tossed on the floor.Each toss was accompanied by a deep sigh as every minute felt like an eternity to him. A part of him wanted to tell Alex that he wasn't his father and his other self wanted Alex all to himself. All these months, he cared and adored Alex like his own son, he couldn't afford to lose him to the people who hurt him. Immediately the sun rose, Alex had gone to take Emma to her school while Jack pretended to have a throbbing headache. He picked up his phone and dialed the number that had warned him not to phone the police, hoping Rex would answer the call himself.The call abruptly stopped ringing as someone answered it.“Mr. Rex, please, let's meet at my apartment. I need to talk to you about Alex,” Jack muttered and a shrill voice replied. “Will be there,”A few minutes later, a fancy black car
Shortly after the doctor left, Alex’s panic increased. His mind pondered about the expensive surgery Jack needed, and memories of hearing about someone who needed cancer treatment flashed through his mind, but he quickly dismissed them.Even though he felt deceived by Jack in the past months, he didn't wish Jack any harm. Exiting the hospital, Alex felt a hollow emptiness as he recalled the surgery’s cost again. He had no money with him, and the only money Jack managed to save was not up to a thousand dollars which they prepared to pay their rent and Emma’s school bills.Warmth enveloped Alex’s hand, drifting him away from his thoughts. Looking down, he saw Emma’s soft hand in his.“What did the doctor say?” Emma asked, and a fake smile played on Alex’s lips. He squatted down to Emma’s height, as he spoke softly. “The doctor said Dad is fine,”“Then why did you lock yourself in the room? I was banging on the door, so you could check him after he fainted.”“I’m sorry, small mom. I wa
“I'm ready,” Alex replied, and a chuckle echoed at the other end of the call.“Ready for? You act strangely, Alex. You are the same person who shoved me out of your apartment, now you are asking of me,” Rex muttered.“I’m ready to be your son and true heir,” Alex spoke hastily, and it ended with silence.“Wow! You finally accepted! Come meet me then,” Rex exclaimed, his voice tinged with happiness.“Not yet. I need help. My father needs surgery immediately.” “Your father?”“My Dad…. I mean Jack,” Alex responded sternly and Rex replied, “Ok, okay. I will deal with that. Send me the hospital’s name and the condition he is in-”Alex ended the call before he hastily texted the hospital’s name and Jack’s condition to the number. Immediately that was done, he rushed back to the hospital, hoping everything will be settled. ••When Alex reached the hospital, a man sent down from Rex helped with the payments while Alex signed the consent form. The surgery proceeded afterward, as Alex prayed
“You scoundrel. Are you here to beg for some money again?” The manager scowled, attracting the security guard’s attention.The security guard approached him and he tried to explain that Alex was Rex’s guest, but the manager shunned him.“I’m not ready to listen to any noisy pleading! So just get this scoundrel out of this hotel!” The manager barked and the security guard stood still, not touching Alex one bit. He didn't want to lose his job since he believed Alex was an important guest to Rex.“Didn’t you hear me?!” the manager barked at the guard again and Alex interrupted.“Mister, it's best you return to your duty. No need to bother yourself.” Alex turned to the guard. He didn't intend to tell anyone about the owner transfer contract yet.He planned to find out about his memories, what made him lose them before anyone would recognize him as a billionaire. The unhealed scars on his body were a huge reminder to regain his memories as soon as possible. He had promised himself that wh
“Alex?” Bella called out, unsure of who she saw. She blinked repeatedly and opened her eyes slowly, hoping Alex was just a hallucination. But when he didn't disappear as she assumed he would, her heart raced faster. She panicked.“Yes, Alex is my name. Do you know me?” Alex inquired, causing Bella to drop the spoon in shock.Deep down, Bella thought she was hallucinating or Alex’s ghost was speaking to her, and she froze. Alex’s brows furrowed when he noticed the way she stared at him with wide-opened eyes.He watched how her jaw hung and the way she stumbled backward like she saw a ghost. As she stumbled, she fell and muttered, “Ghost… ghost.” She uttered, crawling away from Alex. Meanwhile, Alex didn't understand why she behaved strangely. He reached out to her, to assist her back to the chair, but that frightened Bella more!She trembled, then screamed at the top of her voice, gaining every patron in the restaurant’s attention. “Stay away from me! You died long ago! You are a gho