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The Ultimate Return of Carlos 41
'THE FOLLOWING DAY'Carlos stirred awake early in the morning. The soft glow of dawn crept through the curtains, casting a warm hue across the bedroom. He blinked a few times before stretching his arms, feeling the weight of the day ahead settling on his shoulders. Glancing at the clock on the nightstand, it read 6:05 AM. He groaned softly, rubbing his face, before swinging his legs over the side of the bed. Toby, who shared the room with him, was still deep in sleep, sprawled out on his back, snoring lightly.Carlos stood up, slipping on a pair of sweatpants and an old shirt. He felt the slight sting of the bruises still fresh from the encounter a few days prior, but the soreness had become a dull ache now. He ran a hand over his face, the morning air cool against his skin as he quietly padded toward the guestroom where Abby had stayed overnight.Outside her door, he hesitated for a second, unsure if he should wake her just yet. But they had a busy day ahead, and he knew she wouldn’t
The Ultimate Return of Carlos 42
'THREE MONTHS LATER'The piercing screech of Carlos's alarm shattered the peaceful quiet of his Manhattan apartment. He groaned, his hand fumbling over the nightstand, desperately reaching for his phone. His fingers finally landed on the buzzing device, and with a swift tap, he silenced the intrusive noise. The room fell back into a hushed calm, but the stillness did little to ease the weight that settled over him."Seven months," he muttered to himself, rubbing his eyes with the heel of his hand. "Seven damn months."Carlos swung his legs over the edge of the bed, his bare feet sinking into the plush carpet below. The excitement he should have felt about his first day back at work was dulled by the growing pit of anxiety in his stomach. "What will they say when I walk in?" he scolded himself, shaking his head as he made his way to the bathroom. "You disappear for months, and you think they're just going to welcome you back with open arms?"He stared at his reflection in the bathroom
The Ultimate Return of Carlos 43
'HOURS LATER..... DURING THE EMERGENCY MEETING'Derek’s eyes moved slowly around the glass-walled conference room, his fingers tapping impatiently against the polished mahogany table as the attendees settled into their seats. The sky outside the building had shifted from morning gray to a tense, stagnant afternoon haze. Carlos sat at the far end of the long table, his posture stiff, hands resting tensely in his lap, eyes focused on the scene before him. His heart pounded, each beat louder than the last, as he anticipated the showdown that was about to unfold. To his left, Toby offered a reassuring nod, but Carlos knew the weight of the situation far exceeded their friendship. Across from him sat Alisha, her face a stony mask of determination. She adjusted the sleeve of her blazer, her piercing gaze never leaving Carlos. The rest of the attendees— Tommy and Lilly from HR— sat with an air of bureaucratic formality, prepared to listen, deliberate, and pass judgment.Derek leaned forward
The Ultimate Return of Carlos 44
The following day, Carlos sat at his desk, his eyes fixed on the monitor, trying to block out the noise of the office. The faint hum of the computers and occasional footsteps in the hall felt more intrusive than usual, but he tried his best to concentrate on the spreadsheet open in front of him. The glow of the screen reflected off his face, casting long shadows under his tired eyes.As he scrolled through the data, his thoughts kept drifting back to yesterday's meeting. The tension in the room, the judgmental eyes, Alisha’s cutting words, all replayed in his mind like a broken record. Every click of the mouse felt like a struggle to bring himself back to the present.A soft knock on the door pulled him out of his thoughts. His heart rate quickened as the door creaked open, and Derek stepped inside, pausing just after crossing the threshold. His presence brought with it a mix of comfort and anxiety— comfort, because Derek had been one of the few who stood by him yesterday, and anxiety
The Ultimate Return of Carlos 45
Carlos sat at his desk, the cursor blinking on his monitor, staring back at him like a challenge. His focus was slipping; the constant murmur of the office, the quiet judgment he felt pressing in from all sides, was enough to distract anyone. The soft tap tap of fingers on keyboards, the low hum of printers, and the occasional sharp ring of a phone echoed through the hallways. He ran his hand over his face, feeling the weight of it all, as he rose from his chair.Without hesitation, he grabbed his jacket from the back of the chair, draped it over his arm, and exited his office. The familiar anxiety of walking through the hallways where eyes trailed his every movement crept back in. He could feel the whispers again— like tiny daggers of judgment, though none dared speak up in his presence. His heart pounded faster with each step as he made his way to Toby's office.Carlos reached Toby’s door and knocked lightly before opening it. Toby was seated, typing away, but when he noticed Carlos
The Ultimate Return of Carlos 46
Carlos then glanced at the bartender who stood a few feet away, wiping down the counter and paying them no mind. His attention returned to the ring in his hand, the glimmer of it catching the dim light of the bar. It wasn’t flashy, but it had a timeless elegance, something that symbolized love, endurance, and the passage of time. Something that, hopefully, would mean just as much to Abby as it had to his parents. "Still can’t believe you’re about to do this, man," Toby said, leaning back on his bar stool, swirling his glass and taking a sip of his drink. "I mean, Abby’s amazing, don’t get me wrong. But I just can’t picture you settling down. You? The same guy who swore marriage was a trap?"Carlos let out a low chuckle, slipping the ring back into his pocket. "Yeah, well, life has a funny way of proving you wrong." He looked around the bar, taking in the low hum of conversation, the clinking of glasses, and the soft background music. "I wasn’t planning any of this. But with Abby... i
The Ultimate Return of Carlos 47
Carlos squinted as sunlight crept through the thin curtains of his room, the faint sound of birds chirping in the distance blending with the mechanical hum of his alarm clock. His phone buzzed beside him, vibrating incessantly until it stirred him from the depths of his half-awake state. Groggily, he reached over to silence it, his fingers brushing across the smooth surface of the screen before the buzzing stopped. His body sank back into the mattress, the familiar warmth of the sheets urging him to close his eyes for just a little longer.But then his phone buzzed again—a WhatsApp notification this time. His brows furrowed slightly as he brought the phone closer to his face, squinting at the bright screen. It was a message from Toby, reminding him about the evening’s job.“Don’t forget tonight. Might leave town for a bit. Not sure where yet. Will update you once I know.”Carlos stared at the message, the reality of what was to come slowly settling into his consciousness. He let out a
The Ultimate Return of Carlos 48
Toby’s cousin, Mark, stepped out from the shadows, followed closely by his associate Gazan. Their arrival was abrupt, making the air feel heavier. Toby, already on edge, couldn’t help but blurt out, “Damn, Mark, you scared the hell out of me!”Mark smirked, his eyes flickering between Toby and Carlos, before he spoke in a calm but measured tone, “You’ve gotten jumpy, cousin. Didn’t mean to spook you.”Toby quickly recovered and turned to Carlos, gesturing towards Mark. “Carlos, this is Mark, my cousin. Mark, this is Carlos, the friend I’ve been telling you about.”Carlos and Mark exchanged a quick handshake, firm and deliberate. Mark’s grip was strong, the handshake feeling like a subtle test. He peered at Carlos for a second longer before saying, “So, you’re the one looking for extra cash on the side, huh?”Carlos met his gaze squarely, giving a small nod. “Yeah, that’s me.”Mark nodded approvingly, a slight grin playing at the corners of his mouth. “Good. Nice to meet you, Carlos. I
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- The Ultimate Return of Carlos
The End
Carlos stepped out of the SUV, his eyes fixed on the modest apartment building. The tension was palpable, a coiled spring ready to snap. Miguel and a few of their men flanked him, their movements swift and precise, well rehearsed from countless operations before. But this one— this was personal.Miguel gestured toward the entrance. "We’ve got the building surrounded. No one’s getting out without us knowing."Carlos nodded, his face a mask of steely resolve as they made their way toward the building. Each step felt heavier than the last, the weight of anticipation building in his chest. His heart pounded in time with his footsteps, but his expression remained calm, collected.They reached the entrance, a narrow hallway leading to Olivia’s apartment on the second floor. Carlos took a deep breath, steadying himself before he climbed the stairs, Miguel close behind. The air was thick with the humid heat of Mumbai, beads of sweat forming on his forehead, but he barely noticed. His focus wa
- The Ultimate Return of Carlos
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A Few Months Later.....Carlos sat in the largest office of the company he now owned, the enormous windows stretching from floor to ceiling behind him. The room, once a place of ridicule and frustration, had become his empire— rebuilt in his image, every piece of furniture a testament to his power. Yet, despite the luxury, the carefully curated space, and the city bustling beneath him, Carlos found no peace.His hands gripped the arms of his chair, the tension in his knuckles betraying his thoughts. From this vantage point, he could see the chaotic movement of New York, the ant like people scurrying far below, unaware of the power struggles happening so high above their heads. His eyes were on the horizon, but his mind was far away.It wasn’t the money. It wasn’t the firm. Those were easy victories— too easy, if he was honest with himself. No, the real prize had always been elusive, slipping through his fingers no matter how tightly he tried to hold on. Olivia.The name alone sent a w
- The Ultimate Return of Carlos
105
A few days later....Carlos wheeled out of the elevator, a low hum from its descent fading as the elevator doors hissed shut behind him. The spacious office floor that had once been a place of ambition and humiliation now stretched out before him, utterly transformed. His eyes moved over the sleek furnishings, the modern lighting, and the polished marble floors, but his mind was far from admiring the décor. He could feel the weight of every gaze in the room, every stiffened posture. Miguel, his uncle, stood beside him, tall and brooding with an unreadable expression. Behind them, Carlos’s men – all ex-military and highly trained – flanked him, their presence a silent reminder of who Carlos had become. The former worker, the man once kicked around and demeaned, was now their new boss. The heir of the Martinez empire.The low murmur of the staff hushed the moment Carlos's wheelchair moved forward with a faint electric whirr, the entire floor falling into silence. Heads turned, faces dr
- The Ultimate Return of Carlos
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A few months later.....Carlos sat quietly in the large, beautifully landscaped garden of the Martinez family estate. The sun, golden and warm, cast long rays through the trees, painting the glass walls of the house in shimmering reflections. This estate, known as the "Glass Fortress," was hidden deep within the woods, far from prying eyes, a sanctuary from the chaos of the outside world. The trees around swayed gently in the breeze, the air crisp and filled with the scent of pine and freshly cut grass. Carlos wheeled himself to the edge of the garden path, close enough to admire the serene beauty but far enough to avoid being touched by the world beyond.His fingers absentmindedly traced the cool metal of the wheelchair’s arms, but his mind was elsewhere, tangled in thoughts of his lost children and the ex-wife who had taken them. He had moments like this often, where he would retreat into the solace of nature, trying to find some peace in the rhythm of the forest, but peace always s
- The Ultimate Return of Carlos
103
The following night...Carlos sat silently at the edge of the stage, his guitar resting against his knee, watching as the last of the small crowd dispersed into the fading twilight. Andrew and Peter were packing up their instruments, exchanging a few light-hearted jokes, but Carlos wasn’t in the mood for banter. His mind was elsewhere. He couldn’t stop thinking about last night, about Miguel and everything he had said. He was torn between disbelief and a gnawing curiosity that had kept him awake most of the night.“Hey, you good?” Andrew’s voice cut through his thoughts. He was standing beside Carlos, his keyboard case slung over his shoulder. “You’ve been quiet since we finished playing.”Carlos nodded, though his thoughts were still muddled. “Yeah, I’m fine,” he muttered, avoiding Andrew’s concerned gaze. “Just thinking.”Andrew raised an eyebrow, clearly not convinced but didn’t push. “Well, let us know if you need anything, man. We’re here for you.”“Thanks,” Carlos replied, his t
- The Ultimate Return of Carlos
102
The following evening.....Carlos’s fingers slid over the smooth strings of his guitar, his eyes shut as he strummed the chords with practiced ease. The rhythmic notes echoed through the park, melding into the cool evening air. Andrew sat beside him, his fingers dancing on the keyboard, while Peter tapped his drumsticks lightly against the cajón, filling the space with a steady beat. A small crowd had gathered around their makeshift stage, captivated by the music, swaying gently to the melody. It was a simple life, playing for strangers who’d toss spare change into their tip jar, but it was theirs. For a few hours each day, they were free. Free from the burden of life’s harsh realities, free from the pain and memories that haunted them all.As Carlos played, his gaze drifted across the crowd, briefly landing on a familiar figure. Miguel. The man from the night before. He stood just at the edge of the gathering, his broad frame silhouetted by the streetlights, arms crossed over his ch
- The Ultimate Return of Carlos
101
Several years later.The subway platform was as familiar to Carlos as his own skin by now, the dim, flickering lights overhead casting long, uneven shadows across the grimy floor. The night was biting cold, seeping through the thin layers of his old jacket, but he had long stopped minding it. After all, the chill had become a constant companion. Andrew and Peter were already setting up when he rolled up in his wheelchair, the squeaky wheels echoing slightly in the nearly empty tunnel. A few people hurried past, heads down, not sparing a second glance at the trio who were about to fill the subway with their melodies. Andrew adjusted his guitar strap, his fingers hovering over the strings, testing out a few chords. He glanced at Carlos, his face creased with the weariness of life. “Ready for another night, my man?” Andrew asked, his voice gruff but kind.Carlos offered a tight lipped smile. “I’ve got nothing better to do,” he replied, positioning himself beside them. His voice, though
- The Ultimate Return of Carlos
100
A few days later...Olivia sat on the cold, hard stool next to Carlos's hospital bed, staring at his motionless body. His face was pale, his breathing shallow, and the machines around him hummed and beeped rhythmically, tracking his every breath and heartbeat. The room smelled sterile, the faint scent of antiseptic in the air, and the bright, artificial light from the ceiling cast harsh shadows across his face.She crossed her legs, her foot tapping softly against the tiled floor, her hands resting on her lap as she watched him. Her mind drifted, but the smile that tugged at the corner of her lips remained— subtle but triumphant. It's done, she thought, her heart racing at the thought. After years of planning, manipulation, and waiting, her mission was finally complete. The mighty Carlos Wilson was lying before her, utterly helpless.A nurse entered the room, her soft footsteps barely audible on the floor. She smiled at Olivia, a kind but professional smile, and then turned her attent
- The Ultimate Return of Carlos
99
Nearly an hour later...Olivia’s fingers gripped the steering wheel as she turned into the driveway of their family home. The soft hum of the car’s engine quieted, leaving only the excited voices of her two children, Alex and Alexa, who were both animatedly chatting about their time at the beauty shop. Alexa had chosen a two sided pony, and Alex was still giddy about his hair trim. “Mama, look! Do you think Daddy will like my ponys? And nails?” Alexa asked, holding her tiny hands up to admire the glittery pink polish as the sunlight glinted off them. Her wide eyes sparkled with joy, and Olivia forced a smile onto her face.“Yes, sweetheart, Daddy will love them. I’m sure he’ll be so proud,” Olivia replied, her voice betraying none of the turmoil churning inside her. She parked the car, the engine’s quiet purr cutting off abruptly, leaving the driveway still and eerily silent.Alex unbuckled his seatbelt with the speed of a child who couldn’t wait to share exciting news. “I can’t wait