"You could not even finish studying even though you were on scholarship. I wouldn't pray to be such an unfortunate poor scumbag like you so, please, forget we ever had anything."
"I have no use for someone like you who I'm sure will die poor. You were simply a tool and i enjoyed using you for my father ambition." These words kept replaying in his head as he picked up the fountain pen on the side of the papers. The people who had gathered round him before were now gathered around him again as he sat at a garden dinner table. All the employees of the mansion in which he was, maids, cooks, housekeeper, butler, chauffeur, personal nurses and so on, had an expectant look on their faces. "She called me an unfortunate poor scumbag," he repeated to himself as he stared directly ahead. "Let's see what happens when you realize how wrong you are, Lilian." Vincenzo struck his signature over each paper, carefully reading through and grunting in satisfaction. All of these belongs to him now. And as much as he would love for life to move on, he needed to make Lilian and her father pay for sending him to prison with the intention of letting him be there for life and for using him. Though he is not willing to reveal his new identity yet, he'll still deal with each and everyone that has made life difficult for him. "I spoke with some people and I figured you would not even be coming out ever. You were sent there to die." Bradley said Vincenzo clenched his hand into a fist as he stared into space, anger welling up within him. "Williams can't get rid of me that easily. Bradley," he waved over the butler who bowed slightly by his side. "Find out more about Lilian Johnson and her wedding plans. I need you to do something for me." ********************** The sun was too hot for Lilian who quickly stepped into one of the many buildings she's been to since the beginning of the week, preparing for her wedding ceremony. Royal Crest Exquisite Centre was boldly engraved atop the building and as she had made her research, she knew she wanted no other hall except this. A hall with a six star review and no bad comment from any user, ranking number one in the city as well. "Madame, this is like the last building in the city that we can hope will be free for us to do the reception." Lilian's assistant said, worry clouding her face. Lilian rolled her eyes at the woman before turning to enter further into the place. "If they don't give me this one, I'll make sure my father sues the owner and sends them to jail. Nobody can refuse me." She said, swaying towards the receptionist. "I'd like to book a hall here." "Oh, hi. Kindly wait for your time with the manager for a few minutes. I'll let him know you're here." Lilian heaved a sigh of relief as she took a seat. "Finally." However, it turned worse when after three hours, Lilian had not seen the manager. She paced the lobby and fumed as she cursed in all the languages she knew. An hour later, when the sun was getting ready to sleep, she was called into the office. "I'll have my father lock up your company and maybe then, you will learn to stop acting like a stupid douche." "I had other things to attend to, ma'am." The manager said calmly but she stopped him with a wave. "I need your best hall for my wedding coming up this week. Unfortunately for me and fortunately for you, this is the one I want. So, get it together and make it available for me." With that, she walked away, proud of herself for finally getting a place for her wedding. As she descended the stairs, she bumped into a familiar figure standing tall over her. Lilian swallowed hard and comported herself. "What are you doing here?" It was Vincenzo, dressed in a grey t-shirt and carrying a backpack. He had on a dark rimmed eyeglasses that made him look ridiculous, his shirt soaked with sweat. She gave him a disgusted look. "What do you mean? I should be asking you this." Lilian approached Vincenzo carefully, her gaze resolute. "If this is one of your antics to get me to return to you, best believe I'm going to send your ass back where you belong. The prison." Vincenzo scoffed with disbelief. She still has the gut to mention prison,not feeling any remorse of what her father did to him "I am not even here for you." "Oh, of course. You're here to clock in for your usual job. Being a cleaner." Lilian laughed before waving over the receptionist whose face looked like it had been drained of blood. "You over there, why did you employ an ex-convinct to your organization? I need to have a word with the owner of this hall. I will not use this place unless this criminal is fired." "Um...er, the thing is..." "Quit stuttering and do what's needed." It was one of the best in the city and she knew getting married in such an exquisite place would make the headlines and even give her father more publicity. Having Vincenzo work there would only cause more problems for her. So, she swayed her way out of the company, not sparing him as much as a glance. "I hope you got that on record." Vincenzo turned to ask his manager who passed the sound recorder to him. "Yes, boss." The rest of the week was too busy for Lilian to think about anybody else, including the fact that Vincenzo had been released and her father had not known about it. She was getting married to Jason and that was all that mattered to her. On the D-day, everyone was seated except the couples who stood before the priest and shared vows. A moment was given for them to have a dance which Lilian believed she had a blast doing. "I can't believe this. You finally left that douchebag for me. I'm glad you opened your eyes to reality soon enough." Jason whispered into her ears as they danced, unaware that no matter how low their voice was, anyone in the media room could pick up their words. "Points for you." "Don't get too excited, Jason. If I had not been dating him, some things would have been out of place with my dad. He just came in handy." Lilian replied, a scowl set on her face. "Besides, why would I want to end up with him anyway? My children will simply curse me out." They both snickered. "I hope he rots in jail where he belongs." Lilian's hand gripped Jason tightly as she stared into space, her face slowly crumpled. Those words reminded her of the last conversation she had with Vincenzo. "Now, we are going to play videos and photos slideshow of the bride and groom in their childhood." The MC announced and everyone cheered and clapped. Everything was going on smoothly. The hall darkened as light focused on the projector before a total of two hundred guests of reputable status. A black screen emerged at first but later, writings were seen on the screen. "THE FAMILY YOU THOUGHT versus THE FAMILY IN REAL LIFE." Lilian frowned but things got even weirder when a video popped up and she started hearing her own words play back. "You could not even finish studying even though you were on scholarship. I wouldn't pray to be such an unfortunate poor scumbag like you so, please, forget we ever had anything." The guests gasped and Jason could be seen concentrating on the screen, equally confused. "What's happening?" Another video came up where Lilian was being rude to her assistant, the receptionist and the manager of the Royal Crest Exquisite Center. Commotion rose in the hall as everyone began to drop their own opinion. Jason's video popped up too where he was seen bullying and beating up a kid in college. It was a recent incident that Jason hadn't even thought anyone else could have seen not to mention record. "How's that even possible?" The slideshow ended with a dark screen a writing asking, "Is this the power couple you want to entrust your political power with?" There was an uproar and guests began to walk out of the hall. Lilian's eyes had watered as she sat on the chair, heart beating fast. Williams was seen running after Jason's father. "I can explain..." "Explain what?" He asked as he turned around to face Williams. "Explain how someone managed to humiliate my son and it came from your side. You're the one with enemies." "You don't understand. I don't know how this came about too." "So much for the man respectable and known for giving alms and charity. I'm sorry but our partnership can't work out." He walked away and drove off in his car, leaving Williams and Lilian devastated. She turned towards Jason who eyed her disgustingly before speaking. "So, your father's plan is to bring me down along with him, I see. This wedding is over." Lilian didn't need anyone to tell her as she glared back at the projector with tears in her eyes that someone was behind all these. Who could it be? She rushed upstairs towards the media. "What happened?" "I swear, ma'am, I don't know." She smacked him across the face, livid with anger. "What on earth happened with the media!?" She screamed at the media personnel who just stood watching. The one who seemed like the leader came forward. "I think it came from the head media room. We tried accessing the place but we couldn't. We asked if they knew about the video playing downstairs and they said a family of yours had brought it saying that's what should be played." Lilian's knee buckled. "Who could have had the nerve to do that?" Obviously, someone who had a upper hand and could access the room. Meanwhile, in the media room, hidden behind the shadows was Vincenzo. He had a smirk on his face as he sat on an executive chair before the camera. The workers in the media room were all standing behind him, watching the screen keenly as the drama unfolded before them. "This is just the beginning, Lilian.""Hey, dimwit!" Vincenzo sat up almost immediately, then looked around the room, puzzled for a second and relieved the next. It'd been a dream, thank goodness. Because he was pretty sure he wasn't going to survive the head bash that Dream Scarr was about to give him before he jolted awake. Sighing, he ran a hand through his hair and looked around the room. Due to his time in the prison, he kept looking over his shoulder every four minutes, and getting into a defensive mode whenever he felt people approach him. At that moment, he was surveying the room in case someone had snuck in while he slept. He wouldn't put it past Scarr to not keep a grudge. After a short while, he got out of bed and into the bathroom, pouring water on his face while revisiting the dream he'd just had. Sometimes he wondered if he was truly healing.Hours later he sat at the dining table pouring over the news, when he caught glimpse of a report on television displaying what triggers his rough past. The orphan
As soon as he returned from school, all the information he'd requested for in the morning was in his hands.There were a lot of orphanages with the name Safe Haven (which was very much expected), but with the description he'd given, the results had been narrowed down to the barest minimum; down to the orphanage he remembered. With a smile he skimmed through the pictures, the smile widening every second as his joy could not be contained. It soon vanished, however, when he stumbled upon a channel later that day as he switched television programs. On the screen was a headline depicting an orphanage's need for financial support, and he was horrified to find that it was no other institution but Safe Haven."The Proprietor, Sophia Poe, is here with us, and she'd be speaking more on the situation at hand." Vincenzo sucked in a breath when he saw the former headmistress' face appear on the screen. Despite her trying to appear calm, a glance into her eyes revealed a storm brewing. But her v
Anthony's ego seemed to have spiked up as he watched the younger man before him walk away. He's known for his brutality and no church rat was going to dare bring him down. As long as remained Sophia's benefactor, they will continue to do everything he asked."Stupid people. Imagine that boy trying to tell me what to do!" He continued to rant as he walked towards Kevin, shaking his head in disbelief. "Keep working!" He barked at the seemingly tired and worn out young men digging in the sun. He could care less.Kevin scoffed, although worry clouded his face. Soon, his phone rang and he gestured towards Anthony to give him a moment. "Hello?" He started. "Yes, I'm the representative for Anthony Stewart construction company. How may I help you?" There was a pause and Anthony's curiosity was now piqued."What do you mean the contract has been canceled and our property is being revoked?" Anthony's eyes widened as he broke out in sweat, perspiring really hard and pacing back and forth. "W
The college had arranged a special expedition to surprise the students, it was a visit to the biggest Antiques collection company in the city. The students had always long for this trip because coming through the institution as an entity is their only hope of experiencing this unique site with amazing Antiques as they don't just take any visitors because they are private.Jason was however the happiest of all, not because of the experience he'll be having but for the perfect location to put Vincenzo in a big mess. Framing Vincenzo of breaking one or two antiques will surely ruin his already miserable life, he thought."Leave it to me, I'll do it" Richard cuts in. Earning a glare from the rest of the gang.Richard is one of the spoiled sons of a rich man who also enjoy oppressing the less privileged and is willing to join Jason's squad on campus just for validation.With this he's willing to do anything and now he's taking on the job to frame Vincenzo for breaking an expensive antique.
All eyes on the man identified as Ben Carlos. He is the senior manager at the Antique company and highly respected by all staff. Approaching with a strong aura that speaks authority, he stopped in his track and face Vincenzo expecting an answer.“Yes sir” he replied confidently breaking the silence before anyone could interrupt.Mr Joe wasn't buying any of his blabbing a and he won't let him give the college a bad image by complicating the issue and getting on the Bad side of Ben Carlos.“Just shut your mouth this instant,do you think Mr Ben is someone you can toy with? How dare you talk about paying up $10m or you think it's 10 cents you ungrateful scholarship boy”“He's out of his senses sir, please don't mind him” Mr Joe said, facing the senior manager to make him understand.“I'm afraid not, because I already believed him” Mr Carlos slammed back.”Now I'll appreciate you fulfill your part of his condition, which is the simplest thing to do”Everyone surprised at the turn out of th
The word hit Mr Joe and he immediately felt the impact. Tried to talk but the words ain't connecting. “Sir…. sir it's,.....”“Just answer me! Are you qualified to be a teacher with what you just displayed today?” Jordan Freeman asked again, his voice more frosty and mean.Mr Joe swallow hard trying to look for the right word to defend himself, one thing is for sure, he has to mind his speech in front of someone as powerful as Jordan Freeman. What baffles him is why is he taking the poor dirtbag side.“Sir it isn't what you think, you see, this boy bad reputation made me believe the allegation against him. He's the good for nothing mischievous scholarship boy in our college and …..”“Shut the hell up this instance!!” Jordan Voice struck before he could complete his sentence, completely red and vein popping out of his head.“It is very clear how unworthy of a teacher you are and I'll make sure your job ends here” Mr Jordan declared, authority evident in his voice.As a man with the prin
The alarm blared loudly, filling the small cramped room with a screaming sound that would send anyone kicking it out the window. It was a grandpa clock that had bells underneath to wake up even the dead.In the heart of Newsville city, where people from outside the city would never be told about in the stories of finding greener pastures, a large building with cramped apartment stood tall. It overshadowed other smaller hood houses that were nearly breaking apart save for the mold and durable materials that held them together. From the back of a window, one could perceive the reeking odor of piss and dumpster. However, for someone like Vincenzo who had spent over three years in the city, the putrid smell was nothing. Maybe the blaring horns of vehicles and the angry yelling from passersby could get to him. A hand emerged from under the sheets, desperately trying to find the alarm clock. The search was futile which threw him into frustration and he yanked the sheets off, throwing the a
"What happened?" Vincenzo asked as he approached the accident scene.The crash was on the edge of the road where a small car was rammed to another one. His heart did a double take as he walked past the quiet road and shops around the area, taking in his surrounding to spot his girlfriend. As long as she's okay, he will be fine. A pretty girl dressed in a flowery gown and her hair worn in a ponytail squeezed herself through a dark corner as she ran towards Vincenzo. He saw her and ran towards her as well but an older man pulled her arm and stopped her from moving till Vincenzo got to where they were both standing. "Lilian!" He cried as he hugged her and assessed her face. "Are you okay? How did this happen?"The older man scoffed, bringing Vincenzo's attention to him."Mr. Johnson," he greeted the older man. "I came as soon as I heard. I hope nobody got hurt.""About time you asked." He spat. "I called to tell you there's been an accident and all you could do was come around to play
The word hit Mr Joe and he immediately felt the impact. Tried to talk but the words ain't connecting. “Sir…. sir it's,.....”“Just answer me! Are you qualified to be a teacher with what you just displayed today?” Jordan Freeman asked again, his voice more frosty and mean.Mr Joe swallow hard trying to look for the right word to defend himself, one thing is for sure, he has to mind his speech in front of someone as powerful as Jordan Freeman. What baffles him is why is he taking the poor dirtbag side.“Sir it isn't what you think, you see, this boy bad reputation made me believe the allegation against him. He's the good for nothing mischievous scholarship boy in our college and …..”“Shut the hell up this instance!!” Jordan Voice struck before he could complete his sentence, completely red and vein popping out of his head.“It is very clear how unworthy of a teacher you are and I'll make sure your job ends here” Mr Jordan declared, authority evident in his voice.As a man with the prin
All eyes on the man identified as Ben Carlos. He is the senior manager at the Antique company and highly respected by all staff. Approaching with a strong aura that speaks authority, he stopped in his track and face Vincenzo expecting an answer.“Yes sir” he replied confidently breaking the silence before anyone could interrupt.Mr Joe wasn't buying any of his blabbing a and he won't let him give the college a bad image by complicating the issue and getting on the Bad side of Ben Carlos.“Just shut your mouth this instant,do you think Mr Ben is someone you can toy with? How dare you talk about paying up $10m or you think it's 10 cents you ungrateful scholarship boy”“He's out of his senses sir, please don't mind him” Mr Joe said, facing the senior manager to make him understand.“I'm afraid not, because I already believed him” Mr Carlos slammed back.”Now I'll appreciate you fulfill your part of his condition, which is the simplest thing to do”Everyone surprised at the turn out of th
The college had arranged a special expedition to surprise the students, it was a visit to the biggest Antiques collection company in the city. The students had always long for this trip because coming through the institution as an entity is their only hope of experiencing this unique site with amazing Antiques as they don't just take any visitors because they are private.Jason was however the happiest of all, not because of the experience he'll be having but for the perfect location to put Vincenzo in a big mess. Framing Vincenzo of breaking one or two antiques will surely ruin his already miserable life, he thought."Leave it to me, I'll do it" Richard cuts in. Earning a glare from the rest of the gang.Richard is one of the spoiled sons of a rich man who also enjoy oppressing the less privileged and is willing to join Jason's squad on campus just for validation.With this he's willing to do anything and now he's taking on the job to frame Vincenzo for breaking an expensive antique.
Anthony's ego seemed to have spiked up as he watched the younger man before him walk away. He's known for his brutality and no church rat was going to dare bring him down. As long as remained Sophia's benefactor, they will continue to do everything he asked."Stupid people. Imagine that boy trying to tell me what to do!" He continued to rant as he walked towards Kevin, shaking his head in disbelief. "Keep working!" He barked at the seemingly tired and worn out young men digging in the sun. He could care less.Kevin scoffed, although worry clouded his face. Soon, his phone rang and he gestured towards Anthony to give him a moment. "Hello?" He started. "Yes, I'm the representative for Anthony Stewart construction company. How may I help you?" There was a pause and Anthony's curiosity was now piqued."What do you mean the contract has been canceled and our property is being revoked?" Anthony's eyes widened as he broke out in sweat, perspiring really hard and pacing back and forth. "W
As soon as he returned from school, all the information he'd requested for in the morning was in his hands.There were a lot of orphanages with the name Safe Haven (which was very much expected), but with the description he'd given, the results had been narrowed down to the barest minimum; down to the orphanage he remembered. With a smile he skimmed through the pictures, the smile widening every second as his joy could not be contained. It soon vanished, however, when he stumbled upon a channel later that day as he switched television programs. On the screen was a headline depicting an orphanage's need for financial support, and he was horrified to find that it was no other institution but Safe Haven."The Proprietor, Sophia Poe, is here with us, and she'd be speaking more on the situation at hand." Vincenzo sucked in a breath when he saw the former headmistress' face appear on the screen. Despite her trying to appear calm, a glance into her eyes revealed a storm brewing. But her v
"Hey, dimwit!" Vincenzo sat up almost immediately, then looked around the room, puzzled for a second and relieved the next. It'd been a dream, thank goodness. Because he was pretty sure he wasn't going to survive the head bash that Dream Scarr was about to give him before he jolted awake. Sighing, he ran a hand through his hair and looked around the room. Due to his time in the prison, he kept looking over his shoulder every four minutes, and getting into a defensive mode whenever he felt people approach him. At that moment, he was surveying the room in case someone had snuck in while he slept. He wouldn't put it past Scarr to not keep a grudge. After a short while, he got out of bed and into the bathroom, pouring water on his face while revisiting the dream he'd just had. Sometimes he wondered if he was truly healing.Hours later he sat at the dining table pouring over the news, when he caught glimpse of a report on television displaying what triggers his rough past. The orphan
"You could not even finish studying even though you were on scholarship. I wouldn't pray to be such an unfortunate poor scumbag like you so, please, forget we ever had anything.""I have no use for someone like you who I'm sure will die poor. You were simply a tool and i enjoyed using you for my father ambition."These words kept replaying in his head as he picked up the fountain pen on the side of the papers. The people who had gathered round him before were now gathered around him again as he sat at a garden dinner table. All the employees of the mansion in which he was, maids, cooks, housekeeper, butler, chauffeur, personal nurses and so on, had an expectant look on their faces."She called me an unfortunate poor scumbag," he repeated to himself as he stared directly ahead. "Let's see what happens when you realize how wrong you are, Lilian."Vincenzo struck his signature over each paper, carefully reading through and grunting in satisfaction. All of these belongs to him now. And as
"Vincenzo, you have a visitor!" A stern voice called from the entrance of the dark solitary cell where Vincenzo was put since the fight he had with Scar. His brows shot up and his eyes lit as he heaved a sigh of relief. Finally, Williams remembered him and decided to get him out. Although, he was furious and he resolved to take it out on the man, he thought of the possible chances that him going to jail and Lilian announcing her wedding with Jason was all a test. It was all for Vincenzo to prove he was man enough to get married to Lilian. "You have just an hour, Sir. I'll be back to take him in." The guard said before turning to leave him with a strange man. The man was tall and slender, wearing a shiny black jacket over an outfit he was pretty sure would cost a fortune. His blonde hair with white streaks indicated he must be close to fifty years of age and if he hadn't smiled at him, he would have suspected he was in a bigger trouble. Surely, Williams must have sent him."Hello,"
It has been exactly a month. Or maybe more than a month as Vincenzo has already lost count. He had been through hell and at this point, all hope is lost. When weeks passed and nobody had even bothered to visit not to talk of bring him out, he figured then that maybe the guard had been right and he was going to spend two years in prison. He felt betrayed, duped and pained. Not even Lilian, the love of his life had come to visit. He never thought they'll be a day like this in his life.The line at the cafeteria was always the same routine everyday which Vincenzo had come to hate. It was impossible for him to miss the daily foods as they were given only once a day. But every day would often come with beatings, bullying and wounds. This particular day was going to be the same, he was sure. So, he had managed to sneak a small picker into his pocket while on the line."Hey, dimwit!" Scarr, the big man who used to be his cell mate yelled. Vincenzo knew he was referring to him so he tried a