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2024-10-29 19:42:56Liam trudged down the street, his heart was heavy with worry. He was on his way to the hospital to pay his mother's medical bills, he had juggled different jobs these past weeks, not limited from errand boys, bartender in a bar, delivery boy and so much more, he had managed to gathered this amount and he is rushing to the hospital to deposit this so they can begin treatment on his mother.
As he turned the corner, he spotted some people across the street, Ryan, Jake, and Alex standing by the wall, they were holding a cigarette by the alleyway.
Liam tried to turned back to avoid them seeing him, but Alex had already saw him. "Well, well, well, look what we got here." Alex sneered, calling the attention of Jake and Ryan.
Jake, the most vulgar of the three, catcalled, "You little punk, do you think you can run away from us?"
Alex, kill his cigarette fire with his hands, walking towards Liam he said, "You're a week late, and I know you're aware of what happens when you're late."
Yeah, they were loan sharks. You might be wondering what businesses a twenty six years old him, has with loan sharks. Well, Some father left inheritance for their sons, but what his father left for him was huge debts he didn't even spent a penny from, now he was responsible for paying back.
They closed in on him, their fists was about to fly but he held out his hands, and desperately pleaded "Stop, Wait... I was looking for the money, I will pay back, just give me few days, please a few more days alright? I will pay it"
For a moment, it seemed like they heard his pleas but the next second, Ryan landed a solid punch to Liam's jaw, sending him stumbling back. Jake followed up with a kick to Liam's stomach, doubling him over.
Alex grabbed Liam's hair, pulling his head back exposing his face to the punches. Liam's eyes watered as his nose cracked under the impact.
"Search him"
Liam tried to fight back, but they were too strong and he was clearly outnumbered. They beat him mercilessly. And finally, Jake pulled out a bunch of money from Liam's pocket, about two thousands dollars.
"How do you know the bastard is hiding something in his pocket"
Alex smirked, "Instincts" he shrugged.
Liam's body crumpled to the ground, his vision blurring. He felt a kick to his ribs, and then another. He curled up, trying to protect himself,
But they didn't stop. They kept beating him.
Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, they stopped. Liam lay there, his body was broken and battered. Ryan stood over him and sneered, "You're fool to think you can owe the boss money without paying for a week! Do you think you can hide from us?"
Jake squatted and puffed his cigarette smoke on his face.
Whack!
Jake landed a slap on his face, "Isn't your bitchy death sicken mother an enough lesson to you? Huh? Do you also wanna get a fucking bed in the hospital?"
He was preparing to land another punch, but Alex hold him back, "That's enough, we got the money, so let's get out of here, at least if he ended up in hospital, who will keep paying? His almost dead mother?"
Reluctantly, Jake stood up and they left, but Liam wanted to call them back, at least get the money back, the doctor had refused to treat his mother without paying any hospital bills. But in the end, he could only helplessly watch them walked away with every last cent.
Liam dragged himself to the hospital, feeling defeated. When he arrived, the nurse looked at him with concern. "Liam, where have you been?"
Seeing he didn't reply, the nurse continue, "You might want to be with your mother now,"
Liam shook his head, unable to speak. He felt like he had failed his mother.
The nurse led him to his mother's room, where she lay pale and weak. Liam's heart broke as he looked at her, feeling helpless.
His mother's eyes fluttered open, and she smiled weakly. But after seeing his dirty clothes, and his state, she almost cracked up as she asked, "What happened to you?"
Liam felt tears prick at the corners of his eyes as he took her hand. "I'm sorry, Mom. I didn't have enough money to pay the bills."
His mother's eyes was filled with understanding. "It's not your fault, Liam. You're doing the best you can."
Liam Black's eyes welled up with tears as he sat beside his mother's hospital bed, clutching her frail hand. The beeping machines faded into the background as he focused his attention on the woman who had been his rock.
Sarah, smiled weakly, her eyes was sunken with illness "Hey," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Liam's throat constricted as he replied, "Mom." He squeezed her hand, trying to convey all the emotions swirling inside him.
Sarah's gaze drifted around the room, taking in the cards, flowers, "You didn't have to do all this," she said, her voice laced with a hint of sadness.
Liam shook his head, his eyes brimming with tears. "I wanted to, Mom. You deserve it."
Sarah's eyes locked onto his, and for a moment, they just stared at each other.
He remembered the way his mother had worked multiple jobs to provide for him, the way she had encouraged him to pursue his dreams, and the way she had always been there for him, no matter what.
The machines continue to beeped and whirred around them. He didn't want to lose her, he didn't want to say goodbye.
Sarah's hand tightened around his, as if she sensed his emotions. "Liam, I'm proud of you," she whispered. "You're a good man, I could never ask for more"
Liam's tears spilled over, streaming down his face as he nodded, his throat constricted.
Sarah's eyes fluttered closed, and for a moment, Liam panicked, thinking he had lost her. But then, her chest rose with a shallow breath, and her eyes flickered open again.
"I love you, Liam," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
"I love you too, Mom," Liam replied, his voice was cracking in his throat.
"What are you doing?" Asked the nurse standing at the door holding her sheets, "I'm sorry for interrupting you, but the doctor want to see you, now."
Liam tear his teary gaze away from his mother and nodded at her, "Okay"
He squeezed his Sarah's hands for a brief moment before going out of the room to the doctors office.
The doctor Mr Derek who has his eyes fixed on some documents look up at Liam who had knocked and entered into his office.
He sighed and said, "Take a seat"
Liam sat before him, feeling his heart pounding in his chest, as he watched Mr Derek twirl the pen in his hands.
"Liam... As you can see, your mom's condition has become really critical, and at this rate, I'm afraid if she failed to get into surgery in two weeks time, there's little to nothing I can do to save her"
"I thought you said I should look for treatment bills and make payments to the pharmacy so she could be supplied medicine... So what do you meant by surgery?"
"As I said, there has been a lot of delays, thus, unless she got into the surgery, I'm afraid.... I believe you've been to her room, and as you can see her condition is really unstable, so I hope you can look for the money as soon as possible"
"Mr Derek... I.. I will look for the money, two weeks ... Right?" He wanted to cry, he wanted to screamed his lungs out, but he couldn't. Even though he said he's going to pay it, he knew enough that he didn't have the money to pay the bills.
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The phoenix: Rise of Liam Black Chapter two: Unexpected inheritance
Liam walked out of the hospital almost lifeless, he looked up at the busy street, everybody was going about with their business, what was he going to do? Where would he find the money? Would he failed his mother like this?He continued to walk on the curb, as different thoughts occupied his mind, howeverLiam's phone rang, jolting him out of his thoughts. He didn't want to pick it at first, because it was an unknown number, but he eventually answered the phone."Hello""Mr. Black, I'm Johnson, Your mother, Sandra Black's lawyer, I know you might have questions and that's why I'm calling."Liam's glanced at his phone again, it must be one of those scammer calls, because there's no way his mother had a lawyer. Even if she were to have one, it definitely wouldn't be Johnson.Clearly not interested he was just about to hang up the call but Wait a minute how did the person knew his mother's name? also how did he knew his first name was Black? so he asked, "How do you know my mother's name?
The phoenix: Rise of Liam Black Chapter three: It's the thief
Hilton corporate was one of the largest top corporate that expanded their business all over the world. So hearing a distance uncle left him such huge inheritance, Liam was so surprised that he was still in a daze. Johnson leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers together as he began to explain the details of the proposal to Liam."So, as I was saying, the bonuses for heading the Hilton corporations are quite...substantial," Johnson said. Liam raised an eyebrow, he was intrigued despite himself not showing it, but he wasn't very good at hiding it either, "Go on," he said.Johnson leaned forward, his hands gesturing expansively. "Well, first, there's the car. A brand-new, limited-edition Lamborghini Sián. One of only 63 in the world, and it's all yours."Liam's eyes widened slightly, impressed despite his efforts to remain nonchalant. Even though he doesn't really care about the rest, all that mattered to him was to save his mother.Johnson continued, "And then, of course, the
The phoenix: Rise of Liam Black Chapter four: The real thief is him!
Liam face twisted with distaste as soon as he saw this man. He picked up the document given to him by Mr Johnson and meant to walk away, but the angry Vex Sam pulled him back and said with a sneer, "Where do you think you're going disgusting thief!" Liam felt really angry, but he managed to released Vex Sam grip on his shirt and said coldly, "What thing of yours have I stole? I knocked down your briefcase and I apologize, and now you're holding me back?" Vex Sam face darkened as soon as he heard Liam words. Vex Sam's face twisted in contempt. "You're a thief, a lowly web developer who went stealing things about, and you still dare to talk to me?"Liam's expression remained calm, but his eyes flashed with annoyance. He didn't want a scene, especially not with someone like Vex Sam, who clearly enjoyed belittling others.Seeing Liam didn't say a thing, Vex Sam become more infuriated that he said, "What? You deaf now or something?"Truthfully, while working at the Tech Company, a situa
The phoenix: Rise of Liam Black Chapter five: Was he a royalty?
Everyone was shocked and surprised. as soon as they saw Liam brought out the pen.Vex Sam tried to get away, but Johnson held him tight. He punched Vex Sam in the face a few times."How dare you lie against Mr. Black?" Johnson shouted as he rained punches on his face, "How dare you call Mr Black a thief!"Vex Sam looked around, trying to escape. But he couldn't.Sam's mind raced, he was certain he had left it in his briefcase, but now it was in his pocket. A sense of unease crept over him, he didn't put the pen there, he had only put it in his briefcase to show off a little, but how did it end up in his pocket?As the truth dawned on the onlookers, their anger shifted from Liam to Vex Sam. They realized they had been deceived, and their sympathy turned to outrage."Shameless thief!" someone shouted at Vex Sam."Liars and thieves don't deserve respect!"Vex Sam's face reddened with shame and anger as the crowd turned on him. He tried to defend himself, but his words fell flat."I didn'
The phoenix: Rise of Liam Black Chapter six: Impersonation
Liam walked into Citybank. He approached the receptionist, who gaze up to look at him with a mixture of disinterest and annoyance. "Can I help you?" she asked, her tone implying that she'd rather not. This man doesn't look like the type who would come here, his clothes spells a lot."I'm here to see the manager," Liam replied, his voice was gentle and straightforward.The receptionist raised an eyebrow. "I'm afraid the manager is in a meeting. And It may take a while."Liam nodded and took a seat. She seemed to expect him to leave, but he remained seated.Twenty minutes passed before the receptionist finally got up and knocked on the manager's door. She entered,Thompson was working on some paperwork in his office, so the moment Emily entered, she bowed and started taking."Sir, there's a man who wants to see you," she said, her voice was low and hesitant.The manager, Mr. Thompson, looked up from his papers, his expression skeptical. "What does he want?"The receptionist hesitated.
The phoenix: Rise of Liam Black Chapter seven : A grave mistake
As soon as Thompson heard the voice at the door, he turned to look at the door, even all the rest of the people looked in the direction. "Who do you say you are?" Thompson asked looking at the young man who appeared to be over 20 plus years old. He had no idea of who he was. He was equally suspicious of his claim. " I am Liam Black and i believed Mr Johnson had briefed you about why I'm here" "Mr Johnson?" Thompson seemed to be surprised, even more confused, not only had a man claimed to be this Mr Black, another man had came in through the door and declared himself as Mr Black! Whom should he believed out of the two? And if he was to believe one he would still consider John Black whose appearance might be close to someone who was rich. However he was the one to be blamed here, Johnson had only mentioned Mr Black, he didn't bother to ask of the first name of the distinguished guest. He can't possibly ruined his demeanor in front of this people, they were more than fifteen, and tw
The phoenix: Rise of Liam Black Chapter eight: A billionaire in rags
The men took another step closer to Liam, their fists still clenched. But Thompson stood his ground, "I said you're not going to touch him," he repeated.John Black replied him with a sneer, "Or what, Thompson? You'll call security? Please, do. I'd love to see you try."John Black's face turned red with rage, but Thompson didn't back down. "I mean it, John, none of you can touch Mr. Black unless you're looking for trouble."John took a step forward and said "Get out of the way! Or do you want to share his beating?"Thompson stood his ground, his eyes locked onto John Black's. "I'm not afraid of you," Liam didn't understand what this man want, they came for their different businesses, just why won't he back down? Liam was starting to get annoyed at this instance, so he won't allow Thompson to defend him while he stood cowardly at the back, so he stepped forward and said, "Do not cross the line, I have nothing to do with you"But John Black's face twisted in a snarl. "We'll see about t
The phoenix: Rise of Liam Black Chapter nine: Whatever it takes to lead
Liam took a taxi back home, reminiscing how Johnson had beaten John Black to a pulp in the city bank the other day. It's not on Liam, John asked for it, and Liam did not beg for mercy on his behalf. Thompson had given him a black card that day after Johnson deal with John, and his men beat up John's men, it was a total defeat. He had also decided to keep the car key in the bank vault, he doesn't like showing off, and moreover, he will be meeting the rest of the Black family which was would be two days later. What excite him most was that he had paid the bills for the surgery and his mother will be going to surgery any time from now. ____________ The day finally came, Liam throw on one of his shirt and trouser, he gave Johnson a call to let him know that he was done. Johnson watched as Liam approached in his black Porsche, his mind wandering to the kind of wealth in this man's possession. It's such a good luck for him to have so much wealth at his disposal.. Even at such a you
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- The phoenix: Rise of Liam Black
Chapter Twenty: Lick my shoes.
Fred recognized the ring, it was the same one he sold to that distinguish Mr Liam the other day, he saw it clearly, and the ring also carried the mark of their store, so he was sure it's the same thing. When he had entered into the hall, he hadn't actually see Liam due to how crowded the place was, so he thought the ring was stolen from Liam.He was ready to flip this whole place upside down so as to get on the good side of Liam, what he knew so far was this ring was stolen! And he was not going to take it easy with whomever the thief was. "Mr will, why do you ask this question?" Carolina asked as she thought was Fred disgusted by the quality of ring to the extent of wanting to beat Liam to death! Thus she smiled sweetly and jumped out, "This ring belonged to her! " She pointed to Rachel and tried to pull her out.Fred eyes went to the direction and his gaze happened to met Liam's who was calmly standing there, beside the beautiful lady. Could t
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Chapter nineteen: Big shot
Carolina hadn't expected Liam to consent to checking the ring, when obviously it was fake, but his consent only make things more exciting.She was so sure that Liam is gloating, and begging for forgiveness is something that wouldn't happen, she was very certain that this ring would at most cost few hundreds dollars, therefore she smiled arrogantly and declared, "Begging is just a little thing, to show everyone here how sure I am, if this ring was checked and it turned out to be a real deal, then I'm going to lick his shoes and beg Aunty for saying untrue words. But if it turned out to be fake, I want Rachel and Liam to lick this floor clean!" Layla's eyes widened, now it was clear that Carolina was saying nothing but the truth, and she couldn't wait to see Gloria face rubbed with mud and dirt as she quickly said, "I will get the person who will check the ring, just give me a few minutes." Then she hurriedly walked away."Do you know you can still take your words back? I'm sure that
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Chapter eighteen: Beg for Forgiveness
Gloria usually bragged among her friends that her daughter is going to be married to a wealthy man, but that old witch Elena had tossed the pig leftover cabbage to her daughter and turned her into an object of ridicule.She had thought she would get this over with as soon as possible, but with Carolina's interference, her teeths gnashed together, but she still pressed back her rage and smiled through it, "What nonsense are you saying Carolina? My son in law is just keeping everything private and I'd like it to remain like that." But Carolina was far from giving up as she sneered, and replied with a smile, "It couldn't be that you're afraid of something? If that street dog up there on the alter is so remarkable, then why are you objecting the checking of ring?""You!""I told you he was nothing but a stray dog who was sheltered by the Black's family!" Gloria's friend also found it strange, Layla knew Gloria would've gloat of her son in law if he was really wealthy and would by no re
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Chapter seventeen: He's a worthless piece of trash
At the Black's minor family. "Mother are you okay?" Rachel asked as she supported Gloria who seemed shaken by her husband reaction. "Mother.." she tried to touch her shoulder, all while being casual as she did so. "Hands off.." Gloria hissed and push Rachel hands away from her body. "Out... Get out now, out!" She yelled loudly at Rachel and even pushed her out of the door, after that she slumped on the bed and angrily hissed into her pillow. Rachel crashed onto the cold floor as she winced slightly, her left cheek stung, her father's palm did a really brutal job bursting the side of her lips, the tears streamed down her face as she gathered herself up, hiccupping as she did so. Liam who had just arrived stood at the door and watched her stood up, he couldn't bare to look at her like that so he walked closer, he didn't ask her any question as he steady her by holding her shoulder and took her back to the room, he went to get an ice pack from the maid in the kitchen and help h
- The phoenix: Rise of Liam Black
Chapter sixteen: Crazed bitch
There was a stunned silence in the store the moment they saw Charles laying face flat on the floor and begging for forgiveness."I was wrong, please forgive me." Fred glared at him, he didn't want to judge Charles, therefore he turned to Liam and asked, "What will you have me do to him sir?" "To that I'd say, you can deal with him however you want, it's none of my business."Charles eyes were filled with fear as he crawled to Liam's side, banging his head on the floor and pleading, "I'm sorry, I'm really sorry please have mercy, forgive me.." Fred eyes turned dark as he balled his fist and viciously kicked him back. "You still dare move closer to him huh? do you want to die?" Jean eyes widened with both fear and confusion, she held her slapped cheek sobbing quietly, but not even Charles or Natalie whom she was trying to protect were able to see her. Because Fred's balled fist had already punched Charles face thrice, making him to spit out blood, however he was desperately still p
- The phoenix: Rise of Liam Black
Chapter fifteen: Bite back
"Have you no shame? First you want them to bring the payment machine which they did, not only did the fake plastic you hold didn't work, I'm even generous enough to have only the security throw you out, now you're suggesting they bring a much upgraded machines? Who do you think you are?" Natalie said with her jaw clenched. "Mr Liam... I'd advise you let go of both the necklace and the ring since you can't pay for it," Freya was Beginning to get angry at Liam now seriously, she had previously thought he was a good person.But even during all this Liam still said, "just bring it first and if it didn't work, then I will give all of it back." "Do you even know the sort of people that use the payment machine you're talking about? Are you so dumb? Do you think it was some worthless scrap like you are?" Natalie snapped angrily as she called in the security to throw Liam out.They encircled him as they meant to beat him with their batons first before throwing him out. However, Liam eyes wa
- The phoenix: Rise of Liam Black
Chapter fourteen: Black Diamond
"You don't even know the price, you get me the manager of this place, I want to hear how they run a business if just anyone could touch a priceless necklace as this without even knowing the price! And even have the face to deny my wife to have it." Charles said with annoyance and finally concluded staring even fiercer at the host.She immediately bowed her head and started pleading, "Please have mercy, I'm new here so I didn't know he was that kind of person." But Charles only snorted coldly and ordered, "Get the manager here now!" The host quickly scrambled away and soon come back like a shivering mess.Soon a fair lady in blue dress and high heels walked towards them, her lips was painted with vibrant red lipstick.She's Natalie, the sales manager, the moment she neared, her gaze swept the area, taking in the two individuals, one, a wealthy couple, having an Aura of wealth and refinement, and the other, a disheveled man, reeking of poverty and desperation. Her eyes suddenly locke
- The phoenix: Rise of Liam Black
Chapter thirteen: Twin necklace
Since the card has been given to Liam, he hadn't for once buy anything for himself, additionally since his wedding with Rachel was only a week away, he planned to get her something nice. So he took his card and take a cab to an High-End jewelery store, he paid the driver and he walked to the mall. The security at the door opened it for him and he stepped into the store, he was immediately struck by the dazzling array of the sparklers on display. he hasn't been to a place like this before. The host, was a poised woman with a warm smile, she glided over to greet him. "Hello sir welcome to our jewelry store. What brings you in today?" she asked smiling broadly. Liam hesitated for a moment before responding, "I'm looking for a ring. A diamond ring for a wedding." The host's face lit up with excitement as she began to say, "Well, you've come to the right place! We have an incredible selection of rings that are sure to impress." She led Liam to a case filled with an assortment
- The phoenix: Rise of Liam Black
Chapter twelve: Stop it woman!
Carolina climbed the staircase angrily as she walked to her room, but she suddenly stop after seeing Rachel figure walking close to her. "Hey Rachel." She waved at Rachel with a mocking smile. "Why are you sending him to do your laundry, we have maids in the house and they can do that part just fine." "Hey... Aren't you being so stingy with your soon to be husband.. are you here to defend him now? Or wait, could it be that you have fallen in love with him?" The words were accompanied by a boisterous laughter. But Rachel frowned and said, "just answer my question, why are you sending him to do your laundry?" "There's nothing bad in using a useless person for something suitable, I'm even generous enough to send him to wash my clothes, I mean in his entire life, I doubt he ever touched an expensive dress, so washing one was a privilege for him, it's just so bad he didn't take them, or do you think if it wasn't for Derek I would've let him go." "At least you heard what grandma