Austin entered the white-painted apartment building—a new, modern building of brick and glass. He approached the front door and swung it open. It has been almost a year since Austin packed into the apartment building. The rent was quite high for him but with working extra shifts with his taxi, he was able to pay the rent. He couldn't afford to live in a rundown apartment just because he was trying to save money on rent.Austin reached his apartment and unlocked the door. He entered the apartment, closing the door behind him. He traced his finger across the wall, finding the switch which he turned on. The room was illuminated with bright light from the ceiling. The living room was littered. Empty take-out boxes and soft drinks plastic bottles rest scattered on the center table. Austin sighed. He was supposed to clean this up whenever he returned but procrastination and tiredness from driving all day would never let him. He even felt worse now that his father was dead and being sacked f
Ramsey sat there on the sofa, speechless, because he didn’t know what to say. He sized up the situation. Austin was angrier than Ramsey had ever seen him. That made sense. This was the first time that Austin was losing someone very close to him, his father. He knew a large part of the anger was because of fear. Was he losing control of Austin? Could this be what would spiral Austin into depression? He couldn't afford to lose Austin, not when the company was in crisis. He stared at Austin and saw a mix of frustration and rage lingering behind those depressed eyes."Austin, I know you just lost your father and I know how hurt you must be but you just can't go around making such statements. It could land you in trouble." Ramsey cautioned."I know what I'm saying, Ramsey. I'm not depressed or anything. It's the facts." Austin stood his ground.A sudden knock on the door interrupted their conversation. Austin got up to open the door. There stood Ariel and Luther. But as soon as his eyes
Austin flops on the sofa as soon as the door shuts."Austin, it's time to move on. You saw what your father left for you before his death. He wants you to find someone who makes you happy." Ramsey consoles."I just wanted to hear it from her lips that I meant nothing to her." Austin says.Ramsey walks over to Austin, rests his hand on Austin's shoulder and gives him a comforting rub."Everything will be fine. You have me." Ramsey reassures. He returns to his seat and takes a sip of his wine."When are you returning to the company? We really need you." Ramsey asks."Once I lay my father to rest, I'll return to the company but I won't be there always. I still have to be careful who sees me because I haven't been announced as the heir." Austin says.It was not yet time for him to return to the company fully because he hasn't yet completed his family's tradition. If not for the crisis, he would not even be called to return. He has to complete the family's tradition before returning to hav
The security guard hurries over and crosses the thief's arms at his back before kneeling on him. The thief groans in pain. The security guard looks up at Austin."Thank you so much, young man. If not for your help, I would have lost my job today." The security guard appreciates it."Don't mention it." Austin smiles. He felt the urgency in the guard's tone. He gets to keep his job since the thief has been apprehended.Within moments, the company's security team arrives, their eyes conveying a mix of relief and surprise."Good catch." One of the guards, a veteran, compliments the guard kneeling on the thief."Thanks but I didn't catch him. He did." The guard points to Austin.Vincent, the president of EED company approaches with his own team of security. His eyes scan the scene, taking in the huddled security team and the apprehended thief."Have you got him?" Vincent inquires, his sharp gaze narrowing in on the unfolding situation.The veteran steps forward, "Sir, we have apprehended t
The path to Uncle Henry's house feels familiar yet laden with a history of strained relationships. As Austin approaches the imposing gates, memories of a painful childhood filled with distant glances and harsh words resurface. Henry, the uncle who treats him worse than any other family member looms over his past. Upon arriving at the grand entrance, Austin hesitates briefly before pressing the doorbell. The echoes of the chime resonate through the quiet estate, and the imposing wooden door slowly creaked open, revealing the imposing figure of Henry."Austin, what brings you here? You shouldn't be seen here." Henry's tone, as ever, carries an air of superiority. Austin knows he is not supposed to be here. Anyone could be watching and find out that if his uncle lives in such an extravagant, Austin is not the poor wretched man everyone knows.Austin takes a deep breath, dispelling the pains of past grievances, "Uncle Henry, we need to talk."Henry raises an eyebrow, a flicker of imp
"In the next thirty minutes, I will be at the factory." Vincent ends the call. He relaxes into his office chair. There is a knock on his door."Come in." Vincent answers. Ben swings the door open and walks in with an envelope in his hands."Good morning, sir." Ben greets."Have you found anything?" Vincent asks."Yes, sir." Ben hands over the envelope to Vincent.Vincent unfolds the envelope and takes out the documents that contain the information about Mr. Rufus' family. The air charges with anticipation as Vincent delves into the contents of the file."I've compiled everything I could find on Mr. Rufus' family." Ben speaks.Vincent nods, his eyes scanning through the papers. As he delves into the intricate details of Austin's life, a sudden familiarity grows. Austin feels familiar to Vincent but he can't pinpoint where."Where does he live?" Vincent asks, browsing through the documents hastily."That information is hard to come through, sir." Ben painfully admits. "I suspect he is
The living room door creaks open and Rose steps inside her home with heavy shopping bags and closes the door, before she can take off her coat, the resonant voice of her father, Gabriel, echoes through the living room."Where have you been, Rose?!" His tone carries a mix of concern and frustration, desperately trying to understand his daughter.Turning towards the source of the voice, Rose meets the gaze of her father, a man whose once-vibrant eyes are now etched with lines of worry."Why did you leave to go shopping without taking anyone with you?" Her father continues, his voice rising with each word.Rose lets her eyes wander around the familiar surroundings."Rose, are you taking your medication?" Her father's question cuts through the silence."I'm getting better. I don't need to take anything. I don't want it." Rose insists."You must take them, Rose. It's for your own well-being." Her father pleads."Dad, I'm getting better. I can handle things without medication."Her father s
Vincent cuts the call. He looks up at Ben, smiles."Austin has agreed to meet with me.""I'm glad I could get his mobile number. I could not find his address and it was so difficult to even find his number.""Why would Austin try so hard to hide all these things? Is something going on in his family or the company that we don't know about?""I believe so, sir." Ben replies.A message notification lands on Vincent's phone, revealing the coordinates of Austin's chosen location."He has sent it. We'll go there in the next thirty minutes but now I have to attend some meetings." Vincent says. After attending to pressing matters in the company, Vincent and Ben drive themselves to the cafe Austin chose as his location. The cafe is nestled between city buildings exuding a comforting aroma as Ben parks near the entrance. Vincent steps out and enters the cafe. Ben skillfully maneuvers the car into a discreet spot that offers a clear view of the entrance. The door chimes behind Vincent.