CELDRICK'S ROOM
Celdrick entered his room, his agitation evident. He had overheard his father's conversation with his brother. Tears brimmed in his eyes as he sat on the edge of the bed.
"Why can't I just have my freedom?" he cried out, his heart aching.
His cheeks stung from the force of his father's slap. He reached for the first aid box under his table and began treating his wounds while staring at his reflection in the mirror.
"It sucks to be rich," he muttered, feeling the weight of his privilege bearing down on him.
Celdrick was the first son of Mr. Synder. His mother had died when he was five years old. After her death, his father had a mistress who bore him another son. So, his father married the mistress, bringing her and Andrew, her son, into their house. Celdrick was a year older than Andrew, but Mr. Synder liked Andrew more and detested Celdrick. He felt abandoned and lonely at a very tender age. His stepmother and stepbrother treated him with disdain. At the age of ten, he met Celtus, Harrison, and Honey Bell, and they became his best friends. He couldn't imagine his life without them. They became his refuge, his solace from the loneliness he felt being trapped in the mansion. When his father found out about his relationship with them, he tried hard to stop their friendship, citing that they were unworthy companions for someone of his social standing.
But Celdrick refused to let his father dictate his friendships. He saw the goodness in Celtus, Harrison, and Honey Bell, and he cherished their friendship more than anything. They accepted him for who he was, saw past his family name, and supported him through thick and thin.
Despite being caged in the house, Celdrick still found a way to sneak out, but his father's bodyguards always patrolled the area, making it risky.
Celdrick finished dressing his wound and put away the first aid box. He then jumped onto his bed and reached into his pocket, only to remember that his father had taken his phone a while ago. He sighed and sniffed, feeling a sense of loss. Moving over to his drawing table, he took out a hidden picture of Honey Bell that he had drawn. A sad smile formed on his face as he gently touched her image.
"I love you so much, Honey. I wish I could find the courage to tell you, but I'm just too shy. You bring light to my life. Your smile fills me with happiness, and your laughter is my joy. Your mere presence brings me peace and serenity. I love you deeply, and I wish you could notice me. I long to express the magnitude of my love for you. Your name alone sounds as sweet as you are. I simply cannot stop loving you. Your smile alone is like heaven to me."
"You fill my world with happiness. Every time I see you, my heart soars with joy. I want to be by your side always, forever. I yearn to kiss your plump lips and be amazed by your beauty. Your beauty overwhelms me, and no words can adequately describe it. The moon and stars don't glow as brightly as your eyes. You are incomparably beautiful in every way."
"I don't care what the world thinks of you; all that matters is what I think of you. My love for you knows no boundaries and will never waver. In my eyes, you are the most adorable girl in the world. I love you, Honey." Celdrick smiled, resting on the bed. He closed his eyes, still smiling, letting sleep envelope him.
…
EAT AND DRINK RESTAURANT
"I'm so famished," Flower muttered as she emerged from the kitchen. She bumped into Marissa, who was entering at the same time.
"Flower!" Marissa called out.
"I'm as hungry as hell. I barely ate anything this morning," Flower complained.
"Well, I know my glutton of a friend would be starving. So, I got you this," Marissa said, presenting a plate of spicy chicken sauce and pasta.
"My favorite!" Flower's mouth watered as she eyed the delicious food. She eagerly grabbed the plate from Marissa.
"Thanks, Rissa. I'm diving into this right away."
"Waitress Rissa, your attention is needed at table 13," another waitress announced before quickly disappearing.
"Table 13?" Marissa's eyes widened, realizing that table was reserved for none other than the renowned billionaire, Erickson Ferguson. Flower knew that Rissa had a secret crush on him.
Marrissa rushed to table 13 and found Erickson sitting there, looking as handsome as ever in his blue retro suit. His legs were crossed, showcasing his model-like physique. He had a captivating handsomeness that made heads turn.
Unable to resist, Rissa couldn't help but drool over him. He seemed too good to be true.
Erickson noticed the waitress staring at him. This wasn't the first time he had been admired because of his looks.
Growing tired of the prolonged staring, he slammed his hand on the table, fixing his cold gaze upon her fearful eyes. She quickly looked down, brushing a strand of hair away from her face.
"Sir...hmm... What can I offer you?" she finally found her voice, feeling embarrassed for getting caught staring at him.
"Look up," he ordered, and she nervously swallowed, shaking her head in refusal.
"I said look up," he thundered, and she immediately obeyed, her eyes meeting his cold emerald gaze. It felt as if he was piercing daggers into her with his stare.
"Why were you staring at me?" he asked, his tone icy.
"I... I... You... Oh," she stammered, struggling to find her words.
"Get me a chilled wine and dessert," he abruptly changed the topic, and she hurriedly scurried off, her cheeks flushed red. He was her long-time crush. She had fallen in love with him the first day she saw him at the restaurant. Smiling, she couldn't help but hold her blushing cheeks.
"If only he would notice me," she thought sadly.
Arranging his order on the tray, she placed it on his table.
"Why are you late?" his cold voice rang in her ear.