I was thrown into a state of confusion after I heard someone speaking behind me. I turned to the direction the voice came from, only to see a lady staring at me. Her face was pale, void of any emotion. She wore a long dark gown, her hands covered by dark gloves. One could mistake her as the grim reaper.
" What do you mean he's dead? And, of whom are you referring to? " I coughed out.
" I assume you're Raymond, the bastard lost son. I'm Stacy, you're sister. " she said, rolling her eyes and moving away from me. Her hills clicking on the floor.
That was the least thing I expected— to be welcomed with cold hands.
" Don't let her bother you my dear. She has always been like that." an old lady said, coming down from the stairs. " She misses you. She's just too proud to admit."
" Who are you, Ma'am? " I rudely asked, " And what does she mean by he's dead? Is my father dead? "
Obviously, the whole drama left me puzzled.
"Mind your manners, young man," the old lady chided gently. "I'm your mother, and she's your sister. Please speak to me with the respect I deserve." Her voice was stern, but not unkind. I knew she was right, but I still felt embarrassed and uncomfortable. The whole situation was just so... cringeworthy.
She held out her hand to me, palm up, as if expecting me to kiss it. I hesitated - how could I kiss the hand of someone I didn't even know? But I had to admit, I was curious about who she was and what she knew. If I wanted answers, I would have to play by her rules. I bent down and kissed her hand, wondering what was to come next.
" Where is my dad, mother? " I asked, raising my head up. This time, looking deep into her weak old eyes.
I needed to be cleared up.
"Did she tell you he's dead?" she asked, her eyebrows knitting together in concern. I nodded, my heart thudding against my chest. The thought of losing my father sent a wave of panic through me. "He isn't dead," she said, her voice firm and reassuring. "Don't let Stacy fill your head with lies." But could I believe her? How did I know she was telling the truth?
As if she read my mind, she spoke in a low voice.
" Follow me, your dad.. I mean my husband is waiting. " a sly smile spreading across her wrinkled face. She walked away from me, heading upstairs. Her steps were graceful and well calculated. Despite her old age, she still looked beautiful. One could mistake her for a youth. Left for me, I'd say she was bathed in the rivers of eternal beauty and youth. Nevertheless, I trailed behind and afraid of getting lost in the beauty of the massive building.
When we reached the room at the top of the stairs, I heard a chorus of voices saying,
"Surprise!" as colorful petals rained down on me. I couldn't believe my eyes - there was my father, standing in front of me, surrounded by friends and family. I looked just like him, right down to the way we both smiled. It was a moment I would never forget.
"Welcome, my son," he said, his voice booming with authority and confidence. It was the voice of a man who had seen and done much in his life, and it was a voice I longed to have one day. But in that moment, I was simply overwhelmed with happiness to be in his presence again. I threw my arms around him, feeling as though I had finally come home.
The maids scurried into the room, carrying trays of cakes and wine, which they served to the gathered crowd. I felt a sense of peace wash over me, knowing that I was finally home and surrounded by people who cared about me. The room was filled with laughter and conversation, and for the first time in a long while, I felt a sense of belonging.
My father's words hit me like a bolt of lightning. I couldn't believe what I was hearing. "I'm making you my heir," he said, raising his glass to cheers and applause. "You will inherit all my properties and companies." The news was like a slap in the face. "Wait, what?" I sputtered. "But I don't even know how to run a company!" I was in shock. I couldn't imagine what I would do with all that responsibility.
"Are you kidding me?" I asked, waiting for him to crack a smile and laugh it off. But to my surprise, he remained completely serious.
"I don't joke about my business," he said firmly. I could tell he was being sincere, and that this was not some kind of cruel prank.
"Congratulations, brother," said Stacy's cold voice. I brushed it off, unconcerned.
"You'll start work tomorrow," my father announced. "For now, relax and enjoy yourself."
As the sun slowly sank below the horizon, the party wound down. Finally, the night arrived, and it was time for everyone to retire to their rooms. A maid approached me, pointing to a large, luxurious bed. "This is your room, Master Raymond," she said. I looked around the room, trying to take in everything. It was like something out of a fairytale.
"I could keep you company tonight," she purred in my ear. I turned and looked at her, shocked and disgusted. "Get out and shut the door!" I snapped. She backed away, looking embarrassed.
"Yes, sir," she said and left the room.
I lay on the bed and breathed deeply, the cool air from the window refreshing me. A moment later, my mind was blissfully free of thought, and I felt a smile spread across my face. I had become rich in the blink of an eye, and it was hard to believe. Just as I was about to drift off to sleep, a thought flashed through my mind - Roselle. I had completely forgotten about her in the midst of everything that had happened.
I bet she's regretting everything she did to me - the insults, the pain she put me through. I smiled at the thought of her seeing how successful I had become.
"Look who's commanding wealth now," I whispered to myself. I couldn't help but feel a bit of satisfaction in my new circumstances.
I let the thought slide and slowly embraced the warm shoulders of sleep.
The rays of the sun broke through the windows and fell on my eyes, forcing me to wake up.
I groaned and stretched, possibly from the exhaustion of last night.
I stood up from the bed, expecting a big day as usual as I hurriedly rushed into the bathtub. The water from the shower slowly cascading down my body,I felt whole.
I strolled into the dining room, where a sumptuous breakfast awaited me. The smell of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling bacon wafted through the air, enticing my senses. I sat down at the table and dug into my meal, savoring the taste of every bite. It was the perfect way to start my day.
I sat down at the table and tucked into my food, lost in thought as I savored each bite. Before I knew it, I was already on my way to the office. I looked out the window of the car, watching the city pass by in a blur of lights and sounds. The towering skyscrapers and bustling streets filled me with a sense of awe and wonder. It was a beautiful sight.
As we neared the office, I saw the massive skyscraper towering above the city skyline. It seemed to touch the sky itself, a symbol of success and power. I struggled to find the words to describe it, finally stammering,
"Is that... um… I mean … "
" That's your company, sir. Amazing innit? " my butler said, wearing a wide smile
" Are you fucking kidding me? This is marvelous! " I exclaimed, my eyes wide open in shock.
The car drove into the company, I could see workers scattered everywhere. They were discussing in low tones. As soon as they sighted my car, they hurriedly ran inside their offices.
The driver opened the door and I climbed down, beholding the beauty that surrounded me.
" Your office sir. " my butler said, pointing to the company.
" Yh, yh. What's your name? " I asked with keen interest.
" Alfred," he replied.
" Take me to my office. '' my voice choked by the beauty the company exudes.
"Right this way sir. " he took the lead.
The interior of the building was a stark contrast to the sleek, modern exterior. The furniture was worn and outdated, and the walls were in need of a fresh coat of paint. Electrical appliances hung haphazardly from the ceiling, giving the place a messy, cluttered appearance.
"Why does this look so different from the outside?" I asked Alfred, my butler. "It's almost as if it's a different building altogether."
"Your father has been using the company's resources to search for you for years," Alfred replied. "He hasn't had the time or money to focus on renovating the company.
Well, one thing is clear. I'm going to build and maintain the company to my taste. The urge to make it the best, arose in me. Definitely, that's what I'm going to do.