The Francisco family was one of the most influential families in Golden City, a sprawling metropolis on the Blue Planet. The Francisco name was synonymous with wealth and power, a legacy built over generations.
The family's vast empire included real estate, finance, and manufacturing, with branches spread across the city's skyline. The head of the Francisco family, Mr. Faruk, was a man of impeccable business acumen and integrity, earning respect from allies and adversaries alike.
Faruk's wife, Isabella, was equally esteemed, known for her intelligence and compassion. She had been a pillar of support for Faruk, both in the business and within the family. Together, they were a formidable team, steering the Francisco empire to unprecedented heights.
However, their lives were tragically cut short in a mysterious car accident when John was only 16 years old. The sudden deaths of Faruk and Isabella left a gaping void in the family and raised numerous questions that were never satisfactorily answered.
With the passing of Faruk, the mantle of leadership fell to his younger brother, Rohit Francisco. Unlike Faruk, Rohit was ruthless and ambitious, willing to do whatever it took to maintain the family's dominance. Under his leadership, the Francisco empire expanded aggressively, often at the expense of ethics and morality.
Rohit's wife, a stern and unforgiving woman, and their 4 children: Robbin, Rashid, Dolphin and Damaris shared his cold, calculating nature, with the exception of Damaris, the youngest daughter who showed a rare kindness towards John.
The Francisco mansion was a sprawling estate, a symbol of the family's immense wealth and power. It boasted marble floors, crystal chandeliers, and expansive gardens, all designed to reflect the grandeur and opulence of the Francisco legacy. Yet, for John, it was a place of torment and isolation.
After his parents' untimely demise, John was taken in by his uncle Rohit, but rather than finding solace, he found himself in a hostile environment where he was treated more like a burden than a family member.
"Why do we have to keep him here?" Rohit's wife would often complain. "He's just a burden."
"He's family," Rohit would reply, though his tone lacked any warmth. "We have to take care of him."
But taking care of him meant constant mistreatment. John was given the smallest room in the mansion, a tiny space in the attic that was barely habitable. He was often made to do chores and errands, treated more like a servant than a family member.
"You're worthless," his cousins would sneer. "You'll never amount to anything."
"Eat in the kitchen," Rohit's wife would demand. "We don't need him at the dining table."
Despite the harsh conditions, John found solace in the company of Damaris. She would often sneak him extra food or sit with him when he was alone, offering a rare glimpse of kindness in an otherwise hostile environment.
"It's okay, John," she would say with a smile. "Things will get better."
However, the mistreatment reached its peak one night at dinner. John, tired and hungry, accidentally spilled a glass of water. Rohit's wife exploded in anger.
"You're a disgrace!" she screamed. "You can't even handle a glass of water. Get out of my sight!"
John fled to his small room in the attic, tears streaming down his face. Damaris followed him, her own eyes brimming with tears.
"John," she said, her voice breaking. "I'm so sorry. I wish I could do more to help."
John shook his head. "It's not your fault, Damaris. I can't stay here any longer. I have to leave."
The next morning, John packed his few belongings. As he prepared to leave, Robbin, Rashid and Dolphin exchanged glances at the balcony. They were happy John seemed to deny them peace. Their mother, Lavender, who was in the kitchen overheard the ongoing discussion of his Children at the balcony.
Damaris came to say goodbye. She hugged him tightly, sobbing uncontrollably. " Damaris! What are you doing with that bastard creature?," Her mother shouted at her. Everyone turned to Lavender. She wore a frown face and asked John to get off the compound knowing that John had no idea to take care of himself outside there and would be back. His uncle couldn't come out and help him and definitely supported his wife, Lavender.
"Don't go, John," Damaris pleaded. "Please don't leave this place."
"I have to, Damaris," John replied softly. "I can't take it anymore. But I'll come back one day don't worry for human beings. I promise."
With that, John left the mansion, the only home he had known since his parents' death. He walked out into the unforgiving streets of Golden City, determined to survive on his own.
Golden City, the jewel of Earth, was a sprawling metropolis known for its towering skyscrapers, neon lights, and stark contrasts between wealth and poverty. The city was a hub of modern technological advancements and cultural diversity, a place where the rich thrived and the poor struggled to survive.
John, with a little money, quickly learned the harsh realities of life on the streets. He found temporary shelter in abandoned buildings and alleyways, doing odd jobs and scrounging for food. The city's vibrant markets and high-tech industries stood in sharp contrast to the rundown neighborhoods where John found himself after leaving the mansion.
Despite the dire circumstances, John refused to give up. He used the small amount of money he had managed to save from his parents when they were alive, to buy a cart and became a street vendor. Selling snacks and drinks to passersby, he worked tirelessly from dawn until well into the night. His resilience and determination earned him local fame as "Jonte," the vendor with a bright smile and an inspiring story.
After two years of relentless hard work, John had amassed $5,000. It wasn't a fortune, but it was a testament to his determination and perseverance. Fearing the resentment of the Francisco family, John decided to relocate to Greenland City, a smaller but equally vibrant city in the east.
Greenland City welcomed him with open arms. It was here that John stumbled upon an elderly man selling his automotive spare parts store for $4,000. The store was not that modest, but it represented stability and a chance to build a future. John seized the opportunity, investing nearly all his savings in the business.
As John stood before his newly acquired store, he was stunned by a prompt that materialized in front of him followed by a cracking mechanical voice...
[Congratulations! $4000 invested. You have received $40,000. Ten Times Investment Rebate applied. The Host can confirm in his personal account.]
Hello readers!! It's your favourite author here. I hope you all are enjoying my book, honestly, it's my first time writing so I hope you all take it easy with me and please be sure to correct me on anything I'm doing wrong.
That aside, I've been having issues with replying or even finding some of the comments left by my dear readers so I've found a solution to that!
I created a discord community where we can all communicate better and interact with each other. There will also be fun activities in the discord community such as the images of characters from the book, gift backs, and mass release events!
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