John finally closed his eyes, he whispered to himself, "I'll make you proud, Mom and Dad. I won't let you down."
The next morning, John woke early, the weight of Tyron's revelations still heavy on his mind. He went through his morning routine with a sense of purpose. The hot shower helped wake him up, the steam fogging up the mirror.
However, John watched his reflection, wondering how much of his parents he still saw in himself. After dressing in fresh clothes, he made a quick breakfast – the comforting smell of toast and eggs mingling with the rich aroma of coffee.
As he sat down to eat, his phone buzzed with a call from Grace, the manager of his store. "Hey, Grace. What's up?" John answered, trying to sound cheerful despite the storm brewing in his mind.
"Good morning, John! Just checking in. We've had a few customers asking if they can still pay in cash. What should I tell them?" Grace's voice was upbeat, as always.
John chuckled. "Tell them the cash register is on vacation. Seriously, though, just explain that we're moving to online transactions only for now. It's easier for bookkeeping and, frankly, safer."
Grace laughed. "Got it. I'll tell them cash is so last season. Anything else?"
"Yeah, actually. I'm going to be away for a bit, dealing with some... family stuff. But don't worry, I'll drop by the store whenever I can to check on things. Just hold the fort, alright?"
"Family stuff, huh? Sounds serious. Are you okay?" Grace's tone shifted to concern.
John hesitated. "Yeah, just... you know, family drama. I'll be fine. Thanks for asking."
"Well, take care of yourself, boss. I'll manage here. And if you need anything, just holler."
"Thanks, Grace. I appreciate it. See you soon." John hung up, feeling a bit lighter. Grace's humor always had a way of lifting his spirits.
Just as he finished his breakfast and started tidying up, his phone buzzed again. This time it was Tyron. "Good morning, John. Hope you slept well."
"Morning, Tyron. What's up?" John tried to keep his voice steady.
"The other party has arrived for the marriage discussions. It's crucial that you come to the mansion soon. The meeting is set for 10:30 a.m. Can you make it?"
John sighed, feeling the weight of the day ahead. "I'll be there in an hour. Thanks for the heads-up, Tyron."
"Great! And remember, just play along for now. We've got your back."
John nodded, though Tyron couldn't see it. "Got it. See you soon." He hung up and began preparing for the day ahead.
He chose a sharp blue suit, hoping to make a good impression. The suit was tailored to perfection, emphasizing his shoulders and lean build. As he adjusted his tie in the mirror, he took a deep breath. "Alright, John. Show time."
The drive from Greenland City to Golden City was scenic, yet it did little to calm his nerves. The highway was bustling with activity – trucks hauling goods, families in minivans on summer trips, and business commuters like him.
He passed through stretches of countryside, dotted with small farms and quaint towns. The morning sun cast a golden hue over the landscape, making everything look almost idyllic.
As he neared Golden City, the urban sprawl began to take over. Skyscrapers rose in the distance, a testament to the city's economic might. Traffic grew denser, but John navigated it with ease, his mind focused on the Rohit mansion and the confrontation ahead.
Finally, he reached the gates of the Rohit Francisco mansion, a sprawling estate surrounded by manicured gardens and high walls. The mansion itself was a marvel of architectural design – a grand structure with tall, ornate windows and ivy climbing the walls. The driveway was lined with blooming roses and neatly trimmed hedges, adding to the mansion's opulent charm.
John parked his motorcycle discreetly near the gate, trying to avoid drawing attention to his modest ride. As he dismounted and removed his helmet, three servants stood at the gate, their faces lighting up as they recognized him. "John! Is he really John? It's been so long!" one of them exclaimed, rushing forward to open the gate.
John smiled warmly. "Good to see you all. It's been too long."
Another servant, a middle-aged man with a broad grin, added, "We've missed you around here. The place isn't the same without your jokes and laughter."
John laughed. "Well, I'm back now. How have things been?"
The third servant, a young woman with bright eyes, chimed in, "Busy as always, but we manage. How about you? Where have you been all this time?"
John shrugged, trying to keep things light. "Oh, you know, just trying to make a living. But I've missed this place and all of you."
As they chatted, up on the mansion's balcony, Rohit's children – Robin, Rashid, Dolphin, and Damaris – observed the scene. Robin nudged Rashid, smirking. "Look at him. He's riding that old motorcycle. Can't even afford a car."
Dolphin snickered. "I bet he's been renting it. Probably couldn't manage the maintenance costs on his own."
Rashid shook his head. "Always the same John. Thinks he can just waltz back in here like nothing happened."
They continued their banter, making snide remarks about John's supposed financial struggles, their laughter echoing off the walls of the mansion.
Meanwhile, John kept his conversation with the servants light-hearted. They asked about his travels and experiences, and he kept his answers vague but encouraging, promising that one day they'd all have more time to catch up properly. Their warmth and familiarity made him feel at ease, if only for a moment.
Just as the conversation was winding down, a voice called out from the mansion's balcony. It was Rohit's wife, her expression a mix of surprise and curiosity. "John, is that you?" she called down.
John waved. "Yes, it's me."
She nodded and disappeared back into the house. Moments later, Rohit's children – Robin, Rashid, Dolphin, and Damaris – appeared on the balcony again. They peered down at John, their expressions ranging from curiosity to skepticism.
"Is that really John?" Robin asked, squinting.
Damaris, however, broke into a wide smile and rushed down the stairs, her joy evident. She hugged John tightly, tears in her eyes. "John, where have you been? I've missed you so much."
John hugged her back, feeling a pang of guilt for leaving her behind. "I've missed you too, Damaris. But I'm here now."
Up on the balcony, the other three watched with mixed emotions. Rashid muttered to the others, "Why is she always so attached to him?"
Dolphin shrugged. "She's always been like that. Maybe she just feels closer to him."
Damaris finally pulled away, wiping her tears. "You better not disappear again, John. I don't think I could handle it."
John smiled gently. "I promise, Damaris. The future will be brighter for all of us."
At that moment, Tyron appeared from the parking area, where several luxurious cars were lined up. John glanced at the vehicles, realizing they belonged to the other royal family involved in the marriage talks. Tyron approached them with a serious yet kind expression.
"John, can we talk for a moment?" Tyron asked, nodding towards Damaris. "Damaris, why don't you join the others? We need a little chat."
Damaris nodded reluctantly, giving John one last hug before heading back inside. Tyron led John to a quiet spot by the flower gardens. The air was filled with the scent of roses and lavender, and the gentle hum of bees provided a soothing background.
"Remember, John," Tyron began, his voice low and serious, "we need to keep things under wraps for now. Don't let on that you know about your parents' murder. Just listen and observe. We'll handle the rest."
John nodded, feeling the gravity of Tyron's words. "I'll keep my cool. What's the plan?"
"For now, just blend in. The senior members will be discussing the marriage arrangement. Listen carefully and take mental notes. We need to know what they're planning."
John agreed, and they started walking towards the visitors' room. As they approached, the room came into view – a beautifully arranged space with elegant furniture and tasteful decor.
Just as John peered inside, the anticipation built, Rohit rose from his seat, his anxiety evident in his posture. John's heart skipped a beat, his mind racing with questions. 'Is everything right here?'