Ethan felt feverish as he stood in front of the large building of Apex Corporation, a nervous energy building up in his stomach. He checked his watch for the thousandth time. He still had a few minutes left until the designated time—thirty minutes at most—but he was quaking in his boots. Just thinking about Lucien's authoritative voice made him shudder.
After standing there for a few seconds, contemplating the choice he had made, he gulped. He adjusted his tie again and looked down at his clothing. It was a simple T-shirt and trousers with his favorite tie around his neck, something like a good luck charm.
Lucien had gone by his word and had paid for his mother and sister's bills as promised. He remembered the moment he had gone to submit his resignation letter.
"Why are you leaving so suddenly?" Mr. Harris had asked. "Is it because of what happened these past few days? Ethan, please don't," he continued with a sympathetic voice.
Even if Ethan hadn't left, the company would have been in big trouble, and so would he.
The only thing Ethan could do was make an excuse, telling the man he wanted to focus on his life. If he had told him he had gotten another job opportunity, he was sure the man would not have been happy with that.
It was the best excuse but the lamest one too.
Taking a deep breath, Ethan walked into Apex Corporation. The lobby was grand, with high ceilings and polished marble floors. He approached the reception desk and asked to meet Lucien.
The assistant, a young man with sharp features and a professional demeanor, looked up from his computer. "Mr. Belmont is currently busy. Please take a seat and wait."
Ethan nodded and took a seat in the waiting area. He sat there for hours, watching the sky outside the large windows change from bright blue to the soft hues of evening. Employees came and went, their workday ending, while Ethan remained, waiting and growing more frustrated by the minute.
By the time the sky had darkened and almost all employees had left for home, Ethan was starving. He had only had breakfast, and his stomach was growling loudly. Frustration boiled over, and he cussed Lucien silently in his mind. Finally, he stood up from the chair, deciding he had waited long enough.
As he walked out of the building and onto the sidewalk, a sleek black car pulled up beside him. The window rolled down to reveal Lucien, smiling at him.
"Need a ride?" Lucien asked casually, his smile infuriatingly smug.
Ethan clenched his fists, his anger barely contained. "I've been waiting all day, and you just show up now?"
Lucien's smile didn't waver. "I had some urgent matters to attend to. Get in the car, Ethan."
Ethan hesitated, glaring at Lucien. "Why should I?"
"Because I'm your employer now," Lucien replied smoothly. "And we need to talk."
Ethan's stomach growled again, reminding him of his hunger. After a moment of hesitation, he sighed and walked around to the passenger side, opening the door and sliding into the seat.
As the car started moving, Lucien turned to him. "I apologize for making you wait. It wasn't my intention to be late."
Ethan scoffed. "Sure didn't seem like it."
Lucien's eyes narrowed slightly. "I had to ensure some things were in place before we could proceed. Your first task will require all your focus."
Ethan looked at him, curiosity piqued despite his anger. "What task?"
Lucien's expression hardened. "Let's just say I like things to be clear and unambiguous. And I need you to be entirely focused on your new role."
Ethan swallowed hard. "And what exactly is my new role?"
Lucien's gaze was piercing. "For now, you'll do as I say, when I say it. You'll learn more as you go. Consider this your initiation."
Ethan didn't like the sound of that. "And if I refuse?"
Lucien's smile was cold. "Refusing isn't an option, Ethan. Remember what I told you. Your family's well-being depends on your cooperation."
Ethan sighed, feeling trapped. "Fine. I'll do it. But I don't understand why you're doing this."
Lucien leaned back in his seat, his eyes never leaving Ethan's. "You will, in time. For now, just focus on doing what you're told. It'll make things easier for both of us."
Ethan stared out the window, feeling a mix of fear and anger. He had no idea what he had gotten himself into, but he knew one thing for sure: there was no turning back now.
They drove in silence for a while. Ethan tried to process everything that was happening. His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. Eventually, Lucien spoke again.
"You'll need to be at your former office tomorrow morning. I'll have Mr. Robert prepare everything you need."
Ethan nodded, not trusting himself to speak.
"And remember," Lucien added, his tone firm, "this is just the beginning. There will be more tasks, more challenges. But if you keep your end of the deal, so will I."
Ethan glanced at Lucien, seeing a mixture of determination and something darker in his eyes. He couldn't quite place it, but it made him uneasy.
"I understand," Ethan finally said, his voice barely above a whisper.
"Good," Lucien replied. "Now, let's get you something to eat. You look like you could use a meal."
Ethan's stomach rumbled in agreement, and he couldn't help but feel a small sense of relief. At least for now, there was some semblance of normalcy. But deep down, he knew that his life was about to change in ways he couldn't even imagine.