Jay's head was still spinning as he walked through the lobby of the Starlight Hotel, now his Starlight Hotel. As the manager gave him a tour, Jay couldn't help but feel like he was drifting through a dream. Everything looked so lavish, so pristine—the polished marble floors, the cascading chandeliers, the rich scent of fresh flowers. Just hours ago, he'd been an unemployed driver trying to make ends meet, and now… this.
They paused in front of the hotel's restaurant, where the scent of gourmet dishes wafted out through the doors. "Our in-house chef specializes in international cuisine," the manager explained. "Guests often dine here for the ambiance and five-star service. Naturally, as the owner, you'll have access to anything you desire on the menu."
Jay nodded, still feeling almost dazed. "I might have to take you up on that soon."
The manager led him past the spa—a sanctuary of tranquility, as the sign read—where treatments included everything from massages to private steam rooms. Jay barely processed it all; the luxury around him felt surreal.
Finally, they stepped into a private elevator, and the manager pressed a button labeled Owner's Suite. Moments later, the doors opened to reveal a space unlike anything Jay had ever seen. A panoramic view of the city spread out before him, framed by floor-to-ceiling windows. A plush sofa faced a grand fireplace, and in the corner, a fully stocked bar awaited. The entire space was elegantly decorated, exuding a subtle yet unmistakable aura of exclusivity.
"This suite is yours, Mr. Jay," the manager said, watching Jay's reaction. "Only the owner has access to it."
Jay could barely find words. "It's… incredible."
After a few more instructions on how to use the suite's high-tech controls, the manager left him to settle in. Jay wandered through the space, touching the smooth surfaces, running his fingers over the luxurious fabrics. It felt impossible that this was now his life. For the first time in a long while, he felt a weight lifting from his shoulders, a sense of possibility opening up before him.
He sat by the window for a long time, watching the city lights twinkle below. Finally, he climbed into the plush king-sized bed and let sleep overtake him, drifting off with a contented smile.
---
The next morning, sunlight streamed through the massive windows, waking Jay from the best sleep he'd had in years. As he took in his new surroundings, the reality of it all began to settle in. He was a hotel owner now, and the luxurious life he'd always dreamed of was within reach. But there was one more thing he needed to do to officially close the chapter of his past life.
After a quick breakfast in the suite, Jay dressed in one of the tailored suits he found in the closet and took the elevator down to the lobby. Outside, his sleek new Aston Martin was waiting, gleaming in the morning sun. As he slid into the driver's seat and started the engine, he felt a thrill of satisfaction.
Jay drove to his old apartment, the building looking shabbier than ever now that he was seeing it from his new perspective. He parked in front and climbed out, noticing how his former neighbors paused to stare, whispering as they caught sight of his designer suit and luxury car.
As he reached the front steps, he spotted his landlord, Mr. Peterman, standing by the doorway. The man's face twisted into a scowl the moment he saw Jay approaching. "What are you doing back here, jay?" he asked, crossing his arms. "I thought I told you that you had to be out by the end of the month."
Jay gave him a calm, almost amused smile. "I'm not here to beg for more time, Mr. Peterman. I'm here to settle my balance… with a little extra."
He pulled out an envelope and handed it over. Peterman snatched it, looking annoyed, but when he opened it, his expression shifted to one of shock. Inside was ten times the rent Jay owed—enough to cover several months in advance.
"This… this is more than you needed to pay," Peterman stammered, glancing up at Jay with wide eyes.
Jay nodded, suppressing a smirk. "Consider it interest," he said lightly. "Just wanted to make sure things were square between us."
The landlord's face turned from shock to embarrassment as he struggled to regain his composure. "Well, I suppose… that's very generous of you," he muttered, clearly flustered.
Jay could feel the eyes of his former neighbors on him as he turned and walked back to his car. It felt good to leave on his own terms, without any trace of resentment or worry. He had done more than repay his debt—he had left behind the insecurities that had once defined him.
As he slid into the driver's seat of his Aston Martin and revved the engine, Jay took one last look at the building that had been his home for so long. He felt a sense of closure, a feeling that he was finally moving on from the struggles and hardships of his past.
With a final glance in the rearview mirror, he pulled away, leaving his old life behind. He didn't know what the future held, but he knew one thing for certain—he was ready for it.