"Oh, my son looks so sharp! That suit fits you perfectly. I'm so happy you decided to come to the party. It's your first time," Melinda teased, her eyes sparkling as she gazed at him.
His mother was right. He had never stepped into a party or event before. This was new for him. Tonight, he had a purpose to fulfill. Something truly important.
"I have something I must do at this event, you know that, Mom. So, even though I don't like parties, I have to go," he said, forcing a grin.
Parties and socializing weren't his thing. He felt uneasy around people, especially after that dreaded "night."
He didn't know why, but a lot of things changed about him after that night happened.
"That's even better! It's time to find your future girlfriend. I'm starting to get nervous. I worry you don't want to get married. I still want to see my grandchild!"
He could understand his mother's eagerness. Ever since that painful encounter, everything shifted in his world. His views, his beliefs, and even what he wanted had changed.
For five long years, he worked hard, pouring all his time to prove something in his life. Life had turned tough for him. He didn't have a privileged upbringing, he wasn't born with a golden spoon. To achieve success, he pushed himself, working twice as hard and saving every penny. He needed dreams and faith to keep going.
He had gone from being a nobody to a millionaire. After working various jobs, someone believed in his skills. Soon enough, clients came knocking, and before he knew it, he used his first savings to start a small business. He never thought it would thrive.
In just five years, he went from nothing to a net worth of millions. He could call it luck, but for him, it was all his hard work, his blood and sweat.
He ensured his parents lived well, bought them what they needed, got them medical care, and helped his little sister graduate from a good university. He purchased houses and lands and started new businesses. He was driven to prove himself; he had a mission to accomplish.
Melinda observed his silence and frowned with concern. "Is she still the one in your heart, son?"
He understood immediately that she meant Julia. The only woman who ever held his heart. Some might say he felt guilty and sorry for her. That was part of it, but deep down, he knew he just really love her. He worried he might never love another because he was haunted by their past.
Even now, he struggled to bear the fact that he was the one who shattered Julia's life. The one who caused all the pain. It was never what he wished. Back then, he felt so weak, so powerless. If only he had money then, he could have protected her.
He couldn't deceive himself; all his effort stemmed from his feelings for Julia. He wanted wealth. He wanted the power to discover who was responsible for her suffering. He yearned to uncover where her life led. He needed to ensure she found happiness and healed from their past.
He had no desire to take her from her husband. He knew her heart belonged to him, and besides, he wasn't the kind of man to destroy relationships.
He sought riches, driven by a mission to deliver justice for Julia. He wanted the one who orchestrated her pain to face consequences. But he knew that could only happen if he had money. And now, he did.
The charity event would help women like Julia who suffered abuse. He intended to use his voice to inspire bravery and give hope. Although he disliked social gatherings, he was ready to push aside his discomfort for this noble cause.
Concern clouded Melinda's features as she studied him. "Son, can't you forget her? Let her go; she has a husband. I'm sure she's happy with him,"
His expression shifted to seriousness, thoughts racing. If he ever crossed paths with Julia through his wealth and influence, he had no intention of claiming her. Still, he longed to discover if her life was good now.
He didn't want to judge, yet his view of her husband remained negative. Especially after everything that transpired. He felt disdain for Julia's husband because what kind of man would abandon his wife on their wedding day? Just for the sake of the company?
Deep down, he understood he should stay out of it. He could never break up a family.
If ever he find out Julia was okay after everything and discovered who had hurt her, his heart might finally feel light. Perhaps he would just support his parents and settle into being a good uncle when the time comes his sister had a baby.
He had no intentions of marrying or loving anyone else. He didn't want to drag someone into his pain, knowing a piece of him would always remain broken. Like his heart.
"Mom, you worry too much. Yes, I still love Julia. But I won't step in and break up a family. Please don't try to set me up with other women. I'm not interested," he said, laughing lightly as her frown deepened.
"But you look so good! It's a waste to let those genes go unused. And I know you'd make a great father," she encouraged, her eyes bright with hope.
He responded with another laugh. Being a father would be wonderful, especially in a loving family. But deep down, he felt it was a distant dream for him.
"Yes, Mom. I know, you already told me that like million times. I need to leave now; I can't be late," he said, gently kissing her forehead before stepping out of the mansion.
As he walked to the car in the garage, he admired his latest BMW model. Sports cars weren't really his thing. Even with his wealth, he refused to hire a driver. He preferred to drive himself, avoiding the discomfort of relying on others for small tasks he could handle.
Moments later, he found himself on the road, heading toward the shining seven-star hotel hosting the charity event. He had heard that the hotel owner would also be attending today.
Recently, he had been eager to invest in hotels, seeing a bright future in such a business. So when the Mayor invited him, he expressed his desire to meet the hotel owner to discuss a possible partnership.
The Mayor assured him he would introduce him to the hotel owner. The Mayor appreciated him, knowing about his donations to various charities. Most of his efforts focused on supporting abused women.
The next thing he knew, he was already at the seven-star hotel. A reserved parking spot awaited him, making everything much simpler.
His eyes widened at the sight of the towering seven-star hotel. Colors danced across its facade, while the golden exterior gleamed with elegance. Even from the entrance, a rich scent of expensive perfume greeted him.
The guards stood tall and polite, their smiles welcoming. The lobby stretched wide, with shiny granite tiles that sparkled like mirrors. Grand chandeliers hung above, and the place was spotless, not a speck in sight.
The hotel's beauty took his breath away. With each glance, his desire to partner with the owner intensified.
"I'm here for the charity event. Could you guide me to the banquet hall?" he asked, his voice steady and respectful toward the receptionist.
The receptionist kindly pointed him in the right direction. He walked toward the elevator, noticing how luxurious it looked, clearly built with great care and expense.
When the elevator doors slid open, he stepped inside. A wave of nervousness washed over him unexpectedly. What was this feeling stirring in his chest?
As he stepped off at the banquet hall floor, a familiar voice rang out. "Dante, my boy! So glad you made it! I'm so proud! I'm the only one who could get you to these events," the Mayor laughed, giving him a friendly pat on the back.
He chuckled in response, nodding respectfully. "Absolutely, Mayor Harrison. I'm truly honored to be invited to this event,"
"I knew it! I had a feeling you wouldn't miss this! Remember, I promised to introduce you to the hotel owner? I hear he's bringing his wife along," the Mayor added with a grin.
He felt a surge of hope at the thought of meeting the owner; perhaps he'd express interest in future investments. He was sure the Mayor had hinted the owner that someone wanted to meet him.
"Oh, speaking of which! Here he is, the hotel owner!" the Mayor exclaimed. Dante gasped, quickly turning to catch a glimpse.
Before him stood a man who, to his surprise, seemed nearly his age. He was tall with fair skin, exuding a powerful presence. Confidence radiated from him like a beacon. Focused on Mayor Harrison, he was unaware of Dante's careful scrutiny.
"Dante, this is the owner of Victory Hotel… meet Victor Voss," the Mayor announced. The last name hit him like a jolt, stirring memories of a woman who haunted even his dreams.
Could Dante discover that Victor was linked to the woman he had sought for so long? What would unfold when their paths finally crossed?