January 1st, 2022
A luxurious limousine sped down the highway at breakneck speed. The vehicle was a glossy black, with tinted windows reflecting the sun's rays. The chrome alloy rims sparkled, adding an extra touch of elegance to the already imposing car.
Inside the spacious limousine, an experienced chauffeur sat at the wheel, focused on the road, while two vigilant bodyguards were seated in the front, ready to intervene if needed. The cabin was equipped with high-end Italian leather seats, a state-of-the-art entertainment system, and a well-stocked mini-bar. In the backseat, a sixteen-year-old teenager, DiAngelo Lewis Kaiser, stared absentmindedly out the tinted window, his left fist supporting his temple. He was the son of DiAngelo Valdes, a powerful mafia boss known for his arms dealing.
Lewis had shoulder-length jet-black hair, with delicately blonde-tipped ends that added a touch of rebellion to his appearance. His dark gray eyes, almost stormy, seemed to carry the weight of the world, or rather, his world. His gaze was empty, almost haunted, and dark circles emphasized his eyes, testifying to sleepless nights. Despite his young age, Lewis exuded an aura of mystery. His fine features and natural beauty were striking, but his slender build gave him a dark and sickly appearance. He was simply dressed in a black hoodie and matching jeans, with headphones firmly in his ears, isolating him from the outside world.
As the limousine devoured the miles, Lewis remained lost in his thoughts when the ringtone of his phone interrupted him.
He glanced at the screen and saw it was his older sister.
[Yeah]
[You didn't tell me you got accepted!?] his sister exclaimed in an upbeat tone. But Lewis' expression remained dull.
[Yeah] he replied in his typical monotone.
[How's that "Yeah"? We haven't seen each other in over nine years, I remind you! You've already taken the plane.]
[A few hours from reaching the villa. On Monday, I'll officially join Ashtanshire. We'll see each other by then.]
[No! Tomorrow, I'll buy a ticket to Switzerland right away.]
[Okay, if you want. I'm hanging up.]
Without waiting for her response, he hung up. It wasn't that he had any problem with Serena, his sister; on the contrary, she was one of the few people he truly cared for, even if he never showed affection towards her.
After nearly forty minutes, the car finally came to a stop.
"Already..." He murmured to himself, cutting off the music.
"Mr. Lewis, we've arrived."
One of the bodyguards opened the door.
"Take my luggage," he said as he stepped out of the limousine.
Dozens of suited men, all armed, stood in line, forming an honor guard. The head of security, a massive man with hard features, stepped forward and slightly bowed his head in respect.
"Welcome, Mr. Lewis," he said in a deep voice. The other guards remained motionless, their gazes fixed straight ahead.
The villa, an architectural masterpiece, stood majestically. The white stone walls, adorned with Corinthian columns, reflected the sunlight. An immense wrought-iron gate, finely crafted with lion and rose motifs, marked the main entrance. Behind the gate, a lush garden stretched as far as the eye could see, dotted with marble statues and singing fountains.
The main driveway, paved with granite stones, led to a monumental staircase made of white marble. On either side of the staircase, wrought-iron torches illuminated the path. At the top of the stairs, a double door made of solid wood, carved with intricate Italian-style patterns.
Inside, the entrance hall was a breathtaking spectacle. A massive crystal chandelier hung from the vaulted ceiling, its thousands of facets reflecting light in all directions. The black and white marble floor, polished to perfection, mirrored the marble columns that supported the ceiling. Masterpieces adorned the walls, testifying to the wealth and power of the Don family.
Lewis, without a word, climbed the stairs, followed closely by his bodyguards. He sighed nostalgically. He hadn't been here in nearly a decade. After his mother's death when he was five years old, he went to live with his aunt in the USA.
Inside, uniformed servants waited, ready to fulfill his every desire. The butler, an elderly man with a face marked by the years, bowed deeply.
"We are honored by your presence, Mr. Lewis. If you need anything at all, please let us know," he said deferentially.
Lewis nodded, his eyes scanning the grandeur of his room.
"No need to bow every time, Simone."
"Yes, sir."
The guards who followed him put away his belongings and then left.
"Is Valdes here?"
"Don DiAngelo has been eagerly awaiting your arrival."
Lewis slumped onto the couch, taking off his sneakers. "Well, he'll have to wait some more. Tell him I'm taking a shower."
"As you wish, sir." Simone left the room, leaving the twenty-something maid alone, awaiting instructions.
"Your name?"
"Mi..."
"It doesn't matter. Go unpack my luggage and don't let anyone disturb me."
Lewis removed his hoodie and entered the bathroom. He stared at his tired face for a few seconds.
"When was the last time I slept?"
"I can't remember..."
From his pocket, he took out a box of medications. Most of the colorful pills had inscriptions like clouds, stars, or the word "Sky."
"With these, I should reach the sky." He said with a slight smile. He placed the box on the sink as he prepared his bubble bath.
Finishing his bath preparations, he stepped into the bathtub, not forgetting to take his molly.
A sense of relaxation enveloped his entire being, and he felt an euphoric sensation as if he were floating, and the sweet music of his favorite artist, *Wrld 999*, heightened his ecstasy.