"I could do without seeing her, and besides..."
"It seems your wife doesn't agree. I understand it's degrading to see your son reduced to a subordinate for life, but don't worry, Catalina. These things don't interest me." He declared in a mocking tone, with a smirk.
"Whether you like it or not, your place is at the head of the family." The Don reaffirmed, furrowing his eyebrows.
"No."
"I thought you had forgotten that childish dream. Why are you so stubborn, Kaiser?"
"You know very well, Valdes, it's because I hate you."
Lewis walked towards the door.
"Kaiser!"
"We have nothing more to say to each other." He didn't turn around and slammed the door as he left.
"Johana was dying anyway, don't put all the blame on me for our misfortunes!" He finally shouted, letting his emotions overwhelm him.
"We need to talk, Valdes."
"What's the matter again, Catalina?" The powerful Don slumped into his armchair, looking exhausted.
"Why are you so stubborn about making him the heir? Mateo can easily take on that role."
"Don't bring up this subject again. Haven't you read the psychologists' reports and his school records?!"
"Yes, he's described as someone with emotional disorders, that's why-"
"Stop only seeing the negative sides. Besides being the eldest, he is by far superior to your son."
"How is he my son? I remind you that he's your son too!"
"I know, don't make me say what I haven't said. I'm just saying that he's a genius. He possesses exceptional intelligence, a sharp sense of observation, and a photographic memory that allows him to retain every detail he sees, hears, or reads. Plus, his lack of empathy, if he develops relationships with other powerful personalities at Ashtanshire, he'll make a formidable, ruthless, and methodical godfather who will make our enemies tremble. Mateo is at best physically."
In a matter of seconds, Valdes laid out all of Lewis' skills, leaving his wife unable to refute.
"193 IQ, Catalina."
"But-"
"All he lacks is motivation, and what better place than Ashtanshire, a gathering of the most talented?"
...
Lewis was leaning against the door, listening to their conversation. He closed his eyes and sighed.
"I'll keep my promise, mother. So that you can rest in peace."
His eyes shone with a determined gleam as his sandals clacked on the parquet floor. Hands in his pockets, he headed towards his room.
***
The following day
Lewis lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling like a deactivated robot. It might seem strange to someone witnessing this scene, but in reality, in his mind, he was visualizing the human body, its anatomy, and physiology. After all, his sole objective was to become a great doctor and find a cure for cancer, the disease that had afflicted his mother in her final days.
"So, the sartorius is innervated by the femoral nerve, and the external obturator allows lateral rotation of the thigh..."
In his mind, a holographic visual played out, and he recited the important concepts when his phone rang.
[Call: Anderson]
Anderson was his only friend from his former school in the USA, so he answered.
Anderson: [What's up, man? You've been inactive on WhatsApp for three days.]
Lewis: [Yeah, chill. I was lazy, I arrived yesterday. What's up with your voice sounding so happy?]
Anderson: [You're always lazy *laughs*, you know me. I got back together with my shawty.]
Lewis: [Oh yeah!? I hope she dumps you, she's too good for you, man.] He said in a mocking tone.
Anderson: [Go fuck yourself, Lewis]
Lewis wasn't wrong; Anderson was a delinquent who smoked weed, while his girlfriend was a good girl who studied diligently.
Lewis: [*chuckles* How did she fall for this mangy dog?]
Anderson: [Maybe it's the same way with Linsey.]
Lewis' heart skipped a beat; he wasn't expecting his name to be mentioned.
Lewis: [Oh, the bastard.]
Anderson: [*laughs* Touché, sunk!]
Anderson: [Speaking of the devil, man. She asked about you.]
Lewis: [Tell her to go fuck herself.]
Anderson: [*sniff* Strangely, I sense a hint of resentment and jealousy.]
Lewis: [It must be your stinky smoker's breath.]
Anderson: [The pot calling the kettle black *laughs*]
Lewis clicked his tongue in annoyance.
Lewis: [After that, how is your sister doing? By the way, give me her number, I'll ask her directly.] A subtle smile spread across Lewis' face.
Anderson: [...]
Lewis: [I thought that since she's loved me for so long, why not get together as a couple.] Lewis' serious tone resonated in his ears.
Anderson: [You're not going to dare!]
Lewis: [*laughs* No, don't worry. You can thank heaven that she looks like her big brother; she's too ugly to interest me.]
Anderson: [Ha ha, very funny. You know well that Lisa is hot. But yeah, I know, Linsey still squats in your brain like a tenacious parasite.]
Lewis and his friend spent hours bickering like this, exchanging jabs and laughter, their friendship enduring despite the distance and the incessant teasing. To an outsider, Lewis, who was usually cynical, seemed like a regular person.
....
*Knock* *Knock*
'Did I fall asleep?'
Lewis yawned, stretching his muscles. He grabbed his phone.
"12:23 AM..."
'Who's trying to force my door open?' He said, getting up, putting on his T-shirt, and heading towards the door.
*Knock* *Knock*
Lewis opened the door, still half-asleep, and was immediately assaulted by a whirlwind of blonde hair and arms that embraced him tightly.
"Lewis! My beloved Fratellino!" Serena exclaimed, hugging him happily. "I've missed you so much!"
Lewis, taken by surprise, took a few seconds to react before returning his sister's embrace. "Serena?"