Chapter 3
1034 Words
Liam's heart pounded as he stared at his phone, the latest text message from the anonymous caller burning into his mind.
The message was more precise this time, providing not only the address but also a strict deadline: "Be there in 30 minutes, or the opportunity is lost." The urgency gnawed at him, amplifying his anxiety. Who was this person? What did they want? Was this another of Vivian's twisted games? His mind raced as he stepped out onto the street, desperately trying to flag down a cab.
Every passing minute felt like an eternity as car after car sped by, ignoring his frantic gestures. His nerves frayed with each failure, the ticking clock in his head growing louder. Just when he was about to lose hope, a cab finally slowed to a stop in front of him. He yanked the door open and jumped inside, breathlessly reciting the destination.
"Please, hurry. It's urgent," he urged the driver, who merely nodded and pulled into the chaotic flow of traffic.
As the cab wound its way through narrow, dimly lit streets, Liam's anxiety grew. He tried to rationalize the situation, but the uncertainty gnawed at him. Each turn brought him closer to the unknown, and he couldn't shake the feeling of walking into a trap. Could this really be Vivian's doing? Was she so intent on ruining him that she'd lure him to a secluded spot for some malicious reason?
The cab finally stopped in front of an old, decrepit building at the edge of the city. It looked abandoned, with shattered windows and overgrown weeds reclaiming the surroundings. The sight sent a shiver down Liam's spine. He hurriedly stepped out of the cab, eager to put some distance between himself and the oppressive vehicle.
"Hey! You didn't pay!" the cab driver shouted, breaking Liam's train of thought.
Liam patted his pockets, realizing with a sinking heart that he had no money. "I'm sorry, I... I must have forgotten my wallet," he stammered, panic rising as the cab driver got out, his expression turning violent.
"You think you can stiff me? I'll teach you a lesson!" the driver growled, advancing menacingly.
Just then, a calm yet authoritative voice cut through the tension. "That's enough," a man said, emerging from the shadows.
The cab driver paused, taken aback by the newcomer. The man stepped forward, his presence commanding immediate respect. He handed the driver a few bills. "This should cover it," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.
The cab driver grumbled but took the money, retreating back to his vehicle. Liam watched in astonishment as the man turned to him. "Follow me," the stranger said.
Liam hesitated, his mind racing with questions and doubts. But something about the man's demeanor compelled him to comply. They walked towards the building, its derelict facade looming ominously. The stranger led him through a rusted gate, down a narrow alley that seemed to swallow all sound.
As they approached the entrance, Liam's suspicions grew.
He glanced at the stranger, whose face remained unreadable. The building's interior was just as dilapidated as its exterior, with peeling paint and a musty odor filling the air. Liam's eyes darted around, searching for any signs of a setup.
"Who are you?" Liam finally asked, his voice trembling with a mix of fear and curiosity.
The man stopped in front of a heavy wooden door. "My name is Douglass," he said, turning to face Liam. "I was your father's butler."
Liam's heart skipped a beat. "My father? I never knew my father," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
Douglass nodded, his expression softening. "It's time to end your suffering, Liam. We've been aware of all you've been going through."
Liam's mind reeled. "What do you mean? How do you know about me?"
Douglass pushed open the door, revealing a room that starkly contrasted the rest of the building. It was elegantly furnished, with rich mahogany and leather. "Your family is wealthy, Liam. Very wealthy. And you, as the rightful heir, are destined to inherit everything."
Liam staggered back, his body language disoriented and confused. "I grew up in an orphanage," he stammered. "How is this possible?"
Douglass's gaze was steady. "Your family's wealth was meant to be revealed to the firstborn at age thirty. You're twenty-nine now, the only child. It's finally time for the wealth to be known to you. It is time for you to possess your possession my friend.
Liam felt like the ground was shifting beneath his feet. The revelation was too much to process. "Why now? Why tell me this now?"
Douglass stepped closer, his voice calm and reassuring.
"Because you deserve to know the truth, and because it's time for you to claim what's rightfully yours. Vivian's family, with all their schemes and manipulations, pales in comparison to your own. You have the power to change everything. And luckily for you, you do not have to do much to achieve that. The price have been paid for you. All you are to do now is just embrace it my dear friend.”
“Really?” Liam srressed, his tone had started to change gradually, eyeballs dancing about as his mind began to race with fresh thoughts of revenge, the possibility of turning the tables on those who had wronged him.
But amidst the whirlwind of emotions, one question kept resurfacing.
He looked at Douglass, his eyes filled with a desperate need for clarity.
"How come? How?" he repeated, his voice a mixture of disbelief and yearning.
“I mean after all these years…there was no trace…no nothing…how do i know i am not been played right now? Everything you’re saying…they are nice but it just feels like one big lofty dream. It sounds too good to be true.” He paused then with a whisper he added.
“I’m afraid man”
Douglass placed a reassuring hand on Liam's shoulder.
"All your questions will be answered in due time. For now, trust that this is your destiny, Liam. Embrace it." The stranger the calm tone that seemed to be natural to him.
“But how?” Liam could not help but repeat yet again.
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