Zeus Ring

Chapter 2: The Golden Boy Wins Again

Ethan was wiping the last of the soup from the kitchen floor when he heard the front door slam. Richard, his uncle, had returned from work, and his booming voice filled the house as he called out, "Where’s my dinner, Margaret?"

"In the oven, dear," Margaret replied, her tone shifting to one of sweetness that she reserved only for Richard and Kyle. "Ethan made a mess in the kitchen, but it’s all cleaned up now." She added and sneered at him.

Richard appeared in the doorway, his presence imposing. His expression was filled with annoyance as he looked at Ethan, who was still crouched on the floor. "What’s this? Ethan, are you still making trouble with my wife?"

Ethan rose to his feet, his tone flat. "No, Uncle Richard. It was an accident. I didn’t mean to—"

"Didn’t mean to," Richard mocked, cutting him off. "That’s all you ever say. Didn’t mean to mess up. Didn’t mean to be a disappointment. Didn’t mean to waste the opportunities we gave you. Didn't mean to me worthless.” He snapped and then threw his hands in the air, "Maybe you didn't mean to exist also!”

Ethan clenched his fists, fighting the urge to lash out at the old man. “It's just soup," he grumbled coldly.

But Richard heard him. He sneered, “Did you say just soup? Do you know how to make money? Have you ever bought anything in this house?" His tone was loud and threatening.

"Maybe that's because you don't let me. You don't want me to be a part of the company. How else should I help out?” He finally spoke, what had been on his mind for years since his uncle made the stupid trial rule.

Richard hissed at him. "I may not be your father but I won't watch you ruin Summer Enterprise. Your father slaved to build that empire and you won't ruin it.” He stated firmly.

Ethan's jaw was tense. He wasn't trying to ruin the company. He just wanted to be a part of it but clearly no one believed in him.

"It's simple. Pass the trial and you will be welcomed to Summers enterprise just like your brother.” Richard reminded him.

"I’m trying my best."

"Your best isn’t good enough," Richard snapped, stepping closer. "Look at your brother, Ethan. Look at how hard he works, how successful he’s become. And then look at yourself. You’re nothing compared to him."

Margaret, who had been watching with a satisfied smile, cut in. "That’s right, Richard. I’ve been telling him the same thing. Maybe if he spent less time feeling sorry for himself and more time trying to be like Kyle, he wouldn’t be such a failure."

Ethan’s fist tightened, the familiar anger that came with her words surfaced. He had heard this all before, countless times, but tonight it felt like too much. Their constant comparisons, was crushing him.

"I’m not Kyle," Ethan said, his voice icy, cold with barely contained anger.

"Of course, you are not!," Richard sneered. "Because you’re weak. You’re a nobody, and you always will be. Now, get out of my sight. Go to your room and think about how pathetic you are."

Ethan stood there, trembling with rage, his fists clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white. But he didn’t move. He couldn’t. The humiliation, the pain, was too much.

"Did you hear me?" Richard bellowed, stepping closer, his face inches from Ethan’s. "I said, get out!"

Ethan stepped away, counting to ten and calming himself.

“Come and have dinner, honey. He's not worth it." Margaret said to his uncle and he finally moved out of his face.

Dropping the mop and bucket, he turned and strode out of the room, He stomped up the stairs, his feet heavy on the wooden steps. Finally, he got into his small, cramped bedroom. He slammed the door shut behind him and collapsed onto the bed.

His room was nothing like his brother, Kyle's. The boring gray walls and floor level mattress was nothing like Kyle's well furnished master's bedroom.

But Ethan was used to it. He told himself that he didn't need all that luxury, just a place to pass the night.

For a long time, he lay there, staring up at the ceiling, his mind a pool of pain and anger. The voices of his uncle and aunt echoed in his head. He couldn’t stay here any longer. At least not tonight, he had to clear his head.

But where could he go? He had no money, no friends, no one to turn to—except Lily, his girlfriend.

The thought of her brought some sort of warmth to his heart. Lily, with her beautiful face and melodious voice was the only person who made him feel like he mattered. She was the only one who had ever shown him affection.

Determined to spend the night away from his uncle, he swung his feet off the bed. He could go to Lily. She had always been his safe haven, the one person who made life bearable.

Without giving himself time to second-guess his decision, Ethan grabbed his jacket from the back of the chair and slipped out of his bedroom. He moved quietly down the stairs, not wanting to draw any attention. He walked briskly through the dark hallway, avoiding the living room where he could still hear the muffled voices of Richard and Margaret.

Ethan stepped outside, the cool night air made him clutch his jacket tighter around his frame.Thick clouds hung in the sky, promising rain.

Ethan pulled out his phone and rang her twice but it went to voicemail. He looked at the time, it was barely 7:43 o'clock. He decided to surprise her with a visit.

Her apartment was a couple of blocks away. He should have taken a cab but he didn't have the money and so he walked down.

It was a modest two-bedroom in a quiet part of town. It was beautiful and cozy, sometimes he wondered how she could afford it.

By the time he reached her building, the first drops of rain had begun to fall. Ethan quickened his pace, eager to escape the chill night air.

He ran to the porch and pulled off his damp jacket. And that was when he heard the voices.

Lily was laughing but she wasn't alone.

He knocked anyway and shortly after, she came to the door, dressed in nothing but a sheer lingerie.

She gasped as she saw him. “Ethan, what are you doing here?"

“I came to see you." He replied, gazing at her curiously.

At this same time, a masculine - and very familiar - voice could be heard from within.

“Who's at the door baby?" And Kyle, Ethan's brother stepped out, a towel wrapped around his waist.