The guests began to count down the minutes after Barry ordered the Rolls-Royce. Matthew sat with his legs crossed in one of his luxury chairs, a smug smile fixed on his face. Soon, thirty minutes was up and there still was no sign of Barry's Rolls-Royce. “Time is up, Barry,” he said loudly. “Where is your Rolls-Royce?”Barry met his gaze. “I'm sure there must've been a slight delay. Give it a little more time. It'll show up.”“A little more time?” Matthew burst into laughter. “Just give it up already, Barry. We're talking about a Rolls-Royce Sweptail. Even I can't afford it. Don't mess with us.”Barry sighed. “Give it a few minutes more. There's no need to get all excited. The night is still young. Even if it takes an hour for the Rolls-Royce to get here, we can wait.” “No, we're not waiting another second,” Matthew said sharply, rising to his feet. “This is embarrassing, just admit you lost and grovel to me as my servant.”Barry shook his head. “No. I would rather die than serv

Barry thought he was dreaming. Roxanne, the most beautiful girl in school, was asking him out?He had paid little attention to her because he was already married to Laura back then, but now, looking at her, he could understand why every guy on campus wanted her. “Why,” Barry asked, leaning back slightly away from her face, “Why do you want me to go out with you?”Roxanne's smile widened. “I'll tell you later. But first…”She reached between her cleavages and pulled out a pen. A few guys in the room nearly choked on their breath. Roxanne grabbed Barry's hand and scribble her number on his palm.“Call me,” she said, her voice sultry. Then, with a playful smirk, she flipped her hair over her shoulder. “I'll be waiting for you after school.”Before Barry could respond, she turned on her heel and strutted out of the lecture hall. A stunned silence ensued as soon as she left. Then, like a dam breaking, the entire class exploded into chaos. Barry's course mates swarmed around him as th

Hank thought he was dreaming. The gang he had brought to beat up Barry were now begging like dogs. Skull ignored them and walked over to Barry. Barry was still clutching his ribs, coughing.Skull knelt beside him and lifted him up, supporting him over his shoulder."Remember me?" Skull smirked as he looked Barry in the eyes. "I knew we'd be meeting again."Barry, still trying to catch his breath, frowned. “What… are you doing here, Skull?” Skull chuckled. “My bosses wants to have a meeting with you.” "Your bosses?"Barry shook his head. “I’m not going anywhere.” Skull’s smirk widened. “I’m sorry, kid—that wasn’t a request. I just saved your life. Shouldn't you show a little gratitude.” Barry sighed. He didn't want to deal with a gangster like Skull but then, he had no choice. “Fine. I'll come.” Then, he turned his gaze to Hank.Hank was looking confused and horrified by what was happening. Barry faced the bikers then raised a weak hand and pointed at Hank. “Before I go…b

Barry and Roxanne exchanged glances as they stared at this strange man.“Serve me? What are you talking about?” “Yes,” Sebastian replied smoothly. “I wish to pledge my undying loyalty to you. I have heard about you and deemed you a worthy master.” Barry frowned in confusion. “I think you're mistaking me for someone else. I don’t need a butler.” Sebastian chuckled, his fingers tapping against his briefcase. “Ah, but you do, Master Barry.” His red eyes gleamed. “The Order has taken an interest in you.” At the mention of The Order, Barry’s expression turned serious. Sebastian noticed the change in his demeanor and smiled wider. “Ah, I assume I've finally caught your attention.” Barry’s voice dropped low. “What do you know about The Order?” Sebastian stepped closer, lowering his voice as well. “I know they are not offering you protection out of goodwill.” Barry frowned. “What do you mean?” Sebastian tilted his head. “You are a wealthy man. Far wealthier than any man who's

Barry waited for days, then weeks, expecting the Mario brothers to make their move. But nothing happened. No threats, no ambushes, no attempts to intimidate him. It was as if his rejection had been met with silence. Life went on as usual. Barry attended to his studies, managed his investments, and even found time to relax. Sebastian, true to his word, proved to be an impeccable butler. He kept Barry’s mansion spotless, prepared gourmet meals, and handled every task effortlessly. Barry was slowly getting used to having him around.Still, he couldn’t shake the feeling that Sebastian was a walking enigma. Barry had an uneasy feeling he had struck a deal with a demon but he couldn't be too sure. He was yet to witness the full force of Sebastian's powers before he could come up with a conclusion. One morning, as Barry sat in the dining room enjoying a cup of coffee, he glanced at the calendar on the wall. “Today’s Visiting Day at Elite High School,” he said, more to himself than t