. It was 3:30 a.m. Dave Wayne's eyes were closed as he wandered through his dreams. In his fantasy, he was a powerful business executive, sitting in first class on a plane, ordering sushi with confidence and ease. Splash... Cold water drenched Dave, shocking him awake. "Wake up, you piece of trash," snarled Eva Lapis, his wife. She had just dumped a full bucket of toilet water on him to jolt him out of sleep. "Take this bucket, go wash my car, and make breakfast. I need to be at the office early today." Dave, still stunned by the icy shock, he sat up, dripping and shivering. "Why did you do that?" he asked, his voice trembling. "Can't you just wake me up like a normal person?" His face twisted in frustration and confusion. Eva's eyes narrowed. "Are you talking back at me?" Before dave could even look up, a hot slap cracked across his cheek. The sting sounded louder than her voice. "You good-for-nothing nobody," she spat. How dare you talk back to me? Now move it—go w

Hours slipped by as Dave went about his daily chores. He was cleaning the marble table in the seating room when Eva walked in, just returning from work. He glanced at the time — 8:00 p.m. She sat down on the couch with a tired and sorrowful expression on her face. Dave noticed immediately. After all, they had been married for the past three years, and he could tell when something was off with her. For the first time, he truly felt concerned about her sadness. She sat there, looking pitiful and worn out. Their marriage had always been a contract — nothing more. Since the day they tied the knot, Dave had never once felt her affection. The only physical contact between them came in moments of abuse — a slap, a shove, or worse. She never let him share the king-sized bed. His only sleeping space was the hard floor. That's why he had unknowingly fallen asleep on the couch early this morning — it had been so long since he had rested on a soft surface. He looked at her, trying to show co

Today was the first time Diava met Edward, but the hatred he now felt for him had already sunk deep into his veins. "Kneel down now!" Samantha yelled. Dave didn't respond at first—his eyes were locked on the ridiculous smirk Edward wore on his stupid face. "I said kneel down," Eva added, her voice sharper. This time, she struck Diava with the red bouquet in her hands—the same one Edward had just given her. "You stupid fool!" Samantha shouted, landing another hot slap across Dave's face. Dave wanted to apologize, to explain himself, but they didn't give him a chance. Eva struck him again with the red bouquet. You idiot! "What gives you the audacity to interfere in our conversation?" she snapped. Before Dave could even speak, Samantha grabbed him by his worn-out, cheap shirt and dragged him toward the door. "Get out of here, you useless piece of trash!" she screamed, shoving him outside. "You should be grateful we were even helping your hopeless life! Just look at you—you won't

Mr. Jorge let out a soft smile as he picked up the card from his lap. "Son, take it," he said gently. Even if you don't want it now, you'll take it when I'm gone. And by that time, it'll be much more than this. Besides, I have no use for it anymore—I'm just a sick old man running out of time. I won't be around much longer to enjoy any of this. He stretched out his hand toward Dave, the card trembling slightly between his fingers. "Here, son. Take it," Mr. Jorge urged again. Upon hearing what his father said, Diava hesitated for a moment. He didn't want to make his dad feel bad, so he slowly reached out and took the card from his father's hand. "Oh my God…" Dave whispered, still in disbelief. Is this real? Does this mean… I'm filthy rich? Lost in his thoughts, overwhelmed by emotion, Dave suddenly rushed forward and hugged his father tightly. "Thank you, Dad. I don't even know how to begin to thank you." Mr. Jorge looked at Dave and returned the hug with a warm smile. It's oka

Time skipped by as Dave enjoyed a rare and heartwarming moment with his father. The two of them wandered around the mansion, talking and laughing, exploring rooms filled with memories and stories of the past. For once, Dave felt at peace—free, even.Suddenly, he felt his cheap Nokia phone vibrating in his pocket.He reached for his phone and glanced at the screen. It was Jennifer Lawrence, his college classmate. Dave couldn't figure out from all the people why Jennifer Lawrence would be calling him, but out of curiosity, he decided to answer.Sorry, Dad. "Can I have a second?" he asked politely."Of course, son," Mr. Jorge replied with a gentle nod.Dave stepped aside and answered the call. "Hello?"Suddenly, a small sarcastic chuckle came from the other end. "Is that Dave?" she asked."Yes, this is Dave. "Why did you call, Jennifer?" he replied."Oh," she laughed as she spoke, "I can't believe you're still alive!" I was scared no one would answer. I thought maybe you had died from st