The Harrison family dining room was full of noise and laughter. Everyone was dressed in fine clothes, gold watches flashing under the light. At the end of the long table sat Ryan Blake, wearing a cheap black shirt that had lost its color.“Ryan, why are you just sitting there?” Aunt Mabel asked, her voice sharp. “You can at least pour wine for your elders. That’s the only thing you’re good at.”Laughter filled the room again.Ryan stood quietly, lifted the bottle, and filled each glass. His hands were steady, his eyes calm. He didn’t reply. He never did.Across from him, Clara, his wife, looked down at her plate. She didn’t defend him this time. She was tired—tired of hearing the same insults, tired of pretending her husband wasn’t the shame of the Harrison family.Uncle Fred leaned forward. “I heard you’re still working at that delivery place. How much do they pay you? Ten dollars a day?” More laughter.Ryan smiled a little. “Enough to live,” he said softly.“Live?” Fred

The morning was bright, but the mood inside the Harrison mansion was far from cheerful.Clara’s mother paced the living room, talking loudly on the phone. “Yes, yes, the police confirmed it! The Black Vipers are gone. But I still don’t know who helped us. Some people say it was a rival gang, others say the army stepped in secretly.”She ended the call with a sigh. “At least we’re safe now. Thank God.”Ryan came down the stairs quietly, dressed in his simple black shirt again. “Good morning.”Her eyes rolled the moment she saw him. “Morning, Mr. Delivery Man. I hope you find something useful to do today.”Ryan smiled slightly. “I always do.”She shook her head. “If only Clara had married someone like her cousin’s husband. A man with money. Instead, she brought home a man who can’t even buy himself decent shoes.”Clara came down after him, her hair tied neatly. “Mom, please. Not this morning.”Her mother crossed her arms. “If I don’t say it, who will? You’re young and beautiful, and

The next morning, the Harrison mansion was unusually quiet. The night’s laughter and music were gone, replaced with whispers.Clara was in the kitchen making tea when her mother came in. Her face looked tired. “Have you seen Eric this morning?” she asked.Clara shook her head. “No. Why?”“He left early. He said he had urgent business.” Her mother frowned. “But the men who came last night—why were they looking for him? He said he never met them.”Clara sighed. “Mom, maybe it was just a misunderstanding.”Mrs. Harrison forced a smile. “Maybe.”But deep down, she wasn’t sure anymore.---Ryan stepped into the kitchen quietly. “Good morning.”Her mother crossed her arms. “You made enough noise last night, didn’t you? Fighting like some gangster.”Ryan smiled. “I just don’t like trouble.”“Hmm.” She looked him up and down. “Well, thanks for scaring them off. But don’t think that changes anything.”Ryan nodded. “I don’t.”He poured himself some water and left without another wor

Morning came too fast. The Harrison mansion was busy again, but the air felt tense. Clara noticed it the moment she stepped into the living room.Her mother was standing near the table, holding a black bag. The same bag Ryan carried everywhere.“Whose bag is this?” Mrs. Harrison asked sharply.“Ryan’s,” Clara said softly. “Why?”Mrs. Harrison unzipped it, and everyone froze.Inside were several white papers, all stamped with red company seals — and one thick envelope filled with cash.“What is this?” she shouted. “Ryan! Get in here right now!”---Ryan walked in calmly, wiping his hands with a towel. “Yes, ma’am?”She threw the papers at him. “Explain this!”Ryan bent down slowly, picked one up, and looked at it. His face didn’t change.“Fake business contracts, fake receipts, cash… are you trying to scam us now?” Mrs. Harrison screamed.Clara covered her mouth in shock. “Ryan… what is this?”Ryan looked up quietly. “It’s not mine.”“Not yours? Then how did it end up in your

The next morning, the Harrison house buzzed with quiet gossip. Mrs. Harrison sat at the dining table, sipping tea. “Have you heard from Eric today?” she asked.Clara shook her head. “No. He said he had a meeting.”Her mother frowned. “He’s been acting strange since that night. Maybe Ryan’s curse followed him.”“Mom, please,” Clara sighed. “Don’t start.”Mrs. Harrison waved a hand. “Fine, fine. But don’t say I didn’t warn you.”Clara finished her tea and left for work, trying not to think about either man.---At that same moment, across town, Eric was sitting in his office, staring at his phone. Every few minutes it buzzed with messages.**— Where’s our money? — You promised payment last week! — We’re reporting you to the police.**Eric’s hands shook. He deleted each message, but more kept coming. His assistant knocked and walked in, holding a folder. “Sir, the investors are here again.”He swallowed. “Tell them I’m in a meeting.”“They said they’ll wait.”He slamme