CHAPTER 6

Author's POV

Nathan stood at the entrance of Gothern, his childhood home, after 15 long years. The imposing mansion, a symbol of opulence, loomed before him. He couldn't help but marvel at the transformation that had taken place in his absence. The once familiar facade had evolved into a modern marvel, a testament to his father's immense wealth.

"Hmmm…" he smelled the fresh air that swept through his nose as a soft breeze blew. That didn't change. It was as refreshing as it had always been.

The grand entrance welcomed him with sleek, automated doors that glided open effortlessly as he approached. The marble floor beneath his feet, once cold and uninviting, now radiated warmth with an underfloor heating system.

Nathan couldn't ignore the lush scent of fresh flowers. How he missed the sweet smell of each and every one of them.

Childhood memories returned.

As he moved deeper into the mansion, Nathan couldn't help but notice the technological marvels that adorned every corner. Smart lighting systems adjusted their brightness to match the time of day, and the walls seemed to come alive with high-definition screens displaying breathtaking landscapes.

His father had embraced the future, and Gothern had become a haven of cutting-edge innovation.

The heart of the mansion, the living room, boasted a colossal, state-of-the-art entertainment system.

Security had become paramount, evident from the biometric scanners at various entry points. Nathan couldn't help but feel a sense of awe as he passed through the building protected by fingerprint recognition and retina scans. It was a far cry from the simpler times when a traditional lock and key sufficed.

Gothern had become a fortress of luxury and technology. It had always been luxurious, but this was different. His father's vast wealth had created a haven of comfort and sophistication.

Yet, beneath the lavish exterior, Nathan couldn't forget the purpose of his return – a quest for revenge against those who had wronged him and the desperate search for his kidnapped daughter..

"You think you can just waltz in here lookin' like that? Trash like you ain't allowed in," the security guard barked, an air of arrogance surrounding him.

"Hey. Is my father in?" Nathan called out gently.

"Are you nuts? Did you get any glimpse of what I said? We don't allow trash in here. I don't know how you got past the gate, but you are not welcome here!"

Before Nathan could respond, a sharply dressed young man, exuding an air of affluence, rushed to the scene. With an authoritative glare, he swiftly smacked the security guard across the face, not once but twice.

"Know your place! Kneel and greet Mr. Nathan!" the young man commanded, his voice cutting through the tension.

"But… but sir, he's just a.."

The young man slapped the security again, this time, harder, sending his message across well.

"You're standing before father's son. Are you crazy?! You are fired!"

Stunned, the security guard complied, his arrogance replaced with a forced humility. "Please, I'm terribly sorry sir. Forgive my stupidity!" The security cried out. It fell on deaf ears.

"Let him be." Nathan said calmly. "He's only doing his job. I was a security too."

The young man then turned to Nathan, offering a sincere apology. "I'm terribly sorry, young master. Please forgive the inconvenience. Come with me."

In stark contrast to the ill treatment Nathan had faced just moments ago, the young man, revealed to be Nathan's official Personal Assistant, guided him with respect and warmth.

"I'm your P.A and guide, ready to assist you in every way. Welcome back, young master" he said, genuine enthusiasm in his voice.

Nathan was truly overwhelmed with how rich a man can be. How much power he can posess!

"Tell me, what is your name?" Nathan asked as they walked towards the main building.

"Forgive me, sir. I am James James Arthur." He said professionally.

Nathan despised that name with so much hate! "I'll call you Arthur. That's best for me."

"Whatever you wish to call me sir! I despise the name myself." Arthur laughed and Nathan smiled.

Finally, they reached the grand doors leading to the main house.

The grand doors opened, revealing the interior of Gothern, now a multibillion-dollar masterpiece that left Nathan in awe.

The sitting room that was once a testament to tradition, had undergone a breathtaking transformation. Plush, designer furniture adorned the space, arranged with meticulous precision around a cutting-edge entertainment center. High-tech gadgets seamlessly integrated into the room, captivating Nathan's attention.

The walls were adorned with modern art, and smart lighting subtly enhanced the ambiance. As Nathan entered, he couldn't help but marvel at the panoramic view of the meticulously landscaped gardens through floor-to-ceiling windows.

"Your father told me alot about you, sir. He said you'd be surprised at the change of the house. He did it all for you."

Nathan traced his fingers over the smooth surface of the glass wall, appreciating the attention to detail that spoke of a commitment to luxury beyond imagination.

"He's right. I am surprised! This is beyond my imagination. We don't get to see these much in my place!" Nathan expressed!

"So, where's my father?" I finally asked.

The young man's energy suddenly became low and his movement became more slow and subtle than before.

"Follow me, sir."

°°°°°°°°°°°°

They soon got into a dimly lit cold room. The room was cold and a bit dark, but thanks to the blue lights, there were sights to see.

Arthur walked gently to one end of the room where he pressed a rather strange red button.

Suddenly, the ground almost beneath Nathan's feet shook as it split open. Gradually, a long box that looked like a coffin was brought out.

The technology was surprising to Nathan. He was living in a village all this while, he thought.

As the box unfolded, Nathan's breath caught. There, encased in a suspended animation chamber, lay…. his father.

He gasped, but quickly maintained his composure. What?! Was his father.. "Dead?"

"Not yet sir. Almost dead," Arthur replied, unveiling a tale of foresight.

"You see, your father has always believed that you would return. He said that ever since his wife died, he couldn't carry the weight of his guilt and he couldn't afford to look you in the eye, so he simply stayed in his lane. He was diagnosed with cancer and had just a few days to live. On the last day, he told the expert doctors to freeze his body."

This all sounded like a fantasy to Nathan. He just listened in awe.

"He said that he must speak his last words to you and earn your forgiveness before he finally dies."

Arthur, began some scientific mystique. Machines, intricately designed for the reanimation of frozen life, surrounded the suspended figure of Mr. Clifford Wade.

Nathan, uninitiated in this advanced technology, watched in a blend of awe and apprehension as the devices hummed to life.

Arthur's skilled hands danced between consoles, his movements deliberate and purposeful. The machines initiated a gradual awakening, coaxing vitality back into Nathan's father. The room echoed with the sounds of monitored heartbeats and the soft hum of technical apparatus.

As Mr. Clifford Wade coughed and drew a slow breath, a paradox of emotions gripped Nathan. This was, to him, the most bizzare thing he had ever seen in his entire life. He was elated to see his father, but at the same time, he still hated the man.

"Father. It's me, James Arthur. Your son is here. You can. Now speak to him!"