From Dust To Dynasty

Caleb jogged up the three flights of stairs to the apartment he paid for but rarely slept in, a small smile playing on his lips. The scent of cheap air freshener and old takeout clung to the hallway, but it was a scent he associated with Cathy, and for him, that made it home.

  He pushed the door open. “Cath? I’m back.”

  Cathy was perched on the edge of the sofa, her phone glowing against her face. She looked up, her perfectly glossed lips tightening for a fraction of a second before melting into a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. “Hey, you.”

  “Long day,” Caleb said, dropping his delivery bag by the door. He moved towards her, wanting to sink into the couch and feel the day’s exhaustion seep away next to her. “Smells like you ordered Chinese chicken. You save any for me?”

  “Oh, sorry, babe. It’s all gone.” She tucked a strand of her sleek, dark hair behind her ear, her gaze flickering back to her phone.

  “No worries.” He sat beside her, the springs groaning in protest. “So, you’re all set for Jessica’s party tonight?”

  Her fingers stilled on the screen. “Yeah, almost. Just figuring out what to wear.” She finally put the phone down, turning to face him. “It’s just going to be us girls, you know. A proper catch-up.”

  “I know, I know. ‘Friends alone’ party,” he said, mimicking her earlier tone with a soft grin. “I just wish I could see you all dressed up.” He walked over to the small, wobbly table where he kept his savings tin. He pried the lid off and tipped the contents into his hand—a roll of bills he had been painstakingly saving for weeks, skipping lunches and taking every extra delivery he could get. He walked back to her and pressed the money into her hand. All of it. Five hundred dollars.

  Cathy’s eyes widened as she looked at the cash. “Baby, why are you giving me this? Will you have anything left on you?” She looked at him, her brow furrowed in a convincing display of concern. “What about dinner?” she asked.

  “Don’t worry. You first,” he said softly, his thumb brushing the back of her hand. “Use this to get yourself something good to wear and get Jessica a nice gift.”

  He leaned in to kiss her goodbye, but she turned her head slightly, offering her cheek. He took it without complaint and headed for the door, grabbing his helmet. “I’ve got a late chicken delivery. I’ll see you in a few days.”

  The moment the door clicked shut and the sound of his delivery bike faded down the street, Cathy’s face soured. She glanced down at the money in her hand, her lip curling in disgust.

  “Mtcheew” she hissed to the empty room, her voice dripping with scorn. “What will five hundred dollars do? it won't even get me a dress not to talk of gift, useless Asshole.” She tossed the money into her designer handbag 

  and wheeled her suitcase out the door

  ---

  That night, the exclusive Veredale Skye Club pulsed with neon light and deep bass, a private party for the city’s young elite. But the energy faltered when a section of lights sputtered and died, casting the VIP lounge in an inconvenient darkness.

  Tony Callahan, handsome and impeccably dressed, ran an agitated hand through his hair. “What the fuck is this On my wedding night?..

 Kael.....call the electrician as soon as possible” 

  Kael “he said it's too late, he won't be able to come” angry tony got up and wanted to hit Kael but Daniel interrupted 

  “Bro, chill, don’t worry,” Daniel said, phone already in hand. “I have someone I can call to come fix it. He does different jobs, but when I call him, he’ll come as soon as possible.”

  Tony scoffed. “Is he that desperate? It’s late. Nobody will come fix this now, take my electrician for example.”

  Daniel just smiled. “I got you.” He dialed a number. “Caleb? Hey man, it’s Daniel… Yeah, listen, I’ve got an urgent job. Electrical issue at a club downtown, quite the distance from where you are but They’ll pay well. Really well can you come as soon as possible?.”

  On the other side of the city, Caleb, finishing his last delivery, didn’t hesitate. The venue was far, but the promise of good pay was a siren call. He needed to build his savings back up, for Cathy.

  He arrived on his bike less than an hour later, weaving through the fleet of luxury cars parked outside. Daniel, looking sharp in a tailored suit, met him at the service entrance.

  “I knew I could rely on you, man. Come on,” he said, leading Caleb through a corridor that vibrated with the party’s energy. He pointed to a panel behind a large decorative board. “It’s that one.”

  As Caleb got to work, his tools laid out on the floor, the party’s MC took the main stage, his voice booming over the speakers.

  “Alright, Veredale! Let’s give a massive round of applause for the new couple, Mr. and Mrs. Tony Callahan!”

  The crowd erupted. Caleb smiled to himself, continuing his work. In the background, a woman’s voice shrieked with excitement.

  “Go Cathy! You made a beautiful bride today!”

  Caleb chuckled under his breath, splicing two wires together. *I guess déjà vu is real,* he thought. *Just when I was thinking about her, someone calls her name.* He plugged the last wire in, and the lounge flickered back to brilliant life. He packed up and went to find Daniel.

  “I’ve finished the job,” he said, standing awkwardly in his black boots and worn workshop clothes amidst the sea of designer outfits.

  “I knew you would do a great job!” Daniel clapped him on the shoulder. “Hold on for the event before you go.”

  “No, I need to hurry back for another job,” Caleb lied, suddenly eager to get home to the quiet apartment.

  “Okay, wait here for just a while.” Daniel turned to get the payment, and Caleb, out of habit, turned to join the crowd in applauding the couple who were now descending the stage.

  And then he saw her. His girlfriend. Cathy. She was standing in the center of the club hall , a vision in a white, floor-length gown that shimmered under the chandeliers. Her hair was swept into an elegant updo, and a diamond necklace glittered at her throat. A handsome, suave-looking man stood beside her, his arm wrapped possessively around her waist.

They were laughing, raising their glasses in a toast with their guests.

  “Cathy?” he mouthed, the name a silent shock on his lips.