From Rags to God of War

The Execution

Gilbert arrived at an exclusive restaurant, the kind you could only get into with a special invitation. As the glass doors swung open, a Maitre d' immediately greeted him.

"Good evening, Mr. Thomson. We're delighted you're here. Your private dining room is ready for you," the Maitre d' said, guiding Gilbert toward an intricately carved door at the end of the corridor.

Gilbert went straight to the table, pulled out the head chair, and sat down. From his spot, he could catch glimpses of the corridor outside through a small gap in the door.

He waited. A moment later, a young waiter came over with a glass of water and a menu.

"Welcome, sir. Here's tonight's menu. Can I help you with anything else?" the waiter politely asked.

Gilbert looked at the waiter for a second, then his gaze shifted to watch other servers passing by in the corridor. He squinted, as if searching for something specific. Finally, his eyes landed on a skinny young man walking past, carrying a tray of clean cutlery.

"You guys have too many waiters here," Gilbert said quietly. "Tell the others to stay away from this dining room. I only need one person. That young man who just walked by. Call him over here."

The waiter serving Gilbert looked a little confused but nodded right away. "Yes, sir. I'll get Andy for you."

Soon after, Andy walked into the private dining room. His face looked a bit nervous; it seemed the Maitre d' had already clued him in that Gilbert wanted him.

Gilbert crossed his arms over his chest. "I need your help."

Gilbert pulled a thick envelope from his suit pocket, placed it on the table, then slid a small packet of white powder next to it. "A small favor that'll mean a lot."

Andy looked at the envelope and the packet, his eyes wide with fear. He didn't dare touch them. His heart hammered in his chest. "Sir, wh-what is this?"

"Poison," Gilbert said flatly, not mincing words. "You need to put this into the food that will be served to this person." Gilbert showed him a photo of Nicholas. "Him. Remember his face well. He needs to be paralyzed. Only him. No one else."

Andy looked at the picture of Nicholas, then back at the white packet. An overwhelming sense of fear gripped him instantly. Cold sweat started to bead on his forehead. His face went instantly pale, like a ghost.

"I-I can't, sir," Andy whispered, his voice cracking and catching in his throat. "I don't want to do this. Please, sir. Don't make me do this. I'm begging you."

"You don't have a choice," Gilbert said, his voice cold as steel. His eyes conveyed an undeniable threat. "If you don't do it, you'll lose your job. And not just that, your family will also suffer the consequences." Gilbert gestured to the thick envelope. "This money is enough to help you forget those worries, and enough to help your family. Just think about it. Nobody will suspect anything. You'll get a lot of money. Which do you choose? Lose everything, or do this and get a better life?"

Andy trembled violently. He couldn't breathe. The choice was cruel, but he was helpless. Reluctantly, his shaking hand reached for the envelope and the small packet.

"Alright, sir," Andy said. "I'll do it."

...

At Isabella's residence, Nicholas was already dressed in a sharp suit. His hair was neatly combed, and he looked different. Much more handsome and authoritative.

Isabella looked at Nicholas, her eyes sparkling. "Oh wow, Nicholas! I had no idea you could look this handsome in a suit. Seriously! You look absolutely amazing!"

Nicholas gave a faint smile. "Probably just the expensive clothes working their magic."

"No way!" Isabella playfully hit his arm. "You're naturally handsome! I love it. Why didn't you ever wear clothes like this before?"

"Well, I'm not really the type to show off," Nicholas replied.

"Anyway, from now on, you gotta wear this outfit way more often," Isabella declared, then grabbed her car keys. "Let's go."

Nicholas took the car keys from Isabella's hand. "I'll drive."

Isabella was a little surprised but nodded. She sat next to Nicholas, admiring her husband, who looked every inch a successful young executive. A sudden surge of pride swelled in her heart.

Upon arriving at the restaurant, Nicholas parked the car. They walked towards the heavily guarded entrance. After showing their invitation, the heavy doors opened. A waiter escorted them to their designated dining room. Inside, Elsa and Richard Green were already seated, along with Stefani, Gilbert's girlfriend.

Nicholas and Isabella approached. Richard looked Nicholas up and down with a condescending gaze.

"Well, well, Nicholas. Look at you, all spruced up for once. Looks like you're taking cues from Isabella, huh?" Richard sneered. "That expensive suit must be from Isabella, right? You're like a living mannequin."

Isabella huffed, annoyed. "Richard, watch your mouth."

Elsa looked at Nicholas with a probing stare. "You look different. Did Isabella buy you that suit too?"

Nicholas gave a small smile. "I borrowed a little from Isabella. What's the big deal?"

Richard laughed. "No big deal. Looks like you're getting comfortable with the glam life. Not bad, Nicholas. You're pretty good at making use of Isabella."

Isabella couldn't take it anymore. "That's enough!"

They took their seats. Gilbert, who was already sitting there, looked calm and friendly.

"Isabella, Nicholas! Finally, you're here!" Gilbert rose and offered a warm smile. "Please, sit down."

Richard pulled out a chair for Elsa. "Nice place, too. Hope the food's good. Especially for some people who might not be used to dining in fancy spots like this." He glanced at Nicholas. "Is this your first time, Nicholas? If so, choose your meal carefully, alright? Don't make the wrong pick. Wouldn't want your peasant palate to be shocked."

Elsa chuckled, agreeing with Richard.

Gilbert immediately gave Richard a sharp look. "Richard, what do you mean by that? We're all family here. Don't talk like that." Gilbert then smiled at Nicholas. "Nicholas, don't listen to Richard. He's just kidding around like that. I'm glad you came. Come, sit. I also want to introduce someone."

A beautiful young woman joined them.

"Elsa, Richard, Isabella, Nicholas," Gilbert greeted the woman. "This is Stefani, my girlfriend."

Stefani smiled and greeted everyone warmly. "Nice to meet you all."

Everyone welcomed Stefani kindly. Since everyone had arrived, Gilbert asked them to start serving dinner.

The waiters came and served the appetizers. Andy moved towards Nicholas first. He placed a small plate of shrimp salad directly in front of Nicholas.

Nicholas looked at the salad before him. It was fresh and appealing.

Gilbert glanced at Andy, giving a subtle signal. Andy bowed, then proceeded to serve the other guests at the table.

"Wow, this looks delicious," Gilbert said, trying to divert attention. "Nicholas, you should try it. This shrimp salad is one of the best here."

Nicholas picked up his fork. He inhaled the fresh aroma of the salad. Without hesitation, he took a spoonful and put it in his mouth. He chewed slowly, then swallowed. His expression remained flat.

"How is it?" Isabella asked.

Nicholas nodded. "Not bad." He took another spoonful.