2024-12-07 17:55:29“Get on your knees and kiss my boots!” Reeves commanded.
Everyone was watching the scene in silence, all eyes fixed on Barry. Barry plastered his hand on his face, his eyes misty. He had just been slapped across the face from Reeves Nightingale, first son of the Nightingale clan. It was Laura's birthday party and the entire North Hills had turned up to celebrate with her. Among the guests were eligible wealthy bachelors who clamoured around Laura, hoping to be the lucky guy she might consider to marry. Reeves was more aggressive than the rest of the other bachelors. He followed Laura everywhere like a dog, bothering her with his loud, boring stories. Barry couldn't take it anymore and interjected when he shouldn't have. “You're bothering my wife, Reeves, give it a rest already,” Barry said, standing between Reeves and Laura. That was when Reeves slapped him. “How dare you speak to me like we're equals?” Reeves snapped at him. “You're nothing but a cheap loser who got lucky to be close to Laura. Know your place, you piece of trash.” Barry felt the sting of the slap burning on his face. He clenched his jaw. “I was only trying to—” “I know what you're trying to do,” Reeves raised his voice. “You're acting like the jealous husband. Don't get your foolish head stuck in the clouds. The only person you're fooling is yourself.” Before Barry could respond, Reeves pointed at his leather boots. “You've offended me tonight. I was having a wonderful evening until you barged in. Get on your knees and kiss my boots!” Reeves commanded. In North Hills, a kiss to the feet is a humiliation punishment to an offender. It was popularly called the kiss of shame. Barry glanced at Laura, hoping she would come to his aid, but she looked away, her arms crossed, and her lips pressed into a thin line. Barry's heart sank. His marriage to Laura was a loveless, non-consummated marriage. Laura's grandmother, Evelyn Raven who had always been fond of Barry had arranged their marriage. Evelyn Raven saw the good in Barry and decided he would be the best husband for Laura. The trouble was, Laura hated Barry. He was a typical nobody. Barry worked for the Raven family as a servant. He gets paid $200 every month for doing house chores and errands. That's not the kind of man that Laura found attractive, but because she respects her grandmother, she went along with her wish. “Barry, you fool,” Laura's voice rang out. “Who asked you to get involved? Do you have any idea what you've done? You've embarrassed me and the Raven family in front of everyone here.” Barry’s voice croaked. “But I was only trying to help. He was troubling you—” “Nobody asked you,” she barked at him. “Sheesh, take a hike, would you? Quit being nosy. It's none of your business if he's troubling me or not. Go wash the plates in the kitchen or something.” The humiliation seeped deep in every pore of Barry's body. He hung his head and apologized. “I'm sorry, my beloved. I didn't mean to cause you any troubles.” Laura groaned and brushed past him. “I told you repeatedly, don't call me your beloved. It's cringy and makes my skin crawl.” As she left the scene, Jonathan, Barry's father-in-law and head of the Raven family, stepped in. “Reeves,” Jonathan placed a hand on his shoulder, a tight smile spread across his face. “I saw what happened. Pay no attention to that useless son-in-law of mine. I'll fix him.” Reeves sneered at him. “I will not be satisfied until that loser kisses my boot.” Just like his daughter, Jonathan didn't like Reeves either. Reeves was an annoying asshole who grates on everyone's nerves. Regardless of that fact, the Nightingale clan was one of the powerful families in North Hills, with a potent influence in politics. Moreover, Reeves is the future head of the Nightingale family. Jonathan would not let Reeves leave his daughter's birthday party in a foul mood. It could jeopardize any favour and alliances they might need from the Nightingale clan in the future. “Certainly, leave this to me,” Jonathan assured Reeves then he walked up to Barry. Without warning, Jonathan slapped Barry across the face. The slap sounded like a gun fire, sending chills down everyone's spine. “If you know what's good for you, Kneel,” Jonathan asked, his eyes squinting dangerously. “Kiss Reeves boots and make him happy, or else I'll crucify you.” Barry's eyes were shaking. This is the second time he has been slapped, and by his father-in-law. Laura stared at him from across the hall. Her face was a mask of indifference. Finally, Barry dropped to his knees. He crawled forward and pressed his lips to Reeves polished boots. The room buzzed with whispers and laughter. “I can't believe he's actually kissing his boot. Oh, I must record this for my I*******m.” “Ugh, I'm disgusted. How can a loser like that be Laura's husband? He's more like a family pet.” “I heard he earns $200, slaving for the Raven family. Even $200 can't feed my dog for breakfast.” “What a pathetic fool. Laura should divorce him. She deserves better. Such a disgrace.” Laura couldn't stare at Barry's humiliation. She turned around and left the hall. Barry kept his head down. His nails dug into his palms and his teeth gnashed bitterly. The kiss of shame had sealed his reputation as the useless trashy Son-in-law of the Raven household. Reeves smirked, enjoying the laughter at Barry's humiliation. He looked down at Barry as if he were a bug, he could squash under his expensive boots. After Barry was done, Reeves turned to Jonathan and clapped him on the shoulder. “I feel better now. You handled this bastard just right.” Jonathan returned a grin. “Of course. I wouldn't want to ruin the relationship between our families.” “It would make more sense if you give me your daughter's hand,” Reeves smiled knowingly. “I could make an amazing son-in-law, better than this piece of crap.” Jonathan sighed. “Unfortunately, we are stuck with him. But I'm sure when the time is right, Laura would make her decision.” “I'll be patient,” Reeves licked his thick lips. “Laura would be mine soon. I won't give up on her.” Jonathan turned sharply to Barry. “Get out of here. Go help in the kitchen.” Barry gathered whatever dignity was left of him and shuffled towards the kitchen.
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New job
Another brief silence passed before Eleanor continued.“My husband had been battling sickness for the last eight months. It was slow and very painful. I stayed by his side the entire time. I didn’t tell anyone because—” she paused, glancing away for a moment, “no one ever wanted to meet him. Not once. They had no interest in him because he wasn’t one of them. He wasn’t from money. But he was a good man. And I loved him. So I married him anyway.”Barry listened intently, watching the way her voice softened when she spoke about her husband.“My father,” she continued, “he disowned me the moment I told him I was marrying below my class. He cut me off—no funds, no support. And the rest of the family followed suit. They don’t even know what he looked like. Not a single one of them.”She looked up at Barry now. Her eyes were firm again. “And now, my father wants to hand over Drayton Enterprises to one of his children. I want it to be me. That’s why I accepted the invitation. But there’s a c
The Dayton crisis
Mr. Drayton's sharp voice cut through the air. "Eleanor, take your seat and don't waste my time." His tone left no room for argument. Eleanor gave Barry a brief nod and led him to two empty seats along the left side of the table. They sat down quietly, while Mr. Drayton leaned forward and rested his elbows on the table.Mr. Drayton surveyed the room, his expression stoic. His children with their spouses beside them, waited in tense silence. Finally, he began. “I’ve gathered you all here for a reason,” he said. “I’ve been advised to sign for bankruptcy. Drayton Enterprises is a shadow of what it once was. I’ve pulled every string, made every call, sacrificed more than you can imagine… but now, it’s out of my hands.” He paused, letting his words sink in before continuing. "That’s why I’ve called this meeting. To give each of you a chance. Whoever among you can save this company from collapse will be named its new chairman." The room erupted in murmurs.Chairs creaked as sibli
The interview
The next morning, Barry arrived at 52 Grandhill Avenue, dressed in the midnight-blue suit he’d gambled nearly all his money on. He stepped into a tall glass building nestled between a row of corporate offices.He checked in with the receptionist, and was led through a narrow hallway into a quiet, elegantly furnished room.A few moments later, the door opened, and a young woman stepped in.She was stunning—early thirties, with long raven-black hair tied into a loose bun. Her eyes were sharp but carried the softness of someone who'd been taught to smile through her troubles. She wore a tailored cream blazer over a silk blouse, and red heels that clicked gently against the floor as she walked up to him.Everything about her screamed money. She sat down across from Barry and folded her hands neatly on the table.“You must be Barry,” she said, her voice calm, businesslike.“That’s me.”"I’m Eleanor Drayton,” she said. “But before we go any further, I should tell you something important.
A job offer
The following morning, Barry sat on a creaky wooden bench outside the landlord’s temporary office.It was a small metal container parked beside the damaged apartment complex. He could still smell the smoke and damp ash lingering in the air. Caution tape lined the charred entrance to his block. A few of the tenants passed by, shooting him angry or pitying glances.Inside the container, the landlord sat behind a flimsy desk, tapping aggressively on a calculator. His face was still swollen with frustration from the night before. A printed sheet lay in front of him with a list of repairs and itemized damage costs.Soon, Barry was summoned. When he stepped inside, the landlord didn’t even look up."You owe me $56,000," he spat. "That's what it'll cost to repair the damage your carelessness caused. Gas leak, fire damage, electrical rewiring, structural repairs, repainting, replacement of doors, windows, and your entire unit’s furnishings. Not to mention the stress you’ve caused me and t
The Second misfortune
Barry sat hunched in one of the plastic chairs. The sterile smell of antiseptic filled the hospital lobby as he rubbed his temples.His mind replayed the accident again and again—how fast it had all happened, how helpless he had felt in that single moment. The waiting was torture. He just needed to know the man would be okay. Then, the door to the doctor's office slammed open. Barry's head snapped up as his boss, Mr. Calloway, and Jordan marched out. Jordan's face was masked in anger as he immediately jabbed a finger in Barry's direction. "You're in a lot of trouble, Barry," Jordan growled, his voice loud enough for everyone in the lobby to hear.Mr. Calloway held up a hand, cutting him off. "I'll handle this. Give us a moment, Jordan." Jordan hesitated, glaring at Barry for a second longer before huffing and stomping off toward the exit.As soon as they were alone, Barry turned to the boss. "What about Rick? Is he okay?" Mr. Calloway sighed, running a hand over his thinnin
The Wait
A month had passed since Barry left his life behind. Now, he sat on a stack of steel beams under the shade of a half-built warehouse, wearing a stained orange vest and a hard hat. The midday sun hung high, casting waves of heat across the construction site. Dust clung to his boots and pants, and sweat rolled down the back of his neck.He unwrapped a sandwich he’d packed that morning. It was just bread, lettuce, and a slice of ham.The bread was a little dry, the ham a little thin, but he didn’t complain. This was his life now. The midday sun beat down on his back as he took a bite, the dry bread sticking in his throat. He washed it down with lukewarm water from a dented canteen. For a while, he sat there, his mind racing with questions. What was he even doing here? He’d been in Z City for weeks now. This was the very same city where he had once rescued Adam from the Homeland family. And yet, despite everything the Golden Cat had warned, the Black Cat of Misfortune hadn’t sh
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