Rags To Riches: The Rise Of Mr. Nobody.

****

'Is being poor a disease?’

That question lingered in his mind.

“Why did she do that?” he mumbled, tears threatening to spill out as he stared at the two movie tickets.

Don't cry. Be strong.

His mind drifted to the incidence earlier,

Flashback—

Jayden, dressed in a worn-out T-shirt and faded jeans approached the entrance door, smiles creeping across his face.

“She'd be happy to watch this movie,” he whispered, shaking the paper tickets in his hand.

It was a pay day at work and he had just received his salary. Wanting to surprise his girlfriend, he used it to purchase movie tickets for the two of them.

He reached her door and knocked. No response.

‘Where is she? Isn't she home?’ he thought.

His gaze swept the compound and landed on a BMW, his brows knitting in confusion and unease.

He dipped his hand into his pocket and dialed her number but the call didn't go through.

“What's wrong?” he wondered, looking at the car.

Does she have a visitor and doesn't want to answer the call in front of her guest?

He grasped the doorknob and twisted it. The door creaked open.

His eyes roamed round the room, searching for her, when they caught a glimpse of something on the floor.

A shirt.

He stared at it for a moment before dropping it.

'This doesn't look like hers.’

He was still battling with his thoughts when a voice filled the room. He followed the voice and halted in front of her room.

‘Why is it coming from her room?’ he wondered.

“Oh my… goodness. Right there Jake.

Jayden froze.

‘Isn’t that… Whitney's voice?'

He pushed the door open and caught two people in the act.

Their eyes widened.

Whitney moved to the other side and grabbed the duvet to cover herself.

“J-jayden, what are you doing here?” she asked.

His jaw clenched tightly, and a flicker of agony passed through his eyes.

“W-whitney, w-why?” His voice cracked.

She lowered her head, playing with her fingers nervously. Just then, Jake took his hand into hers and suddenly, she straightened, a newfound confidence in her eyes.

“Tell him about our relationship,” the man said loudly as he gently touched her hair.

She raised her gaze and met Jayden's without blinking and at that moment, her guilt was replaced with confidence.

“So? Jake deserves me better than you. And I love him.” She uttered before moving her lips closer to Jake's, who has a grin on his face.

Jayden's shoulder dropped.

“You're so sweet.” Jake replied, then turned his attention to Jayden.

He warned, “I hope your ear ain't malfunctioning? So, don't disturb my sweetheart again.”

“Whitney, after everything we've shared? Why?” He managed to say.

“I'm too beautiful to be with a stinky, poor bastard who can't afford to eat good food or designer clothes. I need a handsome,rich man like Jake. Jayden, we're breaking up. Get out!” she snapped.

“I'll become rich one day.” He tried to convince her but only earned a hollow, cruel laugh.

“You ain't destined to be rich. Stay poor, wear rags, and find ladies of your caliber.”

“Let's continue.” Jake spoke and grabbed Whitney.

When did Whitney become this? Was she still the same woman he knew for the past five years?

Jayden walked slowly, dragging his feet to the door entrance.

“Looks like he is hungry. Do you need money? I can give you 5 dollars.” Jake mocked while Whitney giggled.

“My man is so generous. You see, I bet you can afford that.”

Jayden left, eyes filled with unshed tears.

This was the same woman he used all his monthly salary to purchase movie tickets — just to please her. The same woman who takes seventy percent of his salary every month.

'Is falling in love a crime for the wretched?'

And he had noticed something was wrong recently. She ignored him frequently, talked cold towards him, wore expensive designer clothes and bags, wore heavy make-up — things she didn't pay much attention to before.

His mind jolted back to reality when his stomach grumbled.

Gruuuh!

“Take things easy with me. Don't betray me. I have no money now,” he muttered.

His eyes fell on the movie tickets and sighed.

“This could quench my hunger,” he mumbled with a frown.

The door opened, two men walked in.

“Man, what's up? Why are you at home?” one of the guys asked, eyeing the movie tickets.

“We broke up.”

They exchanged a look. Jayden exhaled slowly.

“Oh goodness, sorry about that man,” one said.

“Well, that's good. Forget her” the other guy replied.

“Grayson, can't you read the room? Being friends with you is tiring.”

He shot him a glare.

Grayson scoffed. ”I told you she was all about money. You were just too good for her."

“You really are clueless. Keep quiet,” the other guy scolded.

Jayden exhaled slowly and said nothing.

“You just don't want to admit that I'm right. Don't worry, there are a lot of women outside. I can have Ivy introduce you to one of her friends.” He spoke with a grin.

Nathan nodded.

“There's no need. I'll be fine. I'll focus on hustling instead,” Jayden answered.

Grayson gave him a thumb before settling beside him.

“How about we go drink one bottle each. My threat.” Grayson suggested.

“No. I'm fine. You guys go have fun.”

Grayson frowned.

“You’ve not eaten anything yet?”

How could I be so foolish to have used all the money to buy tickets and go on hunger strike?

“I’m fine,” Jayden said, looking away.

“Why will you—”

Buzzzz….

He was interrupted

A message.

He clicked on it.

Credit alert. Nine zeros.

Jayden stared at the screen, his hand trembling.

Was this a mistake...or the beginning of something they said he could never have?