Revenge of the Secret Heir

6 - Accused

Simon was out for almost five hours looking for a new apartment, but he hasn’t found one yet. All the owners of the apartment he inquired about showed hostile attitudes toward him, and he knew why. 

Simon looked down at his clothes. They were presentable at some point, but they looked worn out and old-fashioned. Maybe those owners thought that he can’t afford to pay for the monthly rent. 

Simon decided that he’ll look for an inn to stay for the night if he can’t find an apartment. Luckily for him, he found one just in time. 

The owner was an old lady who treated him a little bit more civil than the others.

“You need to pay the monthly rent in advance.” She opened her wrinkly palm in front of Simon. “It’s one thousand dollars, if you can’t afford it, don’t waste my time.” She told him frankly. 

Due to exhaustion and hunger, Simon immediately pulled a handful of dollar bills from his backpack and handed it silently to the owner. 

''Here it is, a thousand bucks.'' 

Mrs. Smith looked at the dollar bills in awe. She never thought this man would have such an amount in his pocket, considering the look he has right now. 

She thought that maybe he was a criminal or a fraudster, but that was none of her business anymore, as long as he will give her the money she needed.

She grabbed the money in fear that Simon might change his mind. “Second floor, the last door in the hallway, that’s your room. No smoking, and no pets. I hate that furry monsters.” Mrs. Smith happily counted her cash and turned around to leave Simon alone. 

''Thank you.'' 

It’s still four in the afternoon, but Simon just wants to lie down and sleep the whole night. 

Tomorrow he will look for another job. 

He took his backpack and searched for his room. 

He was so focused on searching his room that he didn’t see a woman coming his way. The woman was busy checking her phone so she didn’t notice Simon. The two collided, and the woman dropped her phone on the floor. 

“What the fuck? Are you blind?” Her voice was hysterically high and it echoed in the hallway. 

“I’m so sorry, I didn’t see you coming.” Simon apologized. He was about to help her get her phone when the woman exclaimed. 

“Don’t you fucking dare touch my phone, you disgusting piece of shit!” She hurriedly snatched her phone from the floor and stepped away from Simon as if he had a disease. 

Simon step back, telling her that he meant no harm.

The woman looked at Simon with a disgusted look on her face. She pushed Simon and hurriedly ran away from him.

“So many rude people in this world.” He shook his head in disappointment.

Simon found his room, it was the last room and the door was quite small than the others.

The room was small with only one window and a bathroom. Simon roamed his eyes to check the room. This neighborhood has a row of dilapidated buildings, and this one was one of the oldest. Simon didn’t mind living in a space like this, he got used to it over the years. Since his father decided to hide him, he adjusted himself to living in a low profile so he won’t get attention. 

Simon lie on the bed and closed his eyes. He was terribly exhausted today and he just want to take a rest. 

As Simon closed his eyes, everything that happened a few hours ago when back to his memory; from Ashley’s betrayal to the divorce papers, the incident at the bank, and his struggle to look for an apartment. It was too much, and he wished his father would take him back so he won’t have to endure other people’s insults and discrimination. 

He drifted to oblivion with so many things running inside his head. 

After two days of tirelessly searching for a new job, Simon landed a janitorial job at Global Mall, one of the biggest malls in the country. 

On his first day on the job, the manager already expressed his dislike towards him. Simon could feel his deadly stares whenever he sees him on duty. Maybe because of his appearance, that’s why people get easily annoyed with him. 

Simon kept his head low as he continued to clean the floor. He was assigned to clean the entire second floor of the mall where all the jewelry shops and expensive clothes stores were located. 

“Hey, Simon, how’s your first week here? I bet you already met our store manager, Mr. Willis. I know he’s not the nicest guy on the planet, and it's better to stay on his good side, you know what I mean.” It was Janus Skimmer, one of his co-employees who’s also a janitor. 

Janus was the only one who likes to talk to him. Simon could see that Janus is a nice guy. He’s a lanky guy with blonde hair. Simon actually liked him a little.

They were in the employees' quarter behind the building while they were eating lunch. 

Simon just nodded. “I think he’s just doing his job. I don’t mind him being strict.”

''You're right, as long as the salaries are on time, I don't mind his yelling and insulting.'' 

Janus took a spoon full of veggies.  

Simon and Janus went back to their respective jobs. He was moping the floor when he heard someone laughing in front of him. 

The first thing he saw was beautiful feet with an expensive shoe standing in front of him. 

As he looked up, he was stunned to see Ashley standing in front of him with a mocking smile plastered on her face. Beside her was Gregory Holt, his arms were wrapped around her slender shoulders.  They both have that wicked grin on their faces, mocking Simon. 

The two were standing just outside a jewelry store, Ashley had a bag with the brand’s logo. She bought an expensive jewelry. 

“Oh, god! You are really shameless! Look at you, so pathetic with those janitor uniforms.” Ashley looked at him from head to toe, her face was distorted with disgust. 

“It actually suits him well, love. He looked better with those kinds of clothes.” Gregory smirked as he laughed.

“I wonder if the manager knew that they hired a criminal. You should be in jail right now, and not working as a janitor. You chose to work here because it gives you the opportunity to steal valuable things! How would you feel if I will call the police now?” Ashley’s voice was loud enough to attract the people around them. 

“What are you talking about? I’m not a criminal, and I am here to work, not steal.” 

Simon's heart hammered inside his chest as he stared at the couple. He knew something was not right with the way the talk. 

“Of course, you are! When I say you are a criminal, you are a criminal. Who would believe you if you deny it? No one! I want you behind bar, idiot, and I will make sure of it!” 

With that Ashley took her wallet and threw it on Simon’s feet and shouted. “Oh, my god! This man stole my wallet! Can someone, please call the police! He’s a thief!” 

Simon was still in shock at what Ashley did. He was held immobile and speechless.

Gregory was just smirking as he watched the spectacular show of his girlfriend. He enjoyed toying with the bastard.

Ashley wailed which made the people curiuos. 

“Hey,, wait. That’s not true, I didn’t steal that wallet!” Simon was stammering. He wanted to defend himself, but there’s an urge inside him that stopped him from doing so. 

Whispers were heard from the onlookers. 

He looked around and saw people stopping to watch the show that Ashley had begun. He saw curiosity written on their faces, some were disgusted and others were alarmed. 

Simon balled his fist. He didn’t want any attention from the crowd, but with Ashley’s drama, someone might recognize him, and it wouldn’t sit well on his father. 

He dropped his head low to cover his face from the gathering crowd. They were getting more attention, which was not good for him.

“God, how could they hire a criminal? Don’t they have a background check to their employees? What kind of admin do they have here?” One of the customers asked. 

“Their system is crap! I’m outta here!”

“What happened in here?” Mr. Willis came to the scene, he had a scowling face. Along with two of the security personnel of the mall.