Chapter 1: Poor Pizza James

It was Christmas Eve evening bustling with activity at The Thirsty Bird, a famous pizza store in Drawsbury town. People trop in and out, eager to get their hands on a slice of the delicious pizza. The smell of fresh-baked dough and cheese wafted through the air, making everyone's mouth water.

"Brrrrrrrrrr" James faulty delivery scooter sounded as he arrive at the Thirsty Bird. James Robert is a pizza deliverer at the store who had spent the last seven hours delivering pizza from one location to another in Drawsbury. Meanwhile, It was time for his shift to be over as James became excited that he could finally rest.

Entering The Thirsty Bird, James thought of his wife, Wendy Austin. He reminisce on how he had saved up for weeks and did additional part-time job to make sure he buy her a Christmas gift. Finally it was Christmas as James became joyful as he could finally get Wendy a designer dress after a long time.

"Hey, watch where you are going fool!" The stranger insulted while trying to save her pizza from falling after colliding with James. She turned around and look at him from head to toe and the only thing that look okay on him was the worn out company's top he was wearing. His trousers were stitched in several places while his shoe looked as if it was gifted to him by his grandfather. 

"Mtchewwwwww," the stranger hissed as she passed James by.

"Sorry" James apologized.

While At the cash register, James was about to sign out for the day when he discovered that he had been assigned to another delivery. He became enraged because his last month's overtime were not paid. Besides, he had other plans for the day.

"This is my last delivery for the day and you will pay me for my overtime this time around." James raged as he collected the inventory. A fierce looking lady in her thirties turned around and look at James. It was his manager, Jasmine Sharp. She looks stunning in her long dress even while sitted. She exudes a tyrannical atmosphere with her gaze.

"Come again" Jasmine asked 

"You will have to add this period to my extra time this month." James added. 

"Are you questioning my authority." Jasmine asked James.

"No, my overtime for last month was not paid. I'm only trying to make sure I'm paid for the work I do." James replied his manager sounding as polite as he could.

"Its Christmas for God sake! You dont have to be told. Do you? We have too many orders that must be delivered. I will make sure that you are paid for your overtime. Now get back to work." Jasmine said.

"OMG! I thought I was done for the day." James mumbled to himself as he reluctantly left the office for the next delivery.

While on his delivery scooter, James became excited when he discovered that the delivery was at the Regal Galaxy hotel. It along the Expensive Quest, where he had plan on getting Wendy a designer dress. After a few trial, James was finally able to start his delivery scooter and dashed out of the Thirsty Bird.

Speeding past the buildings, James was adorned by the illuminating sign on the building, "The Expensive Quest" he whispered to himself while speeding past the building. A sense of joy filled him as he anticipated Wendy's expression when he finally get her the dress she wanted after a long time.

Arriving at the famous Regal Galaxy hotel, James was lost in his imagination about Wendy. He walk inside forgetting to sign in with the security. As soon as the security noticed him, he became disgusted.

"Hey hey you moron. Where do you think you are going without sign in." The security personnel shouted. James had history with the guard as he apologize and quickly return to sign in at the security post.

"Accept my apologies Mr freeman" James said after signing in to avoid confrontation with the security.

"Stop apologizing and learn to do the right thing you smugface!" The security yelled at James with a disgusted look.

While entering, James was attracted by the cars at the parking lot as he passed by. Each represents an epitome of luxury and elegance. He admired a Benz coupe while wondering the whooping amount it cost. Walking in towards the receptionist, he locked eyes with the lady approaching him. She looked very beautiful as her aroma speaks highly of her. James smiled at her and she replied with an irritated expression.

"I'm sure you are the one delivering since the order is late. You retard needs to work on your punctuality." The receptionist yelled. James sighed but didn't bother to respond because he was used to being chastised by customers. He regard them as hungry and as a result angry.

"What is the name." the receptionist asked.

"Alex Harris." James said without minding the receptionist initial insults. 

"Room 68, first floor by the right. Be mindful of the glass you brat." the receptionist insulted. 

James walked in and was mesmerized by the hotel modern walk way as the chandelier lights brighten the famous Mona Lisa portrait on the wall. One could easily be attracted to the work of art at the Regal Galaxy Hotel.

67, 68,” James counted to himself as he walked past the hotel room doors.

“Hmmm… ahhh,” James smiled when he heard passionate sighs coming from one of the rooms. With each step, the sounds grew more distinct. When he reached the door, it was partially ajar, and he discreetly peeked inside, discovering a couple locked in an intimate embrace. He rang the room’s bell, prompting an impatient response from the man inside.

“Who is it?” the man’s voice demanded.

“Pizza delivery,” James replied.

“You idiot, where the hell have you been? Come in and put it down. I’ll make sure to give your service a lousy rating,” the man grumbled.

“Accept our sincere apologies for the delay,” James offered with a professional smile as he entered. His eyes met the man’s, who was still entangled with the lady with her legs widely spread.

“Just leave it there and get out!” the impatient voice ordered.

James placed the pizza on the table and turned around, taking in the opulent surroundings of the room. The lady was still giggling at something whispered to her when James looked at her. What he saw next was the biggest shock of his life – it was Wendy, his beloved wife. His smile instantly vanished, replaced by a sense of disbelief. James felt as if lightning had struck him because he had never imagined Wendy could betray him.

“Wendy!” James’s voice trembled through the room. He initially thought it was a nightmare, but it was all too real. Wendy Austin, his wife, stood there, equally shocked. He was supposed to be off-duty by this time, Wendy thought, her heart racing with anxiety.

James’s heart ached as he stood before them, struggling to contain his emotions, his clenched fists betraying his turmoil.

James had met Wendy at the supermarket while shopping. She was stunning, tall, and had an alluring figure. He fell in love with her at first sight. They courted for a few months and got married, a move Wendy had made to escape an arranged marriage her parents had planned for her.

James was determined to provide for Wendy, given her wealthy background. He took on an additional part-time job to supplement his income. But now, as he gazed at Wendy, he felt inadequate and hurt.

“You two know each other?” Alex Harris, the heir to the famous Harris family in Drawsbury town, finally spoke up after minutes of tense silence. The Harris family owned Phantom Limited, the biggest company in Drawsbury.

James approached Wendy, his heart heavy with pain and confusion.

“What have I done wrong?” James said, a tear escaping his eye. Wendy shivered, wondering how James had found her or if someone had informed him of her secret rendezvous. She quickly pushed Alex away and wrapped herself in the hotel duvet.

Alex Harris, on the other hand, couldn’t fathom what connection Wendy had with the ordinary pizza delivery guy who had just walked in. The way they interacted suggested there was more to their relationship, but Alex was not willing to let someone like James have such a beautiful woman.

“James, what brings you here?” Wendy questioned, desperately trying to change the subject.

“My job, obviously. So, is this what you’ve been up to? Having affairs in hotels?” James’s voice quivered with anger.

“I can explain everything. It’s a huge misunderstanding,” Wendy pleaded.

“Explain what? You lying there with another man, making out? No explanation can justify that!” James retorted, his anger boiling over.