RISE OF THE STUDENT BILLIONAIRE.

His original life

A gentle knock on the door was what woke Elijah.

The small knocking sound was a sharp reminder of his old loud apartment. The landlord, an old man in his late fifties would kick the door open even at late night just to collect the house rent.

People call it a slum, some call it ghetto while some prefer to call it Street. Regardless, It was no place of peace. It is the kind of environment where people sleep with one eye open— Alert.

Thugs in the neighborhood, street hustler and late night gambler disturbing the weary night with loud music from the casino.

Burglars used those loud moments to operate in the hood. Elijah's button phone was stolen through the window of his room.

He woke up the next morning only to see the blind covering the window ripped and his phone gone.

Hence—

This was the first night that gave him a beautiful sleep. And the bed? It was different from the rocky cradle at the corner of his chipped apartment.

As he sat up in a navy blue night wear, his butt sank in slightly into the fluffy bed, offering comfort and balancing his posture just upright.

The Velvet duvet blanketing his body slipped off as he swept his feet to the side. He stretched slightly, hands spread mid–air and stepped down, his feet inaudible on the pristine marble floor that caught the soft glows in the room.

He gripped the door knob, clutched it down and pulled it back...the sight that greeted him made him gasp slightly in shock.

Standing in front of him were three ladies. Their beauty exceptionally flawless, face polished to finesse, and the white uniform hugged their body smartly just at the right contours— crisp, knee length and pressed to sharpness.

A wide smile, practiced and inviting but not too informal registered on their faces. Each of them carried customized boxes of different sizes in their hand.

They bowed gently and greeted, smiling. "Good morning, young master Elijah.” Their voices synced.

The title ‘Master’ was yet to sink in. It sounded like a new name or... Rather, an adopted surname rather than a title but he had to get used to it. But only within the walls of this mansion.

“Morning.” Elijah responded with a neutral face and stepped to the side.

“Queen Emilia asked us to prepare your outfits for today sir.” The first lady said, careful with her words as if not to get on the wrong side of Elijah.

Without any other words, they walked inside and laid the three boxes on the bed.

Elijah closed the door immediately they left and walked to the bed. The cotton nightwear shuffling slightly as he leaned to his waist level, unclasping the first box which was the biggest.

Charcoal suit, crisp, tailored to precision nestled inside of the box, shimmering under the light like obsidian. It was minimalist..the kind that doesn't scream wealth but whisper it. Just exactly what he wanted. His mother understood the task just from their discussion yesterday. Keeping it low.

And Beside the masterpiece is a crimson tie to match it. Adornments that cost more than most people's year salary. The kind of attires Garbed only by elites for important events.

The second box, sitting inside is a black, all–shine Louis Vuitton loafer that screamed luxury and the last box which is the smallest. A silver timepiece with shinning crystal caught the light and scattered it.

A gentle smile tugged on Elijah's lips as he drank in the accessories. He nodded his head gently in satisfaction.

He stepped into the bathroom, the warm water running down his back, relaxing his nerves. The water peeled off dirt, washing it down as though it was peeling away the grim of the past.

*****

Elijah stood in front of a mirror. Man looks really different—

The suit fitted him just right. Not too loose and not too tight. It was crisp and the pastel philipe watch kissed his wrist firmly, glinting under the light, quick to announce presence just like the expensive and rich Cologne that bathed the attire, lingering in the air like a quiet threat. Golden cuffs hooking the sleeve of the white shirt beneath kissed the light and reflected it.

The perfume followed as he stepped out, the sole of the Louis Vuitton loafers clicking sharply on the Stairs as he descended the staircase like a king.

Queen Emilia, standing in the living room, phone glued to her ear. She turned as though she was attracted by the presence behind. She froze in place, her jaw fell slightly, eyes glistening with shock mixed with disbelief.

“I'm going to call you back.” She dropped the call, the disbelief still registered. Her eyes scanned his son as he walked down the stairs gracefully.

“You..look different. Perfect!" She complemented with a broad smile, her eyes still studying his appearance.

“Thanks mum.” Elijah smiled back, his perfume hitting every nose around.

"The dining is set. Let's eat, son.” Her heels clicked sharply as she Walked to the dining table. Elijah trailed behind her while his perfume trailed after.

Expensive wines seated on the table like medals at a side, platters lining up, silvered, lidded glinted under the chandelier and light.

Elijah settled into a seat, and one of the maids, culinary experts, six years experience in the culinary school, awarded Michelin star, standing at the side stepped forward to the dining table.

After bowing gently, she began. “My name is Curry, your culinary mistress. What would you like to eat for breakfast, sir?" As she was asking, she unlid the first platter.

Damn!

First, the aroma, satisfying and hunger quenching curled into the air, filling the available air in the dining room.

Elijah's eyes lit, staring into the unclasped platter. He salivated, gulping back saliva that formed again.

“Is that fried rice?" His eyes narrowed into the plate, drinking in the visible details of the spiced grains.

Curry smiled faintly. “It is not just an ordinary fried rice, Young master. It is Chinese fried rice.” She responded with an edge in her voice.

“Chinese?" Elijah glanced at her mother across the table. She smiled at him then he looked at her culinary mistress again.

“Tell me more. Show me more.”