RISE OF THE STUDENT BILLIONAIRE.

The woman who called him son

Elijah stood at the threshold, jaw slacked and eyes wide.

The foyer...Damn! Looks like a paradise that fell to earth.

Every little thing that eyes caught speaks of detailed wealth— luxury.

The marble floor glistened under the soft glows from crystal chandeliers and glistening oval bulbs that fixed to the wall like it originally belonged there just like the moon, staring into the earth from the sky.

The wall, painted white is an art on its own and it displayed other arts; portraits of men who Elijah didn't know decorated the wall to the end. A lush curtain, creamy and moderately designed, hung down from the top of the windows.

A 325 inch plasma TV flattened on the fall, glowing colourful light that caught quick attention.

And on the floor seated Cream coloured leather, inviting someone to sit.

Elijah swallowed hard. His saliva literally dried in his throat.

If he's going to be killed here then he'll gladly put his body on the platter to get killed in this house of wealth. It is like ending his life in a paradise, compared to the hell he calls a home...

Hell! This place is a far cry from the trash he referred to as home. The place that feels comfortable for him alone from years of living staying under the rusted roof but bringing a visitor in is a big discomfort to him.

He never imagined stepping into a place like this even in 4 years to come. It was only a dream. A dream he only watched on TV.

What caught Elijah's attention further were the beautiful ladies moving in from a place he didn't know, with platters laid on their hands.

They look smart, finished to beauty in a short white gown that reveals just little of their flawless legs. These women look like goddesses on earth.

They carried themselves with grace as though they were more than just maids.

Again—

Elijah couldn't help it but think he is in a fantasy world. One of the tales he once read in books from the school library about the Harem world; A world with beautiful women and just a male in their midst as the prince of their heart.

But this is definitely not a fantasy...but a fantastic reality.

As Elijah was taking in the irresistible architectures and sleek edges of the space, sharp heels cut through the silence behind him. The sound contrasted to the muffled sound of the Maids moving quietly in and out of the place to the dining area and it made Elijah turn sharply.

His eyes fell on an average women; Highlights of grey hair tangling with her dark hair. Her skin looks glassy. The kind that reflects under glows of light, and indication of timely maintenance and wealth— a summary of thousands spent on cosmetics weekly.

From Elijah's point of view, this woman looks 24 from her juvenile appearance that could make something kick in–between the legs of most men but naturally, she should be 50 and must have given birth to children.

The green suit hugged her body to perfection. Not too tight and not too loose.

She froze in place, her eyes locked on Elijah, a wave of emotions maintained in her eyes.

Emotions Elijah could read— wistful and a glimmer of recognition laced with glee.

Her expression suddenly shifted as something else shimmered in her eyes. It was familiarity.

A small smile— bitter–happy, cut halfly on her face like one who lost a treasure out of her own fault— Guilt.

The room seemed to hang in the moment. No movement except the maids moving in and out like shadows that weren't noticed.

Elijah was left void in the living room with this woman. The distance between them seems to draw them closer.

Before Elijah could even comprehend what was happening, the strange woman ran to him, her heel clicking sharply on the floor with each quick step and...

Her hands spread wide like a jelly fish about to engulf a prey.

She wrapped Elijah into an Embrace.

The room spun before Elijah's eyes. What was happening? Who is this woman?

Elijah just stood still, her expensive perfume hitting his nose like a threat and her body clinging to him tightly. Too tight. Fingers stretching the fabrics of his shirt like a treasure she had no intents to let go.

Elijah didn't know how to react. His hand just hung in the air. Maybe he should reciprocate the hug or maybe not.

Then—

What he heard next made his heart paused in his chest. Literally. Then

“You're... finally home, son.” It was the same soft voice that spoke to Elijah on call earlier.

Her voice trembled as she whispered between sobs.

Elijah already imagined the woman shedding tears on his shoulder, her emotions spilling into his ear just like her free hair lounging on his shoulder.

After a long moment, the woman broke the hug and turned away from Elijah like a repentant woman who couldn't look in the face of her husband after getting caught while cheating.

She sniffed, wiping tears that won't stop spilling with a handkerchief.

Elijah didn't move. He only watched, eyes locked on her, glistening with curiosity. He's the most confused human on earth at that moment. Nothing was making sense. Not yet.

Why would a woman he knew not from Adam tagged him ‘son’. A cruel joke? A covert adoption by some rich filthy rich billionaire folks? Whatever it is, it's definitely messing with his head and mind like a gust of chaos.

She sniffed, lifted her chin as though she was battling more tears then she turned to Elijah forcing a smile which should have been sweeter.

“Who are you and...”

“You look exactly like him, son.” The woman held his hand gently.. almost cautiously as though Elijah is an egg she needed to pamper from cracking.

Elijah looked at the hand which was holding him. Then to the face of the woman. His eyes narrowed with confusion.

"Looks like who?" Another question rolled out from his tongue, sharp with an edge of anomaly.

“Your father, Elijah..you look just like your father and I am your mother."

A gleeful smile spread on her face now like a Dad–in–waiting, released from the tension of his wife who just delivered in the labour room.

The revelation hit Elijah like a thunderbolt. His heart raced, banging against his chest. Mother? Father?

Is this some tiers of Joke? The joke of the century maybe.

Seeing the confusion in Elijah's eyes, the woman tightened her grip on him, an indication of warm affection and her expression softer, eyes dimmed with guilt.

“I know you are confused, son and I'll explain everything you need to know. But first..”

“I'm sorry.”