THE RETURN OF THE TRILLIONAIRE HEIR

At six in the evening, Rico West had already completed thirty arduous deliveries.

He was exhausted and felt his entire body breaking down. He wanted to crash down and sleep like a baby. He is also starving, having not eaten anything all day, but still, he continued riding his old motorbike through the congested city streets, the vehicle rattling at every pothole.

His body was sore from hours of riding, especially his legs. Beads of sweat rolled down his back, collecting beneath his shirt and blending with the fumes and dust in the air.

His arms were badly aching from the weight of the delivery bag, which he had been hauling around since morning.

On a normal day, he would have already clocked out of work by now. He wasn't exactly a machine, after all, but recently had been different.

It was Melissa’s birthday today, and he has been saving for some months now for her birthday, so, he had no choice but to work harder than usual.

Anyway, after today, he could finally rest a bit… though not that much. His title as the hardworking guy wasn't just for nothing after all.

Thinking this, he smiled and his mind couldn't help but wander back to Melissa, his woman, his strength, and the love of his life.

Rico smiled brightly, as though he had won a jackpot.

….

Rico planned to end the day and head home right after getting the gift for Melina’s birthday.

He thought that after about thirty arduous deliveries, he should have enough to add to the amount he had been saving for the past month.

He tried guessing how much he had made today, but he hadn't exactly been counting any of his income. He had just been shoving them into his wallet and rushing to take on another job.

So, after reaching a red light at a busy intersection, Rico, unable to curb his curiousity again, paused and decided to check how pulling into the store where Melina had once pointed at a perfume and a trending handbag.

While he was very poor and has to work harder than normal people, even before he could afford his daily meal, he doesn't joke with Melina and always placed her needs above his, and since she loved this item, he would purchase them for Melina… even if it cost him his life savings. She deserves it.

Without hesitation, Rico pulled out his worn wallet and flipped through the crumpled bills and scattered coins inside. This was what he had collected from tips and change throughout the day.

“Forty-five dollars,” he sighed aloud, suddenly appearing weak and helpless.

He has worked for six hours straight, taking on about thirty deliveries, but he had only managed to gather forty-five dollars, even after tips.

That was just beyond low, and as much as he tries not to think about it again, he still can't help it.

The average hourly wage of workers in the country is $10, but he… despite working harder than others, he was only paid $5.

Rico had thought of giving up countless times, but what other options does he have? Its no like there is any other job available, and he has to cater for himself. If he doesn't work, he won't eat and survive.

Staring at the income, Rico felt his heart become heavier, but ultimately, he sighed and shook his head.

“I can't let this ruin my day,” he mumbled to himself.

And with this, he leaned back against his motorbike as the engine idled beneath him. “Just a few more dollars to go,” he added. “That’s all.”

He just needed about 5 - 10 dollars to complete the money he had been saving for Melisa’s presents

Today was her birthday, meaning the fifty couldn't wait until tomorrow.

So, after thinking his situation through, Rico decided to complete one last order if it meant he could reach the target amount and buy the gift. His muscles ached, but his plan remained unchanged.

She had never requested anything too expensive, other than the once in a while when she would stare at expensive stuff with hunger in her eyes, but Rico had still always provided everything for her, even if he ended up having little to nothing left for himself.

Unlike him, Melisa have parents, but her situation was just as almost bad as his. Her parents are poor and could barely afford normal necessities, so, for years now, Rico had take it upon himself to not only be her boyfriend, but also her family.

Although the only intimate thing he has done with her was kiss and romance, they had never really done the deed.

Melissa has once told him she wants to keep her virginity until their wedding night… not because of religion or morals, but because she “wanted commitment.” She said she was saving herself for her husband.

The way she had phrased it made it sound noble. Smart, even.

But Rico didn't care, he loved her and admired that about her. Moreover, the wedding night wasn't also bad.

Still at the red light, Rico smiled. He really loved Melissa. She has been his only family for some years now.

Although recently, she has been behaving strangely, to Rico, that isn't enough to make him love her less.

Just then, his cell phone vibrated against his thigh. A notification appeared for a new delivery order. The pickup was already completed. The destination was the Royal Crest Hotel, Room 1702.

“Again with the Royal Crest,” he muttered.

The Royal Crest was known for its expensive interior, gold-trimmed elevators, and regular visits from wealthy guests. It was a five-star hotel that catered to the rich—or those pretending to be. In the past, he had delivered to that location several times—usually wine bottles, designer items, or discreet adult packages.

This delivery was similar, but different in one way. The package was small and brown, neatly wrapped, and had no markings. It was clearly designed to avoid attention. He gave it a light shake. Inside, he heard a faint rustle and the sound of something sliding.

“Don’t tell me it’s condoms again,” he said, narrowing his eyes at the package.

This was the third time that week he had delivered something of this nature to the hotel. “Twelve deliveries today, and this is still the most questionable one,” he added.

He zipped the package into his delivery bag and made a turn into the Royal Crest’s clean, well-maintained driveway. Golden lights lined the path, and automatic glass doors opened to reveal a climate-controlled interior. The air inside was cold and crisp, contrasting sharply with the humid street outside.

Rico walked across the polished marble floor, ignoring the contrast between the luxury around him and his own appearance. His jeans were worn, his shirt slightly wrinkled, and his fingernails stained from oil. None of that mattered to the job. As long as the delivery was completed on time, he got paid.

He entered the elevator and pressed the button for the seventeenth floor. The doors slid shut.

As the elevator rose, he leaned against the railing and allowed his thoughts to drift back to the perfume. He could still remember the exact bottle Melina had pointed to. A soft pink glass, elegantly curved, with a name he couldn’t pronounce.

If he could finish this delivery and maybe get one decent tip, he would reach the amount needed. He checked the address again. Room 1702.

The elevator reached the seventeenth floor and the doors opened. He stepped into the hallway, which was silent and lined with identical wooden doors. He walked down the corridor until he reached the right room number. Room 1702.

He knocked lightly and took a step back.

From inside the room, he heard muffled movement. A heavy thump was followed by a male voice.

“Ugh, babe, you get it. I’m wiped out.”

A woman laughed in response. The sound was soft and slightly strained. Then the man spoke again. “You’re the one who tore through the last three packs like a damn beast. Go grab your emergency restock.”

Rico looked down at the package in his hands. “Figures,” he said. “Third time today. Still not enough for some people.”

He stood straight, adjusting his posture, and looked down the hallway to avoid seeming too interested in the conversation. The door opened.

Standing in the doorway was Melina.

She was wrapped in a towel. Her hair was damp, stuck to her cheeks. Her skin showed the signs of recent heat or water. Her lips were slightly parted. Her breathing was uneven.

Rico blinked, then blinked again.

Melina’s eyes locked with his. Her face changed. Her fingers clutched the towel tighter.

“Rico?” she said.