The Chosen Heir

Chapter 2: I'm not a farmer

“Evening,” Ash said, forcing cheer into his voice. “You’re out late.” Mr Braxton, their landlord didn’t smile. “Evening. I heard voices. Laughter. Figured maybe you’d won the lottery and forgotten to tell me.”

It was probably one of the neighbors that alerted him cause he wasn't living in that particular place. He had other houses to stay. So because he was poor, he didn't have the right to happiness? He thought silently.

Ash chuckled lightly. “Ah, nothing that dramatic. Just… appreciating art of the night sky.” “Appreciating the art of the night sky doesn’t pay rent,” Braxton said flatly. “You know why I’m here.” Ash stepped aside. “Come in for a seat? It’s nicer out here, but the chairs inside are very...” “I’m not here to sit, Booker. I’m here for the eighteen months’ rent you owe me.”

“Eighteen already? He asked rhetorically. ”How time flies,” Ash said, as though remarking on the weather. “Feels like it was just yesterday we were at twelve.” Braxton’s frown deepened. “Don’t joke with me. Where’s my money?” Ash leaned on the doorframe casually. “Well, that’s an interesting question. You see, tonight’s a special night. I got a job offer, good one too.” he added, he didn't want his landlord knowing his job wasn't even a good one. “Permanent contract. That means I will be....” “That means nothing to me until I see cash,” Braxton cut in.

Ash nodded thoughtfully. “Cash… yes. Cash is important. But you know, cash is also a promise. And tonight, I’ve got the promise, which means cash will follow. It’s like planting a seed...” This stalling job was getting very risky, he thought. “I’m not a farmer, Asher. I’m a landlord. I don’t plant seeds; I collect rent.”

Tessa came up behind Ash. “Sir, we understand. Truly. Just a little time...” Braxton raised a hand. “Every time I give you time, you waste it. And now, you’re standing here talking about seeds and promises.” Ash smiled faintly. “Well, sometimes the journey is as important as the...” “Stop with the speeches!” Braxton snapped.

Ash shrugged, as if this was all a mild inconvenience. “Alright, but just consider, if you let us stay till the end of next month, you’ll get every kobo, and I’ll even add something extra as thanks. Rushing things might...” “Rushing things?” Braxton’s voice rose. “You’ve been here for free for over a year. If I rushed things, you’d have been out ten months ago!” “True,” Ash said calmly. His landlord had been exceptionally good to them. “And haven’t we been good tenants otherwise? No damage to the place, no noisy parties, just a family trying to...”

“I’m not running a shelter,” Braxton interrupted. “I’m running a business. My business is collecting rent, and you’re not paying.” Ash leaned his shoulder against the frame. “Business is about investment, too. Think of us as a long-term investment....” Braxton took a deep breath, his patience thinning. “Ash, you think you’re clever, don’t you? Talking in circles, wasting my time. But I’ll tell you something, you’ve run out of circles to walk in.”

Tessa stepped forward. “Please, sir...” “No,” Braxton snapped. “I’m done listening. You have until Friday. If I don’t have my rent by then, I’ll have you and your things out on the street. No more talks, no more stories.”

Ash’s expression didn’t change, but inside, a knot tightened in his chest. “Friday?” he repeated, as though considering the date like a trivial meeting. “Friday,” Braxton said, pointing a finger at him for emphasis. “I mean it.” With that, he turned and walked down the path, his heavy boots thudding against the concrete like a countdown clock.

The night air suddenly felt colder. The stars above were still there, but their twinkle seemed sharper, almost mocking. Tasha crossed her arms tightly. “You stalled him, but it didn’t change anything.”

Ash sighed, his gaze fixed on the dark street. “Maybe not. But it bought us just enough time to figure out our next move.” Inside, Nora stirred in her sleep, unaware that the home she loved now had an invisible timer ticking down.