The General's Forgotten Son

Chapter 7

To his friend he said, “let's pack your stuff, we are leaving this place now.”

Moments later Desmond sat beside Benjamin at the back seat of the Taxi silently but his mind reeling, wondering where his friend got the money to buy Armando's property.

Benjamin had paid $400k to Armando and he'd spoken about demolition and rebuilding like he wasn't the same guy he was sharing a plate of rice with the previous day.

Unable to keep silent any longer as a million questions were popping up in his mind, he glanced at Benjamin.

"What the heck happened back there? I need an explanation that makes sense, Benjamin." He stared at him intently, his curiosity palpable.

Benjamin looked at him. His back was relaxed, his expression calm. He wasn't looking like the guy who went through heartbreak the previous day. A gentle smile crossed his face.

"I will tell you everything when we get to our destination." He simply said, which further heightened Desmond's curiosity.

"And where is our destination? You're acting strange, Benjamin.” Desmond retorted. “First, that arrogant landlord, Armando nearly knelt at your feet, secondly, where the heck did you get $400k? A whopping $400k. You rob a bank overnight?"

Benjamin chuckled in amusement. “Relax, dude," he said calmly. "you'll get your answers when we get to our destination like I said, I will explain everything to you."

The taxi pulled over at one of the most expensive hotels in the city with a breathtaking structure of a ten story building. Fountain spilling water with a statue at the centre of the concrete with trimmed hedges. People wearing expensive outfits moved in and out of the place.

Desmond's lips parted, staring through the glass window with wide eyes as he took in the massive building and the name of the holding displayed by neon light at the top.

Seven Star hotel.

He'd heard about the hotel; expensive dishes, expensive rooms, penthouse that cost more than some rich people's net worth for just a night.

"Shit! Ben? What the fuck are we doing here?" He gasped.

"This is our destination." Benjamin simply said, stepping out of the car.

"What?" Desmond gasped. Then he laughed skeptically. "Are you joking right now? Okay you just got a job here?"

Benjamin chuckled softly. "We're here to lodge till we make plans." He said. "So relax, dude. You're freaking out already when we're just getting started."

"Getting started? With what? What are you even talking about?"

Benjamin and Desmond walked into the hotel. Benjamin booked the penthouse, the most expensive place in the entire hotel and Desmond's curiosity kept increasing.

They arrived at the penthouse. It was a vast space with gleaming decor and fittings that Benjamin and Desmond had only seen in movies.

They stepped into the terrace. The street stretched below, lights scattered in the distance like the constellation of stars. The evening breeze brushed their faces gently as they took in the town’s overview.

Desmond walked towards the railings, staring into the city below.

"This is sick!" He muttered, a wide smile crossing his face. Benjamin walked up to him and stood beside him. "This...this is luxury. Benjamin, we can't afford this life." Desmond said, his smile slowly depleting.

Benjamin glanced at him. "We can, Desmond." He said and began to tell him about the call he received yesterday, but he didn't tell him the exact amount of fortune he inherited.

Desmond's eyes widened in disbelief.

"You..they told you that you have a biological mother?" His voice cracked slightly with a mix of excitement and surprise. “And she was an army general?”

Benjamin nodded with a light smile on his face as he continued.

"But they don't know if she's alive." He said. "Since twenty two years ago."

"I'm so sorry to hear about this." Desmond said with a softer voice. "This is happy news, but like you've said, we don't know if she's alive somewhere out there and that makes it complicated. What do you plan to do now?" He raised a brow.

Benjamin exhaled sharply.

"I'll think about what to do later," he said after a few seconds.

Desmond nodded gently.

They went back inside the lounge, making little arrangements while still admiring the decadence of the place. After they were finished, they both sat on the expensive leather and relaxed back in tiredness.

"We should call for room service," Benjamin said, "my stomach is grumbling."

"I was about to say that too." Desmond responded.

"What do you suggest we eat?" Benjamin asked him.

Desmond frowned slightly. "Are you kidding me? I will eat whatever you eat as usual." He said.

"You're too clingy you know." Benjamin shook his head, walking to the wall to make use of the room intercom.

He dialed the room service. That was when he also remembered today was his birthday. The receiver pressed to his ear gently. "Good afternoon. I am Benjamin. I am calling in from the penthouse." He said.

"Mr. Benjamin, good evening Sir. Representative Sandra responding to you.” A professional voice came from the other end. "I hope you're enjoying the penthouse service, Sir?"

Benjamin nodded curtly. "Very well." He said with a short pause. "Today is my birthday."

"Happy birthday to you sir. I wish you well, Sir." Sandra said curtly. Benjamin couldn't see it yet her voice maintained the professionalism. "Do you want me to arrange a birthday banquet for you sir? With a surprise?"

Benjamin smiled lightly and said without hesitation. "I would love that."

"What do you expect for the main dish, Sir?"

Benjamin paused, thinking of a response. He wasn't used to this kind of setting so he simply said, "Just make the arrangement satisfying."

He said and paused.

"And I have a friend with me here too. So any arrangement you make, you should make it double." Benjamin said.

"Yes, Sir." Sandra responded quickly, keeping her voice polite through the conversation. "I'll start preparing right away."

"Good. How long will it take?"

"Thirty minutes, Sir."

"Alright, I will be expecting it."

Benjamin disconnected the line and placed the telephone back to position. He turned to Desmond.

"The food arrangement will be ready in thirty minutes." He said.

Desmond nodded. "Thank you," he said with an edge in his tone. "You didn't tell me today was your birthday."

"I was going to tell you eventually." Benjamin said sincerely. "You overheard it already."

"Happy birthday to you.” Desmond hugged his friend.