The Mistreated Heir Is An Urban God

2

"Maya!" Alex's voice cracked as he pushed forward through the murmuring crowd. "Maya, what is this? We—we're supposed to get married on soon!"

“Does this translate to being in a hospital? Needing five thousand dollars for treatment?”

Maya's face remained frozen, her beauty now transformed into something glacial and terrible. She descended the stage steps with Victor's hand in hers, her designer heels clicking against the marble floor.

"Married?" She laughed—a cold, hollow sound. "To you? Are you insane?"

"But we—you said yes! You wore my ring! We planned everything together!"

Victor pulled Maya closer, smirking. "Tell the little parasite the truth, darling. Put him out of his misery."

Maya's eyes swept over Alex with the same disgust one might reserve for spoiled meat.

"Fine. Yes, Alex. I lied. Every word, every kiss, every promise—all lies. Did you really think someone like ME would marry a street rat like YOU?"

The words hit like physical blows. Alex stumbled backward. "No... you can't mean that. Maya, I love you. We—"

"Love?" Maya's laugh rang out sharper this time. "You loved a performance, you pathetic fool. That's what I do—I ACT. And you were the easiest audience I've ever had."

“I must say, you were quite useful at the beginning. I was a young actress and I needed help, and you were there, a cool guy. That was it.”

“After everything Maya!” Alex let's out a bitter chuckle. 

“I didn't force you to do anything for me! It was your choice!”

“Built on the lies that you loved me!!” Alex thundered. 

“Don't blame me that I cannot stick to a lowly fly like yourself. When I started growing in fame, those dirty rusty scale fell off from my years.

And you? You became a homeless bull that I was just irritated by. I needed a real man and I meant Victor!” They kissed, so passionately. 

“And the only reason I stuck to you was well… I still enjoyed some benefits, having clean and do all those chores, I didn't need to hire a maid or servant. Extra money saved you get. And you still buy me cheap things which I hand over to my colleagues to win their favor. 

And today would have been the peak of it hall. Taking all your salary. But guess I am at a loss of that now!” She let's out a crypted sigh. 

"She's quite talented, isn't she?" Victor interjected, his arm snaking around Maya's waist. "Three years, cockroach. THREE YEARS she's been mine. Every time she kissed you goodnight, she came home to ME. Every time she told you she loved you, she was texting ME."

The crowd erupted in laughter. Alex's vision blurred.

Maya's expression didn't change. "And Victor gave me my first movie role. Victor introduced me to directors. Victor made me a STAR. What did you give me? Pity meals and cheap coffee?"

"I gave you everything! I had nothing, but I gave you EVERYTHING!"

"You gave me nothing but inconvenience, you delusional little ant." Maya's voice dropped to ice. "Victor and Matrix Entertainment made me who I am. You? You were just... practice."

"PRACTICE?" Alex's voice broke.

"For my acting skills, obviously." Maya examined her manicured nails. "Dating someone as pathetic as you really helped me understand the depth of human desperation. Very useful for dramatic roles."

The crowd roared with laughter. Someone shouted, "She used you, loser!"

Victor stepped forward, pulling out his wallet. "Here's what you are, cockroach." He threw bills at Alex's feet—crisp hundred-dollar bills that fluttered down like leaves. "Take your payment and crawl away. You're embarrassing yourself. You're embarrassing HER."

Alex stared at the money scattered around his worn shoes. "I don't want your money."

"Pick it up, insect," Victor commanded. "Or I'll have security drag you out."

Maya reached into her clutch, pulling out a stack of bills. She tossed five hundred dollars onto the pile at Alex's feet. "There. Now we're even. You launched my career, I let you live in a fantasy for a year. We owe each other nothing."

"Maya, please..." Alex's voice cracked. "Just tell me one thing. Did you ever—even for a moment—did you ever really love me?"

The hall fell silent. All eyes turned to Maya.

She looked at him with those beautiful brown eyes he'd once gotten lost in, and her lips curved into something cruel. 

"Love you? I doubt anyone has ever loved you, Alex. Your own family threw you away, didn't they?" She paused, letting the words sink in. "You're a burden. A weight. And I refuse to let some janitor drag down my rising star."

"She's too good for you!" someone yelled.

"Go back to your mop bucket!"

"Did he really think he had a chance?"

The voices merged into a cacophony of mockery. Victor waved his hand dismissively. "Security! Remove this pest before he contaminates the champagne."

Two massive security guards grabbed Alex's arms. He didn't resist as they dragged him backward through the jeering crowd. Maya had already turned away, laughing at something Victor whispered in her ear.

Hus hands clenched and he pulled away, took two red expensive wines and littered the bottle all over Maya's head, damping her gown and ruining her makeup. 

The crowd went frozen.

“Now we are even!” And with that Alex bolted off with his strong athletic feets before the guards could reach him.

The cool evening air hit Alex like a slap. He stood on the sidewalk outside Twins' Hall, chest heaving, world spinning. His phone buzzed.

Unknown Number: You interrupted MY engagement party, cockroach. That was a mistake. A FATAL mistake. Consider this your only warning—actually, no. No warnings. You're done.

The message was followed by a photo: Victor and Maya raising champagne glasses, laughing, but with a dark glint and a soared gown. He smiled, one that echoed his pains 

Alex's hands shook. Another buzz.

Unknown Number: Look behind you.

He turned.

Four figures emerged from the alley beside the hall, their faces hidden behind black masks. But their arms were visible—and on each right forearm was an identical tattoo: the Matrix Entertainment logo, a stylized "M" surrounded by circuitry.

"Victor Sterling sends his regards, You should have messed around, now you will pay for it" the largest one growled, cracking his knuckles.

They advanced. Alex backed against the wall.

"Nothing personal, janitor," another one sneered. "Just business. You embarrassed the boss. Can't have cockroaches thinking they can walk among humans without consequences."

The first punch came fast and hard.