UNCHARTED PATH

The day seemed brighter as Alex moved through his duties with a lightness in his steps and a quiet smile tugging at his lips. Everything felt great, even the customers seemed kinder. But his eyes kept darting to the clock, counting down the hours like a teenager before prom. He had a date with his new boyfriend, James. At exactly quarter to seven, Alex was already standing in front of Room 223 at the Kornelly Hotel. His heart thudded against his ribcage. He inhaled deeply, then exhaled slowly. “Okay, calm down. It's just James… or not just James, he is my boyfriend.” He smiled, raised his hand, and knocked. To his surprise, the door flung open almost instantly. “Hey, honey!” James beamed, his face lighting up like he had just won the lottery. Before Alex could say a word, James grabbed his hand and pulled him inside. The door slammed shut behind them as Alex stumbled forward, landing right into his arms. James held him tightly, inhaling his hair scent like he had mis

Alex’s eyes widened, his voice trembling. “Ja…James? Is that you?” A cold chill shot through his body, goosebumps rising instantly. A sharp gasp echoed from the other end. “Oh shit,” James muttered. Then the line went dead. “No… no, this can’t be happening.” Alex’s fingers shook as he checked the number again. It was the blackmailer’s. The same number. His heart dropped. Frantically, he redialed. It rang…once, twice…no answer. He typed out a message: James, please tell me this isn’t what I’m thinking. He waited but no reply came. He slumped onto the couch, staring blankly. His thoughts spiraled. Was he the blackmailer all along? Did he really plant that camera? He called again…now the number was switched off. Alex’s chest tightened. “Did he just… use me again? Was it all fake? Good heavens, no… please no,” he whispered, tears pooling in his eyes as the truth began to crush him. A sudden knock on the door startled Alex. The door swung open and it was Jason, his you

Lucas slowly turned to face his father. “Oh, Dad. What are you doing here?” “I just ask you the same question. This isn’t the way to your office.” “Come on Dad, I know that. It’s just that…well, there’s this girl I’m interested in, and I was trying to talk to her.” His father’s face lit up. “Trying to make her your girlfriend? I like that.” His father exclaimed happily. “Now, you're following. Good job, just let me know if you need my expert advice with that, okay?” His father winked at him mischievously. Lucas nodded quickly, forcing a smile just as the person his father was waiting for stepped out of the nearby office. Lucas gave a casual wave and waited until they entered the man's car and drove into the main road. The moment they were out of sight, he rushed into the culinary program building. “Too close,” he muttered under his breath. *** Meanwhile, after two years, Alex had become the owner of four extra branches of McBen's eateries scattered across Atlant

It was almost seven when Lucas and Emily stood at the entrance to the huge hall for check-in. They had called their father ahead to alert him of their presence. After checking in, they walked into the grand hall. It was filled with excitement. The guests, dressed to the nines, and Lucas and Emily were not left out. They were as charming as always in their Caribbean wear. One of the reasons their father always kept them with him on occasions like that. Anyways, the guests mingled and chatted over champagne and canapés. The sound system pulsed with upbeat music. Some guests were already on the dance floor swaying to the beats. Waiters were busy touching every corner with trays of small chops, and fine wines. The people's faces were filled with smiles, especially the Mayor and his family as the guests threw in happy birthdays from every corner. Lucas and his sister were sipping champagne already when they saw their father and waved. Emily whispered to his brother, “Big bro, br

The girl shook in fear and muttered, “I'm sorry, sir.” He stepped closer to her and said in a low tone, “I hate repeating myself girl. Stop wasting my time and speak up,” Alex blasted with gritted teeth, raising his voice. Seduced him and what?” “Seduce and fuck him.” She responded with a shaky voice. “I'm sorry sir, I was just paid for that. I didn't know what they gave him. I was not even there when they gave him whatever they…” “Enough!” Alex barked, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade. “So you accepted some dough and came here to rape an unconscious man? What the heck is wrong with you? If he were your brother, would it be okay for someone to use him like that? You have no conscience. No heart.” “I… I’m sorry,” the girl stammered, already trembling. “Save it. I don’t care how sorry you think you are. Now talk, who sent you?” “I don’t know his name,” she said quickly. “He wore a face cap, low. I couldn’t see his face well. Please, just let me go. I’