A BILLIONAIRE’S PLIGHT

nt of the store, their voices filled with murmurs. Jack's heart sank as he realized what had happened. The store had been opened and completely ransac

dn't believe that everything was gone. His jewelry, his clothes, precious photos of his family,

ed softly. "By the time I arrived, the store had already been demolished, Jack. I couldn't find any of your

disheartening - the store had been sold to a wealthy businessman a year ago, and the previous occupant had vacated. The new owner had kept it empty until now, when he wa

eized the opportunity to

store, and now all his belongings had been stolen. She watched as he moved away from the

for money had been stolen. It was a cruel blow to a young boy already struggling to mak

ed, surprising her with his

am," she thought to herself, her admiration for him growing even stro

t I know it will get

re soft and full, with a natural blush that made them so inviting and oh-so-kissable. The way they

u's smile was the most beautiful he had ever seen. Jack chu

he realised his slip-up and quickly responded, "No, C

Forget it, it's nothing important." Wanting to change the subject, he asked, "Do you th

"You're a great company too," she

ed, "Yeah, a friend of mine helped me out with some cash. I was actually planning to grab my things and find

med, "Oh yeah! There's a hostel on the next street. I overheard my mom talking to someone about it. She m

ce they reached the next street, they began asking people for directions. Cici approached

reeted the girl. "Is the

ne down the road. It's where teenage orphans sta

fear, unsure if he could stay in such a place. But when he looked at Cici, it was as if she was silently assuring him that she would protect him. However, Jack couldn't let her ta

it. They were people smoking, gambling, and engaging in all sorts of illega

e asked with authority. The boy pointed down the hall and to the left. Jack held Cici's hand, and they fo

'?" Cici asked. Their laughter quickly faded when they heard a harsh voice calling out, "Who are you?" They knocked and entered the room, fin

cals want in my office?" Jack mustered up courage and said, "Sir, I need a place to stay. I have nowhere else to go. The orphanage I lived in was demolished, and I'm

re, stunned by the harshness of the statement. It wasn't an exorbitant amount he needed to pay, and he was more than prepared. Excitement surged through his veins a

mpatience. Jack turned on his heels, a resolve burning within him. He counted the crisp bills, a total of $4000, and handed them over to the man. "That's $3900 for 26 weeks, which

e money and regarded Jack with a newfound respect. "Sir, m

t of joy. "Money really does make miracles happe

go to my room n

door to the room creaked open, revealing a space that had seen better days, cover

," Jack replied, his mind already racing with plans. W

h money. I've never seen that kind of money before," she exclaimed. Jack smiled warmly at her, grateful for her prese

y gather some essentials after having all his belongings stolen earlier. His stomach growled, a reminder that he hadn't eaten all day.

way to a small, inviting restaurant just across the road. For Jack, it was a beacon of hope, a chance to finally savour a

table, ready to take their order. They both chose a plate of creamy mashed potatoes paired with crispy fried chicken an

not accustomed to sharing personal details. But as she locked eyes with him, she sensed the genuine interest in his expression. "What? H

ground. In fact, I never really knew my father. It’s been me and my mom, struggling to make ends meet.

was a tough realization to find out that my dad had abandoned my mom when I was only two years old, running away with another woman." The pain in her voice was palpable. "We spent two years living on the street

He saw the tears streaming down her face, and he reached out to gently

self, prioritizing rent, saving up for my education, and ensuring I had decent clothes to wear. She wore worn-out clothes so that I could have new clothes . I owe everything to my mother. She has made unimagi

up in privilege and comfort. He felt a deep sense of admiration for

aced the challenges ahead. "No more self-pity," he whispered to himself. He glanced at her, a smile forming on his lips, as he gently wiped away her tears. "Don't worry," he reassured her. "When I become rich, I'll t

hem it amounted to $45.29. He handed her a $50 bill and received his change.

and provisions, and insisted on buying some clothes for Cici as well. Although she hesitated, feeling the need to save his money but he insisted, and she eventually agreed. Cici discree

eful for each other's support and the cha

Carrying their bags, they exited the mall, ready to head back . However, Cici mentioned that she needed to go home since her mother would be retu

the next day, and she nodded,

familiarized himself with the route to his new house. Lost in thought

sir! Your room is ready, a new bed also arrived for you. I've already placed it in your room." Jack couldn't help but notice the man'

asant space. The walls had been freshly painted, giving the room a much-needed facelift. Overwhelmed with gratitude, Jack happily handed t

ings. Taking a moment to appreciate the newfound comfort, he laid down