Chapter 7: A New Morning
I opened my eyes and casually glanced at my potato phone sitting on the nightstand.
The glowing digital clock read 8:54 a.m.
"Holy shit!" I yelled, jerking upright so fast I nearly rolled off the mattress. "Miller’s going to kill me! I have the opening shift!"
I was halfway out of the sheets before my bare feet touched the impossibly plush velvet carpet. I froze. My brain finally caught up with my body, reminding me that Miller was likely broke, the restaurant was probably under investigation, and my old job didn’t matter anymore.
I looked around the massive, sunlit room. The floor-to-ceiling windows framed a brilliant view of the capital skyline. I didn’t feel the usual bone-deep exhaustion or the splitting headache from surviving on four hours of sleep. I felt completely, ridiculously refreshed.
Right. I was a billionaire heir now.
Sinking back into the pillows, I let out a satisfied laugh and stretched. On my way to the bathroom, I stopped in front of a glass console lined with digital touch panels, hidden nozzles, and steam settings. The toilet looked like it had more computing power than my laptop.
’Alright, Paige,’I called out mentally. ’How do I turn on the shower without accidentally launching a nuke?’
[Honestly, Seth, you’re a literal god and you’re stumped by a smart shower? Just press the glowing blue icon on the left console. And no, the golden button isn’t for a golden shower, it’s just the heated seat. Don’t press it unless you want a warm butt.]
"Good to know," I muttered, following her instructions.
After a thoroughly relaxing bath, I walked into the grand walk-in closet. Rows of immaculate suits and designer clothes lined the walls, but my eyes instantly locked onto a section dedicated entirely to premium gym wear.
Seamless shirts, expensive lifting shoes, and compression gear I could never have afforded back when I was scraping together money for my local gym membership.
I happily pulled on a sleek charcoal-gray athletic shirt and matching shorts. They fit perfectly, showing off the lean, healthy muscle definition I built overtime.
Stepping back into the bedroom, I looked at the tangled mess of silk sheets on the king-sized bed. I instinctively reached out to fix them out of habit, then paused.
’Hey, Paige, do the system thingy and make the bed.’
[Are you serious?] Paige huffed. [You possess a reality-warping sandbox system capable of altering the fabric of the universe, decoupling your soul from mortality, and rewriting the laws of physics... and you’re using me to make your bed?]
"Hey, that’s the best part of the system," I grinned. "Work smart, not hard."
[You’re incredibly lazy. Fine. Done.]
With a silent ripple, the silk comforter and pillows snapped into a flawless, hotel-grade tuck.
Satisfied, I turned and opened the massive oak double doors. Sitting quietly in a high-backed chair beside the doorway with her eyes closed was Valerie. The moment the door clicked, her violet eyes snapped open, and she rose in one fluid motion, her dark cape settling over her shoulders.
"Good morning, Young Master," Valerie said with a respectful bow.
"Morning, Val," I said. Starting the day by seeing such a beautiful face was definitely an upgrade from staring at my moldy apartment ceiling.
Valerie’s eyes swept over my athletic clothes, a hint of curiosity flickering in her gaze. "Are you planning to visit the gym, sir?"
Her question instantly reminded me of a slight problem. I didn’t know where the gym was. In fact, I didn’t know where anything was in this entire city.
Still, I kept my cool and gave a firm nod. "Yeah. It’s my usual routine."
"In that case, there’s a surprise waiting for you downstairs," Val said, a faint smile playing on her lips.
She led the way down the grand marble staircase. In the sprawling dining room below, Julian and Mom were already seated at the table. I immediately noticed Mom looked a little sleepy, a faint daze lingering in her eyes as she sipped her tea.
"Good morning," I said, walking up to the table. "Mom, you look exhausted. What happened?"
Julian let out a rare, deep chuckle from behind his tablet. "Your mother was simply too happy about your return, Seth. She couldn’t sleep a wink last night. She kept muttering grand plans for what she wants to do with you now that you’re home."
"Julian! Shut up!" Mom snapped, her face instantly flushing crimson as she glared at her husband.
Julian raised his hands in surrender, though the smirk never left his face.
Mom turned back to me, her expression softening into a deeply affectionate, slightly embarrassed smile. She reached out to squeeze my hand. "I just... I wanted to make up for the last two decades, sweetheart. I couldn’t stop thinking about all the things we missed out on."
"I’m really happy to hear that, Mom," I said, warmth spreading through my chest. "Don’t worry. If there’s anything I ever need, I promise I’ll ask you first."
Mom’s eyes lit up with pure joy, her exhaustion seemingly vanishing. Then she noticed my gym clothes, and her smile widened. "Oh, you’re dressed for a workout! Perfect timing. I’ve already had a complete home gym prepared for you in the west wing. Every type of professional machine, lifting rack, and cardio equipment you could ever want."
"Wait, really?" I blinked, genuinely surprised by how quickly she’d moved just to accommodate me. "Wow, thanks, Mom. That’s awesome."
I hesitated for a moment, rubbing the back of my neck. "Though... if it’s alright, could I visit a public gym today? Back when things were rough, going to the gym put me in the right headspace for a proper workout. It just helps me focus."
"Of course, darling," Mom said without hesitation. "Whatever makes you comfortable."
Meanwhile, Julian had been quietly typing on his phone. He set it on the table and looked up at me, quiet pride in his eyes.
"I’ve just made an appointment for you at the Olympus Complex," Julian said, glancing at Valerie. "Valerie will drive you there. It’s a private facility, but it has the exact atmosphere you’re looking for."
He turned back to me. "I’m glad to see you focusing on your physical health, Seth. Taking care of one’s body is an integral part of life. The fact that you maintained that discipline even during your hardest times speaks to your character."
I swallowed hard, a surge of respect welling up inside me. Getting praised by a multi-billionaire tycoon for my gym habit was definitely not on my bingo card this week.
"Thanks, Dad," I said, the word slipping out naturally this time. Julian’s eyes softened almost imperceptibly before he gave a firm nod.
Before heading toward the door with Valerie, I turned back to Mom, remembering the wardrobe upstairs. "Hey, Mom? If you’re free this afternoon... could you come shopping with me? I need some regular and...normal clothes, and I could use your suggestions."
Mom’s face lit up with pure joy. She looked like she’d just won the lottery.
"I would absolutely love to, sweetie!" she cheered, clapping her hands together. "Go have a wonderful workout. I’ll have the personal shoppers and the car ready the moment you get back."
Giving her a wave, I turned and followed Val out to the garage, eager to see what a gym in capital looked like.
...
Meanwhile, Julian continued to stare at the retreating figure of Seth with a silent smile on his face. Feeling his wife’s hand on his shoulder, he looked up at her.
She smiled sweetly, "He called you Dad, dear."
Julian turned back towards the empty space where Seth stood previously and smiled warmly.
"I know."