Chapter 1: The Weight of Reality

Roman Vitali trudged through the scorching sun, his rugged boots heavy with each step. His worn construction uniform clung to his sweat-drenched body, and the metal poles he carried seemed to weigh him down even further.

His face contorted in a mixture of exhaustion and heat, his eyes squinting against the unforgiving sun.

This was Roman's life now – a far cry from the dreams he once harbored. His family had moved to Nova Haven from Italy, seeking a better life. And for a while, it seemed like they had achieved it.

His parents worked hard, built a successful business, and provided for their family. But fate had other plans.

When Roman was just 17, his parents passed away, leaving him and his 9-year-old sister, Bianca, alone. The wealth they had accumulated was quickly depleted by debts and unpaid loans.

Roman was left to pick up the pieces, to care for his sister, and to navigate the harsh realities of adulthood.

Nine years had passed since then, and Roman was now 26. He had worked tirelessly to provide for Bianca, finishing school and earning a scholarship to college. But without guidance, he had chosen a career path that seemed promising at the time but ultimately led to a dead-end job in construction.

As he labored under the scorching sun, Roman couldn't help but think about the what-ifs. What if he had chosen a different major? What if he had pursued a career that matched his degree? But life had taken a different turn, and now he was stuck in this never-ending cycle of hard work and little reward.

Despite his circumstances, Roman had made friends on the construction site. The older workers saw potential in him and encouraged him to pursue his dreams.

But Roman knew that was easier said than done. He had responsibilities, bills to pay, and a sister to support. Dreams were a luxury he couldn't afford.

As he placed the metal poles on the ground, Roman let out a deep sigh. He wiped the sweat from his brow and gazed out at the city skyline.

Nova Haven, once a beacon of hope and prosperity, now seemed like a constant reminder of his limitations. He had given up on his dreams, resigning himself to a life of manual labor and financial struggle.

But as he looked around at the bustling construction site, Roman felt a glimmer of determination ignite within him. Maybe, just maybe, there was more to life than this. Maybe there was a way to break free from the shackles of his circumstances and pursue a better future.

The thought was fleeting, but it was enough to give Roman a glimmer of hope in an otherwise bleak existence.

Nova Haven, a country situated on the largest island, was once the epitome of wealth and prosperity. People from all walks of life flocked to its shores, seeking fortune and success. However, not everyone achieved their dreams. Roman Vitali, a 26-year-old construction worker, knew this all too well.

Despite his family's financial struggles, Roman's home was located in the affluent neighborhood of Brookville. It was a constant reminder of the life he once knew, and he held onto it dearly. Roman had the option to sell the house, but it was his sanctuary, and he couldn't bear to part with it. Instead, he saved it for desperate times, when the need for money would be dire.

As Roman walked back to collect the last batch of metal poles, he crossed paths with Robert, a middle-aged man with a head of graying hair, a testament to the stress he had endured. Robert, a fellow construction worker, approached Roman with a concerned expression.

"Hey, Roman, you look exhausted! Take a break, rest for a bit. You've been at it since morning, and it's not good for your health," Robert said, placing a paternal arm around Roman's shoulders.

Roman forced a tired smile. "It's okay, Rob. Just one more batch, and I'm done. I'll take a break after that."

Robert sighed, a familiar expression, as if he had seen Roman push himself too hard too many times. "Alright, after that, we're heading to the bar for drinks. You should join us – the guys would love to see you."

Roman raised an eyebrow, curiosity piqued. "Who's going with us? Usually, it's just you and me."

Robert's eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief. "Ah, well, there's a new guy, Alex. He's been wanting to meet you. And, of course, the rest of the crew will be there."

Roman's gaze narrowed, his mind racing with questions. Who was this Alex, and why did Robert seem so enthusiastic about him meeting the group? But before he could ask, Robert had already clapped him on the back and continued on his way, leaving Roman to wonder what the evening had in store.

Roman's mind wandered as he walked back to collect the last batch of metal poles. He couldn't help but think about this Alex guy. It was unusual for the construction company to hire someone new, especially since they were known for being stingy.

Roman had worked there for 5 years, and in that time, he had only seen 4 new hires. It was rare for the company to add someone new to the team, especially since they were quick to cut workers when needed.

Roman's curiosity piqued, he wondered how Alex had managed to secure a spot. He assumed Alex must be a young guy, probably fresh out of school, with plenty of energy and a healthy body.

Older workers usually had established themselves with other construction companies, so it was typically the younger ones who got hired.

Roman shook off the thoughts, reminding himself it had nothing to do with him. He focused on the task at hand, collecting the last batch of poles. As he lifted them onto his shoulders, he felt the familiar weight and strain. He had done this countless times before, but it never got any easier.

With the poles securely in place, Roman headed back to the construction site, his mind already looking forward to the end of the workday and the drinks Robert had promised.