Shattered Ties

Richard McGregor stepped out of the cab, his duffel bag slung over one shoulder. He glanced around, feeling the humid breeze of the city ruffling his hair. He had just arrived at the Edgewater building, a high-rise building that offered a panoramic view of the cityscape, where his Pent house is located. The cab driver tipped his hat, thanked him for the fare, and drove off, leaving Richard to gaze at the glimmering façade of the building.

As he entered the lobby, he was greeted by the scent of freshly cut flowers and the hum of the central air conditioning. The receptionist, a middle-aged man with a neatly trimmed beard, looked up from his desk and flashed him a warm smile. This was a pleasant surprise; usually, he expected the indifferent or even disdainful attitudes that were so common in high-end establishments. But this receptionist, whose nametag read "Carl," stood up and extended his hand.

"Welcome to Edgewater, I guess you are Mr. McGregor, I was expecting you. How can I assist you today?" he asked, his voice calm and friendly.

"I'm here to check in. I have a Pent house under Richard McGregor," Richard replied, shaking Carl's hand.

Carl quickly found the name and smiled at Richard with a polite nod. "The room's at the top of the building, you also have your personal elevator, sir. If you need anything, don't hesitate to call the front desk. Enjoy your stay."

"Thanks," Richard said, a little taken aback by the cordiality. He grabbed his duffel bag and made his way to the elevator. It felt good to be treated with respect, even if it was just because he was a paying customer.

The room was on the third floor, with a view overlooking the city streets. He set his bag down and took in the comfortable surroundings: a plush bed, a small work desk, and a flat-screen TV. It was a nice change from the apartment back at college, where he had to share a cramped space with two other guys.

Richard flopped onto the bed, letting out a long sigh. This vacation couldn't have come at a better time. The system had been quiet for the last few hours, but he was ready to make use of it again. He would make sure earned some decent rewards from his daily sign-ins, but he was hoping for something extraordinary during his time at the Pent house.

Just as he was about to relax and consider his next move, his phone rang. It was Esther, his girlfriend. Or at least, she was his girlfriend until he saw her kissing Collins, one of his former closest friends, at an alley in the afternoon. The memory sent a surge of anger through his veins, but he answered the call anyway.

"Hey, Richard," Esther said, her voice saccharine. "I was hoping you could help me with this project I've been given. It's due soon, and I really need your help."

Richard's knuckles turned white as he gripped the phone. He'd had enough. He took a deep breath and kept his voice steady. "Esther, I'm done. I'm done you hear me"

"Done with what Richard baby" Esther said trying to sweet talk him.

"Done with you Esther, I've had enough. You think I didn't see you kissing Collins at the alley today? Huh?" Richard queried

"So, at least he takes care of me. Unlike you who is too broke for even himself. If you say this is over it's over. In fact in very happy" Esther said and cut the call.

"Finally, peace of mind" he laid on the bed and breathed a sigh of relief.

After that Richard took a cab to a restaurant to eat dinner and came back to take a long shower.