Seven Days to Pay The Debt

Stephen's eyes blazed with fury, his voice dripping with venom. "So, you used my money to pay off other loansharks? You played me, John. You made a fool out of me."

John cowered, his eyes welling up with tears. "I didn't mean to, Stephen. I was desperate. I'll pay you back, I swear."

Stephen's laughter was cold and mirthless. "You'll pay me back? You'll pay me back? You're already in debt up to your neck, and you think you can just promise me payment and expect me to believe you?"

He grabbed John's collar, his grip like a vice. "Listen to me, John. You have one week to come up with the full amount. If I don't see it in my hands, in cash, within seven days...you're done. Finished. You'll be nothing but a memory."

John's eyes widened in terror, his voice barely audible. "P-please, Stephen. Have mercy."

Stephen's smile was cruel. "Mercy? You want mercy? You should have thought of that before you crossed me, John. Now, you're just a debt that needs to be collected."