The Next Billionaire Heir's Revenge (18+)

(Massimo's POV) In the neighbourhood where I grew up, the rundown houses that lined the small passageways were bathed in a warm, golden glow cast by the sun. As I watched the children play with an improvised football, I leant against the rotting wooden fence and watched them. My attention was drawn to the clothing that was hung out to dry on the balconies; it looked to me like a symbol of fortitude in the face of our situation. This was where I had come from — a place where aspirations frequently died out before they had a chance to take hold. My youthful voice proclaimed to the breeze that I would become the greatest football player the world has ever seen, and my fingers clenched the fence with resolute intent and shouted, "I'll be the best player the world has ever seen." The voice of my mother could be heard calling out to me from the window of our small home. "Massimo, please come inside, it's time for dinner." I quickly turned away from the children who were having fun and entered the building. My mother's cooking filled the room, and the scent of it momentarily tore me away from the thoughts that were running through my head. Even though it was only a few feet long, our dining table had a surface that had been worn down and polished by the countless hours of meals and discussions that had been spent over it. My mother asked me, "Massimo, how was your day?" while smiling warmly in spite of the struggles that were visible in her exhausted eyes. I replied, "It was good, Mama," with my excitement from my time spent outside still remaining in my voice. "I participated in a game of football with the other children, and I noticed that I am improving. I am very happy that I can be able to play with them, it's surreal," I added. She then gave me a simple nod before putting a plate of pasta and sauce in front of me. "Massimo, if you put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything." " Never let that slip your mind." As I began to eat, thoughts of my late father, who had passed away when I was a young, kept coming into my head. His absence left a gap that reverberated throughout our home, but the resilience and love that my mother displayed served as a rock-solid anchor. She was both a father and a mother to me, reassuring that I will get the love that I deserved as a child. I never regretted that I was her son, even though I had a very unfortunate life. I know that I will be more motivated to pursue my dreams because of her, I will always make her as my inspiration no matter what. "You are the best Mama, your cooking is the best in the world, I will always crave for it," I said and giggled with a bright smile. I always made sure that I can give her a compliment, I know that it's the other way around which makes her really happy. It will also make her feel less exhausted, making her feel appreciated , and making her feel that her efforts are worthy is what I strived for. No matter what we are going through, love and appreciation will always lead. Years passed, and as I became older, so did my want to escape the confines of our lowly beginnings, which had become increasingly difficult to bear. My school eventually turned into my safe haven; it was there that I was able to learn about the outside world and indulge in my daydreams. I immersed myself in literature and daydreamed about the locations I would go and the accomplishments I would make in the future. "I want to go to Paris one day, and I'll take over the tower and rent it out like it's nothing," I mumbled as I looked over a poster in the book I was reading. When I was walking through the busy streets of the city on that fateful day, I realised that I was preoccupied with my own thoughts. My eyes were drawn to the skyscrapers that were above the skies that they almost seemed to touch the clouds above. People in sharp suits were rushing by me as they were completely engrossed in their own realms of power and achievement. I felt an intense pain of yearning well up inside of me, lighting a fire that had been dormant for many years. A lilting voice said, "Excuse me," which snapped me out of my trance. When I turned around, I saw a young woman with her dark hair styled in a manner that was really elegant. She looked at me with a grin, an expression of interest visible in her eyes. "Are you familiar with the path leading to the art gallery?" I was taken aback by her approach, and for a time I was at a loss for words. "Oh, absolutely. I just came there recently this day," I said. "Are you new here?" I asked. "Yeah, I'm sorry for asking," she said. "No bother, it's nothing," I replied. She was wearing a luxurious brand I could recognize and I could tell that it was such a good one, a real one, which I could really tell that she's rich. My heart was racing as I pointed in the direction, and I could feel it beating faster than usual because of the interaction. She gave a grateful grin and spoke the words, "Thank you so much," before turning and leaving. As I watched her blend into the crowd, a peculiar sensation began to take up residence in my chest. There was something about her that stayed with me, something that served as a constant reminder of the world that I desired to be a part of. "To become rich," I mumbled. Several weeks later, providence arranged an encounter that would forever alter the path that my life would take. In order to contribute financially to the upkeep of my mother, I secured a part-time position at a nearby coffee shop. As I was cleaning the tables, I noticed a familiar face pass through the door; it was the woman who had been standing outside. "Is there room for one?" she asked. As I walked her to a booth in the corner, I lead her on the way while attempting to keep my voice steady. I admit that I am shy, I had met the elegant girl again, and I am not pressured at all within my work but right now seems different. I took her order, "Would you like to add up some toppings for the order?" I asked. She smiled brightly as she said, "Yes, please," and her voice lit up the room like it was soft and just soothing to hear. I came back with a cup of coffee that was still quite hot. "Here it is," I said. She looked at me and smiled, I got back to the station and I kept looking at her even on a distance. As I turned to leave, she reached out and gently touched my arm. "I'm Selene, by the way." "Massimo," I introduced myself, my heart racing. Our conversations became a regular occurrence, each exchange revealing more about her world of privilege and opportunities. She was kind, her presence a stark contrast to the opulence that surrounded her. I was mesmerized by how she looks, a very beautiful woman, elegant, and approachable. "So lucky for someone to date like a girl like her, she seemed rich and sassy," Peter said, my co-worker. "Oh shut up, get back to your work and focus. You're always looking out for girls in the middle of work, can't you be more professional?" I said in a humorous manner. "Of course, that's why I worked here," he added and smirked at me while the coffee blender is on and I can barely hear his voice. "You're such a flirtatious man, dude," I said. "Get off my face," I added as I carried over the menu as there is more customers coming.