---
Two days later, Ray was discharged from the hospital. Though his body had begun to recover, his heart still carried the weight of embarrassment, confusion, and betrayal.
As Mom's car pulled into the compound, the front door burst open.
"HE'S BACK!!
Amy, sprinted across the lounge and threw her arms around him before he could even step out. she cried. "Don't ever scare me like that again!"
Behind her came his mother and milicent
please do have something to eat and rest your head
I'll need to head back to my office sweet heart
I'll come see you later In the day!
yes mom
thank you!!!!
_________________________________
Later That Night
Ray was alone in his room. Clean, quiet, peaceful. His favorite throw pillow back in place. The scent of disinfectant still lingered in the air.
He sat on his bed. Breathed.
Then he picked up his phone.
Over 42 new messages. Instagram DMs. Missed calls. TikTok notifications.
He hesitated… and opened the first video.
There he was. On top of the cafeteria table. Shirt twisted. Pointing at spaghetti. Screaming about betrayal.
The caption read:
"Bro thought he was Moses. #ZypraloxChronicles #SpiritOfPlantain"
#crazy_billionaire_son
Another clip showed him saluting lockers, yelling at a fan: "You don't control me, wind demon!"
There were memes.
Tweets.
Even edits with background music.
The smile drained from his face.
His chest tightened.
He dropped the phone on his lap and stared at the floor. The noise, the laughter, the spotlight — it was too much.
That's when milicents
walked in again, carrying a bowl of ice cream and a spoon
she said nothing at first. Just sat beside him and handed over the bowl.
"Everybody's laughing," Ray whispered. "They think I'm a joke."
"Not everybody," Milicent said. "Some people think you're brave."
"For what?" Sili asked bitterly.
"For not dying," she said. "For coming back.p
Then came the sound of the front door opening. Footsteps—measured, unmistakable. Ray sat up a little straighter.
The knock on his bedroom door was brief, but the door opened before he could answer.
His father stood there, trave He paused when he saw them—Ray and Milicent. Together.
Hi dad Ray greeted
Milicent rose immediately, smoothing her shirt and nodding politely. "Sir," she said. "I'll give you two a moment."
"Of course," his father said, stepping aside to let her pass. His eyes followed her briefly as she slipped out, calm and confident.
Then he turned to Ray with a smirk hiding beneath a layer of concern.
"She yours?"
Ray blinked. "What?"
"The girl," his father said
don't worry
he said giving a knowing chuckle, then took a seat at the foot of the bed. "Look, I was on a flight to Abuja when your mother called. I was on a business trip. I came straight home when I heard what happened."
Ray looked down, ashamed for a moment. "Sorry I constituted nuisance online
His dad waved it off. "Forget it. I'm just glad you're okay." He glanced at the door where Milicent had gone. "And clearly, you weren't alone through all of it."
Ray's mouth twitched. "No... I wasn't."
His father leaned back slightly, eyes thoughtful but teasing. "Well. I may not know much about your generation's language of... 'just friends,' but if that one's sticking around, I'd advise you don't mess it up."
Ray laughed, genuinely this time. "Thanks, Dad."
"Anytime," he said, then stood up and straightened his jacket. "Now, go tell her I wasn't trying to scare her off. Just had to check if she's the reason you're healing so fast."
Ray shook his head, still smiling as his father left the room.
And maybe, just maybe… she was.
Absolutely — here's a shortened, more emotional version with added dialogue to bring the moment to life while keeping it powerful and intimate:
---
As Father stepped out of Ray's room, he moved quietly down the hall — until he glanced through the open door and stopped.
Ray was outside. With a girl.
Jasmine he assumed, kissing and Smiling.
Father's brow furrowed.
He stood there for a moment, watching. The girl touched Ryder's chin and arm gently
yet seductive, and he laughed — a soft, light sound that didn't belong to a house currently holding someone in darkness.
haha they both laughed
he looked more like a fool
that was a good one RYDER
we're a step closer to you becoming the CEO
Her voice came low, almost to herself.
"Why are you out there laughing…
Dad cut in "when your brother can barely get out of bed?"
There was no anger in his voice. Just… ache.
"It's like one of you is flying… and the other forgot how to breathe."
hun "
am sorry dad am also unwell and my girlfriend came to see me "
but I wasn't expectant of you to come home on time
he questioned
dad looked at him and
He rubbed his face turning away, the weight of both sons pressing against his heart.
I guess he now knows what to do
---