Chapter 2 The CITY

Jack slouched on the rickety chair, his head bowed, voice trembling. "Grandma, why does it always feel like... no matter what I do, I'll never be enough? Everyone here treats me like trash. Like I'll never be anything more."

Grace sighed, moving to his side. She placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, her voice soft but steady.

"Oh, Jack, people fear what they don't understand. And when they see you are smart and determined, they're reminded of what they're not. Their words aren't about you. They're about them."

He looked up, tears glistening in his eyes.

"But why? Why did my parents leave me? Was I not good enough for them either?"

Her hand paused mid-stroke. She turned her gaze to the wooden floor, hesitating.

"Jack," she began cautiously, "some answers need time. Your parents... they had their reasons. But I made a promise a long time ago to keep their secret until you were ready."

His voice rose, desperate. "Ready? How much longer, Grandma? Can't you just tell me something? Anything?"

She sighed heavily, meeting his pleading eyes.

"Soon, Jack. I swear it's soon. But for now, know this: Your parents didn't leave because you weren't enough. They left because the world around them didn't deserve you."

Jack shook his head, bitterness seeping into his tone. "That doesn't make it hurt less. I'm tired of being in the dark. I'm tired of being seen as a nobody."

Grace crouched in front of him, gripping his hands tightly.

"Listen to me, Jack. You're not a nobody. You're worth more than all their opinions combined. One day, you'll see it. And when the time comes, I'll tell you everything. But for now, trust me."

He stared at her, wanting to push for more but faltering at the sadness in her eyes. "Okay," he muttered, wiping his tears. "But I don't know if I can just... wait."

"You're stronger than you think," Grace said with a small smile, brushing his hair back. "Now, let's eat something. You need to keep your strength up."

At dinner, Grace placed a modest bowl of porridge on the floor between them. It wasn't much, but it was all they had. They ate in silence for a few minutes before Jack finally spoke.

'' Do you ever think about... them? My parents?"

Grace paused mid-bite, her eyes softening. "Every day," she admitted. "Your mother, especially. She was brave, Jack. Braver than anyone I've ever known."

He frowned, staring into the empty bowl. "Then why didn't she stay? If she was so brave, why did she leave me?"

Her breath caught, and she set the bowl down carefully. "Sometimes, being brave means walking away from the ones you love to protect them," she said quietly. "One day, you'll understand that."

Jack's fists clenched. "I don't think I will."

Grace reached out, her hand covering his. "You will. And when you do, you'll see just how much she loved you."

Later that night, Jack lay on his thin mattress, staring at the ceiling. The name "Mason" floated in his mind like a puzzle piece that didn't fit anywhere. "Mason," he murmured. "What does it mean?"

Across the room, Grace sat on her mat, her head bowed in thought.

"You've waited so long, Jack," she whispered to herself, her voice trembling. "But how do I tell you that the world you're about to step into is the same one your mother fled from?"

The Next Morning, at the train station, Grace adjusted Jack's jacket as they stood in the crisp mountain air. "Promise me something, Jack," she said, her voice steady but tinged with emotion.

"What?" he asked, his eyes scanning the horizon.

"Be bold," she said. "Never let anyone make you feel small. Stand tall, even when it's hard."

Jack nodded, swallowing the lump in his throat. "I'll try."

"No," she said firmly, gripping his shoulders. "You won't try. You'll do it. Because you're destined for greatness, Jack Mason. Believe it. Own it."

He looked into her tear-filled eyes, his voice cracking. "I'll make you proud, Grandma. I swear."

"You already have," she said, pulling him into a hug.

The train pulled in, and Jack climbed aboard. From his seat, he watched her wave as the train began to move, her figure growing smaller with every second. "Goodbye, Grandma," he whispered, a mix of excitement and fear swirling in his chest.

Back at the cabin, Grace sat alone, clutching an old wooden box. She ran her fingers over its worn edges, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. Inside were the keys to Jack's true identity-documents, photographs, and a letter from Rita Mason.

She whispered into the quiet room, "Rita, I hope I'm doing the right thing. He's ready for the world, but is the world ready for him?"

Her hands trembled as she tucked the box away. "You'd be so proud of him," she said softly, staring into the distance.

A sharp knock startled Grace as she tucked away the old wooden box. She opened the door to find Lucy standing there, looking pale and anxious.

"Lucy, dear," Grace greeted warmly. "How are you?"

Lucy hesitated, fidgeting with her hands. "Is... is Jack gone?"

Grace sighed, nodding gently. "Yes, dear. He left early this morning. Headed for the city to start at the university."

Lucy's face fell, her voice barely above a whisper. "He's gone?"

Grace studied her closely. "He asked me not to interfere, Lucy. If you have something to say to Jack, you'll have to tell him yourself."

Lucy blinked, her lips trembling as she muttered, "I... I just wanted to know. Thank you, Grace." Without another word, she turned and walked away.

Grace watched her go, her heart heavy. "Poor child," she murmured, closing the door. "So much regret, and so much left unsaid."

At the Dormitory, Jack stood in the doorway, taking in the sight of his cramped dorm room. Four other guys were sprawled across their beds. Clearing his throat, he stepped in. "Hey, I'm Jack."

A guy with messy hair and a friendly grin sat up. "Hey, Jack. I'm Rueben. That's David, Sam, and over there, that's Francis." He nodded toward a shorter guy with a scowl, who didn't bother looking up.

Jack moved toward the empty bed, but a large duffel bag sprawled across it stopped him. "Uh, Rueben," Jack asked, "whose bag is this?"

Rueben's grin faded as he pointed toward Francis. "It's his. Don't mind him; he's... particular."

Carefully, Jack lifted the bag and set it by Francis's bed. As he turned, Francis's cold voice cut through the room.

"Who gave you the right to touch my things?" Francis sneered, his gaze sharp and unkind.

"Filthy, dirty-looking waste. How dare you?"

Jack froze, the words slicing through him. "Look, man," he said evenly, "no need to get nasty. I just moved it aside."

Francis jumped up, puffing out his chest. "Do you know who I am? I'm Francis Mason, heir to the Mason family. This is my city, my country, my world! I can crush you anytime I want."

Jack blinked, stunned. "Okay, I'm sorry for touching your bag. I didn't mean any disrespect."

"Damn right you didn't," Francis snapped, his voice dripping with arrogance. "Don't ever call me 'bro.' You're not even worth that word."

Rueben stepped between them, pushing Francis back. "Hey, cool it, Francis. He said he's sorry. Let it go."

Francis glared at Rueben but backed down, kicking his bag aside. "I'll let it go this time. But don't push your luck next time."

Jack exhaled slowly, his jaw tightening as he returned to his bed. Rueben gave him a pat on the shoulder. "Just ignore him, man. He's all bark, no bite."

"Thanks," Jack muttered. "Appreciate it."

Early the next morning, as Jack stepped out of the dorm, Rueben was already by the door, adjusting his backpack. "Morning, early riser," Rueben said with a grin. "Heading out already?"

Jack nodded. "Yeah, trying to figure out the campus. You?"

"Same here. First-day dude," Rueben admitted. "Let's stick together."

Jack smiled. "Sounds like a plan."

The two spent the day navigating the campus, registering for classes, and getting to know their lecture halls.

Rueben's easygoing nature made things less overwhelming, and by the end of the day, they'd bonded. "Roommates, classmates, and now buddies," Rueben joked. "Can't shake me off now, Jack."

Jack chuckled. "Good. I think I'm gonna need a friend like you."

At the student bar, a few weeks later, Jack and Rueben headed toward the student canteen, but Jack stopped short, his steps faltering. "I, uh... I just remembered I need to check something," Jack said quickly.

Rueben frowned. "You sure? The food's not bad here."

"Yeah, I'll catch up later," Jack replied, turning away. He decided to get a part-time gig job so he could survive school, but how could he tell Rueben?

Walking off campus, Jack scouted for part-time jobs. After a few failed attempts, he entered a bustling student bar. The manager, Sony Pitt, raised an eyebrow as Jack explained his situation.

"You're persistent," Sony said, crossing his arms. "I like that. Start tomorrow. Work hard, and we'll see where it goes."

"Thank you, sir!" Jack said, his relief evident.

Just as he stepped out, he spotted Rueben with a group of students, including Francis.

Rueben waved him over. "Jack! What are you doing here?"

"I, uh, just got a job," Jack said, scratching the back of his head. "This place was hiring."

Francis snorted, stepping closer. "Figures. Smells like the kind of place you'd belong. Filthy pauper."

Rueben shot Francis a warning look. "Francis, enough."

But Francis wasn't done. "Don't defend him, Rueben. He's a waste. Maybe he and his grandma can come to scrub my shoes."

Jack's fists clenched, but he forced himself to stay calm. "You can insult me, Francis, but don't you dare talk about my grandma."

Francis smirked. "And what if I do? What are you gonna-"

"Shut up, fatso," a sharp voice interrupted.

Everyone turned to see a young woman storming toward them. "Victoria?" Jack said, startled.

Victoria ignored him, pointing at Francis. "Who do you think you are, picking on Jack? Are you on something? Or do you just get off on being a jerk?"

Francis sneered. "Do I know you?"

"No, and thank God for that," Victoria snapped. "But I know Jack. He's a Mason. A real one."

Francis's face twisted with disbelief. "Him? A Mason? Don't make me laugh."

Victoria's palm connected with his cheek before anyone could stop her. The slap echoed through the bar, leaving Francis stunned.

"You hit me!" he shouted. " Are you crazy?"

Another slap. And another.

Rueben and Sam jumped in, pulling Victoria back as the crowd murmured and laughed.

Francis's face was red and swollen, and his ego shattered.

"You've got some nerve," Victoria spat. "Maybe I should teach you some manners."

Francis fumbled with his phone, dialing furiously. "You'll pay for this. Both of you! My bodyguards are on their way."

Jack stepped forward, calm but firm. "Let them come. I'm not afraid of you, Francis."

Francis glared his pride in tatters. "You'll regret this. Both of you."

Victoria crossed her arms, smirking. "We'll see who regrets it, fatso."

From the corner, Rueben muttered to Sam, "I think Francis finally met his match."

Sam grinned. "About time."

Victoria and Jack knew each other from the village, she was Lucy's best friend but Jack wasn't close to Victoria. He was used to being mocked by friends and strangers. So he had a phobia of getting close to anyone aside from Lucy and his grandma until Lucy dumped him.

Francis felt a surge of excitement when he spotted Richard walking into, the bustling student bar.

His voice grew louder, convinced he now had the upper hand, though Jack and Victoria showed no signs of backing down.

"Richard, over here!

These two idiots are giving me trouble. Break his legs!" He pointed at Jack. "And as for this ugly girl, she can warm my bed first, and then you can have her when I'm done." Victoria without hesitating, spat at Francis.

Seeing things escalate, Rueben and Sam stepped aside, leaving Jack and Victoria to stand their ground. Victoria spat at Francis again, and he rushed forward, trying to hit her. Jack blocked him and pushed him back a second time.

"All you can do is hide behind a woman!"

Francis sneered, unable to get to Victoria. He shouted at Richard, "What's taking so long? Deal with him! Stop wasting time on this fraud who's out here using my last name!"

Richard suddenly froze, noticing Victoria, his sister, being shielded by a young man who looked vaguely familiar. This wasn't the time to puzzle over it; all he cared about now was how his sister had gotten mixed up with the ruthless Francis Mason from the Mason Family's external branch.

Richard looked at Victoria and called her name. "Vic, what are you doing here? I've been waiting at the airport for hours! How come you're with Francis?"

Although upset, he tried to control his anger. Victoria then realized that the bodyguard Francis had summoned was her older brother, Richard.

Jack and Victoria both turned to see Richard coming in, surrounded by eight bodyguards in black suits.

Richard was known across the country as a feared bodyguard, only working for the highest bidders. And right now, the Mason Family was at the top. He'd been hired by the external Mason family. Francis's mother to, be a bodyguard to Francis, who had become a public menace.

"Brother Richard!" Victoria cried, surprised. She'd waited at the airport for her brother, who never showed up as planned. After an hour, she tried calling, but his phone was off. So, she took a taxi to school, where she'd run into Jack.

Now her brother was the "backup" Francis had bragged about?

"You know this girl?" Francis barked loudly, pointing at Victoria and cutting into the conversation.

"Your mother is a bitch!" Victoria yelled back.

"This is my baby sister," Richard replied coldly, his expression unreadable as he looked at Francis.

"Your baby what? This girl's your sister? Are you joking, or do you not want me to have her warm my bed?"

A sharp slap echoed through the room, silencing everyone as they thought Victoria had slapped him.

But it wasn't! Francis whose face now throbbed red and swollen. "You dare hit me again!" he shouted, only to realize he was slapped by one of Richard's bodyguards, who stepped up and kicked Francis hard in the stomach, sending him sprawling across tables and chairs.

Some of the students scattered, narrowly avoiding Francis's hefty body. "Damn fatso," the bodyguard muttered as he marched toward Francis. "I've been wanting to do that for a while."