Cain Mysia
Cain stormed into Caleb's room without knocking, his jaw tight with barely contained fury.
"Caleb," he barked, his voice sharp enough to cut glass, "I just got off the phone with your headteacher. She said you're falling behind. Care to explain?"
Caleb flinched but quickly masked it, pushing himself off the bed.
"I'm already working on it," he said, the words tumbling out too fast. "The girl you saw at the house... she's my tutor. She's helping me."
Cain let out a bitter laugh.
"Helping you? Doesn't look like it."
Before Caleb could answer, Charity appeared in the doorway, drawn by the raised voices. Her brows knitted together in concern.
"Boys, boys," she said, her voice gentle but firm. "What's the argument about?"
"You can ask your son," Cain said with a cold shrug. He turned his glare back to Caleb.
"Eighteen years old and still behaving like a child. If you don't want to be serious about your future, Caleb, I swear I'll make sure you have no future to waste."
His words hit Caleb like slaps. Charity's face paled, but Cain was just getting started.
"There are people out there — smart, desperate people — who would give anything to have what you're squandering. Sponsorships, tuition, a chance at a better life. And you? You're tossing it away like it's nothing."
Cain's voice grew harder, louder.
"If you keep slacking off, don't expect another penny from me. You'll learn the hard way what it means to value something."
With a furious shake of his head, he turned and stormed out, the door rattling in his wake.
Silence filled the room. Caleb stood frozen, the sting of Cain's words sinking deep into his chest.
Charity crossed the room quietly and placed a soft hand on his shoulder.
"Caleb, sweetheart," she said, her voice breaking the tension, "what's really going on?"
Caleb swallowed hard, willing himself not to show how much Cain's anger hurt.
"Mum... it's just a small problem with my grades," he whispered. "But I'm fixing it. I promise."
Charity squeezed his shoulder gently.
"I know you are. But you know how your brother gets... to him, struggles feel like failure." She paused, searching Caleb's tired eyes. "Don't carry this anger with you, son. Just focus. Try your best. You're stronger than you think."
Caleb nodded mutely, but inside, the pressure weighed on him like a mountain.
---
Cain's morning wasn't faring any better.
Already late for a meeting, he pulled into the parking lot of his favorite café, deciding for once to grab his own coffee instead of sending his assistant.
Inside, the place buzzed with noise. A long line curled toward the counter, but the staff noticed Cain immediately and began preparing his regular order without him having to speak. He collected his coffee with a curt nod and spun on his heel toward the exit.
That's when it happened.
A sudden collision — a body crashing into him — and hot coffee soaked through his expensive suit, dripping down his chest and arms.
Cain froze, his jaw clenching.
"Oh my God! I'm so sorry, sir!" came a panicked voice. Kassia.
He looked down at the mess, then up at her, rage flashing across his face.
"You again," he spat, his voice low and dangerous. "Why are you so clumsy? You walk around like you're cursed."
Before Kassia could respond, he grabbed her arm roughly and dragged her outside, ignoring the gasps and murmurs from nearby customers.
"I said I'm sorry," Kassia cried, trying to wrench free. "Please — Mr. Cain — I'll pay for your dry cleaning!"
Cain laughed, a cold, humorless sound. His gaze swept over her — the worn-out shoes, the threadbare bag slung over her shoulder, the slight tremble in her hands.
"Take a good look at yourself," he sneered. "You can't even afford a new pair of shoes. And you think you can cover the cost of a suit like this? Dream on."
Kassia's face flushed with shame, but she refused to let the tears fall. Not in front of him.
"Just stay away from me," Cain snapped. "Next time you ruin my day, there won't be a second apology."
Without another word, he turned and marched to his car, slamming the door so hard the windows rattled. In seconds, he was gone, leaving Kassia standing there — humiliated, heart pounding, feeling smaller than she ever had before.
She brushed invisible dust from her skirt, lifted her chin slightly, and walked back inside, ignoring the stares. But inside, a piece of her cracked, deeper than she cared to admit.
---
Author note
Of course! Here's a more engaging version of your message — warmer, more inviting, and encouraging readers to interact:
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Author note
Hey lovelies!
Chapter 10 is finally here!
I can't wait to hear what you all think about this one.
Please drop your thoughts and reactions in the comments — your feedback truly means the world to me!
Every comment, every like, every share keeps me motivated to keep writing for you.
Don't forget to keep reading and sharing your thoughts — it really helps more than you know!
Thank you so much for being part of this journey with me!
Xoxo
Cc