《A Place I havent' Been》


 The CEO

    I never grew up poor. Sure, I also did not grow up rich, but I was always comfortable. Need a new backpack? Get a new one every school year! A new phone just released? Just tell Dad you want it then you''ll have it...in about a year..but you get what I mean. It is a part of why I am so successful today; I had no reason to fail.


    "Take it, and have them call me back," I said to my secretary, not looking up from my computer. The monotonous sound of my keyboard rang endlessly.


    However, part of being this richly successful is the stress of having so much influence. One day a hacker might call you saying they''ve hacked one of your company''s servers. I don''t give a flying crap about that company, I''ve got countless sources of wealth. BUT! people are working there, MY PEOPLE!!! I just can''t take the idea of thousands of people losing their source of living.


    So I had the hacker tracked down and killed


    ¡ªdo not question my moral compass¡ª


    My hacked company is now thriving, and people working there are living well, which is what I have always hoped for.


    Though, it''s getting dull, I admit¡ªalthough I''m 26 years young, I feel like I''m at my retirement age.


    This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    Retirement...


    That''s when it clicked to me.


    I don''t need to work anymore!


    I have been doing this damn CEO job for half of my life! It is time for me to rest. I could practically hear the sound of the plane! Or the horn of a cruise ship!


    But where should I go? Where I live is pretty nice(it''s a seaside mansion).


    "I should go on a vacation," I muttered. Even then, however, my assistant heard me¡ªI guess she is a pretty good listener.


    She looked at me, fixing her unskewed glasses, "I cannot let you do that. Your presence alone holds off a lot of our competitors. We need you here."


    Then, as if she knew I wouldn''t disagree or complain, she went back to her work, the flipping of pages resounding my defeat.


    "Tsk," in my mind, though, I was formulating a perfect plan to escape work.


    Clack Clack Clack


    My keyboard resounded in what seemed to be me doing my work. BUT NAY! I was researching areas to escape this world! Malaysia? Russia? Mexico? WHERE WHERE WHERE. Waku waku!


    I am at the rope of my sanity; it feels like just any moment now I will lose my mind.


    That is to say, I haven''t lost it, but who knows?!


    Ehem


    "Jessica? I am planning on opening a branch of our new food delivery service in a different country. Serbia. Mind looking into it?" I blabbered in a low, semi-serious tone, but I couldn''t hide my excitement inside.


    Luckily though, she obliged, nodding a, "Yes, right away."


    Her high heels tapped the marble floor as the door closed with a dull thud.


    As she left, I couldn''t suppress my excitement. I let out a giggle.

 Drunken

    The muffled surroundings turned into a loud reverb of honks and hip-hop. I looked down at my gleaming watch to see the time. "...should be here," I mumbled, then, "Ah! There you guys are!"


    I waved at my buddies¡ªdrinking buddies. This is where I am usually at to crash after a tiring day at work.


    Hmm... I won''t describe them much since it takes too much word count, but they are just plain office workers, still in their wrinkly suits. I, on the other hand, am wearing a grey, textured polo shirt. I am not fond of wearing suits.


    Collectively, we went into a high-end bar. Purple lights illuminated us, making me look like a more handsome Thanos. Except, of course, more lean and attractive. Wink wink.


    Sitting on a wide rectangular table, one of the guys with me raised his hand, snapping at one of the waiters.


    You don''t do that in these kinds of establishments, by the way, so it was quite embarrassing when he did so.


    A waitress came. Judging from her expression, she took the disrespect professionally. Her auburn hair was tied into a neat ponytail. She looked quite professional with her black tie and matching vest.


    "Hello, what would you like to have tonight?" She politely asked with a smile of formality, she then turned to me, the smile shifting subtly to something more familiar.


    They started ordering, a chatter that stood out because of how different this bar was from what they were probably used to.


    "You got us this time again, right?" Brad turned to me with a smug-looking face.


    You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.


    "Yeah," whatever, I got a buncha'' money anyway. I silently beckoned the waitress and gave her a black card, "I''ll take care of everything. I also apologize for their behavior. They''re new here." I gave an empathetic smile.


    My eyes widened as she gave me a bright smile, "No worries, I get it."


    Phew. She''s really beautiful. Eyes of emerald green, and lips of pink cherry blossom Any guy would see that...and not every guy would think they shouldn''t do anything about it. I just hope none of my buddies do anything wild and uncharacteristic.


    We then ate and drank merrily, filling our bellies to the fullest. Although I admit, I felt a bit superior due to my richly-deserved abs! Yes! A few years ago, I almost died because of cardiovascular issues, but I am fine now after consistent hard work on my physical health.


    As we engrossed ourselves in alcohol and high-cholesterol foods, the table grew louder. I kept myself quiet and reserved the whole time, but it was getting really uncomfortable. Especially with the gazes we are receiving from both the diners and servers.


    At one corner, I saw our green-eyed server muttering something to her co-worker. I realized that it was the manager since he wore something different from the servers. The man then made his way to us in confident strides.


    He made direct eye contact with me, and when he did reach us, he extended his hand toward me. He practically ignored my companions and addressed me directly.


    "Sir Eth(Short of Ethan), I appreciate you being a regular to this bar, but your," he eyed my buddies,"...companions, are getting quite a bit rowdy. I apologize, but we will have to refuse to serve you." He apologetically smiled.


    Closing my eyes, I let out the sigh that I had been holding back, "I understand," I didn''t bother saying anything to the guys with me. I stood up and made my way out of the restaurant without looking back.


    There was a tight strain in my chest but I ignored it.


    In my pocket, my phone vibrated. I took it out, and a smile emerged on my face as I read the name.


    "Ma, how are ya~?" I felt warmth bloom in me. I am sure it wasn''t from the alcohol.

 Guilt

    I woke up with a slight headache. Possibly because of drinking last night--or from dealing with those plebians. And yes, I did pay for everything!


    Getting up from my bed, I took my phone with me to eat. I decided to book a flight to Serbia while I ate breakfast. I am not too sure why I chose Serbia of all places. It''s just a place I haven''t been.


    Before I could hit ''Book flight,'' a call rang on my phone. It''s my secretary.


    I answered.


    "Heya."


    "Good evening, sir. I know you might have a reason for skipping work today, but I urgently need you here in the office."


    "Evening? It''s not--" I realized that the 7:30 on my clock wasn''t 7:30 am. It was PM


    "Sir? Sir Eth, we need you at the office right now, someone came here and it seems to be urgent." Her usual monotonous voice contained a slight discomfort.


    "Got it, I''ll be there."


    I hurried to change into something decent. I opted for a gray polo and black slacks. Walking to my garage, I started my car using my key.


    Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    I drove a Maserati, zooming as fast as I could to my office.


    A tall building soon stood out from the rest of the infrastructure around the city. It was surrounded by a wide park where I could see some of my employees on a walk.


    It was still quite bright, a golden-hour sunset.


    I was greeted as soon as I stepped out of my car. Simply waving to some of them, I rushed, not pausing in my steps. If that secretary has even a little bit of discomfort in her voice, I''m sure she has something very important to discuss.


    Ding!


    The elevator opened, and I saw a girl immediately rush out. I couldn''t make out of her face, but she seemed familiar. I also didn''t pry since I''m in a rush.


    It did not take long for me to arrive at my office, and I spotted my secretary on the couch. There were two teas on the table, both still hot and untouched.


    "What was the emergency?" I asked, not bothering with formalities.


    My stoic secretary looked at me. She seemed visibly upset at me, "You''re late, she just left."


    "Who did?" I was puzzled.


    "A woman came here asking for you," To my surprise, she let out a sigh.


    Almost immediately, I felt tense, "It''s not one of my exes, is it?" Oh God, please no!


    She frowned at me, "No--"


    "Thank God!"


    "Will you please listen for a moment!?" She snapped...my secretary snapped.


    ''No freakin'' way!'' I was astonished at her outburst but decided to shut my mouth up and listen. It seemed very important.


    She pauses for a moment, gathering her thoughts.


    "The woman that came here was a server at a famous bar restaurant. The one you frequent to," She looked me in the eye, "The one where you brought your friends to."


    As she gazed at me, I couldn''t help but feel my heart drop to my stomach.


    "The one where she was molested by a group of guys you brought there."


    She dropped the bomb.

 A Vacation

    Chapter 4


    ¡®What?¡¯ This can¡¯t be real. No way! I don¡¯t do such stuff!


    I pleaded for answers, my gaze deep in her eyes, ¡°That can¡¯t be real, right?¡± I saw her lips shuffle into a slight frown, her eyes full of empathy. No.


    She broke eye contact and looked at her phone, ¡°The incident was recorded.¡± And yet again, my heart dropped, making my stomach churn, ¡°It was uploaded online with her face visible for everyone to enjoy.¡± She sounded mad, an oddity in her personality, but anyone would be; I am too


    I fell on my bottom, and I felt a slight sting when I realized that I had not fallen on the couch. It was then that she asked.


    ¡°Would you like to see the video?¡±


    I vigorously shook my head, not wanting any more of this feeling. I am wretched, my stomach couldn¡¯t take any more of it.


    Blergh


    After vomiting my guts out, I decided to get up and go to the restaurant we went to last night, hoping to catch that girl. It was then that I was struck with a realization. The girl, could it be the green-eyed woman?


    Thinking along that line only made me more eager to rush there.


    Hearing my shoes clack wildly, my employees started whispering to each other. I couldn¡¯t make up what they were talking about nor do I care. As I rushed, I felt my legs wobble.


    My head was throbbing as my vision blurred in a haze. I can¡¯t understand. Why am I having this kind of reaction? Am I sick?


    I realized, ¡°I can¡¯t drive like this,¡± I spotted the closest person next to me and threw my car keys to them, ¡°You, drive me to Richin¡¯s bar,¡± I stumbled, using the person as a cane.


    The person seemed flustered. I hope he¡¯s one of my employees, otherwise it¡¯d be awkward.


    They hurriedly obliged, to my delight, and we got into the car and sped through traffic. They are a good driver. I couldn¡¯t make out the details, but we overtook cars by cars, and in mere minutes, we arrived.


    This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    I rushed out the door, still nauseous and wobbly, like I was still drunk from last night. A chime rang when I aggressively pushed the door, garnering stares in my direction.


    ¡°Manager!¡± I demanded, my hands shaking, cheeks crusted with vomit. I looked crazy.


    Someone rushed to me, a familiar silhouette, ¡°Sir Eth? What brings you here?¡± He stayed professional, but the tone in his voice couldn¡¯t be hidden from me. He was baffled, skeptical almost.


    ¡°What happened?¡± I barely wheezed out, and my voice cracked, ¡°What did I do?¡±


    He pulled me, and I let him. I did not register the way we came from or we came to. When I came to my senses, I realized I was in his office, ¡°What trouble did I cause?¡± My voice echoed empty.


    He shook his head with a pained expression, ¡°It¡¯s not you, Eth, I know you¡ª¡°


    Slam


    My first throbbed in numbness, ¡°Yes, you know me, Dave! You know well what I have done! And this is no different!¡± Even to myself, I sounded pathetic, bringing up old traumas.


    ¡°Eth, calm down! It wasn¡¯t you who did it! And just for fuck¡¯s sake, listen to me!¡± Veins were visible on his forehead. And I realized, he¡¯s probably dealing with guilt as well.


    I appreciated him deep down, but I ignored what he was saying, ¡°Where is she now?¡± I asked and he flinched.


    He leans back on his chair, ¡°I cannot tell you that,¡± Crossing his arms, he averted his gaze, looking out the dark sky outside.


    ¡°Ah,¡± So he does think I¡¯m partly responsible. A spark lit up in my head. It reminded me, ¡°By any chance, was it the green-eyed girl?¡± I was hoping it wasn¡¯t. For some reason, I was fond of that person.


    She brings a smile to my face whenever I come here. I wouldn¡¯t deny that she¡¯s one of the biggest reasons that this came to be my favorite bar.


    ¡°Yes. It was her.¡±


    At this point, I was numb. I didn¡¯t register this as reality. I deny it.


    Getting up from the chair, I waved him goodbye, ¡°I¡¯ll get going, I¡­I have a vacation to go to.¡± Yes, that¡¯s right, vacation. My previous giddiness and excitement were quenched, but I have decided, I will go to that place.


    ¡°Let me drive you,¡± He offered but I politely declined.


    ¡°I brought a driver with me,¡± I didn¡¯t look back and just walked out of the office. I was pretty calm when I walked out, though my feet were still heavy. I wasn¡¯t sure if it was the numbness or the hard slap of reality that woke me up from my panic attack.


    When I got out of the office, I noticed gazes on me. Familiar servers, regulars that I frequently chat with, and most of all¡­an employee of mine. He wore a wrinkly button-up with a clumsily tied necktie. Looking down, wrinkly slacks, and unpolished black shoes.


    I pointed at him, ¡°You, aren¡¯t you the newly hired receptionist?¡± I beckoned him as I walked back to the car. The door chimed again as we walked out.


    ¡°Yes, sir, my name is Adam,¡± He was very polite and didn¡¯t seem too curious about what happened.


    I got into the passenger seat of the Maserati, he took on quickly. He drove me as I pointed in a random direction. It wasn¡¯t exactly random since it was the way to the airport. Deciding not to worry about anything, I made up my mind.


    My voice became a bit more like a human¡¯s, ¡°Okay, Adam, we¡¯re going on a vacation.¡±


    ¡°Sir?¡± I smiled at his confused voice.


    ¡°A vacation.¡±

 Human Luggage

    Chapter 5


    ¡°Sir! You can¡¯t just take me as luggage like that!¡± He said as if he found it ludicrous. Well, it is quite such. Nonetheless, he drove while complaining, ¡°I gotta feed my kids! And My wife! She¡¯s pregnant!¡±


    This piqued my interest, ¡°You have a family?¡± He seems young, about twenty-three or so.


    He glanced at me before redirecting his eyes to the road, ¡°Uh, yes, I have a family of two kids, including one on the way.¡± I marveled at his expression, he looked elated.


    ¡°Is that so?¡± Good for him.


    Taking my phone, I made a quick call to the airport. Now, we shouldn¡¯t have any problems.  The only thing I must do is convince this guy.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about your family. We¡¯re going on a business trip, I¡¯ll pay you handsomely and will make sure your family is well-taken care of.¡± I said as I browsed places on my phone. Then I remembered where I wanted to go in the first place. ¡®It¡¯s decided.¡¯


    Though his expression brightened, he still seemed skeptical.


    I let out a sigh, ¡°You don¡¯t have to go. You can take this car and go home if you¡¯d like,¡± At that, I saw a very subtle shift in his expression.


    He paused for a second before asking, ¡°Sir, if I may ask¡­?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    He hesitated, opening and closing his mouth, ¡°What happened at the bar?¡±


    Feeling a tug in my chest, I looked forward on the road instead, ¡°Do you wanna know?¡± Though I don¡¯t want to open up to anyone or anything else, I guess he seemed trustworthy enough. He seemed oddly kind, I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve met anyone like this guy before.


    An awkward chuckle came out of his lips while he scratched his bushy hair, ¡°W-well, if it helps, I¡¯ll listen.¡±


    ¡®Odd,¡¯ I thought, but decided to go along with it, ¡°I destroyed someone¡¯s life,¡± My voice sounded more flat than I had anticipated.


    ¡°¡­¡±


    He didn¡¯t say anything, so I continued, ¡°A server there was molested¡ªscandalized? Gang raped? Whatever they did, I caused all that.¡±


    His complexion looked slightly paler but composed, ¡°What exactly did you do?¡±


    This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    I thought for a second, ¡°I befriended the people who did it, I brought them there,¡± As I looked out the window, I felt like a child confessing to their father.


    After a short pause, he asked another question, ¡°Are you sure my family would be safe if I go with you?¡±


    I answered, ¡°Of course, who do you take me for?¡±


    He nodded silently, and the atmosphere lingered. I was unsure if I should speak.


    Breaking the silence, he handed me his phone, ¡°I¡¯ve got a really good playlist on there, I recommend them,¡± In my peripheral, I saw him give a soft smile but I pretended not to see. I don¡¯t respond well with kindness.


    I humored him and played his song playlist. Connecting the phone to my car stereo and turning the volume up a bit, I hit play.


    It felt like my ear got hit by a wrecking ball¡­I mean, that¡¯s the exact song that played. I underestimated how loud my speakers could get as the whole car vibrated.


    We both yelped in surprise, mine coming out more high-pitched, ¡°What the heck was that?!¡± I asked, ¡°That¡¯s your playlist?!¡±


    ¡°Yes! Why¡¯d you play it so loud?!¡± He swerved on the freeway for a moment.


    ¡°Because I do!¡± This bumass doesn¡¯t understand. When you have a nice car, you play loud music, that¡¯s just how it is!


    ¡°Dumbass, my ear is ringing because of you,¡± He scratched his ear in clear irritation. I don¡¯t think he¡¯s lying since mine is too.


    Thinking for a moment, I almost let that slide, ¡°Did you just call me a dumbass? I¡¯m literally your goddamn boss!¡± I turned to him with a puzzled mind.


    ¡°Well, my bad I got a short fuse, boss. It¡¯s not like I didn¡¯t get kidnapped and used as a chauffeur and now possibly as emotional support luggage!¡± He complained, but through this, he didn¡¯t seem to take it seriously, ¡°it was embarrassing, you know?¡±


    I scoffed, ¡°Whatever, you got a trash playlist, anyway.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s my wife¡¯s playlist, play the other one,¡± He said with a slightly mocking tone.


    The only other playlist there was titled ¡®Hopeless Romantic.¡¯ I decided to play it despite it being a list of cheesy songs.


    ¡°That¡¯s the one,¡± He said with a satisfied groan.


    We enjoyed the music on our drive to the airport, making the time go by quickly. We arrived shortly after. And as soon as we arrived, we were greeted by staff who were prepared to take our luggage, but we had none.


    We were silently escorted to a private lounge. When we sat, I asked the guy again, ¡°Are you sure you wanna go?¡± Although I wanted company, I felt bad for just taking this dude away from his family.


    He looked me dead in the eye, ¡°With pay.¡±


    I rolled my eyes, ¡°That¡¯s what they all say.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s different. You¡¯re taking me away from my family.¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    After some time, we got a confirmation that the jet was now ready and we could go anytime. We were escorted again, and I couldn¡¯t help but chuckle at my human luggage marveling at the experience. I was once like that too.


    We were accommodated as we went up the plain and as we sat down. The plane itself wasn¡¯t as luxurious as usual. Just a plain white and beige interior with a few snacks and drinks here and there.


    ¡°Keep it dim,¡± I pointed around as I grabbed a bottle of liquor and poured myself a glass, ¡°What was your name again?¡± I asked the guy.


    ¡°Adam, sir,¡± He sounded more tense, possibly because of where he¡¯s at.


    ¡°Oh, right.¡± I took a sip, feeling the burn travel through my guts. It calmed the icy feeling on my chest.


    After calming myself more with alcohol, I began to think. It wasn¡¯t my fault that it happened and I knew that. But I still can¡¯t help but deny it; I can¡¯t help but blame myself for it.


    The amber liquid swirled within my glass as I thought of what I would do now.


    ¡°What do you think?¡± I asked Adam.


    He looked confused and I noticed that he was pouring himself a glass, ¡°Think of what, sir?¡± I¡¯m starting to like this guy.


    I chuckled, ¡°Of what to do.¡± I continued, downing my glass in one gulp.


    ¡°Uhh, nothing?¡± He said as he put his glass on his lips to sip, ¡°Blegh! So strong!¡± He grimaced as he almost spat the expensive bourbon.


    I felt a tug on my cheeks, ¡®This guy¡­¡¯