The First Day
Third Person POV
|In the city center|
"Malik, is there no news about your brother?" a middle-aged woman asked, looking at a framed picture.
"Mom, you know I keep looking for him. The latest news was he was in St. Jerome's Orphanage, but the whole place was closed down, and the files were burned by the director," Malik said, clenching his fist under the table.
"Then what about the woman you said you were going to pursue? Why haven't you done it yet? Your mother and I want grandkids soon; we aren't getting any younger," his father, a man in his 50s, said while crossing his arms and leaning back on the couch with a superior aura.
"I know, Dad. I'm already finding ways to pursue her, and I heard from my men she's staying in the penthouse across from ours," Malik said as he stood up.
"That polite kid from a while ago?" the woman said, looking at her husband.
"Yeah, I think so, but she has kids already," the man said as he looked at his son with raised eyebrows.
"Didn't you want grandkids?, there you go instant grandchildren." Malik shrugged, looking at the full moon that still had a tinge of red.
"Mom, Dad, I will do my best to look for my brother, but can you stay in the penthouse from now on and don't leave the apartment building?" Malik said, calling his secretary to arrange for his parents to be escorted to their penthouse.
Sitting back down, he called a few people, telling them the plan would begin. Production and businesses were to stop and start moving to the safe zones in the suburbs, specifically to the E. Apartment Complex.
---
|In the E. Apartments Penthouse #3|
"Come on, kids, time for bed," Eunice called as she checked the time it was 8PM as she opened the door of the kids rooms making sure they're all asleep.
When she saw that everyone was asleep, she went to her bedroom and lay down and went to bed. Suddenly, around midnight a system notice popped up in front of her.
[SYSTEM UPDATE SUCCESSFULLY DONE]
[INTEGRATION OF SYSTEM TO HOST STARTING]
[20%]
[39%]
[52%]
[79%]
[80%]
[99%]
[SUCCESSFULLY INTEGRATED WITH SYSTEM]
[YOU MAY NOW CHECK THE SYSTEM UPDATE]
[CONGRATULATIONS FOR ACQUIRING A SAFE SHELTER]
[WARNING: Red Moon starting in 00:10:45:01]
"It has started," Eunice whispered, walking towards the window and looking at the red moon. and my system has come in the same way like in my past life so there must be other system user too.
The first 30 minutes of the red moon is helpful for the body, Eunice thought as she woke up the kids and the new couple.
"Let's sit by the balcony and watch the new red moon," Eunice called everyone. They entered Genie and Tom's room when they woke up, carrying Nathaniel out to the balcony.
[00:05:26:19]
When Eunice looked at the balcony next to theirs, which was now also filling up, she saw Malik standing with the middle-aged couple and two elderly people. Malik smiled and waved before raising a hand towards the nearby buildings as people came out onto their balconies. Watching the red moon, Eunice looked at Malik suspiciously before looking back at the children.
[NEW WORLD RISING STARTED]
[00:29:54:17]
[SYSTEM STARTED ABSORBING RED MOON RAYS]
"Sissy, why do I feel tingly?" Dahlia asked while looking at the red moon.
"Me too," Fiona said as she closed her eyes, opening her arms. Eunice saw a red aura surrounding her.
"Noona, Nat!" Thomas called out to Eunice as Nathaniel also glowed red.
"Close your eyes and absorb the energy," Eunice instructed. They all closed their eyes together. After absorbing the energy, their balcony started glowing with a red aura, visible only to ability users.
On the other side of the balcony, Malik heard her and signaled for everyone in his group to close their eyes and meditate while standing. While they were on the balcony absorbing the energy of the red moon, a few people scattered all over the world were also doing the same. While other curious people also watched the red moon, they were blessed by the energy, which hastened the acquisition of their special ability. On the other hand, those who had already gained special powers had them enhanced tenfold.
[WARNING: RED MOON BLESSINGS ARE FINISHED]
[WARNING: RED MOON BLESSINGS ARE FINISHED]
[WARNING: RED MOON BLESSINGS ARE FINISHED]
"Everyone, let's head in and close all the windows and put down the metal roller shutters on the windows," Eunice announced as she ushered the kids inside. She nodded at Malik as the roller shutters rumbled down and she closed the balcony door.
"Yes. I'll turn on the central air conditioning system," Max volunteered as he ran towards the living room.
"Put it on turbo at the lowest temperature," Eunice called, instructing the kids to turn on the air conditioning system in their rooms as she helped with Thomas's room.
They turned on the air conditioning systems: floor-mounted, portable, and split type. Genie turned on the humidifiers, air purifiers, and fans to hasten the cooling of the whole house. The rest of the building was doing the same, especially Malik's people and other people all over the world who are knowledgeable.
---
Eunice POV
When the room was sufficiently cool, I set the centralized air conditioner to cool and called out to everyone to do the same in their individual rooms. I also reminded them to ensure all doors and windows were sealed before going to sleep.
"Good night everyone," I called out as I entered my room.
"Good night, Sissy," the kids replied.
"Good night, Noona/Unnie, sweet dreams," the newlyweds said as they retreated to their room.
---
I finally got some much-needed sleep; the back and forth between the city and here had been exhausting. The next few days were a bliss. The entire apartment building was buzzing in the group chat, complaining about how hot it was in their units. My kids had been diligently studying with Thomas and Genie while I cared for their child, Nathaniel, who had a fever. I had enrolled the seven children in a homeschooling program with provided activities, while the two college students continued with their university courses online.
"Ding-dong, ding-dong, ding-dong."
"Noona, I'll get the door," Thomas volunteered, and I nodded.
"Alright then," I said, letting Nathaniel sleep in my arms.
"Noona, he's looking for you," I heard Thomas call from the doorway.
"Alright, coming. Go finish your class," I called back, passing Nathaniel to him.
"Oh, Mr. Enoch," I said, stepping outside and closing the door behind me.
"Yes, I just knocked to ask about the plan to change the fire exit door to something sturdier. I wanted to see if you agree," Malik said, gesturing towards the door being removed.
"You've already removed it, so what's there to agree on?" I asked. "No problem for me, but what about that?" I added, pointing to the connecting enclosed bridge to Buildings B and C.
"Oh, I've already blocked the door to Building C, and the doors in Building B are for my workers. They've already changed the doors on their end. Don't worry, we won't disturb you and your family," Malik explained.
"Alright then, I'll head back in. I still have to prepare food for my family. Just knock or ring our doorbell if things don't go well with people," I said, opening the door.
"I will remember that. Please take care, Ohh and before I forgot about something there will be a lot of noises on the rooftop. Don't mind the loud noises and we will compensate for the disturbance." Malik said, and I simply nodded and closed the door.
---
Third Person POV
Flashback
(Day of Rebirth)
On the day of Eunice's rebirth, a week after she woke up, the news of her being expelled by the Fox family was broadcasted. Mr.. Fox was interviewed, during which he stated that Eunice left voluntarily and was rebelling against the family. He told the world that Eunice was no longer connected to the Fox family and should not be treated as one of them, implying that her departure was meant to serve as a lesson.
Meanwhile, Eunice's picture appeared on the screen, watched by several people—some of whom were preparing to leave their own countries.
| In country I |
"Hey, why are you moving so slowly?" a tall, masculine Italian man with hazel brown eyes scolded his team, his voice firm but tinged with impatience.
The short Italian man with round glasses nodded respectfully, handing a folder to the taller man. "Boss, the person you were looking for is in Country A."
The tall man sighed slightly, adjusting his posture as he turned away. "Alright. I'll head to my office for now. Can you send me the latest update on that?" he asked, his tone calm but commanding.
Without waiting for a reply, he strode toward his office, his polished shoes clicking softly against the floor. As he approached the door, he paused briefly, gazing out through the expansive window that offered a panoramic view of the darkening skies—the city below bathed in the amber glow of sunset, shadows lengthening as night approached.
Inside his office, he settled into a leather chair behind a large desk, the room dimly lit by a desk lamp. Picking up his phone, he dialed a number and spoke in a low, composed voice. "Proceed with selling all of my assets. Use the proceeds to purchase supplies. Make it quick." His words were precise, leaving no room for misunderstanding.
As he listened to the response on the other end, he leaned back slightly, a hint of a plan already forming in his mind. Outside, the city continued its quiet hum, unaware of the secret transactions unfolding within those walls.
--
|In another country SK|
"Brother, why are you selling all your assets all of a sudden?" the skinny manager asked, walking closely beside the tall, artistically dressed Korean man, worry evident in his voice.
The artist, a tall, pale-skinned, handsome man with striking features, brushed his hair back and looked ahead with calm determination. "I'm leaving the country, and I need enough money to start a new life," he replied, his tone steady and resolute.
His manager hesitated, voice trembling slightly. "Brother, can you at least think about it first? Maybe reconsider—"
But the artist cut him off gently, a faint smile touching his lips. "No. I've already made up my mind. I'm sure about this decision."
They reached a sleek hall designated for interviews. As the artist stepped inside, he took a deep breath, straightened his posture, and prepared himself for the final act of his entertainment career. His manager looked on anxiously, then quietly followed him in.
Inside the hall, the bright lights and flashing cameras greeted him. Questions flooded in from reporters, their voices overlapping as they chased after him. The camera flashes were blinding, momentarily obscuring his vision. Despite the chaos, the artist maintained his composure, locking eyes with the camera as he answered a few final questions with a steady voice.
When the interview concluded, he stood up gracefully, giving a final bow of farewell to the audience and cameras. Without hesitation, he turned and exited the hall, leaving behind the world he had known.
Outside, he moved purposefully, beginning to purchase various products—luxury items, essentials, and supplies—while carefully examining information on his device. His face was calm but focused, each action deliberate as he prepared for the next chapter of his life, determined to start anew far away from the spotlight he was leaving behind.
---
|In country F|
"I've already sold all my assets, and I won't be receiving any more orders," the short French man with curly hair announced calmly, his eyes fixed on his sister. His tone was composed, but beneath it, a hint of resolve lurked.
His sister, a tall, striking teenage girl with a prominent nose and long, fluttering lashes—an unmistakable mirror of her brother—looked at him with concern etched across her face. "Brother, as your sister, I just worry about the losses you'll face," she said softly, her voice trembling slightly as she clasped her hands together.
He offered her a reassuring smile, though his eyes remained distant. "Don't worry. This will be worth it. Have you already booked the flight?" he asked, glancing up from his sketchpad, where he had been quietly sketching plans or perhaps maps.
"Yes. Are you sure you want to look for that person?" she pressed, falling into step behind him as they moved through the quiet house.
He paused for a moment, then nodded decisively. "Mhm. Make sure to bring only what's important—nothing else. Just sell the rest." His tone was firm, practical. "I've already contacted my connections and bought some supplies, so go prepare to leave."
His sister nodded silently, understanding the gravity of his decision. She turned and headed out, leaving him alone.
In the solitude of his study, he closed the door behind her and moved to a sturdy safe tucked into the corner of the room. Kneeling down, he carefully entered the combination and opened it. Inside, he retrieved a stack of documents—perhaps identification papers, plans, or important intel—and gently placed them into a small bag. With deliberate movements, he packed the essentials, double-checking that everything was accounted for.
After securing the bag, he rose slowly, walking toward his bedroom. There, he inspected a small travel bag laid out on the bed, making sure all necessary items—clothes, essentials, perhaps a few personal mementos—were packed neatly. Satisfied, he zipped it shut and checked the contents one last time.
With everything in order, he took a deep breath, his face a mixture of determination and quiet anticipation. He moved toward the door, opened it gently, and stepped out into the quiet house—ready to begin the next chapter of his life, guided by a purpose only he truly understood.
---
That day, the airport was bustling with activity—men and women hurriedly moving through the terminals, their faces a blend of purpose and impatience. Among the crowd, a group of men gathered near a television screen, their eyes fixed on the latest breaking news.
On the screen, a somber voice announced, "In breaking news, Isabella Maurice-Fox, the eldest daughter of renowned tycoon Krizelda Maurice-Fox, has been officially banished from her family estate amid serious allegations." Images of Isabella appeared briefly—her poised face, now marked with a hint of defiance and despair.
Beside her stood two children, both from the same mother, their expressions tense and uncertain. Their father, Krizelda's current husband, sat across from a journalist in an interview room, his face grim as he addressed the controversy.
"Why has Isabella been banished?" the interviewer pressed.
The father, a man with a commanding presence, leaned forward, his voice controlled but firm. "There have been serious accusations against Isabella—embezzling shares from the family business, taking undue credit for work done by her step-brother, and attempting to defame him to tarnish his reputation. These actions have left us no choice but to distance ourselves for the sake of the family's reputation. This will also be her temporary lesson for rebelling and betraying the family after years of being together hopefully she will learn her lesson."
The camera cut to Isabella, her eyes flashing with a mixture of anger and sadness, as she listened to her father's words. The two children looked away, their small faces betraying concern.
Meanwhile, in a quieter corner of the terminal, a different set of men observed the scene. Though they came from different backgrounds and carried different airs—some stern, others calculating—they shared a common thought: she needs to be protected, guided, and raised to the top—no matter what.
One of the men, a seasoned strategist, whispered to his companion, "She's got fire. We just need to channel it, give her the right support, and she'll rise above this."
Another nodded, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "Exactly. She's capable. We'll make sure she's taken care of. We'll raise her up, and she'll be unstoppable."
Their unified resolve was silent but resolute. Despite their differences, their purpose was clear: Isabella Maurice-Fox, though cast out now, was destined for greatness. They would ensure she survived the storm, and in time, she would emerge stronger—perhaps even leading her family and their empire.
As the news continued to play on the screens, the men dispersed into the crowd, each carrying their own plans but bound by the same unwavering belief: her future was still unwritten, and they would be the ones to help her shape it.
---
Present
Currently, Eunice and her family had already finished their daily tasks. On the first day of the extreme weather change, Nathaniel, Eros, Max, Veronica, and Genie developed fevers and were already in their rooms asleep. While the kids and Genie rested, the rest of the healthy family members began helping each other in the kitchen. Thomas, Fiona, and Dahlia were responsible for cutting, peeling, and washing fruits, vegetables, and meat. Eunice took charge of cooking and packing the food into containers and jars.
DING-DONG... DING-DONG...
DING-DONG... DING-DONG...
The two adults and two kids looked up and then turned toward the door as Eunice washed her hands.
"Tom, watch the pan for me," Eunice said as she started walking toward the door. She opened the monitor and saw a man standing outside.
The man was tall—around 6'7"—with short, wavy ash-brown hair, sharp eyebrows, hazel-brown eyes, a chiseled jaw, and high cheekbones. He was the epitome of a demigod face, wearing a black dry-fit top that outlined his muscular build. His gaze was intense, looking down at Eunice, with tattoos visible on his body, and features that seemed beast-like, ready to devour anything in his way.
"Good morning. My name is Geovanni Lucchese, and I am staying in Room A-2003, just down the hall," he said, smiling and offering his hand in a handshake.
"I moved in a few days ago, but I've been busy cleaning and arranging my things. Just wanted to say hi, and if you need any help, just knock."
"Oh, I see. Eunice Maurice. Nice to meet you, too. I'll keep that in mind, but I'm quite busy at the moment," Eunice replied, shaking his hand reluctantly.
"Okay, no problem. Just wanted to invite my neighbors to a nice dinner," Geovanni said with a smile as he headed toward his unit, bidding goodbye.
"Maybe next time, I still have to finish some dinner preparations," I said, going back into the house as I heard Eros crying from their bedroom.
"Excuse me, but I have to go back in," I added, locking the door quickly and rushing inside, just as loud whirring noises passed over the roof every hour or two.
"Wah! Wah! Wah!"—a chorus of cries from the kids came one after the other, probably startled by the helicopters landing on the rooftop.
"Omo, omo! Noona, let me help! I'll turn off the stove," Thomas exclaimed, rushing toward the bedroom where we had placed Genie and the sick kids.
"I am here, come on, come here. Don't be scared," I soothed Eros and Veronica, who were crying in Max's arms. I gently took them into my own arms, rubbing their backs to comfort them.
"What was that, unnie?" Genie asked, sitting up to pat Nathaniel's back and hush him from crying loudly.
"It must be the neighbor's family coming over. It's fine, it'll go away in a little while. Alright? I'll go close the windows soon—sorry, it might have scared you all," I reassured the children while soothing the three kids in my arms. Fiona and Dahlia then entered, carrying a tray of cold milk for the kids and Genie.
"Thank you, babies," Genie said, accepting a glass of milk while Max helped Dahlia set the glasses on the tray.
"I'll go check what's happening outside. You all go close the windows to keep the noise out," I instructed, then picked up Eros, carrying him with me to wash him down. He's already healed and out of the feverish state, so I wanted to ensure he was clean and comfortable.
Eunice was about to go outside when Malik came out of his unit, accompanied by a few men—a French guy, a Korean, an African, and a tall blonde. They all looked toward Eunice as Malik called out to her while walking over.
"Eunice! Hi, just in time—we were about to knock on your door tell you something." Malik said with a gentle smile.
"I also have something to tell you. Why don't you come in, and we can talk about it?" I said, opening the door as they arrived. I watched as they removed their shoes, spraying them with disinfectant, and then carefully emptied their pockets into the UV cabinet.
"This is pretty strict for just a talk," the short French guy commented, raising an eyebrow. I glanced at him and the others before guiding them into the bathroom so they could wash their hands.