Chapter 6: Ashgrey

Chapter Six

The day after their regrettable night Zed, Khalil, and Lotus couldn't shake the uncomfortable feeling of the awkward conversation from the previous evening, Zed always the mastermind agreed to Lotus. He had a plan to turn the situation into something more—something they could control.

"I'm with your plan, Lotus" Zed said one morning, a sly grin forming on his face. "Let's show them what it really means to live like us. Make them feel it"

Lotus gives a small nod. "I think it's a good idea. We can remind them of the difference between our worlds. No need to keep being humble"

Khalil, still slightly recovering from his hangover, leaned back and smirked. "Classic Zed"

Zed laughed. "We'll invite them here. It'll be fun"

So, with an air of mischief, Zed extended the invitation to Lena, Jay, and Cris. They hadn't forgotten the awkward conversation from the previous night and the elite trio's plan was to flip it by showing the less fortunate a world they could never dream of. Zed, Lotus, and Khalil all agreed that the evening would be the perfect opportunity to flaunt their wealth and status.

When Lena, Jay, and Cris received the invitation they were initially hesitant. They'd never been to a mansion like the one Zed's family owned, let alone seen the world Zed, Khalil, and Lotus lived in but curiosity and the promise of an extravagant evening were enough to pull them in.

The moment Lena, Jay, and Cris arrived at the estate they were filled with wonder. When the imposing gates opened a long immaculate driveway leading to Zed's enormous family estate was seen. The home itself, with its opulent pillars and glistening glass windows reflecting the brilliant afternoon sun looked like it belonged in a luxury magazine. They felt as though they had entered a completely different world.

"Wow…" Lena muttered under her breath. Her eyes were wide as she took in the sight. "This place... is unreal"

Jay and Cris were just as dumbfounded. They had heard of the ultra-wealthy but nothing prepared them for the real thing. The staff at the gates greeted them and Zed, Khalil, and Lotus led them inside.

As soon as they stepped inside the grandiosity of the mansion took over. The floors were polished marble and the walls were lined with priceless works of art. Every piece of furniture looked like it belonged in a museum. The air smelled fresh and elegant and everything about the house seemed to glow with luxury.

"Welcome to my humble abode" Zed said with a smirk, his tone clearly enjoying their reactions. "Let me give you the full tour"

Lotus followed closely behind, his dark aesthetic blending into the opulent surroundings while Khalil added his easygoing charm to the mix. They moved from room to room letting the guests take it all in. Zed loved the attention, especially as Lena, Jay, and Cris gawked at the wealth around them.

They reached Zed's personal suite and the group was once again stunned. Zed's room was enormously larger than most people's apartments. The bed alone was a king-sized beauty adorned with dark silky linens but it was Zed's collection that truly drew their attention.

Zed walked over to a glass cabinet that showcased rows of high-end shoes. The shelves were stacked with everything from designer sneakers to polished dress shoes. There had to be dozens of pairs.

"These are my prized possessions" Zed said casually. "You can't find shoes like these anywhere"

Lena's eyes widened as she walked up to the cabinet, clearly impressed. "I... I didn't know anyone needed this many shoes"

Zed grinned. "You'd be surprised what you can find when you're not worrying about the small stuff"

They moved to the far corner of the room where Zed's personal collection of rare items was displayed. There were woodwind instruments of all shapes and sizes, each one more intricate than the last. Some of them were crafted from precious metals while others had gemstones embedded in them.

"These are special to me" Zed said, taking a flute in his hand. "Each one represents a different part of my life"

Lena was completely taken by the elegance and detail of each item. "I can't even imagine what it must cost to own all this"

"It's a lifestyle" Zed replied smoothly not missing a beat.

But the ultimate showstopper came when they made their way to the garage. Zed, Lotus, and Khalil knew what they were doing, they were putting on a show.

As the garage doors slowly opened the poor kids' jaws dropped. Inside gleaming under the soft lighting were several luxury vehicles. A matte black Rolls-Royce, a sleek silver Lamborghini, and a bright red Ferrari all parked side by side like prized trophies. The luxury and exclusivity of each car seemed to knock the breath out of them.

"Oh my God!" Jay exclaimed, stepping closer to the cars. "These are... these are real!"

"Of course" Zed said casually. "Do you think I'd collect replicas?" He walked over to the Lamborghini running a hand over the smooth bodywork. "These are just a few of my favorites. I've got others stored away"

Lena was speechless. She had heard about the ultra-rich owning luxury cars but seeing them in person was something else entirely. Cris was too stunned to speak just staring at the cars with wide eyes.

"Wait until you see the next part" Zed said with a mischievous grin. He led the group outside to the lawn, where three helicopters were parked.

Lena gasped. "H-helicopters?! You own helicopters?"

Zed's grin deepened. "Yeah. Why not? Saves me time getting around"

"I've never even seen one up close" Cris admitted, still in awe. "Let alone three"

Zed looked pleased with himself. "There's more where that came from but you'll have to experience it a little later"

Finally, after the grand tour they were seated at the dinner table a vast and elegantly set affair. The long dark wood table was covered with fine china and crystal glassware and the scent of the meal that had just been brought out was intoxicating.

Lobster tails, caviar, freshly baked bread, and prime cuts of beef filled the table. There were also elaborate desserts cakes, tarts, and intricate confections that were as much works of art as they were food.

Lena, Jay, and Cris ate in stunned silence at first, taking in the extravagant feast. The flavors were beyond anything they had ever experienced. Each bite was better than the last and the atmosphere felt surreal.

"This is... unreal" Lena said, her voice soft. "I've never had food like this"

Khalil chuckled from the other end of the table, twirling a glass of wine in his fingers. "It's nothing"

Lotus, seated next to Lena, leaned back in his chair. The less fortunate's faces are like kids given with candies.