Jackim_Ochieng

Elias Stone, an 18-year-old student from a humble background, is constantly mocked, abandoned, and heartbroken due to his poverty. Living in a world where beauty, status, and wealth dominate, he endures pain and betrayal from those closest to him. His life takes a sudden turn when he stumbles upon a mysterious watch that grants him tasks, each tied to a unique reward but also a hidden cost. As Elias navigates the treacherous waters of student life—full of parties, peer pressure, drugs, competition, lust, and heartache—he discovers a darker side to the world he inhabits. With every task, he gains power, but the price for his growing strength might just be his soul. In a world full of fake love, secret romances, and corruption, Elias must decide whether to use the power of the watch for revenge or redemption, all while facing the ultimate test: does true love exist, or is it just another illusion in a world built on deception?

THE WATCH

The air near the VIP section was thicker — perfumed, smoky, and heavy with money and unspoken threats. Two guards stood flanking the rope entrance, both built like small tanks. Elias approached with an easy swagger he didn't fully feel but had learned to fake.

"Evening, gentlemen," he said, flashing the kind of smile that came from a newly granted Charm Upgrade courtesy of the Watch.

One of the guards, a thick-necked man with a crooked nose, raised a skeptical brow.

Profession: Private Security/Enforcer

Attitude: Suspicious, aggressive, loyal to the highest bidder

Flaws: Poor at reading subtlety, too eager for violence

Physical Appearance: Tanned, rugged face, closely cropped brown hair, dark brown eyes, a broken nose

The second guard, leaner and more calculating, spoke up.

Profession: Information Broker / Double Agent

Attitude: Smooth talker, opportunistic

Physical Appearance: Light brown skin, slicked-back dark hair, sly smile, expensive but slightly wrinkled suit

"Invitation?" Slick drawled lazily.

Elias leaned in conspiratorially. "You know Mr. Vance doesn't like making a scene," he said smoothly, dropping a fictional name that sounded important. "He's expecting me."

Marco looked ready to deny him outright, but Slick tilted his head thoughtfully.

"And what's your business with Mr. Vance?" he asked, probing.

Elias dropped his voice lower. "I'm the delivery. The one they don't want discussed here."

He tapped his jacket lightly, suggesting the presence of something valuable without actually showing anything. Bluffing, of course — all he had in there was a half-used pack of gum and a pen.

Marco still looked unconvinced, but Slick's greed won out. He nudged Marco aside and unclipped the velvet rope.

"Quickly," he muttered. "If this comes back on us, it's your head, not mine."

Elias gave them a polite nod and stepped inside.

The atmosphere changed immediately. Lower lights, plush red velvet couches, and conversations dipped into hushed, dangerous tones. In the center sat a man who could only be Mr. Vance — a balding figure with a cruel mouth and sharp, watchful eyes.

And beside him, on a glass table, was a sleek black dossier.

But as Elias approached, he realized things were about to get much, much more complicated.

Lena spotted Naomi Liu closing in on Elias, her expression cool and unreadable. Jade Rivera followed a step behind, fingers dancing lightly at her hip where a small concealed weapon glinted.

Lena cursed under her breath. This was no longer just about grabbing information — it was turning into a full-blown hunt.

Without hesitation, Lena abandoned her drink, weaving through the crowd.

As Elias reached for the dossier, his Watch buzzed again — but this time, it wasn't a task.

> System Warning: "Betrayal Incoming. Prepare to defend or escape."

In an instant, the fake glitz of the club shattered. Vance's eyes narrowed. Naomi's hand went to her concealed blade. Jade whispered into a comm hidden behind her ear.

Real life had taught Elias to expect betrayal. But the Watch had made sure he was ready for it.

Chapter 52: The Price of Secrets