Simulated Love (2024)

Chapter 5

Elijah

After a long day at work and dealing with annoying people like Chase, I liked to go home to relax.

My idea of a perfect night was kicking back in my cozy chair with the glow of the candlelight lighting up the room. With a wine glass in one hand and my novel in my other titled, "Lucky Lonely." The pages rustled with every turn. 

There was a knock at my door which killed the whole mood. 

Slipping my feet into my fluffy bunny slippers, I made my way towards the door, wondering who the hell could be at my door that late at night.

It was my dad.

As he entered, his footsteps echoed softly on the floor. "Hey, son," he greeted me. The bag he held swished in his hand. "Go ahead and return this," he said as he returned my gift.

The one for my momma's birthday. I took it, feeling the weight of my heavy heart. "She really didn't want the gift, huh?"

"I'm sorry."

I shrugged. "Her loss."

My dad's curiosity got the best of him as he stepped further into my apartment. "It's nice," he said, his eyes taking in everything that surrounded him. It was his first time at my new place. 

He took in my soft couches, the thoughtfully placed paintings, the black and gold decor, and the beautiful view I had of the city with awe. "This is nice place."

"Thanks," I said. It was rare to hear praise like that.

"You weren't lying when you said you got a nice raise."

"Was that all you came here for?"

He sighed. "Yeah, but I want you to know that your momma means well. Just think, would you take an expensive gift from her if you knew she needed the money?"

"I don't, though. Do you see this place? You see where I stay now. Maybe if you guys actually cared about supporting me and my career, you would've known that I'm more than well off now."

He sighed before a small smile appeared on his face. "I can see that," he admitted. "You're working on a game now, huh?" 

I couldn't help but smile. "How did you know?"

 "I had seen something about it when I was looking you up."

He chuckled, the sound filling the room. "You and romance are gonna be an interesting duo."

Again, if my parents actually paid attention to anything that I had done, he would've known that romance was once a strong suit of mine. Not wanting to kill the mood, I laughed with him. "You don't think I can do it?"

He raised his hands in surrender, laughter still in his eyes. "I didn't say that. Just thinking about someone as cold as you making a romance game is a funny thought. I'm sorry if that's inappropriate."

I chuckled, joining in on his laughter. "It's not. You're fine." The room fell silent for a moment, and I could feel his gaze on me. It was as if he was truly seeing me for me and not just his struggling son. He saw my success, my popularity, my upcoming wealth, and my achievements.

"You keep doing what you're doing, son," he said, placing a hand on my shoulder. "Leave a positive impact on this world. I'll be watching for that game."

"I will."

"Goodnight, you hear?" he said, pulling his hood over his head.

I nodded, a lump forming in my throat. "Goodnight, dad."

~

The next morning started off well. I got a good sleep and had a nice breakfast. The snow had finally stopped falling. It almost felt like I was gonna have a good day until I got on my video call with Chase.