Author's Note!
*Any resemblance to people, events and organization is not intentended but fully coincidental only.
IN the bustling city of Malberry, amidst towering skyscrapers and perpetually busy streets, lived Edward Garcia – a brilliant young man with dreams as lofty as the buildings he observed from his mansion window. From a young age, he was captivated by the world of business and economics. Every book, every article, every news piece about corporate growth was meticulously studied, analyzed, and drawn upon for inspiration. His sole ambition was to build his own business firm, an empire he would construct from the ground up, using his intellect and strategic acumen.
However, that dream was like a formidable wall erected by his own parents. For them, the Garcia family was renowned in the legal world. Don Ricardo Garcia, his father, was a respected lawyer and the owner of one of the country's most prominent law firms. To Don Ricardo, it would be a great shame and a betrayal of their heritage if Edward were to choose a different profession.
"Edward, you know the traditions of our family," Don Ricardo declared sternly one evening during dinner. His voice carried an unchallengeable authority. "You are the only son. You are destined to inherit the Garcia Law Firm. You must study law, become a licensed lawyer, and lead our empire."
Edward sat at the dining table, forcing down food that felt like sawdust in his throat. As much as he wanted to respond, it felt as though something was lodged in his windpipe. From childhood, he had been trained to obey his father's every command. Any deviation was met with punishment—sometimes physical, more often emotional.
"But, Dad... my passion is in business. I feel I would be happier there and could help you even more," Edward attempted to explain, his voice barely a whisper.
Don Ricardo's gaze lowered to him. "Happy? Edward, happiness is not a priority. The priority is preserving our name, our legacy. It would be an insult to our ancestors if you abandoned the law for these 'businesses' of yours."
His mother, Doña Sofia, remained silently by the side. Though her eyes held affection, she always chose to keep quiet and defer to her husband's wishes. Edward was accustomed to receiving no support from his mother in such situations.
The time for college arrived. Don Ricardo relentlessly pressured Edward to enroll in a prestigious law school. But this time, Edward could no longer remain silent. The dream he had held onto for so long was not something he could simply abandon.
"Dad, I'm sorry," Edward said seriously, standing before his father. "But I've already chosen Business Administration. I've been accepted at Malberry University."
The news exploded like a bomb in the Garcia household. The old anger returned to Don Ricardo's eyes, now intensified. "I don't understand why you're so stubborn, Edward! Are you not afraid of my wrath?!"
"No, Dad. I cannot sacrifice my dream. This is what I want," Edward replied, his voice firm for the first time.
"If that's the case," Don Ricardo stated coldly, his face flushed with rage, "if you choose this 'dream' of yours, do not expect any help from me. You are no longer part of the Garcia family. You have no Garcia name. You may leave my house and live as you wish. From this day forward, you will receive no inheritance, no financial support, and no connection to us. You are disowned, Edward. You are nothing."
Edward was stunned. Although he had anticipated his father's anger, he never imagined the words would cut so deeply. He looked at his mother, searching for any sign of support, but she averted her gaze.
That night, Edward walked out of the Garcia mansion carrying a small bag. He had no money, no plan, and nowhere to go. The former prodigy, with dreams as high as skyscrapers, was now just a humble young man without direction. All the security he had ever known suddenly vanished. The world of Malberry, once his home, had now become a cold and judgmental place. His family's rejection marked the beginning of his journey as "the unwanted toy."