The days continued to pass, each one a mixture of labor and derision. The jade bead remained a source of Confusion for me, its mysterious power aiding my recovery and providing strength. Despite the unending demands and the constant stream of insults, I found myself able to endure more than I had before. The bead breaking down and entering my body was disturbing however the benefits it had brought where welcome it was a reminder that there was something in this world that still held beauty and mystery.

One crisp autumn morning, I was tasked with cleaning the windows of my in-laws' villa. The air was cool and the sky a clear, piercing blue, a stark contrast to the gloom that permeated my life. As I gathered the cleaning supplies, Brenda's voice echoed in my mind, sharp and cruel.

"Make sure you get every spot," she had snapped, her eyes narrowing. "I don't want to see a single streak when you're done."

I set to work, moving from window to window, my body aching from the previous night's beating. As I scrubbed the glass, I could see my reflection, a shadow of the man I once was. My face was gaunt, my eyes hollow, and my body covered in bruises and scars. Yet, within me, the jade bead's energy pulsed, a quiet strength that kept me going.

Hours passed, and I finally finished the last window. My hands were raw and numb from the cold water, but the task was done. I put away the cleaning supplies and headed inside to inform Brenda. She barely acknowledged me, her eyes fixed on her phone.

"Good," she muttered. "Now go to the grocery store. We're out of milk and bread."

I nodded, grabbing my coat and heading out the door. The walk to the store was a welcome reprieve from the constant abuse. The fresh air filled my lungs, and for a brief moment, I felt almost free. The jade bead's warmth spread through me, easing the ache in my limbs.

The grocery store was bustling with activity, a stark contrast to the quiet of the villa. I moved through the aisles, collecting the items on Brenda's list. Milk, bread, eggs, vegetables – the mundane essentials of everyday life. As I made my way to the checkout, I couldn't shake the feeling that something was about to happen, a sense of anticipation that had been building all day.

I paid for the groceries and headed towards the exit, my mind wandering as I thought about the jade bead and its mysterious power. Suddenly, a voice called out to me, stopping me in my tracks.

"Lord David?"

I turned, my heart skipping a beat. An elderly man stood before me, his eyes wide with surprise and something else – hope? He was dressed in a neatly pressed suit, his posture impeccable despite his age. There was something familiar about him, though I couldn't quite place it.

"Lord David," he repeated, his voice trembling slightly. "It's truly you."

I stared at him, confusion and disbelief warring within me. "I'm sorry, but I think you have the wrong person."

The old man's eyes softened, and he took a step closer. "No, my lord. It's you. I would recognize you anywhere. I served your family for many years. Please, come back to us. Your family needs you."

My mind reeled. Family? Lord? None of this made any sense. "I don't know what you're talking about," I said, my voice shaking. "I don't have a family. I'm just... I'm just David."

The old man's face fell, but he reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a small black card. "Please, take this. It was left for you. There's ten million on it. Use it to find your way back."

I stared at the card, my hands trembling as I took it from him. The black surface gleamed in the fluorescent lights of the store, the numbers embossed in gold. My heart pounded in my chest, a mixture of fear and bewilderment washing over me.

"Who are you?" I asked, my voice barely a whisper.

"My name is Edward," the old man said, his voice filled with emotion. "I was your family's butler. Please, Lord David, remember who you are. Come back to us."

I shook my head, my thoughts a tangled mess. This couldn't be real. It had to be a mistake, a cruel joke. "I don't understand," I muttered. "I don't remember any of this."

Edward's eyes were filled with sadness, but he nodded. "I know it's confusing, my lord. But please, keep the card. Use it when you're ready. We will be waiting for you."

Without another word, he turned and walked away, leaving me standing in the middle of the grocery store, my mind spinning. I looked down at the black card in my hand, the weight of it both physical and metaphorical. Ten million. It was an unimaginable amount of money, more than I had ever seen in my life.

I slipped the card into my pocket, my fingers brushing against the jade bead. The warmth of the bead was a comforting presence, grounding me as I tried to make sense of what had just happened. Who was this Edward? And why did he call me Lord David? None of it made any sense.

As I walked back home, my mind raced with questions. Was it possible that I had a family out there, a life I didn't remember? Or was this all some elaborate hoax? The confusion and fear gnawed at me, but I pushed it aside. For now, I needed to focus on the task at hand. Brenda and Eleanor would be waiting for the groceries, and they wouldn't tolerate any delays.

When I reached the villa, Brenda was waiting for me, her face a mask of irritation. "What took you so long?" she snapped, grabbing the grocery bags from my hands.

"I'm sorry," I mumbled, my mind still reeling from the encounter with Edward. "I got held up."

Brenda scowled, her eyes narrowing. "Held up? By what? You're not paid to dilly-dally."

I bit back a retort, knowing it would only make things worse. "It won't happen again," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

"It better not," Brenda muttered, turning away. "Now get inside and start dinner. Eleanor will be home soon."

I nodded, my thoughts a whirlwind of confusion and fear. As I moved through the familiar motions of preparing dinner, the black card in my pocket felt like a burning weight, a constant reminder of the encounter that had turned my world upside down.

Eleanor arrived home shortly after, her presence filling the room with a cold, oppressive atmosphere. She barely glanced at me as she entered the kitchen, her eyes scanning the countertops for any signs of incompetence.

"Is dinner ready?" she asked, her voice sharp.

"Almost," I replied, my hands trembling as I set the table. "It will be ready in a few minutes."

Eleanor huffed, clearly dissatisfied, but she said nothing more. I finished preparing the meal and served it in silence, my mind still occupied with thoughts of Edward and the black card.

As we ate, Brenda and Eleanor's usual stream of insults washed over me, but I barely heard them. My thoughts were elsewhere, replaying the encounter at the grocery store over and over again. Who was Edward? And why did he think I was someone important? The questions gnawed at me, leaving me restless and uneasy.

After dinner, I cleaned up the kitchen, my movements mechanical and detached. The weight of the black card in my pocket seemed to grow heavier with each passing moment, a constant reminder of the mystery that had suddenly intruded into my life.

When the chores were finally done, I retreated to the basement, my sanctuary of solitude. I sat on the cold mattress, my fingers tracing the edges of the black card. The numbers embossed in gold seemed to shimmer in the dim light, a tangible symbol of the confusion and fear that gripped me.

I stared at the card, my mind a tangled mess of thoughts and emotions. Ten million dollars. It was an unimaginable amount of money, a fortune that could change my life in an instant. But the weight of the card was more than just its physical presence. It was a symbol of a past I couldn't remember, a life that seemed impossible.

Who was I? And why did Edward call me Lord David? The questions circled in my mind, relentless and unyielding. I wanted to believe that it was all some elaborate mistake, a cruel joke played by a stranger. But the sincerity in Edward's eyes, the emotion in his voice – it all felt too real.

As I lay on the cold mattress, the jade bead's warmth pulsing gently within me, I tried to make sense of it all. Could it be true? Could I really have a family out there, waiting for me to return? The thought was both terrifying and exhilarating, a glimmer of hope in the darkness of my life.

But the fear was still there, gnawing at me. What if it was all a lie? What if Edward was just some conman, preying on my desperation? The doubts and fears swirled in my mind, leaving me restless and uneasy.

The next morning, I woke with a sense of purpose. I needed answers, and the only way to get them was to confront Edward again. But first, I had to survive another day in the villa, enduring the unending stream of demands and insults from Brenda and Eleanor.

I went through the motions of my daily chores, my mind still preoccupied with thoughts of Edward and the black card. The jade bead's warmth was a constant presence, grounding me and providing strength as I navigated the treacherous landscape of my in-laws' villa.

As the day wore on, the anticipation grew. I finished my chores quickly, hoping to have a few minutes to myself to think and plan. However, fate had other plans.

As I was folding laundry in the living room, Brenda walked in unexpectedly. Her eyes immediately fixed on the small bulge in my pocket. "What's that?" she demanded, her voice suspicious.

I froze, my heart racing. "Nothing," I stammered, trying to hide the card from view.

"Don't lie to me," Brenda snapped, advancing towards me. Before I could react, she reached into my pocket and pulled out the black card. Her eyes widened as she examined it, the numbers embossed in gold catching the light.

"What is this?" she asked, her voice a mix of curiosity and contempt.

"It's just... something I found," I said weakly, my mind racing for an explanation.

Brenda's eyes narrowed as she turned the card over in her hands. "A black card with ten million on it? Who do you think you're fooling, David? Do you really expect us to believe that someone like you would have access to this kind of money?"

I shook my head, feeling a wave of panic wash over me. "I don't know how I got it. Someone gave it to me and said it was mine, but I don't understand any of it."

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

Brenda's expression turned mocking, a cruel smile spreading across her face. "Oh, of course. Someone just handed you a card with ten million dollars on it. Do you think we're idiots?"

She turned and called out to Eleanor, who was in the next room. "Eleanor, come here. You need to see this."

Eleanor walked in, her eyes flicking from Brenda to me with mild curiosity. "What is it now?"

Brenda held up the card. "Look at this. David here claims someone gave him a black card with ten million dollars on it. Can you believe that?"

Eleanor's eyes narrowed as she looked at the card, then at me. "Are you serious?" she asked, her voice dripping with disdain. "Do you really think you can fool us with this nonsense?"

I felt my cheeks flush with shame and frustration. "I'm not lying. An old man gave it to me at the grocery store. He said it was mine, but I don't know who he is or why he gave it to me."

Brenda and Eleanor exchanged a glance, then burst into laughter. "An old man gave you ten million dollars," Eleanor said, shaking her head. "That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard."

Brenda's laughter turned into a sneer. "You're pathetic, David. Always making up stories to try and make yourself seem important. You're nothing but a burden and a failure."

She held the card up and then, to my horror, began to tear it into pieces. "No more lies," she said, her voice cold. "You're not fooling anyone."

I watched in stunned silence as she ripped the card apart, the pieces fluttering to the ground like confetti. My heart sank, a sense of loss and confusion overwhelming me. The card had been my only link to Edward and the mystery of my past, and now it was gone.

Brenda threw the shredded remains of the card into the trash, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "There. Now get back to work, David. And don't ever try to pull a stunt like this again."

Eleanor shook her head, a look of disgust on her face. "I don't know why we even bother with you," she said, turning to leave. "You're a complete waste of space."

As they walked away, I stood there, numb with shock. The black card had been my only clue, my only connection to the enigmatic old man who called me Lord David. Now it was gone, destroyed by Brenda's cruelty and disdain.

I spent the rest of the day in a daze, my mind filled with unanswered questions and a deep sense of loss. The jade bead's warmth provided some comfort, but it couldn't erase the confusion and fear that gnawed at me.

That night, as I lay on the cold mattress in the basement, I couldn't stop thinking about Edward and the black card. Who was he? Why did he call me Lord David? And why did he give me that card? The questions swirled in my mind, relentless and unyielding.

I wanted to find Edward, to get answers to the questions that plagued me. But I had no idea where to start. I didn't know who he was or where to find him. All I had were the fragmented memories of our brief encounter in the grocery store.

As I lay there, staring at the ceiling, I made a silent vow. I would find Edward. I would uncover the truth about my past, no matter what it took. The jade bead's energy pulsed within me, a reminder of the strength and resilience I had gained.

But for now, I was trapped in the villa, at the mercy of Brenda and Eleanor's cruelty. The black card was gone, torn to pieces and thrown in the trash, but the mystery it represented still burned within me.

The days that followed were a blur of labor and derision, but I clung to the hope that I would find Edward and uncover the truth about my past. The jade bead's warmth was a constant source of strength, grounding me and providing solace in the midst of my suffering.

One evening, as I was cleaning the kitchen, Brenda walked in, her eyes narrowing as she saw me. "Still here, David?" she said, her voice dripping with contempt. "I thought you'd run off by now, chasing after your imaginary fortune."

I didn't respond, focusing on scrubbing the countertops. Brenda's laughter echoed through the room, a harsh reminder of my helplessness.

"You're pathetic," she continued, her voice cold. "Always dreaming of something better, but never willing to face the reality of your own worthlessness."

Eleanor entered the kitchen, her eyes flicking from Brenda to me with a look of disdain. "Is he still going on about that ridiculous card?" she asked, her voice sharp.

Brenda nodded. "He claims someone gave it to him at the grocery store. An old man, no less. It's laughable."

Eleanor shook her head, her expression one of disgust. "He's delusional. Just another way for him to escape his pathetic reality."

As they continued to mock me, I felt a surge of anger and frustration. The jade bead's energy pulsed within me, a reminder of the strength I had gained. But I knew better than to confront them. It would only lead to more pain and humiliation.

Instead, I focused on my work, my mind racing with thoughts of Edward and the mystery of my past. I needed to find him, to get answers to the questions that haunted me. But how? Where could I start?

As I lay on the cold mattress that night, I made a silent vow. I would find Edward. I would uncover the truth about my past, no matter what it took. The jade bead's energy pulsed within me, a reminder of the strength and resilience I had gained.

But for now, I was trapped in the villa, at the mercy of Brenda and Eleanor's cruelty. The black card was gone, torn to pieces and thrown in the trash, but the mystery it represented still burned within me.

And so, I endured. Day after day, night after night, I clung to the hope that I would find Edward and uncover the truth about my past. The jade bead's warmth was a constant source of strength, grounding me and providing solace in the midst of my suffering.

The days continued to pass, each one a mixture of labor and derision. But I held on to the hope that I would find Edward and uncover the truth about my past. The jade bead's warmth was a constant presence, grounding me and providing strength as I navigated the treacherous landscape of my in-laws' villa.

The days turned into weeks, each one blending into the next, filled with labor and endless scorn. Brenda and Eleanor's cruelty seemed to know no bounds, their taunts and insults becoming more creative with each passing day. They took particular delight in reminding me of the black card, mocking me for my supposed delusions of grandeur.

"How's your imaginary fortune, David?" Brenda would sneer, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Found any other magical cards lately?"

Eleanor would laugh, adding her own barbs. "Maybe he'll tell us about his secret kingdom next. Lord David, ruler of the land of make-believe."

Their words stung, but I endured in silence, my thoughts consumed with finding Edward and uncovering the truth about my past.

One cold winter morning, I was outside shoveling snow from the driveway when Brenda stormed out of the house, her face twisted with anger. "David!" she yelled, her voice harsh against the still air. "Get in here, now!"

I dropped the shovel and hurried inside, my heart pounding. Brenda stood in the living room, holding a stack of bills and looking furious. "We're behind on the bills again," she snapped. "Why can't you do anything right?"

I swallowed hard, knowing better than to argue. "I'm sorry," I said quietly. "I'll find a way to make it up."

Brenda's eyes narrowed, her expression cold. "You'd better. Or else."

As she turned to leave, I caught a glimpse of something on the floor. It was a torn piece of the black card, half-hidden under the edge of the rug. My heart skipped a beat, and I quickly bent down to pick it up, hiding it in my pocket before Brenda could see.

Later that night, after everyone had gone to bed, I retrieved the piece of the card from my pocket and examined it under the dim light of the basement. It was just a small fragment, but the numbers embossed in gold were still visible, a tangible reminder of the mystery that had invaded my life.

I held the piece of the card in my hand, feeling a renewed sense of determination. I had to find Edward. I had to get answers. But where to start? I had no idea where he lived or how to contact him. The grocery store where we had met seemed like the only clue I had, so I decided to start there.

The next morning, I left the villa early, telling Brenda and Eleanor that I had errands to run. They barely acknowledged me, their attention focused on their phones and morning coffee. I walked to the grocery store, my mind racing with thoughts of Edward and the black card.

When I arrived, I scanned the parking lot and the entrance, hoping to catch a glimpse of the old man. But there was no sign of him. I went inside, moving through the aisles with a sense of urgency, my eyes searching for any familiar face.

After what felt like hours, I left the store, defeated. There was no sign of Edward, no clue to his whereabouts. I wandered the streets aimlessly, my thoughts a tangled mess of frustration and confusion. Where could he be? How could I find him?

As I walked, the cold wind biting at my skin, I passed by a small park. The sight of the empty benches and bare trees brought back a flood of memories – the peaceful moments I had spent there, the quiet solace it had offered in the midst of my turmoil. On a whim, I decided to sit down, hoping to clear my mind and come up with a new plan.

I sat on a bench, the cold metal seeping through my clothes, and closed my eyes, letting the sounds of the city wash over me. The jade bead's warmth pulsed gently within me, a reminder of the strength I had gained. I took a deep breath, trying to focus my thoughts.

As I sat there, lost in my thoughts, I heard a voice – soft and familiar. "Lord David?"

My eyes snapped open, and I turned to see Edward standing a few feet away, his eyes filled with surprise and relief. "Edward," I breathed, my heart racing. "I've been looking for you."

Edward approached, his expression a mix of concern and determination. "And I have been looking for you, my lord. I feared something had happened when you did not come back."

I shook my head, overwhelmed with emotion. "Brenda found the card and tore it up. I didn't know how to find you. I need answers, Edward. Who am I? Why did you call me Lord David?"

Edward's face softened, and he sat down beside me. "I understand your confusion, my lord. You are David, the heir to a noble family. Your parents were prominent figures, but you were taken from us when you were very young. There were... circumstances that led to your separation from the family."

I listened, my mind reeling. "But why don't I remember any of this?"

"There are forces at play, my lord," Edward said gently. "Powerful forces that wanted to keep you hidden. But now that you have been found, it is time for you to reclaim your rightful place."

He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out another black card, identical to the one Brenda had destroyed. "This is for you," he said, handing it to me. "It holds the same amount as the previous one. Use it wisely, and find your way back to us."

I took the card, my hands trembling. "But how? Where do I start?"

Edward smiled kindly. "Begin by trusting yourself, my lord. The jade bead within you holds great power. It will guide you. And remember, you are not alone. There are those of us who will help you on your journey."

I nodded, feeling a mix of fear and determination. "Thank you, Edward. I will find a way."

Edward stood, his eyes filled with pride. "I know you will, my lord. We are all waiting for your return."

With that, he turned and walked away, leaving me sitting on the bench, the black card in my hand. I stared at it, the numbers embossed in gold a reminder of the incredible responsibility that now rested on my shoulders.

As I walked back to the villa, my mind raced with thoughts of Edward and the revelation of my true identity. Heir to a noble family? Powerful forces? It all seemed so surreal, yet the sincerity in Edward's eyes and the warmth of the jade bead within me made it impossible to dismiss.

When I arrived at the villa, Brenda was waiting for me, her face twisted with irritation. "Where have you been?" she demanded. "I've been looking for you all morning."

"I had some errands to run," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady.

Brenda scowled, her eyes narrowing. "Errands? Don't lie to me, David. What are you hiding?"

Before I could react, she reached into my pocket and pulled out the new black card. Her eyes widened with shock and anger. "Another one? Do you really think we're that stupid?"

I tried to explain, but Brenda's fury was unrelenting. "You're pathetic," she spat, tearing the card into pieces just as she had done with the first one. "Always making up stories to try and make yourself seem important. You're nothing but a burden and a failure."

She threw the shredded remains of the card into the trash, her eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "There. Now get back to work, David. And don't ever try to pull a stunt like this again."

Eleanor walked in, her expression one of disdain. "Is he still going on about that ridiculous card?" she asked, her voice sharp.

Brenda nodded. "He claims someone gave him another one. It's laughable."

Eleanor shook her head, her expression one of disgust. "He's delusional. Just another way for him to escape his pathetic reality."

As they continued to mock me, I felt a surge of anger and frustration. The jade bead's energy pulsed within me, a reminder of the strength I had gained. But I knew better than to confront them. It would only lead to more pain and humiliation.

Instead, I focused on my work, my mind racing with thoughts of Edward and the mystery of my past. I needed to find him, to get answers to the questions that haunted me. But how? Where could I start?

As I lay on the cold mattress that night, I made a silent vow. I would find Edward. I would uncover the truth about my past, no matter what it took. The jade bead's energy pulsed within me, a reminder of the strength and resilience I had gained.

But for now, I was trapped in the villa, at the mercy of Brenda and Eleanor's cruelty. The new black card was gone, torn to pieces and thrown in the trash, but the mystery it represented still burned within me.

And so, I endured. Day after day, night after night, I clung to the hope that I would find Edward and uncover the truth about my past. The jade bead's warmth was a constant source of strength, grounding me and providing solace in the midst of my suffering.

The days that followed were a blur of labor and derision, but I clung to the hope that I would find Edward and uncover the truth about my past. The jade bead's warmth was a constant presence, grounding me and providing strength as I navigated the treacherous landscape of my in-laws' villa.

As the days turned into weeks, I continued to search for any sign of Edward, hoping for another chance encounter. I returned to the grocery store and the park, retracing my steps and scanning the faces of strangers, but there was no sign of him.