Chapter 11: A New Home
Chapter 11: A New Home
The first rays of dawn stretched across the horizon.
Morning sunlight gradually illuminated the towering skyline of Ashenford City.
Traffic slowly increased along the wide avenues.
Restaurants unlocked their doors.
The aroma of freshly baked bread drifted through the cool morning air.
Street vendors arranged their stalls.
Office workers hurried toward their workplaces with steaming cups of coffee in hand.
Students carrying backpacks laughed as they crossed busy intersections.
For the people of Ashenford…
It was simply another ordinary day.
Inside Room 308 of Maple Inn…
Charles slowly opened his eyes.
For a brief moment, he stared at the unfamiliar ceiling.
Then everything that had happened over the past two days flashed through his mind.
Ashbrook Village.
The Ember Legacy.
The three bandits.
Samuel Ashcroft.
The Ashcroft Estate.
The black bank card.
His first smartphone.
Charles let out a slow breath.
“So much has happened…”
He climbed out of bed and walked toward the window.
Outside, the city was already alive.
Unlike the peaceful mornings of Ashbrook Village…
Ashenford never seemed to stop moving.
After standing there quietly for a while, Charles headed into the bathroom.
Nearly half an hour later…
He emerged feeling completely refreshed.
He had also purchased a few sets of ordinary clothes the previous evening after leaving the mobile phone store.
Nothing expensive.
Just clean, comfortable clothing suitable for everyday life.
After changing, he looked at himself in the mirror.
For the first time since the destruction of his village…
He no longer looked like someone who had wandered out of a disaster.
He looked…
Like an ordinary young man.
Charles nodded slightly before leaving his room.
The lobby of Maple Inn was much busier than it had been the previous night.
Guests checked out while others enjoyed breakfast in the dining area.
The receptionist greeted him warmly.
“Good morning, Mr. Charles.”
“Good morning.”
“Would you like breakfast before heading out?”
Charles smiled politely.
“Yes.”
“I think I will.”
A few minutes later…
He sat beside a large window overlooking the street.
Before him rested a simple breakfast.
Fresh bread.
Scrambled eggs.
Grilled sausage.
Fruit.
And a cup of hot coffee.
Charles wasn’t in a hurry.
He quietly enjoyed the meal while watching people walk past outside.
Children hurried to school.
Delivery trucks unloaded supplies.
Cyclists rode through the streets.
Everything felt peaceful.
After finishing the last piece of bread, Charles took a sip of coffee.
Then he leaned back in his chair.
“I can’t stay in a hotel forever.”
The Ashcroft family’s gift had undoubtedly contained a considerable amount of money.
Even so…
He had no intention of wasting it.
His parents had always taught him that wealth should be used wisely.
A permanent place to live would be far more practical than paying for a hotel every night.
Charles took out his smartphone.
Although he had only owned it since yesterday…
He had already become familiar with its basic functions.
After unlocking the screen, he opened an internet browser.
He searched:
Apartments for Sale in Ashenford District
Within seconds…
Hundreds of listings appeared.
Luxury penthouses.
Modern apartments.
Private villas.
Townhouses.
Residential estates.
Each came with photographs, descriptions, and prices.
Charles browsed patiently.
Some apartments overlooked the river.
Others were located in the heart of the city’s business district.
Several were far beyond what he considered reasonable.
He wasn’t looking for luxury.
He only wanted somewhere comfortable…
Quiet…
And secure.
After nearly twenty minutes of searching…
One particular listing caught his attention.
Silver Maple Residences
Located in one of Ashenford’s most peaceful neighborhoods.
Modern apartments.
Twenty-four-hour security.
A quiet environment.
Convenient access to the city center.
Charles studied the photographs carefully.
The surroundings were clean.
The buildings were newly completed.
The atmosphere was calm.
After a moment, he nodded.
“This should do.”
He memorized the address before placing his phone back into his pocket.
After checking out of Maple Inn…
Charles stepped outside once more.
The warmth of the morning sun greeted him.
He stood quietly on the sidewalk for a few seconds before raising his hand.
A taxi soon pulled over.
The driver rolled down the window.
“Morning.”
“Where are you headed?”
Charles glanced at the address displayed on his phone.
“Silver Maple Residences.”
The driver smiled.
“That’s a nice place.”
“Hop in.”
Charles opened the rear door and climbed inside.
As the taxi pulled away from the curb…
He looked out at the bustling city one more time.
People hurried through their daily routines, each carrying their own hopes and responsibilities.
For the first time in his life…
Charles felt as though he truly had a chance to begin again.
No one here knew the tragedy that had befallen Ashbrook Village.
No one knew the burden he carried.
This city…
Offered him a fresh start.
The taxi continued steadily through Ashenford’s busy streets.
Charles leaned back against his seat and quietly closed his eyes.
His only goal now…
Was to find a place he could finally call home.