CHAPTER 539: CHAPTER 539 - LIR’S POV (BACKSTORIES PART 3)

I have always known everything. I never told my grandfather about this fact but I have seen first hand every single situation as they happened, heard every single word as they were uttered and felt every single pain and heartbreak that my father felt. I think it even started from the time I was conceived inside my father’s womb.

I myself do not know or have any explanation as to how it became possible for me to have this ability. I am very sure that the memories I currently have were not just part of some dream or hallucinations because everything was so vividly clear in my mind, even till now when I try to remember them.

Those chunks of my memories felt like I was awake the whole time. As the things were happening, it was like I was watching if unfold first hand. If I compare it to more modern terms, it was like watching it through a screen of a phone or perhaps like watching a movie. I also have a very good memory so it heightened every experience and the feelings accompanying it even more.

The first time I realized I had this ability, I was very troubled, scared even. I thought I was weird or maybe, something was wrong with my head. I also don’t want to give my grandfather one more thing to worry about.

I could never ask for anything more from the family I currently have. Although it was just me and grandfather, I can say that we have everything we can possibly need and living a fairly good life.

As far as l can remember, my grandfather has worked very hard for the both of us even though I knew we had the resources to live quite well-off. I know about the pouch my father left him, its contents as well as his previous job. I pretended I did not know because I understood that it was his way of protecting the both of us, pretending to just have enough to live day by day.

He also did not forget about my education. Though he opted to just teach me at home, reasoning that we can’t afford to send me to school, I knew he was just wants to hide my existence just in case I meet someone who has met my father before. I indeed awfully look a lot like him.

Grandpa taught me personally how to read, write, do household chores, good manners and generally just to judge what is right from wrong. Even when I grew a little older, the lessons continued and it even included everything about the birds and the bees. It was very awkward at first but eventually I understood that the lessons he imparted to me were important not only for myself but for every single man in this world so this type of education is seen as required.

After finishing all that is needed to learn and being old enough, I eventually had to do my part in this family. I had to start working to earn my own keep.

My grandfather always told me that I have to save money and be prepared in every way possible before getting married so my future wife won’t think that I am useless, dumb, lazy or outright poor. He always slapped me with the truth that in this world, it doesn’t matter if I looked good because most men in this world generally looked above average so I have to join that intense competition eventually.

When I started working, I was never picky about jobs. I did deliveries of products from one place to another. I also had a hand in becoming a salesperson in the market and at some stores. I also worked as carrier for heavy loads and deliveries for the workshops as well. Anything task that is legal and would pay me money, I took it.

Just like what my grandfather taught me, I made sure that I focused on doing every single job that I decided to take diligently so that I can hopefully be hired again for other tasks. He was indeed correct since my bosses usually tap me again for newer tasks or whenever they need extra helping hands on busy days.

Sadly, being diligent at work and being handsome at the same time can really bring about problems with one’s relationship with others. Even if I keep to myself and just focused on work alone, there are just people that are envious of whatever you do or have. Some just don’t like you just because of who you are.

After these issues started appearing repeatedly, I tried avoiding these types of toxic people but it is just that there is so many of their kind that at least one or two of them are in every place I work at. To avoid unnecessary problems, I decided to just move workplaces whenever I encounter this hateful people. I chose to use this passive approach since I am not the type who would just stay and accept the bullying or stupid enough to fight back ato just end up being ganged up on and beaten up.

At first distancing myself from these types of people worked but eventually, they found other ways to make me miserable. Since they did not get the reaction, the fights and the confrontations that they wanted from me, these evil people started to spread bad rumors about me in my workplaces and to people they know. They can’t attack me physically so they chose to attack my reputation instead.

I chose to ignore the rumors, thinking that they would eventually die down if I do not react to them. I was so wrong. And because I stayed passive with dealing with the rumors, before I knew it, I started receiving lewd offers from men and women alike especially from tourists and outsiders that visit the city.

It turns out that they have been spreading rumors that I take just about any job there is. It is kind of true if you think about it but they told a story about it in a way that they made it purposely sound vague to create misunderstanding. Eventually, the people started thinking that I work to give nightly services too for money.

It would be an utter lie if I say that I was never affected by the rumors. the bullying and the whispers on the streets about me having shady dealings and selling my self which were all not true. I could not help but start thinking destructive thoughts, thinking that maybe if I wasn’t too attractive, maybe I am a little dumber, maybe if I live some place else or maybe if I did not need to work, I won’t need to experience all of these things. I know it was wrong but I ended up thinking that maybe the problem was with me.

Before I knew it, I stopped eating and it also got harder to sleep since there are too many things running in my mind. My mind has been working nonstop, thinking about how to make the rumors go away or how I can make people treat me better without getting in any altercations or trouble.

The loss of appetite and constant lack of sleep eventually took a toll on my body so I looked constantly sick and thin. I was always cautious because I don’t want my grandfather to deal with any of the shitty things happening to me but I still ended up making him worry due my health condition. I still chose to keep a mum about my circumstances and simply said that I am just a bit overworked and picky with food lately.

I knew it was a lame excuse and I knew grandfather did not believe me based on the reaction on his face but he chose not to ask. He sighed and shook his head then reminded me to ask for his help if there is something that I can’t resolve or deal with on my own. I simply responded to him with a forced smile.

I tried to live as usual, going to work, earning money, going home and just existing. I kept telling myself that things will pass but one day I just started waking up telling myself that I want to leave this forsaken place with my father. Maybe in another place, life would be better, people would be kinder and we do not have to hide anymore.

One evening, I was approached by two hooded figures asking for help and wanting to meet my father. I immediately felt on guard as to why they know me and my family. One of the hooded figures lifted his robe and showed me a sleeping infant in his arms. I was confused and then I heard him say, "Please have your father accept this child like he accepted you,"

From that phrase, I immediately understood what they meant so I brought them back home. After Naia became part of our family, we decided to move to Coal City so that we can move a bit further away since my grandfather is technically now hiding two illegitimate noble children that can be killed anytime. It was happy but it made my goal to leave this place stronger day by day.

On one of those days that I felt lost, hopeless and don’t feel like getting any work done since my reputation isn’t the best anyways, I sat on one of the shaded and hidden areas of the central marketplace. I simply stared at the people who were coming and going, hawkers doing their best to sell their wares and eventually at nothing in particular to try to clear up my mind.

I was abruptly pulled out of my own thoughts as I heard a gentle voice ask, "What are you selling and what are you accepting as payment?" I looked up in confusion as it was the first time that somebody asked me a question that is not asking if I was selling myself but then I saw her beautiful face and I blanked out.