Suddenly, I Am Rich

Eli nodded slowly after hearing Gray’s answer. However, even with that answer, he was still clutching the hem of Gray’s coat as if afraid he might disappear the moment he let go.

”It will be fine, alright?” Gray assured him.

”O-Okay,” Eli whispered in a low voice.

Gray, Eli, and Mara stayed in the office for a few more time. The two adults just sat there, smiling at Eli, as the young boy slowly calmed down and relaxed.

After Lita returned with a small bag that held Eli’s belongings, Gray took it from her himself. His forehead creased when he realized that it was lighter than he expected. However, he knew not to talk further because after all, it was just a foundation.

They mostly rely on donors for stuff for the kids.

”We’ll get going now.” Gray informed Lita, who happily guided them out her door.

”Goodye, Sir Adams.”

”Goodbye,” That was Gray’s last words before he opened the door for them. Mara gently guided Eli as they walked out of the office. They left the foundation and rode a car with Daniel still driving.

”Just seat comfortably there, Eli,” Gray kindly smiled.

Eli slowly nodded. He sat in the back seat, his knees pulled close to his chest. He was silence throughout the ride, but Gray noticed how he slowly relaxed as time passes.

Eli kept looking out the window. Every time they would pass by big buildings, his eyes would widen in amusement. He would even let out a sound whenever they saw trains or big parks.

For someone like him who was in the foundation for most of his life, this small and normal things were already big and fascinating.

”Are you alright, Eli? Is it fun?” Gray turned to the side and asked gently.

Eli slowly nodded, ”Yes... I think so.”

Mara smiled softly from the passenger’s seat.

”You’ll see more of that soon, Eli.” She muttered, genuinely happy that Eli was finding everything fun.

As they entered the gates of the property where Gray’s condo was in, Eli’s face slowly changed. His mouth parted slightly as he looked around.

”Woah...” he murmured as they continued to drive arond, passing by 2 more different gates.

Daniel parked the car near the entrance of the building.

”We’re here, Sir.” He murmured.

With it, Mara stepped out. Gray also stepped out and opened the door for Eli. The moment Eli left the car and realized the hugeness of the building, he froze.

The condo tower rose high above him, its glass walls were clearly reflecting the sky. The entrance of the condo was wide and bright. Everything looked clean, polished, and unreal.

”This place...” Eli whispered as he moved his head upwards ”It’s huge!”

Gray watched him and chuckled.

”Yeah,” he said. ”It is.”

”I’ve never seen anything like this before...” Eli continued, his eyes shining and bright. ”Is this really where we’re going?”

”Yes, Eli,” Gray answered. ”This is home now.”

Eli swallowed hard. His hand slowly reached out and grabbed Gray’s sleeve again, though this time, his grip was gentler.

Gray smiled at it. Not wasting any more time, they entered the lobby. Eli’s head turned left and right as he looked at everything. When they stepped into the elevator, Eli stared at the glowing numbers above the door.

”It goes up by itself?” he asked.

Mara chuckled softly. ”It does.”

”Woah...”

When the doors opened on Gray’s floor, Eli hesitated for a moment before stepping out. Gray just chuckled and led the way to his own unit.

The moment they reached the door, Eli stopped again. He looked up as Gray opened the door.

As soon as the door opened, voices rang out from the inside.

”Welcome home, Eli!”

”Huh?” Eli froze completely as he looked inside.

Colorful letters hung across the living room wall. There was simple banner that was handwritten by Lily. Their dining table was also filled with food that are suited for a child’s palate.

Lily was the one who chose everything, while it was Selina who helped set it up.

”Hello, Eli!” Lily was the first to rush forward. She stopped just a step away from Eli, careful not to scare him.

”Hi, Eli,” Selina smiled from behind her. ”We’re really happy you’re here.”

Eli didn’t know where to look. His eyes darted from the inside of the unit, then to Lily, then to Selina. His hands trembled slightly at his sides, not from nervousness, but from being overwhelmed.

Gray smiled at it. Of course, he didn’t make this decision alone.

He talked to Lily about it. He knew that more than anything, it was Lily’s decision that would be very important for him. Surprisingly enough, Lily happily agreed to it.

She even said that it was just right so she could have someone to play with, especially when Gray was out working.

Gray was very thankful for it.

Other than Lily, he also talked about it with Selina. Thankfully, just like then Selina has been very kind to it. She was supportinve and gentle, even giving him some advice that he might need.

”Eli...” Gray took a step forward and laid his hands in front. He knew that it was just right to introduce Eli. ”This is Selina... and of course, my sister, Lily”

Eli bowed his head slightly, unsure. ”H-Hello...”

Lily immediately crouched down to his level. ”You don’t have to bow! We already played so we shpuld be close by now!” She exclaimed out loud.

Because of it, Eli relaxed a little. Truth to be old, he didn’t how to act now with all those people around him.

”Come on, Eli,” Lily said. ”We made food. Are you hungry?”

Eli hesitated, then nodded.

They all moved toward the dining table afterwards. . Eli sat quietly between Lily and Gray. His shoulders were stiff at first. It was obvious that he was still feeling shy. When Lily noticed it, she immediately did something to help him out.

”Elim you should try that chicken!” She said while pointing it out. ”That is from one of my favorite restaurants! I eat that sometimes...”

Gray raised a brow. ”What sometimes? You eat that all the time.”

Lily laughed and shook her head defensively. Eli stared at them, then let out a small laugh too. Slowly, he picked up his spoon and started eating too.

As they ate, Lily talked. She made sure to include Eli too by asking simple questions or sometimes even asking him if he also encountered similar situations.

Little by little, Eli was able to fully relax. With it, he was able to move around freely and ate more. He even laughed when Lily joked about Gray being bad at choosing movies.

For the first time in many years, Eli felt full. Not just from food, but from love and acceptance.