3. One Final Project (1)

Selena

Three years later.

"Mom, look at this game! I really want it," Austin exclaimed, excitement radiating from his young face as he proudly displayed the coveted game. However, my heart sank as I glanced at the price tag. We were already struggling to make ends meet, and splurging on such luxuries was far beyond our means.

"Oh, sweetheart, this game seems more suitable for older children. Let's find something else that's perfect for your age," I quickly improvised, attempting to shield him from the harsh reality of our financial limitations.

Deep down, guilt gnawed at my conscience. As a mother, I felt like I had failed in providing for my son. I worked multiple part-time jobs, often barely earning enough to cover our basic necessities, let alone indulgences. The burden of my shortcomings weighed heavily upon me, especially considering Austin's status as a young prince, blessed with alpha blood. It pained me that he had to endure a life of poverty due to my inadequacies.

"But, Mom, I already know how to play this game. Please, please buy it for me," he pleaded, his innocent eyes brimming with longing. My heart shattered into pieces at the sight of his hopeful gaze. How could I deny him, the light of my life?

Austin possessed a wisdom far beyond his tender age, and his physical stature surpassed that of his peers. As a born Alpha, he carried an air of authority, appearing older than his mere three years. Many mistook him for a child of five, drawn to his aura of maturity.

With his father's features mirrored in his appearance, Austin resembled an exact replica. His dark hair, pointed nose, sharp jawline, rosy lips, and sun-kissed skin mirrored his heritage, but his most striking feature was his piercing blue eyes.

"Alright, my sweetheart. I promise to get you this game on your upcoming birthday," I assured him, desperately attempting to appease his immediate desires.

"But Mom, my birthday is so far away," he whined, his disappointment evident in his voice.

"You have to be patient, sweetheart, and imagine how thrilled you'll be if you receive that game as your birthday present," I said, a warm smile gracing my lips as I tousled my son's hair, simultaneously flipping the omelette in the sizzling pan.

"Okay, Mom," he sighed, a touch of longing in his voice. "Will you be able to buy me that toy set I asked for last month?" he inquired, and a moment of hesitation seized me. I set the pan aside, carefully plating the fluffy omelette.

How much longer could I keep making empty promises that I knew I couldn't fulfill? I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath to conceal the pain simmering within, before plastering a smile on my face as I looked at my son.

"I promise, sweetheart," I whispered.

But how? My heart screamed in frustration.

"Now, finish your breakfast like a good boy," I urged him, a tender smile lingering on my lips, as I hurried to complete the remaining household chores.

When I left the Moonglow pack, circumstances forced me to abandon my education, leaving my dreams of pursuing higher studies behind. My uncle and the baby growing inside me relied on my support. So, I found employment, working shifts at restaurants and general stores. However, the income proved insufficient to secure a comfortable life, especially considering the additional expenses accompanying my pregnancy.

However, my talent for computers had always been exceptional, particularly hacking. In search of financial stability, I began working as a hacker on the secretive dark web. I limited myself to small-scale hacking assignments, avoiding high-profile and risky ventures. It allowed me to earn some quick and modest income. I was always cautious, wary of entangling myself in any dangerous situations. After all, I had my son, Austin, and my uncle who depended on me.

As time passed, Austin grew older, and I realized it was time to leave hacking behind. I made the decision to pursue my education by applying to a school and eventually enrolling in college.

However, the cost of education weighed heavily on me, and scholarships were not an option as I had dropped out of a previous course. With limited alternatives, I concluded that I had no choice but to acquire an education loan.

But before I could embark on that path, there was one crucial task I needed to undertake.

I opened the dark web, intending to delete my account and sever ties with that shadowy realm. As I navigated through the depths of the web, a message caught my attention, arriving from an unidentified sender. It contained an enticing proposition—an opportunity for a significant hacking project, accompanied by a lucrative sum of money.

I'm sorry, but I no longer accept new projects. I sent a reply promptly, my resolve firm.

Despite the temptation of the immense sum before me, I knew I had to put an end to my life as a hacker. I hovered my cursor over the "Delete Account" button, preparing to sever my ties to this treacherous world, when a message box suddenly appeared on the screen.

I can increase the offer and pay you even more if you're interested. But I really need your skills for this job. The reply came swiftly, accompanied by an additional zero at the end of the amount.

He was offering me ten million for this project. It was an absurdly high figure, but the task at hand carried grave risks. If I were to be caught, my life would be forfeit. I wasn't foolish enough to willingly leap into a pit of death.

Apologies, but I can't take on this job. I texted back without a moment's hesitation.

Don't rush into a decision. I can add one more zero to the amount and pay you the entire sum upfront. Take your time to consider. I'll be waiting for your reply. His message came through, and he signed off.

Holy shit!

A hundred million!

With that kind of money, I could live a peaceful life, free from the chains of employment, and even start my own computer business. The person behind this offer must be immensely powerful and influential, seeking my expertise to breach the world's most intricate security system.

It felt like staring into an abyss with no bottom.

Incredibly dangerous.

Unbelievably treacherous.

Yet, I cherished the simplicity of my current life, despite its hardships. I had no desire for such perilous wealth.

With a frustrated groan, I forcefully slammed my laptop shut, distancing myself from the enticing allure of dangerous possibilities.

"What's troubling you, Selena? You seem agitated," Uncle inquired, his gaze filled with concern. He was elderly and had grown weaker after surviving the war. He couldn't assist me financially or with household chores.

"Oh, it's nothing, Uncle! I've decided to quit hacking. It's becoming too risky, especially with INTERPOL cracking down harder than ever. Getting caught would mean facing severe consequences, even death," I sighed, revealing the reason behind my irritation, and shared the tempting offer I had received.

In the dark corners of the web, I was known as C-tech.

Our identities and faces remained hidden, while payments were discreetly transferred to our dark web accounts. We could withdraw the funds in cash, maintaining our anonymity.

"But Selena, this last project could make us wealthy. We would never have to worry about scarcity again. Think about Austin's future," Uncle suggested.

"I am thinking about him, Uncle. That's precisely why I've decided to continue my studies and pursue a respectable job," I declared firmly.

"Are you planning to go back to school?" Uncle furrowed his brow.

"Yes, Uncle. I intend to complete my education and then pursue a degree. It won't be easy to secure a scholarship, so I'm exploring educational loans," I explained.

"Selena, you dropped out of school. Banks don't typically grant loans to dropout students," Uncle reasoned.

"I will explain my situation to them. Let me give it a try, Uncle. What if I manage to secure the loan? Just imagine how our lives could change if everything goes according to plan. I need you to look after Austin when I'm not around," I argued, hoping to convince him.

Uncle had been a pillar of support in raising my son, Austin. Whenever I couldn't be at home due to work commitments, he was there, ensuring Austin's well-being.

"Don't worry, Selena. You and Austin are the only family I have left. I will take care of him for the rest of my life," my uncle reassured me, his words a comforting balm to my weary soul. I nodded, mustering a faint smile in response.

Uncle reached for the remote control, an air of boredom evident on his face. "It's the same old news again! Let's switch channels and see if we can find something more interesting," he grumbled, flipping through the various options until he stumbled upon a set of headlines that caught his attention.

"Alpha King, Zander Blake, to wed next month. Preparations for the grand event are already underway," announced the news anchor, his voice capturing my full attention. Every fiber of my being became acutely aware of whom they were discussing.

My eager, yet treacherous, gaze fixated upon the television screen, and the sight that greeted me stole my breath away.