The Missed Chance

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ting on the kitchen table. The weight of their struggles had intensified since Ethan's job slipped through his fingers, and his ill-fated forays into gambling had only deepened their woes. Reduced to destitution, he had become a burden upon those he loved most. In his darke

han's shoulder, there was no response. Growing impatient, Matt increased the intensity of his taps, causing Ethan to furrow his brow but remain in a deep slumber. Frustration etched acro

groggily inquired, trying to make

annot afford to waste any more time. There is much preparation yet

" Ethan pleaded, his voice laced with fatig

tment. "Your wife is toiling tirelessly to salvage your family, and here you are. Did

round, his shame and guilt

o your current state. There is no longer any guilt attached to your actions. You don't feel as though you have done anything wrong, do you? If I were in your s

r at a prestigious tech company. I worked tirelessly, pouring my heart and soul into my job. But what did I receive in return? They callously

reaching out to offer a glimmer of hope. "But now, Ethan, you have an opportunity to set things right. Deep

me mundane job?" he asked, his tone laced with weariness.

sibility-a task that surpasses any ordinary job. It demands the very skills I believe you possess and carries a tremendous wei

eluctance. "Really?" he questioned, his voice tinged with a mix

enough to fulfill not just your needs, but also your deepest desires." He paused, allowing the weight of his words to sink in. "I can

t the room, leaving Ethan with a swirl of e

bag, resting quietly in the corner. Letting out a heavy sigh, he embarked on the task of filling it with shirts and je

ried to the bathroom, seeking a refreshing shower to invigorate his spirit. Minutes flew by in a whirlwind, and he returned, hastily attiring himself without wasting a single moment on

words etched with a promise that sparkled with hope. "But I promise to return with an abundance of happiness. Love, Ethan."

xcitement, he caught sight of Matt emerging from the car. There was an air o

elay," Ethan said, his

sponded curtly. "Those in the Palace don'

Palace? What are you talking about? B

lot can occur in a mere five minutes, my

, and he urged Matt, "Let's not

t acquiesced, st

ehicles. "This car is different from before. I

e road, Matt nodded. "Indeed. I ha

used. "May I inquire

d, his eyes meeting Ethan's momentarily. "

es?" Ethan repeated,

d, "It is the place where you have been invit

posed another question. "Will

chosen this year. Last year, there were nine individuals, and this year, we e

d. "Is this a multi

ed Matt. "A minim

palace for at least three year

have the opportunity to return home during ho

ey approached, Ethan's senses were greeted by the enchanting aroma of a magnificent garden adorning th

door swung open, revealing a

ow have you been?

to introduce Ethan, our newest st

ended a welcoming gesture. "Hello,

n stepped inside, his curiosity g

te swiftly, Matt. I must say, I

out you? Have you managed to secure a

n the process, but nothing is set in stone. I'

cern. "Time is of the essence.

determination eviden

"Any news from the Palace, Natalie? Specifically regardin

autious glance at Ethan. "We shouldn't discuss this here, Matt

d, turning his attention to Ethan, who wore an aw