The President Who Was Never Free
Part 1 – The Choice
The Republic of Montelac was one of the poorest countries on the continent.
Its Constitution was clear.
No president could serve two consecutive terms.
After nearly five years in office, President Victor Delmas had already realized that leaving office did not have to mean giving up power.
One evening, after every minister had left the presidential palace, Victor remained alone in his office.
He stood in front of a large portrait of himself hanging on the wall.
A faint smile crossed his face.
“My term is coming to an end… but my power doesn’t have to.”
He pressed a button on his desk.
A few seconds later, his Chief of Staff, Edmond Laurent, entered the room.
“You wanted to see me, Mr. President?”
Victor slowly walked toward the window.
“Edmond… do you know what the hardest part of politics is?”
“What is it, Mr. President?”
“It’s not getting into power.”
He paused.
“It’s staying in power.”
Edmond remained silent.
Victor continued.
“The Constitution won’t allow me to run again.”
“But it doesn’t say I can’t choose the man who replaces me.”
A slight smile appeared on Edmond’s face.
“We already have several ministers who would gladly become our party’s candidate.”
Victor slowly shook his head.
“That’s exactly what I don’t want.”
“Why not?”
“Because every one of them has ambitions of their own.”
“The day they become president, they won’t need me anymore.”
Silence filled the room.
Victor turned around.
“I need someone the people barely know.”
“Someone without a political machine.”
“Someone whose entire political future depends on me.”
Edmond thought for a moment.
“Do you really believe someone like that exists?”
Victor answered without hesitation.
“We’re going to find him.”
⸻
Two weeks later…
President Victor was visiting a rural province to launch a new agricultural development program.
Hundreds of people had gathered to welcome him.
As he walked through the crowd, his attention was drawn to a young entrepreneur speaking passionately with a group of farmers.
The man didn’t look like a politician at all.
His shirt was dusty.
His boots were covered with mud.
Yet everyone listened to him with respect.
Victor stopped walking.
He turned to one of the local officials.
“Who is that man?”
“His name is Daniel Morin, Mr. President.”
“Is he involved in politics?”
“No, sir.”
“What does he do?”
“He grows mangoes.”
Victor raised an eyebrow.
“Only mangoes?”
“He exports them overseas.”
Victor looked back at Daniel.
“He exports mangoes?”
“Yes, Mr. President. He’s one of the country’s largest mango exporters.”
Victor quietly observed him.
Workers greeted Daniel with genuine respect.
An elderly farmer approached him.
“God bless you, Daniel.”
Daniel smiled warmly.
“We’ll only move forward if we work together.”
Victor leaned toward Edmond and spoke softly.
“That’s the man.”
Edmond looked surprised.
“Him?”
“Yes.”
“But nobody really knows him.”
Victor smiled.
“Exactly.”
Another adviser stepped forward.
“Mr. President… this is risky.”
Victor looked directly at him.
“We don’t need another politician.”
He pointed toward Daniel.
“We need someone people can fall in love with.”
⸻
An hour later…
Daniel was invited to the presidential residence.
He entered the room, clearly nervous.
“Good afternoon, Mr. President.”
Victor stood and shook his hand.
“Please, have a seat.”
For several minutes they discussed agriculture, exports, and the country’s economy.
Then Victor looked Daniel straight in the eyes.
“Daniel…”
“Yes, Mr. President?”
“Would you like to become the next President of this country?”
Daniel laughed.
He thought it was a joke.
“I’m sorry… what?”
Victor’s expression never changed.
“I’m serious.”
Daniel looked around the room.
No one was laughing.
He swallowed hard.
“Are you really serious?”
“Completely.”
Silence filled the room.
After several long seconds, Daniel finally spoke.
“I’ve dreamed of becoming president since I was a little boy.”
Victor smiled.
“I know.”
Daniel hesitated before asking another question.
“But… why me?”
Victor slowly stood up.
He walked across the room before answering.
“Because you’re a worker.”
“Because people respect you.”
“Because you’re not a politician.”
He paused.
“And because I believe you can win.”
Daniel sat speechless.
Victor stepped closer.
“But there’s one condition.”
Daniel’s smile disappeared.
“What condition?”
Victor glanced around the room before lowering his voice.
“The private sector will finance your entire campaign.”
“When you become president…”
He paused.
“…you will reward them.”
Daniel remained silent.
Victor continued.
“And…”
He pointed directly at Daniel.
“You will obey every instruction I give you.”
Daniel stared at him without saying a word.
Victor smiled.
“You’ll be the President…”
He leaned closer.
“…but I’ll be the one running the country.”
Daniel felt as though his lifelong dream had suddenly become a prison.
He lowered his head.
The room became so quiet that the ticking of the wall clock echoed through the silence.
Several long minutes passed.
Finally, Daniel looked back up.
He met Victor’s eyes.
In a calm voice, he said,
“…I accept.”
End of part 1
The President Who Was Never Free
Part 2 – The Mango Man
Daniel Morin couldn’t sleep that night.
He sat alone on the porch of his farmhouse, staring into the darkness.
The President’s words echoed in his mind.
“You’ll be the President… but I’ll be the one running the country.”
He knew exactly what he had agreed to.
He also knew that opportunities like this came only once in a lifetime.
The next morning, black SUVs arrived at his farm.
Government officials, political strategists, image consultants, and businessmen stepped out one after another.
Daniel looked around, confused.
One of them smiled.
“Welcome to your new life, Mr. President.”
⸻
Within days, Daniel’s life changed completely.
He was moved into a luxurious residence in the capital.
The simple farmer who once wore muddy boots now spent his days in tailored suits.
Every movement was carefully planned.
Every interview was rehearsed.
Every public appearance was approved.
Even the way he smiled was practiced.
One afternoon, the campaign team gathered in a conference room.
Charts covered the walls.
Polling numbers flashed across large screens.
The campaign manager stood up.
“We have one problem.”
Everyone looked at him.
“Nobody knows Daniel Morin.”
Silence filled the room.
A woman from the communications team spoke.
“Then we don’t sell Daniel.”
Everyone turned toward her.
“We sell his story.”
She walked to the screen and projected a photograph of Daniel standing in a mango orchard.
She smiled.
“This man isn’t just a businessman.”
“He’s the farmer who built an international export company.”
“The man who created jobs.”
“The man who never forgot where he came from.”
She paused.
“We call him…”
Another strategist finished her sentence.
“…The Mango Man.”
The room suddenly came alive.
People nodded.
Someone clapped.
The campaign manager smiled.
“That’s it.”
“The Mango Man.”
⸻
Within a week, the entire country knew the name.
Billboards appeared everywhere.
A smiling Daniel stood beside mango trees.
Below his picture were four simple words.
THE MANGO MAN
People immediately connected with the message.
“He understands ordinary people.”
“He’s one of us.”
“He worked with his own hands.”
Radio stations repeated his speeches every day.
Television channels followed him wherever he went.
Social media exploded with videos of him visiting farms, schools, markets, and small businesses.
Everywhere he went, people gathered.
Children ran after him.
Women hugged him.
Farmers proudly shook his hand.
For the first time in years, many citizens felt hopeful.
⸻
One evening, Daniel sat alone in his campaign office.
President Victor walked in.
“You’ve become very popular.”
Daniel smiled.
“I never expected this.”
Victor sat across from him.
“Popularity is useful.”
He leaned forward.
“But don’t ever mistake popularity for power.”
Daniel looked at him.
Victor continued.
“Never forget who made this possible.”
Daniel nodded.
“I haven’t forgotten.”
Victor smiled.
“I know.”
⸻
Three weeks later…
Nature struck without warning.
A powerful hurricane swept across the country.
Entire villages disappeared beneath floodwaters.
Roads collapsed.
Thousands of families lost everything.
The nation was in shock.
That same night, Victor met privately with several leaders from the private sector.
One businessman broke the silence.
“This disaster could destroy the election.”
Victor calmly shook his head.
“No.”
“It can win us the election.”
The room became quiet.
Victor looked around.
“Tomorrow morning, every one of your companies will donate food, medicine, water, and temporary shelters.”
One businessman frowned.
“That’s going to cost millions.”
Victor smiled.
“And after Daniel becomes president…”
He looked directly at them.
“…you’ll recover every dollar.”
Slow smiles appeared around the room.
The meeting ended.
⸻
At sunrise, hundreds of trucks carrying humanitarian aid rolled across the country.
Every box carried the same image.
A smiling Daniel Morin.
The Mango Man.
Television cameras followed him into devastated communities.
He carried children in his arms.
He comforted grieving mothers.
He helped distribute food with his own hands.
One elderly woman grabbed his hand and began to cry.
“You are the first politician who has ever come here.”
Daniel looked into her eyes.
“I’m not here as a politician.”
“I’m here as your fellow citizen.”
Millions of people watched the moment live.
The video spread across the country within hours.
That evening, everyone was talking about only one man.
“The Mango Man.”
Even people who had never voted before began saying the same thing.
“If this man runs…”
“…he has my vote.”
Far away, inside the presidential palace, Victor watched the television in silence.
A slow smile appeared on his face.
Everything was going exactly according to his plan.
He whispered to himself,
“They’re not voting for Daniel…”
“They’re voting for the man I created.”
Outside the palace, thousands of citizens had already begun chanting a new slogan that echoed through the streets:
“The Mango Man! The Mango Man! The Mango Man!”
End of part 2
The President Who Was Never Free
Part 3 – Victory Without Freedom
The election campaign entered its final month.
Everywhere Daniel Morin went, thousands of people followed him.
Children climbed onto their parents’ shoulders just to catch a glimpse of him.
Market vendors left their stalls.
Farmers abandoned their fields for a few hours.
People lined the roads, waving flags and chanting the same slogan.
“The Mango Man! The Mango Man!”
Daniel’s popularity had become something no political analyst had expected.
For the first time in years, the country believed that change was possible.
⸻
One afternoon, Daniel was preparing for a televised debate.
His speechwriter handed him a stack of notes.
“These are your answers.”
Daniel looked at the papers.
“I don’t want to memorize someone else’s words.”
The room fell silent.
Victor Delmas, who had been sitting quietly in the corner, finally spoke.
“They’re not someone else’s words.”
“They’re the words that will make you president.”
Daniel hesitated.
“What if I want to answer from my heart?”
Victor smiled.
“Your heart doesn’t win elections.”
“Strategy does.”
Daniel slowly lowered the papers.
Deep inside, something didn’t feel right.
⸻
That evening, millions of citizens watched the presidential debate.
One by one, the candidates presented their plans.
Some blamed previous governments.
Others attacked their opponents.
When it was Daniel’s turn, the studio became silent.
He looked directly into the camera.
“I wasn’t born into politics.”
“I built my business from the ground up.”
“I know what it means to struggle.”
“I know what it means to create jobs.”
“I know what it means to wake up every morning wondering if tomorrow will be better.”
He paused.
“I don’t promise miracles.”
“I promise honest work.”
The audience erupted into applause.
Even some of his opponents couldn’t hide their admiration.
Backstage, Victor smiled proudly.
“He delivered every line exactly as planned.”
⸻
Election Day finally arrived.
Long before sunrise, voters were already standing in line outside polling stations.
An elderly man smiled as he held his voter card.
“I’ve waited my whole life for a candidate like this.”
Nearby, a young woman told a television reporter,
“We’re voting for hope.”
Across the country, the same phrase could be heard.
“I’m voting for The Mango Man.”
⸻
Late that night, the Electoral Commission began announcing the results.
Television stations interrupted every program.
Families gathered around their televisions.
The nation held its breath.
“The next President of the Republic of Montelac…”
A brief pause.
“…Daniel Morin.”
The streets exploded with celebration.
Fireworks filled the night sky.
Music echoed through every neighborhood.
People danced until sunrise.
Strangers embraced each other.
Many cried tears of joy.
Inside campaign headquarters, Daniel stood silently as supporters surrounded him.
One of them shouted,
“Mr. President!”
For the first time, Daniel heard those words directed at him.
He smiled.
But deep inside, he felt strangely empty.
⸻
The inauguration took place two weeks later.
World leaders attended the ceremony.
Thousands of citizens filled the streets leading to the Presidential Palace.
As Daniel placed his hand on the Constitution, he took the oath of office.
“I swear to faithfully serve the people of Montelac…”
The crowd erupted into applause.
At that moment, millions believed a new era had begun.
Only two men knew the truth.
Daniel…
…and Victor.
⸻
That evening, after the celebrations ended, Daniel entered the presidential office alone.
He slowly sat behind the massive wooden desk.
He smiled to himself.
“I finally made it.”
A few seconds later…
There was a knock on the door.
“Come in.”
Victor entered without waiting.
He closed the door behind him.
Without asking permission, he sat down across from Daniel.
“Congratulations, Mr. President.”
Daniel smiled.
“Thank you.”
Victor placed a thick folder on the desk.
“Your schedule for tomorrow.”
Daniel reached for it.
Victor stopped him.
“Not just tomorrow.”
He pushed five more folders across the desk.
“The next three months.”
Daniel looked confused.
“What are these?”
Victor calmly answered,
“Appointments.”
“Cabinet choices.”
“Government contracts.”
“Executive orders.”
“Names of people you’ll appoint.”
Daniel frowned.
“I haven’t chosen my cabinet yet.”
Victor leaned back in his chair.
“I already have.”
Silence.
Daniel looked at the folders.
Then back at Victor.
“I thought I would make those decisions.”
Victor’s smile disappeared.
“You remember our agreement.”
Daniel remained quiet.
Victor stood up.
He buttoned his jacket.
“You wanted to become President.”
He pointed toward the presidential seal behind Daniel’s chair.
“Now you are.”
He walked toward the door before stopping one last time.
“But never forget…”
Victor slowly turned around.
“…who put you there.”
The door closed.
Daniel remained alone in the office.
He looked around the room.
The desk.
The national flag.
The presidential seal.
Everything belonged to him.
Yet, for the first time in his life…
…he felt like a guest in his own office.
End of part 3
The President Who Was Never Free
Part 4 – A Prison of Power
Three years passed.
To the outside world, President Daniel Morin appeared to be firmly in control of the country.
Every week, newspapers published photographs of him inaugurating schools, visiting hospitals, and attending international summits.
Foreign leaders praised his administration.
Investors applauded his economic policies.
The private sector celebrated record profits.
But behind the doors of the Presidential Palace…
Daniel wasn’t making the decisions.
Every major appointment…
Every government contract…
Every economic reform…
Every important signature…
First passed through Victor Delmas.
Sometimes Victor didn’t even bother asking for Daniel’s opinion.
He simply sent instructions.
Daniel signed them.
⸻
One afternoon, Daniel entered a cabinet meeting carrying a proposal.
“I want to increase funding for public schools.”
The ministers looked at each other.
The Minister of Finance cleared his throat.
“Mr. President…”
“We’ve already been instructed to reduce education spending.”
Daniel frowned.
“Instructed by whom?”
The room fell silent.
No one answered.
Everyone already knew.
⸻
That evening, Daniel called Victor.
“I need to see you.”
An hour later, Victor arrived at the palace.
Daniel wasted no time.
“The education budget has to increase.”
Victor calmly poured himself a glass of water.
“No.”
Daniel stared at him.
“Our schools are collapsing.”
Victor shrugged.
“Schools don’t finance election campaigns.”
Daniel’s voice became firmer.
“Our children deserve better.”
Victor smiled.
“The private sector deserves better returns.”
Daniel clenched his fists.
“They’ve already received billions in government contracts.”
“They invested billions.”
“They expected profits.”
Daniel stood up.
“I was elected to serve the people.”
Victor slowly stood as well.
“No.”
He stepped closer.
“You were elected because I allowed it.”
The room became silent.
Victor adjusted his tie.
“Never confuse the office you hold…”
“…with the power you actually have.”
Then he walked away.
Daniel remained frozen.
Those words echoed in his mind long after Victor had left.
⸻
Across the country, frustration continued to grow.
Food prices rose.
Fuel became more expensive.
Hospitals lacked medicine.
Teachers went months without being paid.
During every campaign rally, Daniel had promised change.
Now people were beginning to ask the same question.
“What happened to The Mango Man?”
⸻
Opposition leaders seized the moment.
At a packed press conference, opposition leader Samuel Darius stood before dozens of journalists.
“The President has betrayed the people.”
“He promised justice.”
“We got corruption.”
“He promised opportunity.”
“We got favoritism.”
“He promised change.”
“We got the same government wearing a different face.”
The next morning, thousands of people marched through the capital.
“The Mango Man lied!”
“We want our country back!”
The protests grew larger every week.
⸻
Late one night, Daniel returned home exhausted.
His wife, Isabelle, was waiting for him in their bedroom.
She noticed the sadness in his eyes.
“You haven’t smiled in weeks.”
Daniel removed his jacket and sat quietly on the edge of the bed.
“I’ve disappointed them.”
“Who?”
“The people.”
Isabelle sat beside him.
“You’ve been carrying the weight of this country alone.”
Daniel slowly shook his head.
“No…”
“I’m not carrying this country.”
“I’m carrying someone else’s decisions.”
She looked at him, confused.
“What do you mean?”
Daniel stared at the floor.
“For three years…”
“I’ve been President…”
“…but I haven’t truly governed for a single day.”
Tears formed in Isabelle’s eyes.
“Then why don’t you stop?”
Daniel remained silent.
She gently held his hand.
“Daniel…”
“People voted for you.”
“They trusted you.”
“If you continue like this…”
“…history will remember you as a coward.”
Daniel looked up.
Those words struck him harder than any opposition speech.
For several minutes, neither of them spoke.
Finally, Daniel stood and walked toward the window overlooking the city.
Thousands of lights illuminated the capital.
He whispered to himself,
“I didn’t become President to be someone’s puppet.”
He turned toward Isabelle.
His eyes were different now.
For the first time in years…
…they were filled with determination.
“I’m done obeying.”
“I’m going to govern this country the way I promised.”
Isabelle looked at him with both hope and fear.
“Do you know what that decision could cost you?”
Daniel gave a faint smile.
“Maybe everything.”
Outside the palace, thunder rolled across the night sky.
A storm was coming.
Daniel had no idea…
…that his greatest enemy was no longer the opposition.
It was the people who had put him in power.
End of part 4
The President Who Was Never Free
Part 5 – Breaking the Agreement
Daniel barely slept that night.
Long before sunrise, he was already sitting alone in the presidential office.
For the first time since taking office, there were no prepared speeches on his desk.
No folders sent by Victor.
No list of instructions.
Only a blank sheet of paper.
He picked up a pen and slowly wrote a single sentence.
“Today, I become President.”
He stared at the words for several seconds before folding the paper and placing it inside his jacket pocket.
⸻
At eight o’clock that morning, invitations were sent.
Not to ministers.
Not to members of Parliament.
Only to a small group of powerful men.
Former President Victor Delmas.
Three of the country’s most influential business leaders.
And Daniel.
The meeting was scheduled inside a secure conference room at the Presidential Palace.
No cameras.
No reporters.
No advisers.
⸻
Victor arrived first.
He walked in confidently, as though he still owned the building.
The businessmen followed a few minutes later.
They greeted one another with smiles.
Everyone assumed it would be another routine meeting.
Daniel entered last.
His face was calm.
His eyes revealed nothing.
He sat down.
No one spoke.
Finally, Victor broke the silence.
“So…”
“What urgent matter couldn’t wait?”
Daniel folded his hands on the table.
“I called this meeting because things are about to change.”
Victor smiled.
“What kind of change?”
Daniel looked directly at every man in the room.
“For more than three years…”
“I’ve honored our agreement.”
“I approved every contract.”
“I signed every document.”
“I protected every business interest you asked me to protect.”
One of the businessmen nodded.
“And we’ve appreciated your cooperation.”
Daniel continued.
“But starting today…”
“…I’m ending that agreement.”
The room froze.
Victor’s smile slowly disappeared.
“I’m sorry…”
“What did you just say?”
Daniel’s voice remained steady.
“I said it’s over.”
“I’m going to govern this country according to the Constitution…”
“…and according to my conscience.”
Silence.
One businessman leaned forward.
“You can’t be serious.”
Daniel looked at him.
“I’ve never been more serious.”
Victor slowly stood up.
His voice became colder.
“Have you forgotten who made you President?”
Daniel stood as well.
“No.”
“I remember every single day.”
Victor took a step closer.
“Then remember something else.”
“You made me a promise.”
Daniel nodded.
“And I kept that promise.”
“For more than three years.”
“But I also made a promise to millions of citizens.”
“I’ve broken that promise long enough.”
Another businessman slammed his hand on the table.
“What about our projects?”
“Our new contracts?”
“Our investments?”
Daniel looked at him without emotion.
“Every contract that violates the law will be reviewed.”
“Every unfair privilege will end.”
“You’ll compete like everyone else.”
The room exploded.
“This is madness!”
“You’ll destroy the economy!”
“You’ll destroy yourself!”
Victor raised his hand, signaling everyone to remain quiet.
Then he looked directly into Daniel’s eyes.
“I’ll ask you one last time.”
“Are you absolutely certain?”
Daniel didn’t hesitate.
“Yes.”
Victor gave a slow smile.
It wasn’t the smile of a defeated man.
It was the smile of someone making a decision.
“You’ve just declared war.”
Daniel answered calmly.
“No.”
“I’ve declared independence.”
Victor buttoned his jacket.
“You still don’t understand.”
Daniel remained silent.
Victor walked toward the door.
Before leaving, he turned around.
“When I found you…”
“…you were a mango exporter.”
“I made you President.”
He paused.
“And I can make sure history remembers you as the worst President this country has ever had.”
The door closed.
The businessmen followed him without saying another word.
Daniel was finally alone.
He took a deep breath.
For the first time since entering office…
…he felt free.
He had no idea that freedom had just become the most dangerous decision of his life.
⸻
That evening, Victor met privately with the same businessmen.
The atmosphere was completely different.
No one smiled.
One of them broke the silence.
“What do we do now?”
Victor calmly poured himself a cup of coffee.
“We remind him who really controls this country.”
Another businessman asked,
“How?”
Victor looked out the window.
“There are many ways to remove a president.”
“Some use elections.”
“Some use politics.”
He took a slow sip of coffee.
“And some…”
“…use chaos.”
No one asked another question.
They already understood.
Far across the city, Daniel stood on the balcony of the Presidential Palace, watching the lights below.
For the first time in years, he believed he had taken back control of his presidency.
He smiled.
He didn’t realize that, at that very moment…
…the plan to destroy him had already begun.
End of part 5
The President Who Was Never Free
Part 6 – A Country Under Siege
Only a few days after Daniel ended his agreement with Victor Delmas and the country’s most powerful businessmen, the political atmosphere changed overnight.
The first protests were small.
A few hundred people gathered in the capital.
They demanded lower prices.
More jobs.
Better living conditions.
But within days, the demonstrations spread across the country.
Major highways were blocked.
Schools were forced to close.
Public transportation came to a halt.
Businesses shut their doors.
Hospitals struggled to operate.
The nation was slowly grinding to a standstill.
⸻
Inside the Presidential Palace, Daniel watched the live broadcasts.
His Minister of the Interior entered the office.
“Mr. President…”
“The demonstrations are growing.”
Daniel nodded.
“I’ve seen them.”
“The opposition is calling for your resignation.”
Daniel looked away from the television.
“They’re not protesting because of me.”
“They’re protesting because this country has been broken for decades.”
The minister hesitated.
“That may be true…”
“But right now, they’re protesting against you.”
⸻
That afternoon, opposition leaders held a massive rally.
Thousands of people filled the central square.
The crowd chanted with one voice.
“Resign!”
“Resign!”
“Resign!”
Opposition leader Samuel Darius stepped onto the stage.
He raised his fist.
“The people have spoken!”
“They no longer trust this government!”
“They no longer believe the promises!”
“The President must resign!”
The crowd erupted.
Daniel watched the speech from his office without saying a word.
⸻
For three months, the country remained trapped in crisis.
Roadblocks became part of everyday life.
Businesses collapsed.
Families struggled to buy food.
Foreign investors began leaving.
International news channels described Montelac as a nation on the edge.
Yet Daniel refused to resign.
Every morning, he repeated the same words to his advisers.
“If I resign today…”
“…no future president will ever be free.”
⸻
One evening, Daniel addressed the nation on live television.
Millions watched.
He stood behind the presidential podium.
His voice was calm.
“My fellow citizens…”
“Our country is facing difficult times.”
“There are powerful people…”
“…who have always believed this nation belongs to them.”
“They’re willing to destroy the economy…”
“…to protect their own interests.”
He paused.
“They want me to surrender.”
“I will not.”
He looked directly into the camera.
“I wasn’t elected to serve a handful of powerful men.”
“I was elected to serve you.”
Across the country, people applauded.
Others remained skeptical.
One journalist whispered to another,
“He keeps talking about ‘powerful people’…”
“…but he never names them.”
⸻
That night, Daniel’s wife, Isabelle, found him alone in his office.
She gently closed the door.
“You’ve barely slept.”
Daniel smiled faintly.
“I’ll sleep when this country is safe.”
She walked closer.
“Daniel…”
“How many speeches have you given this month?”
He thought for a moment.
“I’ve lost count.”
“And what has changed?”
Daniel didn’t answer.
She looked him straight in the eyes.
“People don’t need another speech.”
“They need action.”
Daniel sighed.
“I know.”
“Then why don’t you act?”
He walked toward the window.
“Because every move I make could start a civil conflict.”
Isabelle lowered her head.
“Or maybe…”
“…you’re still afraid.”
Daniel turned quickly.
“I’m not afraid.”
She looked back at him.
“Then prove it.”
⸻
The following morning, Daniel ordered investigators to review several government contracts signed during his first three years in office.
It was his first concrete action.
Within hours, the news leaked.
Television channels interrupted their programming.
Political commentators argued endlessly.
Business leaders refused interviews.
No one knew what would happen next.
⸻
That evening, Daniel’s older brother, Michael Morin, called him.
Daniel answered immediately.
“Michael.”
“I’ve been trying to reach you all day.”
“I’ve been busy.”
“I know.”
There was a brief silence.
Then Michael spoke in a calm voice.
“I watched your speech.”
Daniel smiled.
“What did you think?”
“I think you’re making a mistake.”
Daniel frowned.
“What do you mean?”
Michael didn’t hesitate.
“You’re the President.”
“Presidents don’t spend their time accusing invisible enemies.”
“They govern.”
“They make decisions.”
“They enforce the law.”
“If you know who’s destroying the country…”
“…stop talking.”
“…act.”
Daniel remained silent.
Michael continued.
“If you keep giving speeches instead of solving the problem…”
“…your enemies will have all the time they need to destroy you.”
Daniel looked down at his desk.
“I know what I’m doing.”
Michael sighed.
“I hope you do.”
“Because I’m afraid your time is running out.”
The call ended.
⸻
Over the following days, anonymous threats began arriving at the Presidential Palace.
Some came by letter.
Some by encrypted messages.
Some through anonymous phone calls.
One message contained only six words.
“Resign… or prepare for your funeral.”
The head of presidential security immediately increased protection around Daniel and his family.
But Daniel refused to change his routine.
“If I start hiding…”
“…they’ve already won.”
Late that night, he stood alone on the palace balcony, looking over the dark city.
He whispered to himself,
“I’ve finally become a free President…”
Then he closed his eyes.
“…or maybe…”
“…I’ve just become the easiest target.”
Far away, hidden in the shadows, someone watched the palace through the scope of a rifle.
The figure lowered the weapon.
“It’s not time yet,” a voice whispered.
Then the darkness swallowed them once again.
End of part 6
The President Who Was Never Free
Part 7 – The Last Night
The anonymous threats became more frequent.
Every morning, new intelligence reports landed on President Daniel Morin’s desk.
Some warned of an assassination attempt.
Others claimed armed groups were preparing to attack government buildings.
None of the reports identified who was behind the threats.
The only thing they had in common was the same message:
“The President’s days are numbered.”
⸻
One afternoon, Daniel met with the Chief of Police.
The officer placed a classified file on the desk.
“Mr. President…”
“We’ve intercepted several conversations.”
Daniel looked up.
“What do they say?”
“We believe someone is planning an attack against you.”
Daniel remained calm.
“Do you know who?”
The Chief of Police slowly shook his head.
“No.”
“We have theories…”
“…but no proof.”
Daniel closed the file.
“Increase security.”
“It has already been increased.”
“Then keep investigating.”
The officer hesitated.
“Mr. President…”
“I strongly recommend that you temporarily move to a secure military residence.”
Daniel smiled.
“If I abandon the Presidential Palace…”
“…the people will believe I’m hiding.”
“They elected me to lead.”
“Not to run.”
⸻
That evening, Daniel delivered what would become his final national address.
Millions watched live.
He stood behind the presidential podium, looking more determined than ever.
“My fellow citizens…”
“There comes a moment in every nation’s history…”
“…when someone must choose between comfort and duty.”
“I have made my choice.”
“I will never resign because of fear.”
“I will never surrender this office to violence.”
“If defending democracy costs me my life…”
“…then let history judge whether the price was worth paying.”
The nation fell silent.
Some applauded.
Others feared those words sounded like a farewell.
⸻
Later that night, Daniel returned home.
For the first time in weeks, he shared dinner alone with Isabelle.
Neither of them spoke much.
Finally, Isabelle broke the silence.
“I had a bad dream last night.”
Daniel smiled softly.
“You’ve been having bad dreams for months.”
“This one was different.”
She reached across the table and held his hand.
“I saw our house surrounded by darkness.”
“I saw you calling for help.”
“And no one came.”
Daniel squeezed her hand gently.
“It was only a dream.”
She looked into his eyes.
“Was it?”
⸻
Near midnight, they went upstairs.
The palace was unusually quiet.
Outside, rain began falling.
Daniel stood by the bedroom window.
He looked across the city lights one last time.
“It’s beautiful.”
Isabelle walked beside him.
“What is?”
“Our country.”
She rested her head on his shoulder.
“I just wish it loved you the way you love it.”
Daniel smiled sadly.
“Maybe one day.”
They turned off the lights.
The room became silent.
⸻
At exactly 2:17 a.m…
The palace security cameras suddenly went black.
For twelve seconds…
…every monitor inside the security control room lost signal.
When the screens came back…
…everything looked normal.
No alarm was triggered.
No emergency was reported.
Unknown to everyone inside the palace…
A group of heavily armed men had already entered the presidential compound.
They moved with precision.
They knew exactly where every security checkpoint was located.
They avoided every patrol.
Almost as if…
…someone had shown them the way.
⸻
Inside the bedroom, Daniel suddenly opened his eyes.
He had heard something.
A faint metallic sound.
He quietly got out of bed.
Isabelle sat up.
“What is it?”
“I don’t know.”
Another noise echoed through the hallway.
Daniel walked toward the bedroom door.
Just as he reached the handle—
A loud explosion shattered the silence.
The door burst open.
Masked gunmen stormed into the room.
“GET DOWN!”
Gunfire erupted instantly.
Daniel grabbed Isabelle and pulled her behind the bed.
He reached for the emergency phone beside the nightstand.
His hands were shaking.
He dialed the Chief of Police.
The call connected.
“They’re inside!”
“We’re under attack!”
“Send everyone!”
The Chief of Police’s voice sounded panicked.
“We’re on our way!”
Daniel looked toward the hallway.
More gunfire.
More explosions.
Yet something didn’t make sense.
No presidential guards were fighting back.
No alarms.
No footsteps.
Nothing.
Only the attackers’ gunfire echoed through the palace.
Daniel whispered,
“Where is everyone…?”
The gunmen kept moving closer.
Bullets ripped through the walls.
Glass shattered everywhere.
One bullet struck Isabelle in the shoulder.
She screamed and collapsed.
“Isabelle!”
Daniel tried to reach her.
Another burst of gunfire forced him back.
Minutes felt like hours.
He kept waiting.
Waiting for the Presidential Guard.
Waiting for the military.
Waiting for the police.
No one came.
The attackers surrounded the room.
One masked man slowly stepped forward.
He raised his weapon.
Daniel looked straight at him.
He didn’t beg.
He didn’t run.
He simply said,
“I hope…”
“…one day…”
“…this country learns the truth.”
The gunman pulled the trigger.
The room fell silent.
⸻
Forty-three minutes later…
The first police vehicles finally arrived.
The attackers were gone.
President Daniel Morin lay motionless on the bedroom floor.
Isabelle was still alive, barely breathing.
She was rushed to the hospital.
Not a single member of the presidential security team had been killed.
Not one.
The entire nation woke up the next morning to shocking headlines:
THE PRESIDENT HAS BEEN ASSASSINATED.
But one question immediately divided the country…
Who killed President Daniel Morin?
Years later, people continued debating who had ordered the assassination. Some blamed the opposition. Others blamed the former president. Many accused powerful business interests. But no court ever uncovered the truth. Daniel Morin became the first president in Montelac’s history to die fighting for the freedom he had once surrendered. Ironically, he became truly free only on the day he lost his life.
The end
Written by: Roostacot Previl
KB STORIES 
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