Fiction logo

A GUY WITH BAD SMILE

'Revealing the Mysterious Smile'

By Muhammad ShaheerPublished 9 months ago 3 min read
1

In a little town nestled among rolling hills, there was a guy named Ethan. People talked about him because he was super polite, wore really nice suits, and could make anyone feel charmed by his presence. But there was a surprising thing about him – his smile. Now, let me clarify, his smile looked great, there was nothing wrong with it physically. But the interesting part is why his smile was considered "bad." Don't worry, I'll reveal the secret behind it by the end of the story. Keep reading to find out!

Ethan owned a successful business in the heart of the town, dealing in fine antiques and collectibles. His shop was always filled with unique treasures, and people came from neighboring towns to browse his wares. Despite his reputation for being friendly and helpful, some couldn't shake the feeling that there was something insincere about him.

One day, a new family moved to the town. The Jeffersons were a cheerful bunch, eager to integrate themselves into the community. They had a teenage daughter, Lily, who was instantly drawn to the quaint charm of the town. As the Jeffersons settled in, they crossed paths with Ethan during a visit to his antique shop.

Ethan welcomed them with his trademark grin, and Mr. Jefferson couldn't help but feel a pang of unease. He couldn't put his finger on it, but there was something unsettling about that smile. Nonetheless, Ethan offered his assistance in finding the perfect items to adorn the Jeffersons' new home.

Lily, on the other hand, was captivated by Ethan's charm. He showed her around the shop, telling her stories about each piece's history. As she listened, Lily found herself trusting Ethan more and more. It wasn't long before they struck up a friendship, much to the worry of her parents.

Over the next few weeks, Ethan's relationship with Lily grew stronger. He introduced her to his circle of friends, a group of seemingly friendly and welcoming individuals. Yet, Mr. Jefferson's unease persisted, and he began to do some digging. What he uncovered was a web of hypocrisy.

Ethan, while appearing virtuous, had been engaging in shady dealings behind closed doors. He was involved in underhanded business practices, manipulating the market to his advantage. His circle of friends turned out to be a network of individuals who were also involved in various forms of deceit and dishonesty.

Fueled by a desire to protect his family and the town, Mr. Jefferson confronted Ethan with his findings. Ethan's bad smile remained fixed in place, but this time it held a hint of malice. He admitted to his actions but justified them as necessary for his success. Lily, heartbroken and disillusioned, saw the truth behind the charming facade she had fallen for.

As news of Ethan's true nature spread, the townsfolk began to see the hypocrisy that had been lurking beneath the surface for so long. People re-evaluated their interactions with him, questioning whether his kindness had ever been genuine. The town rallied together to ensure that justice was served, and Ethan's empire of deceit came crumbling down.

"The Grin of Deceit" stands as a powerful cautionary tale, shedding light on the peril of hypocrisy. It serves as a stark reminder that the way things seem can often be misleading, and even a smile that's charming may not unveil a person's real motives. In a world where the virtues of sincerity and honesty hold immeasurable worth, this narrative serves to underscore the importance of peering beyond the surface, unearthing the genuine truth concealed beneath the guise.

Short Story
1

About the Creator

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2024 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.