"Really? The Linhares family finally needs me?” Regan scoffed as he scowled at the impressive figure in front of him.

The woman dressed elegantly and sipped from a glass, the most expensive of white wine.

“This is a chance to redeem yourself and-” The woman began to say but he snickered, uninterested in her lies.

“What? Rowland made a mess of himself and you realize I'm appropriate and the one who's meant to be in control not him? A chance to redeem myself you say? Is this some sort of joke? You kicked me out and deemed me worthless three years ago!” Regan fired, slightly raising his voice.

“The family needs you, we're sorry for what ever happened in the past, let it go and return home.” The woman advised him, enthusiasm evident in her eyes.

Regan scoffed deliriously. “Get Rowland out of prison and feed him these lies, I'm not interested. He's always had his way with words didn't he? Let him find a way out of this.” He fired and rose to his feet, ready to leave.

“Regan! He's your twin brother and we're your family!” The woman barked at him.

He stared icily back at her, his eyes full.of rage and resentment. “ You should have thought about that before selling me off like a piece of furniture to that family, leave me alone. Three years of living like a commoner has made me accustomed to it.”

“You're a Linhare, it is your responsibility to-”

“Don't talk to me about responsibility when you've failed at yours…. Mom.” Regan cut her short and tut before finally leaving.

He sauntered out of the biggest restaurant in the city, his shabby clothes being a contrast of the private suite he just got out from. The cold wind blew past his face, making him clutch his worn-out coat tightly.

Two hours later, he arrived at a huge mansion and with a heavy sigh, he walked in only to stopped by a woman.

“Where the hell have you been?” She yelled at him and then her eyes trailed down to the wooden box he was holding.

“Donna.” He muttered, bowing his head.

Donna is his wife, the woman whose life was termed unfortunate by others because she was someone allowed to marry him; a nobody with no name.

“I told you not to embarrass me, where did you get that from?” She scolded.

“It's a gift for Grandma, it's not much but-”

“Spare the details, the whole family is here already, do me a favor and just stay off the grid. Things are bad as it is, don't make it worse.” She instructed, ignoring his words.

Donna's life was turned upside down after her grandfather had made it his wish for her to get married to him, she loved him dearly and didn't want to disobey or make the old man unhappy.

His words made her stay with the wretched husband he got her married to ‘Donna, never underestimate Regan, he's more than you think he is.’

Three years later and all he's amounted to is a joke, a pathetic one that brings shame to her and her family. Divorce was inevitable but she was waiting for the right time.

“Look who's here, the pauper and his bride.” Isaiah announced with a loud voice as Regan and Donna stepped in.

Donna rolled her eyeballs and stepped aside, not wanting to be in the limelight with Regan, the shameful limelight.

Isaiah, being the oldest grandson of the family prided in the fact that he was more successful than any of them and his grandpa’s favorite granddaughter was stuck with a pauper.

“Shut up Isaiah, we're here for grandma.” Donna said, tiredly.

Isaiah chuckled and turned around to face Regan squarely, scoffing at the wooden box he held in his hand.

“What? Where did you get that? At a junkyard sales?” Isaiah said, insultingly.

The rest of the family laughed at him, joining in the fun.

“No, I bought it from a store.” Regan replied him and Donna felt her dignity go down the drain, if only her foolish husband would keep mute and stay out everyone else's way.

Isaiah flaunted what he was holding.” I got her a $150000 wine, expensive I know but worth it, it's aged and extremely rare.” He announced with a loud voice.

This arouse murmurs from others, praising him and voicing their envy towards how lavishly he could spend money, his eyes were filled with satisfaction, after all, he loved the attention.

“Aged and expensive you say?” Regan questioned.

Isaiah's eyebrows furrowed in a frown and Regan covered the distance between them, making a gesture for Isaiah to pass the wine to him. “Handle it with care, it's worth more than your entire lifetime.” Isaiah commented snidely.

Regan nodded and carefully observed the bottle, he scrutinized his nose and clicked his tongue disapprovingly. “It's a fake, judging from the texture and aroma coming from the bottle, even I can tell it's a fake, did you say you paid a fortune for this? How can you be so shallow minded?”

Isaiah looked taken back by the sudden accusations, his forehead creased in a frown as his heart skipped a beat, chuckling nervously. “Give me that!” He growled, snatching the bottle away from Regan.

“There are tons of wine peddlers in the streets these days, they preserve wine for a year or two, mix in some chemicals to make it give off an aged aroma but it's a facade, you just fell into a trap.” Regan announced, monotonously.

“What? He bought a fake?”

“He has been fooled.”

“This is humiliating.”

“How are you slander me!” Isaiah bellowed, angrily.

He had truly gotten it from a local store that sold fakes and thought to lie since no one would knew and impress the grand mistress of the family but Regan somehow exposed his plans.

“It's lethal enough to pose a life-threatening effect on grandma, are you trying to kill her?” Regan accused.

“Are you sure about what you're saying?” Donna whispered to her husband.

“I can bet my life on it.” He swore.

Donna stepped forward and snickered loudly. “Some filial grandson you are! You should be ashamed of yourself.” She insulted, loudly.

Isaiah began to stammer, he was unexpectedly caught in his own web of lies, after all; the old woman wouldn't bother drinking the wine but Regan had made a fuzz about it.

“You little piece of trash! How dare you lie?” Isaiah thundered, trying to cover up his embarrassment.

“What is going on here?” A thin but firm voice questioned.

They bowed their head slightly, honoring the entrance of a powerful figure.

“Grandma.” Isaiah started, staring at Regan with evident hatred in his eyes. “Look, I bought you this fine wine for your birthday.”

“It's fake.” Regan interjected.

Marietta De Croix, the matriarch of the family took the wine from his hand and inspected it. “You're sure it's fake?” She asked firmly, her icy tone commanding respect.

Sweat beads broke off Isaiah's forehead, his grandma wasn't easy to fool. She clicked her tongue and shook her head disapprovingly. Donna smiled satisfactorily as the woman took slow but steady steps towards Regan.

Pah!

“How dare you slander my grandson!”

The slap resonated through the room as Marietta shook with anger.

“You think he's as useless as you are?” She yelled, her voice booming with anger.

Isaiah's horrified expression morphed into one of satisfaction while Regan stood still, embarrassed and disgraced. Marietta turned to face Donna. “You can do better than….this.”

Donna nodded her head, embarrassed for her shameful husband.

“This wine is original, the best ever.” Marietta announced.

“It's fake.” Regan argued.

She scoffed, scowling at the wooden box he held in his hand. “And what you have there is better?”

“It's a longevity scroll, I had it made just for you.” Regan explained.

She snickered in derision and the rest of the family laughed at him. “Away with the trash!”

“I'm sorry.” Regan apologized, stomaching the insult.

“Fall to his feet and apologize!”

Regan inhaled deeply, his reputation was already ruined, doing this would ruin that of his wife, he could see from that corner of her eyes, how teary she was. Resolved, he fell on his knees before Isaiah.

“I'm sorry, I was wrong.” He apologized.

“It's alright brother-in-law, you don't know luxury even if it hit you in the face, no need to feel bad.” Isaiah gloated.

Regan got up to his feet and walked up to his wife. Donna, unable to bear the shame, slapped him. “You dishonor me!”

He watched as his wife stomped away. Isaiah smirked at him, Regan knew exactly what had happened, the old woman knew it was a fake but why would she have to embarrass her grandson for a very useless son-in-law instead?

The rest of the family found their way around while he was left there, humiliated like every other year for the past three years. A family dinner was scheduled for that night but before then, they all had to go their designated room and do whatever they pleased.

In a slightly dim room, Ling and June; Donna's parents sat at the table, ruminating on the events of the day.

“Don’t you think we ruined her life by getting her married to him?” June asked her husband, referring to Regan.

Ling exhaled slowly. “June, Dad wanted this.”

“I know, but he's dead now and she's suffering from such ridicule because of it, let's get her divorced. They don't have a child yet, she could marry some rich divorcee as well, she's attractive-”

“June! Don't objectify your daughter.”

“What? At least she's better off without that dummy of a husband who brings her nothing but shame.”

“You think I haven't had enough of it?” Donna interrupted, walking into the room.

Juna frowned a little while her daughter sat with them at the table. “You should divorce him, I was telling your father how-”

“I heard you Mom but I want you to know that grandpa's dying wish is that I remain married to him, whatever happens, he's my husband and I'll appreciate if you respect that.” Donna interjected.

“Are you going to spend the rest of your life with him? You'll never gain the respect of the rest of the family.” June revealed.

Donna guffawed. “Dad has been working hard all his life yet they disrespect him, I can manage.”

“Don't talk to-” June began to complain but Ling gave her hand a gentle squeeze. He agreed with his daughter.

A gentle knock on the door interrupted their discussion.

“May I come in?” Regan requested.

June flared her nostrils as Donna gave her consent. Regan walked in with his head hung low. “I'm done with the dishes, is there anything I can help you with?”

“There! All you've got is a house help for a husband, useless!” June snorted.

“Mom!” Donna chastised and rose to her feet. “Let's go.” She ordered Regan, he bowed his head once more in obeisance before leaving the room with his wife.

“What is wrong with you? All I ask for is for you not to embarrass me or my family, is that too much?” Donna asked, her voice breaking.

Regan could see her frustration and that she was at the edge of breaking, the past three years has been hell for the poor girl, she was tormented by her own family because of his financial status, because of him.

All he did was to cook, clean, do laundry and run errands while she assumed position of the husband, it was impossible to blame her for hating him, after all; he ruined her chances of having a good life.

“I'm sorry Donna.” He apologized.

She snorted. “That's all you've ever been, sorry. Can't you just be something better? Do you want to live the rest of your life like this?” She asked, desperation evident in her tone.

“Lover's quarrel?” Isaiah's mocking voice boomed.

Donna frowned, not hiding her displeasure at his abrupt presence.

“You know, he did put you in your place, don't even bother aiming for the top, live the rest of your life quietly, as a pauper's wife.” Isaiah jested.

“Go away Isaiah!” Donna fired at him.

“Why? Do you could have sometime alone with your wife? You know, when grandpa was still alive, he chose you over us, bragged openly about you to everyone and he didn't even try to hide how much he favored you, thinking all his fortune would go to you and I hated you for it but his worse mistake was getting you married to this bum, you finally get to be where you deserve; among lowlifes.” Isaiah confessed.

“Don't speak to her in such manner!” Regan said, defensively.

“You know the wine is truly fake but grandma would rather die than embarrass me, that shows how useless you are so scram, how about you fall at my feet and kiss my shoe, I'll give you a thousand dollars for that.” Isaiah offered, arrogantly.

“Isaiah!” Donna cautioned him, her eyes filled with tears.

“What? You look like you need the money.”

Donna gave Regan a very painful look then walked away. Regan walked away as well, Isaiah's laughter trailing after them.

He caught up to Donna who wasn't satisfied with his insistence. “Do you really want me to be better?”

“Yes! I'm sick of this ridiculous lifestyle and misery, I'm trying to see the bright side of things but there seems to be none and I'm sorry Regan but I'm exhausted.” She spat out, her voice cracking.

“I'm sorry.” He apologized.

“Of course you are, don't follow me, you’ve embarrassed me enough.” She retorted, sarcastically then walked away.

Breathing deeply, Regan retraced his steps back to the staff quarters where he assisted with the chores, his mind strayed back to the conversation he had with Donna, though she gave him a hard time sometimes, she still treated him like human and with respect, most times.

Being the only one who accepted him the way he was, Regan decided it was time to repay her, he had gotten accustomed to her presence so it was impossible to leave.

In a safe corner, he brought out his phone and dialed a number. “Hello, let's meet at the DragonCrest Fall, bring along the transfer of ownership, I've considered your request.”

“When does this ever end?” Regan complained.

“Just a few more and you'll be done.” Luther; the lawyer in charge of the legal actions assured him.

Regan snickered and kept signing the papers, they were the legal proof that everything that belonged to the Linhares was now under his control, they'd gain more grounds and acquired more properties so it was a truckload of work for him.

“I'm done, finally.” Regan announced. “Would that be all?” He asked the lawyer who consented with a nod, he sprung to his feet almost immediately.

“Wait, where are you going to?” Felicia Linhares, Regan's mother asked.

She was there from the onset, watching over him satisfactorily.

“Home.” Regan replied, shortly.

“Home? Home is with us, where we stay.” Felicia argued.

Regan chuckled softly. “With you?”

“Of course, oh! You may chose to stay in any of the mansions you like and-”

“And why is that, mother?” Regan interjected.

“What do you mean why? You're currently that richest man in the country and in the continent, you surely have a reputation to keep if-”

“I'm heading to the same place you abandoned me at for three years, if anyone thinks it's embarrassing then they should keep the idea to themselves.” Regan interrupted, again.

“Regan, you've taken over, just assume your place already and everything-”

“Might I remind you that I didn't beg for any of it? I'm doing this on my own terms and if you don't like it then that's your business not mine.” Regan snapped then faced the lawyer one more time.

“Have the companies effect these changes, I'll be there on Monday to address them as the new CEO and no press or paparazzi is invited.” Regan announced, dismissively then began to walk away.

“Regan.” Felicia called out, he reluctantly paused to listen to her. “I'm glad you're back.”

“You should be.” Regan retorted sarcastically before finally walking out, leaving the two to carry on with the discussion.

“He's stubborn, just like his father but he'll make a good leader.” Felicia assured the lawyer.

“He had the resolution and potential but I'll advise that you do not try to coerce him into doing anything, it is now legalized, everything is under his control, let's just hope he finds favor with the NaNa.”

“Yes, let's hope.” Felicia muttered, knowing well her mother-in-law and Regan never go along well with each other.

By the time Regan arrived back at the De Croix Mansion on his rickety scooter, dinner had already begun. Looking average in his worn-out leather jacket and pants that he managed to buy on a 50% off sales at a store few months back, he looked like the scourge of the family.

As he walked to the dining room, scornful looks were cast in his way. Donna gestured for him to come seat beside her, having saved a seat for him.

“Look! The head of the family is here.” Isaiah mocked as Regan took his seat and everyone except Donna and her parents laughed.

Regan looked apologetically at Ling and the man smiled weakly at him while June scoffed as usual. “I'm sorry.” He whispered to Donna who focused her attention on eating.

“Am I so insignificant that you think you can arrive late you Regan?” Marietta asked, maliciously.

“Pardon?” Regan uttered, startled by her allegation.

Donna pinched him under the table and he sprung up to his feet and had his head hung low in shame. “I'm sorry Dowager, I had trouble with my scooter.” Regan lied.

Isaiah snorted in derision. “That scrap of junk? Wouldn't it be better for the environment if you pawned it off?”

“At least he'd get a pair of decent clothes.” Mindy; one of Donna's numerous female cousin added and they all burst into laughter, mocking him.

“I'm sorry Dowager, it won't repeat itself.” Regan promised as he took one quick glance at his wife who didn't as much as flinch since she was dying from embarrassment.

“You should find something better doing than nonsense and lying against those who actually do some real work like real men.” Marietta insulted, hinting at the incidence that happened earlier that day.

Regan muttered a 'thank you' and sat down beside Donna. “Hey.” He greeted as quietly as he could but she returned his greetings with a polite nod.

“Donna, you haven't given me a gift, I assume you're not planning on giving me days later?” Marietta asked with a loud voice, rather lackadaisically.

Donna was flustered by this and almost choked on her food. “Are you okay?” Regan had asked her but she ignored her.

"Pauper." Isaiah coughed.

“Shut up Isaiah.” Donna retorted, weakly.

Marietta gently dabbed the corner of her lips with an handkerchief and tapped the cutlery on the plate. “I need a refill.”

The scoffers turned to look at Regan, after all; he for petty errands. This embarrassed Donna but Regan insisted that it was fine so he reaches for the plate and takes it.

“I'll bring it back in a jiffy!” Regan said, enthusiastically.

“Be careful, that dish costs an entire fortune you wouldn't be able to afford!” Isaiah warned, again.

Regan smiled widely and nodded, he headed for the kitchen, knowing fully well it was the last time they'd ever enjoy such luxury. He got into a corner and dialed a number, spoke in hushed tones and ended the call with a ‘You have ten minutes to get here.’ note of warning.

“Where have you been? Were you planning on keeping us waiting for forever?” Marietta yelled at Regan as he finally returned to the table.

“Be careful with that! Clumsy fool!” Isaiah insulted as Regan almost toppled a glass of wine. He laughed awkwardly, scratched the back of his head and returned back to his seat.

“I'm sorry.” He apologized to Donna and she ignores him.

“How's the proposal you presented to Riverina Industry?” Marietta asked Isaiah.

“We've been trying with no success to get them to sign a contract with us, they do not even pay us the slightest attention!” Isaiah complained bitterly.

“Maybe if you were skilled enough and polite, you'd get audience with them.” Donna muttered.

“What was that? You think you can do any better?” Isaiah snapped.

“she can.” Regan blurted.

Marietta flared her nostrils. “Get the deal before the week runs out or you'll find yourself on the streets.”

“Mom!” Luke exclaimed.

“Don't you dare! You've not been making sales for the past few months and your progress is declining, I can't have you feeding off my other children like a leech!” Marietta retorted. “You have three days!”

Luke was about to complain but was shocked seeing a messenger walk in with a medium-sized box in his hands, two other man trialing right behind him.

“How dare you-”

“The Linhares family sends a gift for the daughter of this house, apparently, this is his proposal to her.” The messenger announced, and walked up to Marietta urging her to open the box.

Her hands shook and she gasped in shock, dropping a piece of paper on the floor. Isaiah picked it up and his face turned white. “Tw-tw-two hundred million!?”