CHAPTER ONE
Christopher (Helen's husband, smiling warmly):
"Happy birthday, my love. This is for you."
He handed her a delicate jewelry box, and as Helen opened it, her eyes sparkled. Inside was a beautiful gold necklace, something she had always admired.
Helen (touched, her voice soft):
"Oh, Christopher, it's perfect! Thank you so much!"
Her children, Stephen, Rita, and Susan, gathered around her with their own offerings. Stephen presented her with a handcrafted photo album filled with family memories, while Rita handed her a luxurious scarf, and Susan gave her a beautiful vase for their living room.
Stephen (grinning):
"Here you go, Mom. A little, something to keep all your beautiful memories close."
Rita (laughing as she passed her gift):
"Hope this keeps you warm on those chilly nights."
Susan (holding her gift with both hands):
"I thought this would brighten up the house, Mom. You deserve it!"
Helen was overjoyed, her heart full as she held her children close.
Helen (laughing, voice full of love):
"You all have truly outdone yourselves. I'm so blessed to have each of you."
Then, Grandpa Ray, a proud, older man with a twinkle in his eye, stepped forward, handing her a small velvet box.
Grandpa Ray (smiling slyly):
"I hope this suits a queen like you."
Helen opened the box to reveal a stunning, vintage brooch, sparkling with diamonds. She gasped, touched by the gesture.
Helen (softly):
"Grandpa Ray, this is too much! You're always spoiling me. Thank you, thank you so much!"
Everyone cheered, clapping for Grandpa Ray. The room was filled with affection and joy.
But then, there was a moment of silence, and all eyes turned to James, who was standing awkwardly at the edge of the group. He wasn't holding any gift.
The whispers began, and a few guests exchanged knowing looks.
Guest 1 (whispering to Guest 2):
"Why didn't James bring anything? That's strange."
Guest 2 (laughing quietly):
"Maybe he forgot".
As the quiet chatter grew louder, James cleared his throat, stepping forward.
James (nervously, raising his hands):
"Ma, sorry to disturb you. I may not have gifts for you, but I just want to wish you a happy birthday. I wish you a long life and prosperity. You mean the world to me."
The room fell silent. Everyone stared at him, unsure of how to react. Some of the guests exchanged awkward glances, and a few chuckled under their breath, unsure if they should laugh or just ignore the moment.
Helen's face turned cold, and a sharp silence hung in the air before she spoke.
Helen (cutting through the tension, her voice cold and stern):
"Is this some kind of joke, James? You come here, empty-handed, after everyone else has put in so much effort? A simple birthday wish? You could have at least shown some respect. Do you think that's enough?"
James (visibly taken aback, stammering):
"Ma, I didn't mean it like that. I really do care. I just…"
Helen (interrupting, voice rising):
"Don't you dare make excuses. You come to your own mother's birthday without even a thought. If you can't even show basic consideration, then don't waste my time!"
The room fell silent, everyone shocked at the sudden turn of events. Helen's face was flushed with anger, and the guests exchanged uneasy looks.
Christopher (trying to intervene, his voice gentle but firm):
"Helen, let's not"
But Helen was already shaking her head, her anger palpable.
Helen (coldly, not looking at James):
"Maybe one day you'll understand what it means to show real love, James. Until then, don't expect me to tolerate such disrespect in my own home."
James stood there, crushed, his heart heavy. He looked around at the disappointed faces of his family. The room felt suffocating, and despite the celebration, there was a sense of tension that hung in the air.
The party continued, but the joy had dimmed, and the birthday celebration was forever marked by the uncomfortable silence that followed.
James had once lived a life of promise. He was hardworking, loyal, and dedicated to his family's company. But his world came crashing down when he was falsely accused of embezzlement. His own parents, ashamed of the scandal, disowned him without listening to his pleas of innocence.
Alone and broken, James had nowhere to go. It was then that Grandpa Ray, a man known for his wisdom and kindness, took him in. Unlike the rest of the world, Grandpa Ray saw something in James: his resilience, his honesty, and his potential.
Despite being adopted into a wealthy and powerful family, James never truly felt accepted. The others in the family pretended to love him, but behind his back, they whispered that he was a burden, an outsider. The only one who genuinely cared for him besides Grandpa Ray was Rita, the old man's granddaughter.
Over the years, James worked hard to earn his place in the family. He managed some of Grandpa Ray's businesses, proving his intelligence and dedication. Rita, a kind and spirited woman, saw the goodness in him. Their bond grew stronger, and soon, love blossomed between them.
Grandpa Ray, seeing James' sincerity and loyalty, made a bold decision to give Rita's hand in marriage to James, despite the objections of the rest of the family.
"You have proven yourself to be a man of honor," Grandpa Ray said to James on the wedding day. "And I know that you will cherish Rita the way she deserves."
The rest of the family smiled in public but harbored resentment in their hearts. To them, James was an unworthy orphan who had stolen their grandfather's favor.
When Grandpa Ray passed away, everything changed. The mask of fake love that the family had worn for years finally fell off. Without Grandpa Ray to protect him, James became a target of humiliation.
Helen, Rita's mother, Christopher, her father, and Stephen, her brother, openly ridiculed him. They made life unbearable, treating him like a servant rather than a family member.
"You don't belong here," Stephen sneered one evening. "You were just Grandpa's charity case."
James endured the insults in silence, holding onto the love he shared with Rita. But his in-laws had other plans; they wanted him out of Rita's life for good.
Helen and Christopher believed that Rita had made a mistake by marrying James. They wanted her to divorce him and marry someone who would elevate the family's status. That's when Helen introduced Mark, the only son of the Prime Minister.
Mark was wealthy, powerful, and came from a family of high political influence. To her, he was the perfect husband for Rita.