"You piece of trash," Lady Carla growled, throwing a pair of dirty socks at Nicholas's face. "Your whole existence in this family pisses me off more than anything."Nicholas took the socks off his face and lowered his head. He held a basket of dirty clothes under his arm. He was about doing the laundry when Lady Carla stormed in and began raising hell. Lady Carla gritted her teeth, her back stiff with rage and contempt. "You're useless Nicholas. Why? Why have you chosen to bring disgrace and shame to my family?"Kimberly whom had been standing by and watching the scene all these while, finally intervened. "That's enough, mother."Lady Carla turned to her and pointed an accusing finger at Kimberly. "This is all your fault, Kim!"Kimberly looked surprised. "My fault?""If you hadn't married a loser like this trash you call a husband, I wouldn't hide my face in shame amongst other families."Kimberly took one glance at Nicholas then back to her mother. "I understand you mother but Nic

"I don't agree to this!" Nicholas shouted. He had heard just about enough. It gave him no thrill to see members of the Goldstein family selling his wife off.As far as Nicholas was concerned, they were putting Kimberly up for sale. He cannot accept that. Everyone stared at him, shocked at his sudden outburst. Then they all burst into laughter. It was unthinkable of Nicholas to chip in on the family's conversation. His opinion didn't count. The conference hall echoed with more and more laughter. "You don't agree?" Jean mocked him. "Just who do you think you are?"Nicholas balled his hands in fist. "I don't agree to the Goldstein household's decision. My wife cannot marry George."Kimberly stiffened and gaped at Nicholas as he said those words. Why did he say that? What was he up to?"Shut up and seat down," lady Carla blasted at him. "Foolish man, must you disgrace me everywhere you go?""Who allowed this pauper here in the first place?" Sir Harold demanded, turning to Kimberly. "

Three years ago, Lord Fitzpatrick Phoenix, head of the Phoenix family was poisoned at a gala event. He was admitted into a foreign hospital and was unconscious for days. The gala event was hosted by no other person but his favorite grandson, Nicholas. Nicholas had no idea about the poison but since he was the host of the gala, all accusing fingers fell on him. He was falsely accused by his family for poisoning Lord Fitzpatrick. A family trial was held to settle this issue. Due to their reputation, the Phoenix family chose not to involve the media nor the police.Since Lord Fitzpatrick wasn't dead but unconscious, it was easier to resolve things without the outside world knowing. Nicholas was brought up before his family to defend himself over the allegations charged at him. "I didn't do it," Nicholas defended himself. "You all know me. I can never poison my grandfather. I love and respect him to do such evil to him.""Shut up!" Nicholas uncle, Alfred snapped. "You're the host

The grand hall of the Phoenix family estate was filled with people, all waiting with baited breath for the arrival of the exiled grandson. Finally, the doors at the far end of the room swung open and the crowd erupted into cheers and applause as Nicholas strode confidently into the room.He was tall and mysterious, with an air of authority that overwhelmed everyone present. He wore a diamond encrusted face mask which only had two openings revealing his piercing blue eyes. His dark hair was styled in a sleek, modern cut, and he wore a tailored suit that showed off his broad shoulders and athletic build.As he made his way through the crowd, people reached out to touch him, as if to confirm that he was real. He was Lord Fitzpatrick favorite grandson, returned from exile after three years of being away from his family and his home.The family conference meeting was held in the grand dining hall of the family's estate. The tables and chairs had been pushed to the sides of the room,

"You've ruined us," Lady Carla shrieked, beating Nicholas with her fists. "You will be the end of us."She was being restrained by Master Damian while Nicholas tried to get away from her. Somehow, Lady Carla and Master Damian had managed to curb the situation by soothing George's anger. George had returned back into the house and was now seated beside Kimberly once again. Kimberly did her best to keep him in a good mood by teasing him and cracking jokes. It worked and George was once again returned to being the ugly jolly fellow he was ten minutes ago before the storm. Inorder to punish Nicholas, Lady Carla kicked him out of the villa into the freezing cold outside the backyard. "You will remain outside until morning, you piece of trash," she yelled and slammed the door, locking it from inside. Nicholas stood to his feet and dusted his shabby clothes. He walked around the villa to the front door where he peeked through the window. In the cozy living room, he saw his wife and