CHAPTER ONELuke Bradford pulled up his hoodie to avoid being recognised as he rolled his bike to a stop beside the flashy Porsche which conveyed his wife and her friends to Bridgeville University.He barely had time to help his foster mother off the bike before Fiona, his wife, and her group of friends began barking orders at him. "Hey, bird brain, what the hell are you doing there? Come over right now and take our bags." Carmella, one of Fiona's bratty friends screeched.Fiona had clearly stated that she would not have "the trash" riding in her brand new car. Even when Luke had begged her to just allow his mother ride with them, she gave the older woman a disgusted look and proclaimed that if she would not ride on the bike with her son, she might as well walk.Luke's face reddened in embarrassment as half of the parking lot turned in their direction."Hold on, mum, I'll be right back." He whispered to his mum.Mrs Bradford shook her head, sadness clouding her features as she watche

David opened the box, revealing a shimmering, luxurious diamond ring. From every indication, the ring was worth millions of pounds.Luke stared down at the little fancy diary he got Fiona as a gift. This could never be compared to David's gift. Everyone would just laugh at him.Luke was about to turn away when David looked straight at him, his eyes burning with challenge.Finally, he got down on one knee."Fiona, I have loved you ever since you were just ten years old. Your beauty and intelligence have never failed to leave me in awe. This ring is worth ten million pounds and today, on your twentieth birthday, it is my utmost pleasure to ask you to become my wife.Will you marry me, my princess Fiona?"Shocked silence fell over the entire hall. Fiona looked dazed, while Mr and Mrs. Carmichael's eyes widened with pleasant surprise.Luke held his breath, waiting for Fiona's response, then all around him, guests erupted in a chant,"Say yes! Say yes! Say yes…!"Fiona's eyes shimmered wit

Luke collapsed into his seat, his mind buzzing with a billion different thoughts.If anyone had told him that he would one day be kidnapped and later proclaimed heir to an empire worth trillions of dollars, he would have laughed them in the face.“I’m not so sure about this.” He rasped.The old man smiled.“I understand that this is a lot for you to take in, but I assure you that accepting your position will be the best decision you have ever taken in your life.”Luke shook his head and attempted to change the subject.“So you said my parents died in an accident. Was it really an accident? Being an heir to so much money, some people might have been after them, right?”The old man heaved a sad sigh.“I’m afraid you’re right, my son. You see, the George name is one of the most important and powerful names in the world which was why I ordered that we would remain anonymous. I did not want any links or trails that would associate us with our wealth…but your father began to get out of cont

CHAPTER SEVEN “Has everyone suddenly gone dumb? I asked a question!” The man thundered. Martha gave Luke a full glare before turning to her boss. “I apologize for the commotion, sir. This man,” she said, pointing at Luke, “ walked in here and started picking up our wares, claiming he can pay for them. From every indication, sir, he doesn’t look like he can afford the least priced item we sell here, talk more of a ten thousand dollar watch. He was beginning to constitute a nuisance to our actual paying customers so I decided to call the security officers.” The Manager turned his dark, serious eyes on Luke. He appraised him slowly, starting from his worn out shoes to his low budget shirt. Luke did not look down or cower. Rather, he met the manager stare for stare. “What are you doing here, young man?” The manger finally asked. Luke shrugged. “I’m here to shop like everyone else.” “And how do you intend to pay for the items you’ve picked? Before you answer that question, I want y

“I have no idea what you’re talking about, Fiona. Please step back.”Fiona refused to backdown. Instead, she tried to get in Nina’s face but Luke stepped between them, blocking her path. His eyes glowed with annoyance,“You and I no longer share any form of relationship, Fiona Carmichael. I would advise you to stay away from Nina and I from now on. Do you understand?”Fiona’s mouth dropped open in shock at the command in Luke’s voice. Before she could say anything, David interfered.“Why are you allowing yourself to be talked down on by this low class riff raff, sweetheart? Let’s get out of here. He was never worth our attention in the first place.”“Yes,” Luke added. “You both should get out of here. And please, avoid confronting us in the near future.”David froze at Luke’s obvious insult. He turned to him, his lips curled in a sneer.“Oh look, the timid pauper can finally stand up for himself. Need I remind you that you are far beneath by class, Luke Bradford. You are a useless go