COLIN VERUS, A MAN REBORN

Chapter 6

The grand hall of the Aurelius estate was alive with chatter, the scent of fine wine and the hum of conversation filling the air. The annual family meeting was in full swing, but the mood shifted the moment the mysterious gift was unveiled—a pearl of unimaginable size, glowing faintly under the crystal chandelier. Its iridescent sheen captivated the room, casting soft, shimmering light across their awestruck faces.

“What a marvel!” old Mr. Aurelius exclaimed, his frail voice trembling with excitement. “This… this is no ordinary gift. It must be worth millions!”

The family erupted in speculation.

“Who could have sent something so extravagant?” Aunt Sabina mused, her eyes gleaming with greed.

“Clearly, someone who understands our stature,” Vulpes interjected smugly. “A gift like this could only come from someone of true wealth.” He shot a pointed glance at Livia, his smirk widening. “Certainly not from Colin Verus.”

Laughter rippled through the room, sharp and cutting.

Livia remained calm, but the sting of the insult settled deep in her chest. She straightened her back and kept her focus on the pearl, refusing to give Vulpes the satisfaction of a reaction.

As the family debated, the butler announced a new arrival. “Mr. Barius Martin has just joined us.”

All heads turned as Barius entered the room, his tailored suit and polished demeanor oozing confidence. The young heir to the Martin family fortune, Barius was well-known in elite circles for his wealth and charm.

“Barius!” Aunt Sabina cooed, rushing to greet him. “How wonderful of you to join us. We were just discussing the pearl. It’s spectacular, isn’t it?”

Barius gave a gracious smile, his eyes briefly scanning the room before settling on Livia. “It is indeed remarkable,” he said, his voice smooth. “Though I can’t take credit for it, I’d be honored if my family’s reputation brought such a splendid gift to your gathering.”

His words sparked murmurs of agreement. “It must be from the Martins,” someone whispered. “Who else could afford such a thing?”

Vulpes, emboldened by the assumption, gestured toward Livia. “See, Livia? That’s the kind of man you deserve. Not someone who crawls in here begging for loans.”

Laughter erupted again, cruel and mocking.

Livia’s fists clenched under the table, but she forced herself to stay composed. “Colin may not be wealthy, but he has something money can’t buy: integrity,” she said quietly but firmly.

“Oh, please,” Vulpes sneered. “Integrity doesn’t pay bills.”

Later that evening, Livia stepped outside to escape the suffocating atmosphere. The cool night air brushed against her skin as she stood on the terrace, staring out at the moonlit gardens.

“Livia,” came a familiar voice. She turned to see Barius approaching, his smile soft and calculated.

“What do you want, Barius?” she asked, crossing her arms.

“To talk,” he said, stepping closer. “You deserve better, Livia. I’ve thought that since the day we met in college. And now, seeing you tied to a man like Colin—it’s painful.”

Livia’s expression hardened. “Colin is my husband. Whatever you think of him doesn’t matter.”

Barius shook his head, his tone pitying. “He’s holding you back. Look at you, surrounded by people who mock him at every turn. You don’t have to live like this, Livia. You could have so much more—a life of luxury, respect, and admiration.”

“And you think you can offer me that?” she asked, her voice laced with skepticism.

“I know I can,” Barius said, his voice growing more confident. “Leave him, Livia. Be with me, and I’ll give you everything you deserve.”

Before Livia could respond, another voice cut through the air. “You don’t know what she deserves.”

Both turned to see Colin stepping out of the shadows, his expression calm but unyielding. He walked toward them, his presence commanding despite his simple attire.

“Colin,” Barius said with a mocking laugh. “You’ve got impeccable timing. We were just discussing how your wife deserves better.”

“I heard,” Colin replied coolly. “And I agree—Livia does deserve better. Better than someone who thinks she’s a prize to be bought.”

Barius’ smile faltered. “I’m offering her a better life, something you clearly can’t provide.”

Colin stepped closer, his voice steady. “What you’re offering is a gilded cage. Livia doesn’t need your money or your pity. She needs respect, loyalty, and love—things you wouldn’t understand.”

The tension crackled in the air as Barius scoffed. “Big words from a man who can’t even hold his place in her family.”

“I’m not here to prove myself to you or anyone else,” Colin said, his gaze unwavering. “But know this: Livia isn’t leaving me. Not for you, not for anyone.”

Livia’s heart swelled at his words. She stepped forward, placing her hand on Colin’s arm. “Barius, you don’t understand. Colin may not have wealth, but he’s rich in ways that truly matter. He’s my husband, and I stand by him.”

Barius’ expression darkened. “You’re making a mistake, Livia. A mistake you’ll regret.”

“No,” she said firmly. “The only mistake would be betraying the man who’s always been there for me.”

Barius clenched his fists, his composure cracking. Without another word, he stormed off into the night.

Back inside, the family noticed the shift in Livia and Colin as they returned to the hall. The mocking smirks and whispered taunts persisted, but Colin held his head high, his confidence unshaken.

The mysterious pearl still sat in the center of the table, its origins a topic of endless speculation.

“Whoever sent it must be trying to curry favor,” Vulpes said loudly, smirking at Livia. “Maybe they’re trying to elevate themselves from a… less fortunate position.”

The family laughed, but Colin leaned in toward Livia, his voice low. “They can laugh all they want,” he said, “but we know the truth.”

Livia smiled, her fingers tightening around his. “Let them laugh, Colin. I have everything I need right here.”