COLIN VERUS, A MAN REBORN

Chapter 7

“Livia!” Barius Martin’s voice rang out, filled with desperation and determination.

Colin sighed, turning toward the approaching man. “Still not finished, Barius?”

Ignoring Colin, Barius focused solely on Livia. “Livia, wait. I can’t let you leave like this.”

Livia’s face tightened. “What do you want now, Barius?”

He stepped closer, his hands outstretched as if pleading. “I want you to reconsider. Don’t tie yourself to someone like… him.” His gaze flicked to Colin with disdain. “You deserve so much more than a man who can barely stand in a room with your family without being humiliated.”

Colin opened his mouth to respond, but Livia beat him to it. “That’s enough, Barius.”

Barius’ voice grew softer, almost pleading. “Livia, I’ve loved you since college. I have wealth, influence, everything you could ever need. I can give you a life you’ve only dreamed of. Just say the word, and it’s yours.”

Livia’s expression hardened, her voice steady. “And what about Colin? Do you expect me to discard my husband like he means nothing to me?”

Barius sneered. “He’s holding you back! Look at yourself—living with constant ridicule, defending someone who can’t even defend himself. With me, you’d never have to endure that. You’d be respected, admired—”

“Stop,” Livia interrupted, her voice firm. She stepped closer to Colin, her hand tightening on his arm. “Colin is my husband. He’s the man I chose, the man I stand by, and the man who stands by me. I don’t need your wealth or your promises. What I have with him is more valuable than anything you could ever offer.”

Barius’ face fell, disbelief flashing across his features. “You’re choosing him over me? Livia, think about what you’re saying.”

“I’ve thought about it plenty,” she replied, her voice unwavering. “And I’d make the same choice every time.”

Colin, who had been silent until now, finally spoke. “You heard her, Barius. Now, do us all a favor and leave.”

Barius’ jaw tightened, his composure cracking. Without another word, he turned and strode away, his frustration palpable.

As Barius disappeared into the night, Colin turned to Livia. “You didn’t have to do that.”

Livia looked up at him, her eyes soft. “Of course I did. You’re my husband, Colin. And I’ll defend you, even if it’s against someone as insufferable as Barius.”

Later that night, Livia unlocked the door to a modest apartment in a quiet neighborhood. Colin followed her inside, taking in the small but cozy space. The furniture was simple, the decorations minimal, but it felt warm—like a home.

“I rented this place a few months ago,” Livia explained. “I needed somewhere to escape from the Aurelius chaos. You can stay here with me.”

Colin’s brow furrowed. “Livia, I can’t—”

“You can,” she interrupted firmly. “You’re my husband, Colin. I don’t care what my family says. We’ll figure things out together.”

He nodded, though his voice was heavy with emotion. “Thank you.”

“There’s a spare room down the hall,” she added. “I thought it might give you some space.”

“Separate rooms?” he asked with a small smile. “You sure you don’t want me snoring in your ear?”

She chuckled. “I’m positive.”

As Livia showed him around, Colin couldn’t help but feel a surge of gratitude. The apartment might have been small, but it represented something much larger—her commitment to him, despite everything they had been through.

The next day, Colin received a call that would change his life forever. Augustus Verus, the man who had recently revealed himself as Colin’s biological father, wanted to meet.

Colin arrived at a private office building, its grandeur intimidating. Augustus stood by the window, his figure imposing against the city skyline.

“Colin,” Augustus said, turning to face him. “I’m glad you came.”

Colin nodded cautiously. “I’m here. What is it you wanted to tell me?”

Augustus gestured for him to sit. “It’s time for you to understand your legacy. The Verus family isn’t just wealthy—we’re powerful. The Marquis Group, one of the largest business empires in the city, is part of your inheritance.”

Colin blinked, stunned. “My… inheritance?”

Augustus handed him a folder filled with documents detailing ownership, assets, and holdings. “As my son, you have a rightful claim to all of this. I’ve spent years building an empire, but it’s time to pass it on. You’re more capable than you realize.”

Colin’s hands shook slightly as he flipped through the pages. The numbers were staggering, the scope of the empire almost incomprehensible.

“This is a lot to process,” he admitted.

“I know,” Augustus said. “But you’ve proven yourself. The way you’ve handled adversity, the way you’ve stayed grounded despite challenges—it shows you have the character to lead.”

Colin leaned back in his chair, his mind racing. For years, he had been mocked, belittled, and underestimated. Now, he was being handed an opportunity that could change everything—not just for himself, but for Livia.

“I don’t want this to be about revenge,” he said quietly. “I want to use this to build something better—for my wife, for us.”

Augustus smiled faintly. “That’s exactly why you’re the right man for this.”

That evening, Colin returned to the apartment. Livia was sitting on the couch, flipping through a magazine. She looked up as he walked in, her expression curious.

“How did it go?” she asked.

Colin sat beside her, exhaling deeply. “It was… life-changing.”

Livia raised an eyebrow. “Life-changing how?”

He hesitated, then smiled. “Let’s just say things are going to get better for us. I promise.”

She tilted her head, studying him. “You’re being cryptic.”

“You’ll see,” he said, his tone teasing. “Just trust me.”

Livia rolled her eyes but smiled. “I already do.”