Chapter 1. Outcast

Xavier Hale stood at the periphery of the grand party, his eyes sweeping across the room with a mix of disdain and longing. The lavish decorations, the cacophony of conversation, and the clinking of glasses seemed to mock him, a constant reminder of his position in his family. His mother, Alicia, a stunning woman with piercing green eyes, laughed and chatted with the other guests, her beauty and charm captivating everyone around her. But Xavier knew the truth - she was a mistress, a mere plaything for the powerful Mafia lord, Donatello Hale.

"Xavier, darling, come join us!" his mother called out, her voice dripping with sweetness, like honey. Despite all the mistreatment she received from the other women in the Hale family, she still treated Xavier like a treasure that could not be exchanged for anything.

Xavier hesitated, knowing he didn't belong. The weight of his mother's expectant gaze forced him to move forward, his feet heavy with reluctance, as if trudging through quicksand. As he approached, a group of kids his age, all sons and daughters of high-ranking Mafia members, snickered and whispered among themselves, casting dirty glances his way like daggers.

Xavier's jaw clenched, his fists tightening in his pockets like a vice. He was used to being an outcast, but it still stung, the pain of rejection and humiliation simmering just below the surface.

"Hey, bastard, what are you doing here?" one of them sneered, a tall, muscular boy with a cruel grin, his voice like a rusty gate scraping against Xavier's nerves.

"Just enjoying the party," Xavier replied, his voice even, but his heart racing like a wild animal trapped in a cage.

The boy laughed, a harsh, mocking sound. "What does a bastard and beggar like you have to enjoy in a party meant for true Mafia scions. You don't belong here. You're not one of us."

Xavier's eyes flashed with anger, but he knew better than to fight back. He was alone, and the Hale family wouldn't hesitate to crush him like an insect under their heel. For the sake of his mother, he must remain docile.

Suddenly, a hand clamped on his shoulder, spinning him around like a puppet on a string. Xavier faced his half-brother, Marco, a sneer twisting his face like a grotesque mask.

"You don't belong here, bastard," Marco spat, his voice low and menacing, like a snake slithering through the grass.

Marco's eyes blazed with contempt. "You're nothing but a dirty secret, a reminder of our father's weakness. You're a stain on our family's name, a bastard child who shouldn't even exist." Marco's words stung him real deep. Shame and anger danced around Xavier's heart.

Xavier's mother appeared, her eyes flashing with anger. "Marco, leave him alone!" she demanded, her voice firm but trembling with emotion. Xavier could she was scared but still stood up for him.

Marco sneered at her. "You're just as guilty, whore. You and your bastard son are a disgrace to our family. You're the reason our father's lost respect, why our family's reputation is tarnished." Marco didn't hold back at all.

The room fell silent, all eyes on the tense scene unfolding before them. The guests were a bit excited as they anticipated a good show. Meanwhile Xavier's face burned with shame and anger, but he knew he had to keep his head down, to survive.

"Enough, Marco!" A voice full of power and authority boomed out. Donatello Hale, tall, muscular, handsome, with eyes cold and hard as steel. "Leave Xavier alone. He's still a Hale, after all."

Marco's sneer faltered, but his eyes still burned with hatred. "For now, he's still a Hale," he muttered, before turning and disappearing into the crowd like a snake slithering into the shadows.

Xavier's mother placed a gentle hand on her son's arm. "I'm sorry, darling. I wish things were different."

Xavier shrugged, his heart heavy. "It's okay, mother. I'm used to it." But deep down, he knew he couldn't take much more of this life, always living in the shadows, always an outcast. Something had to change. He needed to change his life and that of his mother's.

Donatello Hale approached them, his presence commanding attention. He was the current helmsman of the Hale family, and thus he commanded much respect from everyone. "Xavier, come with me," he said, his voice firm leaving no room for questions or discussion.

Xavier followed him, his heart racing with anticipation. What did his father want from him?

As they walked, the crowd parted, whispers and stares following them like a dark cloud. Xavier felt like a specimen under a microscope, examined and judged by everyone around him.

They reached a private room, the door closing behind them like a trap. Donatello Hale turned to him, his eyes piercing.

"Xavier, I know you're not like the others. You have a fire in you, a spark that can be fanned into a flame. I want to help you cultivate that spark, to make you a true Hale."

Xavier's heart skipped a beat. What did his father have planned for him?

"There's a business transaction I want you to oversee. Do this successfully and no one would ever look down on you ever again." Donatello said.

"Really father? What sort of business transaction if I may ask?" Xavier asked in curiosity, this was exactly what he need - something to prove himself as a capable Hale. But instead his father's brows creased as if he had committed a crime.

"You have no right to know. But I will tell you this, the merchandise is of great importance that even ten of your lifetime isn't enough to redeem it should you fail." His father said in a stern tone.

"Yes Father. I will not fail you. I will not throw away this opportunity you have given to me." Xavier said and bowed his head.

"Go and prepare, you leave at once. Edgar will drive you." His father said, dismissing him. Xavier bowed again and left his father alone in the study.

Seeing that Xavier has left. Donatello brought out his mobile phone and dialled a number.

"He's on his way. Make it swift and clean. He will be with a driver, you have my permission to clean off all witnesses." He then hung up.

"I'm sorry Xavier, but even I can't tolerate this anymore. I assure you that in two years your mother will join you and keep you company." Donatello said to himself with an emotionless face.