one

Welcome to Flame Hills city in Melrovia where the poor and wretched find it hard to fit in. It's a city having different estates and skyscraper building in different forms and shapes.

A place were poverty stricken people can't afford.

Among the five richest family was the one at the lowest called the Harpers. Madame Sharon Harper was among the most beautiful even in her late forties. She had a short blonde hair that was styled so beautiful and a make up on that accentuated her blue eyes and blue corset dress she was wearing.

There was a big proud smile on her face as she stared at everyone who attended her birthday event with so many beautiful gifts her eyes yearn for.

It was twilight in Melrovia and the Harper's residence were filled with brilliant lights and cheerful noises.

Every guests that was present were mostly men of big families. Men who has their eyes on her first daughter, Hermione.

It was time to get her gifts so she sat on a big designated red and golden chair. One of the men wearing a very expensive suit came to her. "Mrs. Harper. I have to say, your beauty is astounding."

Sharon nodded. "But I'm guessing you're not here for me."

The man nodded. "I'm Bennett Sanchez from Sanchez industries. I came here with the intention of marrying your daughter, Hermione. I present to you this gift..." He brought out a well designed scepter that caught Sharon's eyes. "It's a pair of Jade scepters. I'm wishing you more long life."

Sharon took it with a smile on her face. She couldn't hide the look of delight. She was overjoyed.

Someone scoffed. "That's just a scepter, Ben. I can provide a dowry of a mansion in Flame Hills worth thirty million dollars and another twenty million in cash."

"Come on, Phil, that had to be the cheapest. Thought you could do better than that. I'm willing to give a mansion worth eighty million in Flame Hills if..." He looked at Hermione who arrived in together with her sister and he smiled. "If you marry me."

Hermione smiled and sat down on a chair behind her mother. She was also considered the most beautiful. Just like her mom, she had blonde hair, blue eyes but a more younger version. She was beautiful and elegant. The cynosure of all eyes.

Sharon couldn't help but chuckle. She was so pleased to see everyone offering such sky-high dowries just to get her daughter.

"Well, I could do more than that. All of my family's billions in assets can be yours." Another one said from the crowd.

Someone in the crowd scoffed since he felt disgusted by what was going on. He shook his head and took steps toward Sharon.

Just his appearance alone got all eye on him and made the disagreeing place quiet.

He was wearing a worn out jean and black shirt, looking so miserable and different.

"I think you all are forgetting that you're vying for my wife." He voiced out with a stern expression.

Hermione looked away in annoyance, since she didn't want to look at his face. Yes, he ended up poor but it couldn't stop him from being so perfect when it comes to looks, and body structure.

Dylan Clifford was once the heir of the second most richest company in Melrovia, Clifford Corporation (C.C.) after Apex Conglomerate (A.C). Although their real value was unknown, it was estimated that their wealth totaled up to three hundred billion dollars more than everyone in the building combined.

Things went awry for him after his dad was accused of fraud and corruption, then one night, they were involved in a ghastly accident that burned them both to crisp.

His grandfather was already disappointed with his father so he took back control over the company, rendered him his father's son or accomplice, and took everything from him after the death of his father and mother.

It was eight months ago that his life came crumbling down. A month after he married Hermione Harper.

"Come on, look at you, Dylan. You're nobody. You don't even deserve to be here." One of them said.

"Did you at least bring any gift for me?" Sharon questioned.

Dylan looked at her. "Too poor to afford anything."

"And that is exactly why you and my daughter have nothing to do with each other." Sharon told him. "You're worthless. A good for nothing. You do not deserve my daughter."

Dylan chuckled darkly. "You once think I did."

"Why the hell are you here, Dylan? What do you want? What more do you have to beg for?" Hermione asked him with a contorted and disgusted expression.

Dylan looked at her, his stern gaze becoming soft and affectionate. "My aunt, she's sick. I don't have the money for her treatment."

"And how much do you need for it?" Sharon asked.

"Half a million." He answered her.

Sharon's brow raised. "Half a million?"

"She was diagnosed with cancer. I've sold off the only house I legally have but it's nowhere near the exorbitant fee incurred by her treatment. I need help." He laid out, hoping his money loving mother in law has some good in her heart.

Sharon nodded. "Okay. Kneel and beg for it."

Everyone smiled, some laughed since it could be a sight to see.

Dylan, just like every other rich heirs was arrogant. He hardly smiles and no one dares cross his path. His arrogancy was on another level, he was fully at the top, his hands on people's necks. He was feared.

After his life crashed, people who had scores to settle with him went after him. It took long for him to be able to mellow and accept his fate.

Though he was still arrogant but no one fears him anymore.