Winston Family,
Today was the sixtieth birthday ceremony of the head of the family and the family had done all they could to have important dignitaries invited to the family. Raymond Winston, on the other hand, who had just arrived at the front of the magnificent building, looked nothing like someone that was here to attend a birthday party. Dressed in a casual shirt and pants, which made his originally dashing appearance toned down, he looked nothing like all the other guests that had entered previously. It would be hard to accept if someone pointed out that he was the actual first son of the Winston family "Who are you?" One of the guards asked him as his eyes flashed with disdain. "I'm here for my father's birthday party." He replied coldly. His facial expression had no changes and was full of disregard for the guards. "Pffftt." One of the guards barked in laughter, unable to resist anymore, while the other two guards looked at each other and scoffed as they gave Raymond a look from head to his foot. Since they had worked here for more than three years, they were quite in tune with how the rich people dressed. To a certain point, they knew some brands already and knew that what this man was wearing was nothing they had seen before. "If you need some food to eat, we can help you arrange leftovers after the party ends and keep some for you but don't expect that we would allow any stray dog who claims to be our lord's son inside." One said with a self-righteous expression. The Winston family had two heirs, a son and a daughter. Everyone knew this, so how could another person come here and claim to be their boss's son? Without giving any warning, Raymond used one hand to pull one of the guards to him while sending a kick to the other one. The third guard reacted instantly and rushed towards him, giving Raymond just enough time to smash the head of the one with him and the other one together. The both of them yelped loudly like dying pigs while Raymond dusted his hands and let himself in. Although he was the first son, barely anyone knew who he was, and even when he walked in, the only reason why the staff didn't stop him was that they felt that for someone to be able to pass through the guards' checkpoint, he must have had some identification check already. More importantly, nobody wanted to be the one responsible for insulting a guest or causing a commotion on a day like this, so Raymond entered the party hall without any disturbance. "Grandma, Father." Raymond greeted the two people seated at the head of the table politely, with his voice devoid of any warmth. Although no one in the capital knew, the Winston family knew very well that their first son, who had been missing for years, had finally returned. Yet, they didn't want anyone to know he had survived publicly, and they even monitored his movements. The family of five at the head of the table was shocked to see Raymond appear here after all. They hadn't sent him an invitation. Moreover, he had been sent to some rural house to live, and they didn't expect he would find out. Today was his father's sixtieth birthday, and while the Winston family was nothing like before, they could still pull as many strings as they could to invite a lot of important people to the party. With how much effort they had spent, they didn't want anyone to know he was their family member. And so when Raymond greeted them in that way, the whole crowd looked at him and then looked at the Winstons. "Hehe.. this is a son I just adopted to assist Luke. After all, if there's someone to handle the mundane and little duties, Luke would be able to focus on making the income and company get better." Father Winston said hurriedly. Many of the lower families nodded at first like as if they supported his decision but some of the mid-level families couldn't hide their thoughts. After all, the Winston Group was nothing more than an empty shell at the moment. "Ahh! That's a good thought, after all, the company does need the full attention." One of them said making some others burst into laughter and then whisper among themselves. Father Winston gripped his chair tightly as he tried to refrain from his anger, after all, everyone here was a guest that was already stronger than their family. Offending them would only put him in jeopardy. Yet, he couldn't hide the anger he felt towards their ways, after all, when his company was good, they had all found ways to please him. Now that the company was doing badly, they didn't care to even respect him. "I heard that the Winston family might have a looming engagement with the Brooks family." Someone said while all the other men there leaned forward as if afraid to miss any information. However, there was no way that father Winston who was spending all his hours trying to salvage his family's company would have known that something like that was happening. He looked at Luke, his gaze questioning and when he read the look in his son's eyes, he spoke up. "I'm sure that you have heard it wrongly, after all, my family is on a different level from their family.." He argued immediately. The Brooks family was a first-grade family and while it was far from being at the supreme level, they were still a huge leap in status for them. More importantly, they had two daughters which meant that a lot of families with sons were hoping to form ties with them through marriage. If his son could attract either of the two, he was sure that their family's company could be salvaged. For someone that was used to playing dirty already, John Winston, the family head of the Winston, and Raymond's father kept his emotions in check and turned to them to convince them completely. "The younger ones can be quite funny, although I have absolutely no idea about this, I would get to the bottom of the rumor, lest we offend people we shouldn't." "Your younger son is very attractive, he looks like someone that was raised in an upper family, is he someone we should know?" One of the married ladies from the mid-family asked. She was from the Strox family and since she had an important family, her husband's family would usually not try to restrain her. Seeing that even while standing by the side, the adopted son had an air around him that surpassed most of the young masters she had seen and even her brothers, she got curious. Although most of them didn't notice it before since he was wearing simple clothes, the moment they looked at him again, they felt like what she had said was very true. Just by standing there, he was oozing an air of command and authority that made them feel like he had more power than he ought to. Not only did the guests notice but even John, his wife, and even Luke noticed it and their faces blackened in anger. What rich family? The little bastard had been used as a help and servant all this while and only managed to find his way home this time around. She had only sent him a secret invite because she wanted him to see just what life they were living now, to see the full extent of the Winston family without him and his mother. For someone like her that didn't interfere in the company matters, today was the first time she was hearing about the murmurs regarding the looming bankruptcy. "This boy? He has been trained as a help and is used to giving off an intimidating aura that wouldn't allow people to disturb his masters." Old Grandma Winston said and then barked into laughter. The total disregard and mockery in her voice that had the young man unable to do anything made everyone feel like they had been overthinking and looking away from him. The party continued as several people started to present their gifts to father Winston. Since it had already been said that he was just an adopted son, no one faulted Raymond for not bringing any gift. Raymond on the other hand stood there overseeing the whole event while wondering why they had sent him a message to come over and then acted shocked to see him. His eyes narrowed on the old woman and then sneered in his heart. Even for them when their family was on the brink of death, she still had the mind to think about him. "Master! The first daughter of Brooks's family is here." One of the house servants ran in and announced, stunning the whole crowd. One had to know that the Brooks family was not at the Winston family's level. More importantly, the first daughter was the pearl of the family's eyes and was treated even better than royalty. If they sent her over, it certainly meant that there was something between both families and most likely, the Winston family would even grow stronger. Thinking up to that point, most people changed their attitude toward John immediately. If he could become the father-in-law to the Brooks family, they would be the ones needing his help in no time. John smiled happily as he saw the smiles on their faces. However, the woman beside him wasn't as happy as she looked around and sent an eye signal to someone on the other end of the room. The middle-aged woman across the room stood up and walked past Raymond who was still standing at a corner by the high table. Raymond's eyes squinted as the woman passed, yet, he couldn't stop the tightening in his chest as he slumped.Chaos filled the hall as most of the servants rushed and helped him."Get the doctors from Hades Hospital," John yelled out.Although he was dissatisfied with his incompetent son, John couldn't leave him in the lurch in front of everyone and announced that he was getting the doctors from the best hospital in their city."Has he been overworked?" One of the young sons of the other families asked, wondering why a man that looked that healthy and solid would suddenly fall just like that.Just as the chaos was about to reach its peak, the first daughter of the Brooks family, Stella, entered the hall. Almost as if an Angel had passed, everyone became quiet, partly due to the power they knew she commanded and her looks.It was rumoured that Brooks's family genes were good and today, the guests here were allowed to see just how good it was. Stella was like some goddess that had stepped to earth.Clad in a pure white floor-length gown that had her curves on full display with her hair let down
"Since he has only that little life left, make him useful and use him to build some solid connections for us. After all, he had taken the appearance of that vixen." Grandma Winston said with a tut as she looked at the young man that sat with his head down looking at her.No matter how one looked at it, he looked very healthy and imposing, yet, after the family doctor had run a check on him, he had announced that he had only one year left to live at most.They had been unable to believe it and had their family doctor come over to run some other checks, and the results had been even worse than the original one that he was given."Father, grandmother is right. Since elder brother is so sick, it's better to give him off to someone that could help the family company in this situation," Luke said, looking at Raymond with a scheming glint.Since they were young, his older brother had taken all the limelight from him and even made him, who had originally thought he was the legitimate son, bec
"You only know how to come now?" John barked as he saw Raymond striding in like he did not have the whole room waiting for him.When he entered, Stella, who had never seen Raymond before, was shocked by his appearance and aura. However, she had done her investigation and was even informed that he was sick just yesterday, which meant that her sister would become a widow in at most two years.Nothing could beat this kind of deal."I had to eat and take my medications, and since there's no housekeeper, I had to make the meal myself." He replied simply.Although it was just two sentences, the face of the Brooks family changed while a girl that looked nothing more than eighteen finally looked up at him.Her eyes flashed with appreciation as she looked at his beautiful appearance. Even without any effort, Raymond had a face that was bordering on beauty.Julia, the second daughter of the Brooks family who was supposed to get married to Raymond, frowned slightly as she looked at him for a lit
Since it was unlike a normal wedding, Raymond promised he would come and pick Julia up in the evening. Without waiting for his family, he entered the old Audi that he had driven there and left.Julia's eyes stayed glued to the car until it could no longer be seen while Stella rushed up to her. "Julia, are you happy now? You have finally married the man of your dreams!" She said excitedly."When it's your wedding night this evening, I'm sure that you both would even experience more bonding between one another," this time, her voice was reduced to a low whisper while her face flushed red as she imagined Raymond and Julia together.While Raymond might not have any strong points, his physique was perfect, and even Stella, who had seen her fair share of top heirs and handsome men, still had to admit that a man like him was a rare catch. Unfortunately….Although she had no idea why Julia, that was usually quick to speak and easy to read, now had a blank face, the important thing was, she ha
The car ride back to Raymond's house was quiet. Although Julia had not acted like a typical young heiress, he was certain she couldn't endure his house, yet Raymond had no intention of changing houses. After all, he would be ruining his plans by doing that.So when they got to his house, and he opened the door, he turned to her, "The house is clean, but since the marriage was on such short notice, I would only try to do some renovations tomorrow," he explained politely.Julia nodded in understanding, "I'm going to be in school often. You don't have to change things around here,"Raymond stared down at the expressionless woman right in front of him. She was totally different from the girl in his research. Could she be pretending or something? Raymond disputed the thought and stared back at Julia, whose eyes were roaming around the small old house."Let me just show you to your room”, He added.Julia nodded lightly.Raymond took her box and led the way.She reluctantly followed him. Ra
Julia had gone back to bed last night, leaving Raymond to his thoughts.As for Raymond, he felt like he had married a different woman entirely. Just who had influenced the news that his men had gathered? From what he remembered, Julia had demanded that she wanted to marry him after hearing about his good looks. But now she had demanded for a divorce?His lips curled up as he felt like his living conditions had made her change her mind.On the other hand, he was also worried about how she was able to revive him after he collapsed. She seemed confident about him being curable. Did she know the nature of his sickness, or was she just bluffing? After all, this was something that the medical specialists were not capable of doing for years. Seeing a nineteen years old lady confidently saying she could do it made him begin to wonder if she was serious or perhaps his life was some kind of joke to her.After using his meds, he was able to get some sleep, and he woke up to make breakfast for bo
The Brooks family made sure they invited all their business associates and the top men in society to grace the special day of their daughter. They made sure no one was left out. Those who gave excuses for their absence were also in attendance. They had convinced them until they gave in to their request. Everything was set for the party, but the couples were yet to arrive. It wasn't a cause for alarm for the family because they felt, the couples were preparing to arrive in a grand style. Stella had wanted to get Julian's dress, but her mother asked her to discard the idea, saying Julian would sort herself. The grand hall which was family and rented was gradually getting filled with the invited guests. Soft music rented the air as the invitees chatted over a glass of wine as they awaited the couples. Meanwhile, back at Raymond's apartment, Julian stood across the room with her gaze fixed on him. He was wearing a simple wine shirt and well-tailored black pants to go wit
When Julian excused herself, Raymond decided to stretch his legs, which were aching because he had been sitting for too long. He had nowhere in mind to go, so he decided to take a tour around the hall. He had barely walked for a minute when Stella walked up to him with the gift box. “I see you liked your present,” he said offhandedly and she nodded. “I appreciate your effort to impress your in-laws” she replied. Raymond bit his lips as he nodded slowly. If only Stella had known who he was really, she wouldn't have said that to him. “I'm glad I was able to do that,” he said as he beckoned to a waiter who was nearby. He picked up two glasses, then handed one to Stella, which she accepted. “Thank you,” she said with a smile before taking a sip of the wine. They remained in their positions without a word to each other. After a while, Stella smacked her lips to get Raymond's attention. She didn't start speaking until he had his gaze fixed on her. “Tell me, how did you
Chapter 188Niko had been going on and on about his dream wedding, it was not as if he was in a serious relationship or had anyone he had a crush on.Adam and Raymond were trying to stifle their laughter because they found his gestures funny but listened to him regardless with rapt attention."No, my dream wedding would be in Paris, the city of love, no, no, Dubai. Women love traveling to Dubai and I know my woman would want the same too.” "What woman, last I checked, you're single.” Raymond said. "Is that what you think?" Niko asked with a smirk. Adam and Raymond exchanged glances with their mouths wide open. Adam was the first to speak because he was surprised since he was closer to Niko."Are you seeing any woman now?" Adam asked, surprise evident in his tone and Niko chuckled for a bit before he sat down, he had been standing ever since he began his description."I would only tell you when I'm done with my description of my perfect dream wedding. So as I was saying before I was
Raymond has just left the correctional center and all he could think of was his father's face. The look on his father's face kept replaying through Raymond's mind. He would rather have his company crumble than let his son manage it? What kind of man was that? — he scowled, replaying his words in his head. On leaving the prison, he called Adam and Niko to meet him at their favorite bar. He needed a drink to wipe the images flooding his head. The image of his father trying to kill him. The image of him swearing to do it again, everything was making him.go crazy. Several minutes later, Adam and Niko met him at the bar and they began taking shots."It's not enough that my wife almost died, I had to go be reminded of the shitty ass dad I have." Raymond yelled downing another shot in one gulp. "You shouldn't have met him." Adam said to him rubbing his shoulder. "I don't know why you bother with him when you should be looking for ways to cut ties with him for good." To that Raymond grun
“Are you sure you are okay?” Raymond asked, leaning against the bed frame. As for her family, they were in the waiting room. Niko and Adam and finally succeeded in pushing them out to prevent further drama. “Sure, I'm.” Came her response, accompanying it with a smile but Raymond wasn't placated by it and didn't bother to hide it. “Are you thinking about Dina?” She asked and immediately, Raymond snapped his head in her direction.“Dina doesn't matter here, your health and wellbeing comes first.” He said, propping her up, he said, “Let's get you to Doctor Anderson so he can check you thoroughly.” He said, pushing her hair behind her ears. “Don't you trust…” “I don't.” he snapped even before she could complete her words. “Fine, let's go see him.” She said with a shrug. After making a few calls, Julia was moved to Doctor Anderson hospital. Though he wouldn't be the one to perform the checkup, he referred another doctor who shared the same name with him. Before they could get to th
"Where's Raymond? I can't believe he couldn't do anything to help Julia rather he sat back watching that lunatic lynch her.” Mrs. Brooks said, storming towards the ward she had been directed to. The moment Raymond heard Mrs. Brooks' voice, he froze against the chair he was occupying. His hands immediately became sweaty as he braced himself up to face her. Niko and Adam looked at him in pity. They knew the history between Raymond and Julia's parents even if it seems they had rectified their differences and they didn't want to interfere.Immediately Julia's parents entered the room, Raymond stood up from his seat while they looked at him with disdain before they bypassed him and went straight to Julia who was still unconscious but was now stable. "Can you see what you've done, you see. I warned Julia not to get involved with a despicable person like you but she was swoon by your charms to listen to me. Now look where that love has gotten her." Mrs. Brooks yelled, venom dripping from
Meanwhile, Julia was holding her head in pain, she screamed in sheer horror as she saw the blood streaming down her face, staining her clothes in the process. The noise coming from all corners made her so uncomfortable coupled with the pains she was facing. "What has Dina done to me, my head." She was still screaming when she felt Raymond's body against hers. Lifting her up, he held her tight and then placed her down on the floor."Listen to me Jul, nothing is going to happen to you, okay, I can't believe Dina would go this far.” He said, checking her pulse. Tearing his shirt, he began to press it against her wound. It didn't take long before the cloth became crimson red. "It hurts Raymond, it hurts." Julia screamed as tears continued streaming down her eyes as she lay helpless in Raymond's arms. He has never been in this kind of situation before and so, he was so confused."Please Julia wake up, you can't die on me please." Raymond whispered in her ears as tears brimmed in his ey
Chapter 183For the next few minutes, Julia couldn't raise her face. Without being told, she knew a lot of eyes were staring at them and because of this, she couldn't raise her head and look back at them. “If only Raymond had relieved her of her job when we asked him to, this wouldn't have happened.” She muttered, biting her lips in anger. “Hello sissy, I told you I'm going to get you out of the way so I can have Raymond to myself. You thought I was kidding? Damn! I wonder why a lot of people take me as a joke when I'm damn serious, Dina cringed, throwing her hands in the air. Niko wanted to stop her but Adam came out of nowhere and then blocked his path.“What do you think you are going to do?” Niko yelled, trying to bypass him but couldn't.“Let's watch her.” He replied, pushing him backwards. “Watch her as she attempts to kill Julia? Are you even thinking?” He yelled, still trying to move but couldn't. “Get your hands off me.” He yelled, pushing him but he wouldn't budge. Whi
The two continued bickering with no hope of stopping anytime soon. While Raymond was using their hassle to keep himself from zoning out, at the same time, he was looking at the door as he awaited Julia's arrival. They had gone to get the perfect dress for the party scheduled to hold the next day at the shopping mall.“Bye.” He said the moment he saw Julia walking towards him with a broad smile on her lips. “How do I look?” She asked, swirling around for him to have a clear view. “Super.” He said, smacking his lips with a little smile. “You're sure.” She asked, raising her brow at him. “Of course. It's as if the tailor had you in mind when he was making the dress.” He said, accompanying it with a wink whilst she blushed shyly. After picking a few more things, the couple's retired home for the night. Raymond knew better not to tell her anything concerning Dina's plan. The following morning, after breakfast, since the party was scheduled to hold by evening, Julia decided to keep he
Pursing her lips, Ava tried to forget about the conversation she had with Dina but couldn't. Meanwhile, Dina was busy eating merrily as she continued divulging more information to her. “Please stop it already, you are making me feel nervous.” Ava snapped. “What? Are you angry because I defeated you in our little game?” She yelled back at her, rolling her eyes to the back of her head. “That's not the point here.”“Then what is it? Speak now or forever remain silent.” She snapped, cutting a large chunk of her meat. “They are a couple, we shouldn't make things tough for them.” Laughing, Dina said, “Couples my foot. Also, I want you to clear that motion from your head. We aren't a team or anything. We decided to play a game and I beat you to it.”“I know I lost but come to think of it, you are taking this thing too far. If this continues, I'm scared you wouldn't mind doing something that would mar their marriage forever.” She mumbled. Leaning towards her, she said with a little voice
“Ava isn't the culprit here.” Niko suddenly said the following day when he, Julia, Adam and Raymond were gathered around a table to decide on which way the party was going to go. “Really?” Julia asked, leaning close, eager to hear everything that he wanted to say. “Yeah. Thanks to the spyware installed unknowingly to them on their phones.” He said, gritting his teeth and seething with anger at the same time. For the next few minutes only Niko and Julia talked. Raymond and Adam on the other hand are just watching as they listen to their conversation. “So who's the culprit now?” Adam asked with a firm voice, hitting the butt of his pen against the table. “Dina of course.” Niko replied and immediately Julia slumped on her seat, all the while she was thinking Dina was the innocent one. The previous day, she even went ahead to share lunch with her, promising to help her find someone else. “This is crazy.” She said, shaking her head as she bit her bottom lips. “If you want, I can sho