The grand wedding hall was adorned with glittering chandeliers and pristine floral arrangements, setting the stage for an opulent celebration. The event was one of the most talked-about in the city, as it marked the union of two powerful families. Among the guests were elite businessmen, influential politicians, and members of high society, all dressed in their finest attire.
James, who had accompanied his wife Rita, found himself in an environment where he was not welcome. Though he had been invited due to his connection to the Ray family, his presence was met with disdain by many, especially by those who viewed him as an outsider.
Seated at a distant table, he remained quiet, observing the celebrations unfold. His discomfort grew when Mark, the prime minister's son and his biggest rival, walked towards him with a smug smile.
Mark had been watching James since his arrival. Seeing an opportunity to further humiliate him, he decided to strike.
"Well, well, if it isn't the beggar who stumbled into luxury," Mark sneered loud enough for the surrounding guests to hear. A wave of laughter rippled through the crowd. "James, I'm surprised you even found a suit for the occasion. Did you borrow it from charity?"
James clenched his fists but remained composed. He had learned long ago that reacting to Mark's provocations only gave him more power.
As James remained silent, Mark's expression turned cruel. He turned to the security guards stationed at the hall's entrance and gestured towards James.
"What is this lowlife doing in such a respectable gathering? Remove him at once."
Gasps erupted throughout the hall. Mark's words had taken the insult to a whole new level, and now the guests watched in anticipation.
Rita, who had been engaged in conversation across the room, turned just in time to see the guards moving toward her husband. Her eyes widened in horror, and she immediately started making her way toward him.
Just as the guards reached for James, a voice echoed through the hall, freezing everyone in place.
"Stand down!"
The authoritative command came from the far end of the room, where an older gentleman had risen from his seat. The man was none other than Charles, James's uncle, a respected business tycoon known for his influence and sharp business acumen. He had been observing the evening unfold, and now, seeing the unjust treatment of his nephew, he decided to step in.
The guards hesitated, unsure of what to do next. Charles stepped forward, his piercing gaze locked onto Mark.
"Mr. Mark, you do not have the authority to remove my family from this gathering," Charles declared, his voice unwavering. "James is not a beggar. In fact, he is more of a man than half of the so-called gentlemen in this room."
A tense silence followed his words. Mark's smug demeanor faltered, his confidence wavering as he was confronted by someone of Charles's stature.
"Uncle Charles," James muttered in disbelief. He then quickly gave his uncle a sharp signal, a subtle but firm shake of his head. Charles understood immediately James did not want his true identity to be revealed just yet.
Charles hesitated for a brief moment before nodding slightly. He turned his attention back to the guards. "You heard me. Let him be."
"Uncle Charles," James muttered in disbelief.
Charles turned to James and placed a firm hand on his shoulder. "You do not need to tolerate this kind of treatment, James. Come with me."
With Charles by his side, James walked past the stunned crowd, who now murmured among themselves. Mark, visibly enraged by the intervention, clenched his jaw but said nothing. His attempt to publicly humiliate James had backfired spectacularly.
Rita caught up with them as they exited the main hall. She grasped James's hand, her eyes filled with both relief and gratitude towards Charles.
"I'm so sorry, James," she whispered. "I should've never left your side."
James gave her a reassuring nod. "It's not your fault, Rita. This was bound to happen sooner or later."
Charles guided them into a private lounge where they could talk freely.
"You have tolerated enough disrespect, James," Charles stated. "You have potential, and I believe in your abilities. Hiding your identity shouldn't make people look down on you."
The tension in the wedding hall had shifted dramatically. Where James once stood as the object of mockery, he now commanded an air of quiet authority. The unexpected intervention by his uncle, Charles, had not only saved him from public disgrace but had also left the entire Ray family reeling in confusion.
As Mark, Edward, and Jaff stood before James, their expressions were a mixture of forced humility and barely concealed resentment. Under Charles's orders and the mounting pressure from other influential guests, the three men reluctantly apologized.
"I… I apologize for my words earlier," Mark muttered through clenched teeth, his pride burning with each word. "It was inappropriate."
Edward and Jaff, though reluctant, followed suit. Their apologies lacked sincerity, but in the presence of Charles and other powerful figures, they had no choice but to comply. The entire hall watched in stunned silence.
From their reserved table, Helen, Christopher, Susan and Stephen observed the entire exchange with growing disbelief. Their carefully constructed world, where James was nothing more than an unwanted outsider, was suddenly being challenged. Even Susan, who had just returned from school, whispered to her mother, "Why is this man defending James so much?"
Helen's eyes narrowed. "It's sympathy. Charles has always had a soft spot for the weak."
Christopher, however, was less convinced. "No, this is something more," he murmured. "Men like Charles don't go out of their way to defend someone unless there's a reason."
Stephen scoffed. "Whatever the reason, it won't change anything. Mark is still the better option for Rita."
But deep inside, they all felt uneasy. Something about James's newfound dignity didn't sit right with them.
Later that evening, after the wedding festivities had subsided, the Ray family gathered in the estate's private lounge. Rita was notably absent, having left with James after the confrontation. Helen, sitting at the head of the room, was visibly irritated.