In the midst of the rain's gentle patter against the window pane, Declan's world was about to unravel. From his modest apartment, he peered out at the city in the early morning hours, nostalgia settling over him like a shroud.
Life had been a series of disappointments for him. He had always felt like a shadow in his own family, relegated to the sidelines. His speech impediment made him the black sheep, while his younger brother, Daniel, basked in their family's admiration.
But tragedy struck when their parents perished in a horrifying accident, leaving Declan even more isolated. His grandfather, Lord Rowland, stripped him of his last remnants of belonging and handed the family business to Daniel.
Declan had never protested, never voiced his desires, and never made a decision. He had become the embodiment of weakness in his family's eyes. His meager education forced him to toil for survival, from waiting tables to working at a roadside coffee shop.
Then came an unexpected message from Daniel, summoning Declan to a mysterious meeting with their grandfather. It was a rare request, and Declan couldn't help but wonder what it entailed.
As he arrived at the family company's imposing building, the tension mounted. Lord Rowland's punctuality was legendary, and Declan couldn't afford to be late.
But what transpired within those hallowed walls was beyond anyone's wildest expectations. Lord Rowland revealed the family's dire financial straits and a potential merger to save the company. However, the terms were shocking: Declan was to marry Patricia, the daughter of Lord Rowland's wealthy friend.
Declan's world crumbled further as he struggled to comprehend this forced union. His heart went out to Patricia, who seemed equally uninterested in this arrangement. His brother, Daniel, reveled in the turmoil, relishing the thought of wielding more power within the family business.
But just when Declan thought things couldn't get worse, a bombshell revelation shattered his identity. Mary, his childhood nanny, unveiled a long-buried secret: Declan was not a biological heir of the family. He was adopted.
The ensuing chaos and accusations tore through the room, leaving Declan feeling like a pawn in a cruel game. He was unceremoniously ejected from the ceremony meant to be his wedding, cast aside like a discarded toy.
In the wake of this devastating revelation, Declan found himself alone on a beach, the weight of his shattered dreams pressing upon him. Tears flowed freely as he contemplated a future devoid of family, business, or love.
But as the sun dipped below the horizon, a newfound determination flickered in his eyes. He couldn't change the past, but he could seize control of his destiny. With his father's unwavering belief in him as his guiding star, Declan vowed to rise from the ashes and forge a life of his own. This book is one of a series and is NOT a standalone; it is an urban realistic novel that contains mature themes. It is a world of fiction where the poor gets to rule and the weak becomes strong. This book is mouthwatering, full of suspense, and will put you in a whole different world of imagination. It promises to be worth every cent. It is a 74k+ words long book. Please, if you're not into that, please DO NOT READ THIS BOOK. However, welcome my world.