The Campbell’s huge edifice of a family mansion was lit up and beautifully decorated in respect to the birthday celebration. It was a lavish, extravaganza of a party.

Dignitaries, wealthy and affluent men that mattered, rich family members, friends and relatives, company employees of the multi–billion dollar family empire, Campbell Enterprises were all in attendance and were handing over their expensive gifts to Lady Elizabeth Campbell— the President of the company and head of the family following the death of her husband.

She was an old lady of seventy–five years; the hairs on her head had already changed hue to a glistening shade of gray. She may appear frail due to age but she ruled with an iron fist! She was strict to the core, principled and commanded respect from everyone underneath her. Everyone trembled under her authoritative rule which appeared to be haughty and arrogant half the time, but they dared not question any of her decisions and approach. She was feared by all.

She were sat in the middle of the room on a golden colored diamond encrusted throne and she was receiving the gifts from all her wealthy well–wishers. Aiden joined the cue too with his large gift box. He watched as Mr. Vance, Doctor Jackson and Chief Walters— all of which were Lady Elizabeth’s formidable in-laws— give her expensive gifts. Their gifts ranged from the keys to a brand new Rolls Royce Phantom, an all expense paid birthday vacation to Dubai, A very expensive Richard Mille watch and one of the son–in–laws had gifted her a hundred thousand dollars in cash!

Aiden felt ashamed, these were men like him who were married to Riley’s sisters and he wasn’t as wealthy as them. He saw as each of them were celebrated the moment they presented their gifts. He wished he could be like them. No wonder the Campbells hated him so much.

It was finally Aiden’s turn to present his gift. As soon as Lady Elizabeth saw him, her red lipsticked lips scrunched into a sour scowl. She was agitated, why was Damien here? What gave him the audacity to show himself to her party guests after she he had been warned to stay out of sight?

“Aiden! What are you doing here?” Lady Elizabeth seethed angrily.

“Grandmother in—law, I have come to present you with a gift.” Aiden said, kneeling down and bringing forward the large gift box. Lady Elizabeth was amazed, the gift box was very large and she smiled complacently at the thought that something substantial might be in there.

Everyone in the crowd gasped, even the fellow son–in–laws were amazed. They never expected Aiden to show up here with a huge gift! They began to gasp and murmur within themselves. Where had Aiden, a poor nobody, got money to get such a gift?

“Oh? You got me a gift Aiden?” Lady Elizabeth smiled, collecting the huge gift box from Aiden and began to open up the package. “You see Aiden, this is how a good son–in–law should behave. You’re actually starting to behave wise—” Lady Elizabeth froze on sighting that the gift box was empty and her eyebrows furrowed as she saw that there was just one piece of paper. She picked it up.

“Oh? Is the document for the purchase of a land? A mighty house perhaps? Or one that I would have to sign to receive a huge amount of money?” Lady Elizabeth wondered, her smile was back on. “You’ve really outdone yourself this time, Aiden.” She complimented proudly, about to read the content of the document. Aiden’s heart began to pound, so loudly that he feared others might hear and see how scared he was.

His heart skipped a beat the moment Lady Elizabeth’s smile faltered away and a disgusted scrunch took over, “What the hell? Aiden are you out of your mind?” Lady Elizabeth thundered, rising up from her throne.

“Grand mother in–law, that’s Hope’s diagnosis. She needs a heart transplant and I need seventy–five thousand dollars for the treatment. Please help me.” Aiden begged, bowing his head.

“What rubbish!” Lady Elizabeth flared up, tossing the diagnosis to Aiden. “Is that why you came here? What gave you the audacity to pull such a reckless stunt so that I can give you money for that little pest’s damned treatment?”

“Grandmother in–law I—”

“Shut up Aiden! How dare you speak when my grandmother is speaking? Have you lost your manners?” That was Riley, defending her grandmother and she walked up to Aiden and kicked him causing him to fall onto the floor.

“You lack good moral upbringing and I’m sure it’s because you grew up without parents! Mannerless idiot!” Riley added, kicking Aiden again and he groaned in pain. This was a direct kick to the gut, with the ends of her high–heeled stilettos hitting against his stomach.

“Please… help me. I— I just need money for Hope. Don’t let her die, please.” Aiden croaked, he was in pain and his abdomen had now begun hurting. He crouched on the floor, holding into the part of his stomach that hurt.

“Aiden, does this place look like a donation house? I see your reasoning is as poor as your fashion sense. Look at how ragged and tattered your clothes are, you’re unbefitting to be a son–in–law of this noble family!” That was Chief Wallace, taking sides with his in–laws and humiliating Aiden. All Aiden wanted was help from the people he called family, but now he’s being insulted.

“I’m tired of your insolence and nonsensical attitude Aiden. Security! Please come get this peasant out of this house.” Lady Elizabeth commanded, and the security personnel immediately rushed into the scene and made to move Aiden out of the premises but Aiden resisted, biting on the arm of the security man that held him and escaped his grip.

Aiden immediately ran to the gift table so he could steal the large briefcase that housed the hundred thousand dollars Lady Elizabeth had just received.

If they weren’t going to give him the money willingly, then he would take it himself. He would do anything to ensure Hope’s bills are paid and she recovers.

Lady Elizabeth shrieked at the sight of Aiden about to steal the money and the whole birthday hall entered into a state of pandemonium! Unfortunately for Aiden, he was caught by the other security men before he could even make away with the briefcase and the briefcase was retrieved.

“Make sure you teach that thieving bastard a lesson!” Lady Elizabeth said to the men and the moment they stepped outside, they pounced on Aiden and gave him the beating of his life. They punched, kicked him and slapped him until he began to bleed. He cried and groaned in pain but no one answered and the men continued to beat him with no remorse.

All he wanted was money to treat Hope.

He would never forgive the Campbells for this and then he made a resolve. He vowed to make Riley and her family regret what they had done to him today and then, he passed out.