Chapter 1

Mrs. Claire Davis' sixtieth birthday celebration was a big party, hosted in a large ballroom decorated with dazzling lights and gorgeous décor.

She carried herself with elegance and beauty in her evening gown, welcoming her visitors with a warm smile and a sparkle in her eye.

As the evening continued, friends and relatives came around, bringing their nicely wrapped gift to the birthday celebrant.

One of them, John, confidently said to her, "Mrs. Claire, I'm giving you this magnificent piece of art from my private collection. It's worth a fortune! I hope you like it."

Mrs. Claire Davis giggled, warmly taking the gift. "Thank you, John. You always know how to make an entrance!"

Meanwhile, Sarah,a lady in the crowd, said to her friend, "Did you notice John's gift? I can't believe he's showing off again."

Her friend said, "Well, it's Mrs. Claire Davis' sixtieth birthday. People are striving to impress her."

Amidst the banter and laughing, Mrs. Claire Davis' closest friend, Lisa, approached her with a little, nicely wrapped present. "Claire, here's a little something from my heart," she added, her eyes gleaming with joy.

Touched, Mrs. Claire Davis opened the present to discover a handcrafted picture book packed with fond memories from their friendship. Tears welled up in her eyes as she held Lisa close. "This means more to me than anything, Lisa."

As the night continued, Mrs. Claire Davis' laughter could be heard through the ballroom.

In the middle of the party, Brian Stone, Mrs. Claire Davis' grandson-in-law, summoned up the confidence to approach her, a choice that sent shock through everyone the party, particularly among Mrs. Claire Davis' family members. Brian had always been the black sheep of the family, loathed by most due to his poor background. He had been brought into the family by Mrs. Claire Davis' late husband, who demanded that Brian stay with them.

As Brian approached Mrs. Claire Davis, a deep stillness fell over the place. Julie Frey, Mrs. Claire Davis' granddaughter and Brian's wife watched uneasily from the sidelines.

Brian cleared his throat and began, "Mrs. Claire, I need to talk to you about something important."

Mrs. Claire Davis' family members exchanged anxious looks, knowing this was an exceptional event and they all hoped Brian wouldn't disgrace them.

Mrs. Claire, ever gracious, bowed politely but somewhat scornfully and responded, "Of course, Brian. What is it?"

Brian said, his voice quivering slightly, "It's about Mrs. Violet, the lady who took care of me when I lost my parents at a very early age. She's gotten sick, and her medical bills are piling up. I don't know where else to turn. I need money to guarantee she receives the therapy she needs."

A startled quiet enveloped the room as everyone pondered Brian's plea. Julie gazed at her grandmother with a combination of hope and concern, silently praying that she understood her husband.

Uncle Richard, a large and powerful man, sneered at Brian. "Typical of you, Brian, constantly seeking help. Can't you realize this is a special occasion? You're just being a menace here."

Aunt Margaret piped in, her voice dripping with hate. "You've always been a problem, Brian. We never wanted you in our family, and now you're here, destroying Mrs. Claire Davis's big day."

Cousin Emily, who had long had hate towards Brian, decided to light things up. "It's funny how you have the audacity to come here and beg for money, particularly on a day like today. You're nothing but an idiot."

Even Julie's elder brother, David, shook his head in disgust. "You know, Brian, you're fortunate Julie married you. That's the only reason you're even tolerated in this family. Don't push your luck."

In a tone oozing with fury, Mrs. Claire turned to Brian, her eyes gleaming with annoyance. "Brian, you have some nerve! Do you even understand this is my birthday party? Shouldn't you be handing me a present instead of demanding money?"

Brian, feeling uncomfortable and taken off guard, mumbled, "I...I'm sorry, Mrs. Claire, it's just that I didn't know where else to turn. Mrs. Violet means a lot to me, and I thought maybe..."

But Mrs. Claire Davis interrupted him, her voice rising. "This is not the time or place for your personal problems, Brian. You're spoiling my birthday with your selfishness."

The room plunged into an uneasy quietness, with visitors exchanging unpleasant stares. Julie, Brian's wife, seemed conflicted between taking her husband's side and disappointing her grandmother.

Brian, feeling ashamed and defeated, dropped his head and murmured, "I sorry, Mrs. Claire. I didn't mean to upset you. I'll leave immediately."

He turned to walk away, his cheeks flushed with embarrassment. Mrs. Claire's outburst had publicly embarrassed him, adding to the tension and strife that had already destroyed the beautiful moment.

As Brian left the hall, the tension in the room was still strong. Mrs. Claire's family members, consumed by their disdain of Brian, switched their focus to Julie, their insults now aimed at her for marrying what they deemed a "low-life."

Aunt Margaret couldn't resist the chance to insult Julie. "Julie, we warned you not to marry him. Look at what he's done, destroying your grandmother's birthday."

Emily joined in, "Honestly, Julie, you should have known better. We always knew he'd be a big problem."

David, Julie's elder brother, shook his head in dismay. "You had so many other choices, Julie. Why did you have to chose him?"

But Julie, unwavering in her love for Brian, stayed calm. Their talks didn't appear to touch her as she rose up, her voice shaking with passion. "Please, everyone, don't be mad at him. He's a good person, but he's going through a hard time. I love him greatly, and I won't allow you disrespect him."

Mrs. Claire Davis, still fuming from what happened, couldn't keep back her rage. "Julie, you're protecting him? After what he did at my birthday party? You've clearly lost you mind!"

Julie's eyes welled up with tears as she begged with her stepmother, "Grandma, please, don't be mad at him. He's struggling, but he loves me. We'll work this out together."

The family's insults continued to rain down on Julie, but she stood her ground in support for her husband. Her love for Brian had caused a gap between her family.

But she loves her husband and she trusts him. She only wished that things weren't as hard as they were now. She hoped and believed that it would get better with time.