COLIN VERUS, A MAN REBORN

Cassius Verus staggered into the grand Aurelius estate, his disheveled appearance a stark contrast to the opulence around him. His white shirt was stained crimson, and his eyes carried the weight of desperation. Heads turned, expressions of shock quickly giving way to sneers and ridicule as the room fell into a stunned silence.

Aemilia Alba, the cold and impeccably dressed matriarch, rose from her seat, her sharp gaze slicing through him like a blade. “Cassius,” she began, her voice icy, “is this some kind of tasteless performance? Or have you finally decided to make yourself useful by becoming an actor?”

“I’m not here for jokes, Mother,” Cassius rasped, ignoring the snickers echoing in the room. “Vinna was in a car accident. She’s in critical condition. I need $300,000 for her surgery—immediately.”

The room erupted in whispers.

Vulpes, the smug cousin-in-law, let out a derisive laugh. “$300,000? For your sister? That’s a bit steep for someone who can’t even afford to fix his car’s broken bumper. What’s next, Cassius? Selling your shoes?”

Aemilia’s lips curled in disgust. “The audacity,” she said, her tone venomous. “You already squandered the $50,000 we gave you for Father’s birthday gift, and now you’re begging for more?”

“I didn’t squander it!” Cassius snapped, his fists clenching. “I used it to cover her initial hospital expenses. I didn’t have a choice.”

“No choice?” Aemilia sneered. “How convenient for you to blame your failures on circumstances. You’ve been nothing but a burden since the day you married into this family.”

Laughter rippled across the room.

“Useless trash,” one of the younger relatives muttered, loud enough for everyone to hear.

“Can’t even keep his wife in silk, yet he wants to play hero,” another chimed in, earning a round of amused chuckles.

Cassius gritted his teeth, his face burning with humiliation. His wife, Livia Aurelia, stood abruptly, her pale cheeks flushed with anger. “Enough!” she snapped, her voice cutting through the mockery. “Say what you want about me, but don’t you dare insult my husband.”

Vulpes leaned back in his chair, a smirk tugging at his lips. “Ah, Livia, always the loyal wife. Tell me, how does it feel to watch your husband grovel like this? It must be exhausting carrying dead weight.”

Livia glared at him, but before she could respond, Cassius took a deep breath, forcing himself to stay calm. “I didn’t come here to argue,” he said. “I just need help—for Vinna. Please.”

Vulpes clapped his hands mockingly. “Oh, a plea! How touching. Tell you what, Cassius, I’ll lend you the money—but only if you kneel right here, in front of everyone.”

A shocked gasp rippled through the room. Livia’s eyes blazed. “How dare you!” she spat. “My husband won’t degrade himself for your amusement.”

“Oh, come now, Livia,” Vulpes replied, his tone dripping with sarcasm. “It’s just a little kneeling. Surely, it’s worth $300,000? Or are you saying he’s too proud for that? That would be ironic.”

Cassius felt Livia’s hand on his arm, a silent plea for him not to give in. His jaw tightened as he met her gaze. “I won’t,” he murmured, his voice low but firm.

Before the argument could escalate, an elder Aurelius, Senator Decimus, cleared his throat. “Enough of this foolishness,” he said, his voice commanding attention. “Cassius, I will lend you the money. However, it will come with conditions.”

Cassius turned to him, his chest tight with hope. “Anything,” he said. “Whatever it takes.”

Decimus’ eyes narrowed. “You will pay it back within six months—at a 40% interest rate. Fail to meet the terms, and I will ensure you and your sister are left destitute.”

Livia’s hand tightened on Cassius’ arm, but he nodded. “Agreed,” he said, swallowing his pride. “Thank you.”

The tension in the room dissipated as Decimus gestured for his assistant to handle the details. The family quickly resumed their festivities, their disdain for Cassius lingering like a foul stench.

Hours later, at the hospital, Cassius sat outside the operating room, his head in his hands. The money he had just acquired wouldn’t reach the hospital in time, and he felt utterly defeated.

A nurse approached him, her expression unreadable. “Mr. Verus,” she said, “the surgery has already been paid for.”

Cassius blinked, stunned. “What? By who?”

Before the nurse could respond, a tall, imposing figure appeared. The man was impeccably dressed, his presence commanding attention. “I paid for it,” the man said, his deep voice resonating in the sterile corridor.

Cassius stood, his body tense. “Who are you?”

The man smiled faintly, extending a hand. “Augustus Verus,” he said. “Your father.”

Shock coursed through Cassius. “My father?” he echoed, incredulous. “That’s impossible.”

“It’s the truth,” Augustus said, pulling out a neatly folded envelope. Inside were photographs, documents—proof of their connection. “I’ve been watching from a distance, waiting for the right moment to step in. And now, it’s time.”

Cassius stared at the evidence, his emotions a whirlwind of disbelief, anger, and curiosity. “Why now? Why not before?”

Augustus met his gaze steadily. “Because you had to face life’s hardships to grow. But now, you’ve earned the right to know the truth—and the power to change your fate.” He handed Cassius a sleek black card. “This is yours. It grants you access to my wealth. Use it wisely.”

Cassius hesitated before taking the card, his fingers trembling. The weight of everything that had happened—his humiliation, his sister’s injury, and now this revelation—threatened to overwhelm him. But as he looked at Augustus, determination flickered in his eyes.

“I’ll use this,” he said quietly, “to protect Vinna—and to repay everyone who looked down on me.”

Augustus nodded, a faint smile on his lips. “Then I trust you won’t disappoint me, son.”

Cassius watched as Augustus walked away, leaving him standing in the sterile hallway, a man reborn.