THE RISE OF THE CONGRESS MAN

002

002

“My daughter, Aurora, wants to get married,” Mr. Harthaway began. “But the man she’s chosen… I don’t trust him. He’s wealthy, yes, but arrogant and spoiled. The kind of man who sees people as things to collect.”

Malcolm frowned. “And you think I could change her mind?”

Mr. Harthaway smiled faintly. “She’s stubborn, but not blind. I believe if you can just spend time with her, she’ll see your worth. I want a man with integrity for my daughter. Someone who’s not after money or power. Someone like you.”

Malcolm looked down at his worn shoes and then backed up at the wealthy businessman sitting beside him in the car.

“But sir… I’m just a broke secretary. I don’t have anything. How could I possibly compete with someone who has it all?” He asked.

“You have more than you realize,” Mr. Hathaway said. “You have tolerance. Not every man can do that. If it were to be young men your age, they would lashed out and insulted their boss. But you didn't. You’re humble, hardworking, and kind. I see it. And Aurora might too—if she has the chance.”

Malcolm was quiet for a moment. His heart was racing. A part of him wanted to walk away because it felt like a setup for humiliation.

But another part of him remembered the fire, his parents, the emptiness he’d lived with since. Maybe this was fate offering him something new.

Maybe the universe was trying to be kind to him for once. He thought.

“I’ll do it,” Malcolm said at last, his voice firm. “I’ll try.”

Mr. Harthaway smiled warmly. “Good. Let’s go meet the family.”

*****

When they got to Mr. Hathaway’s mansion Malcolm saw that it was as massive as it was elegant.

White pillars lined the front porch adorned with expensive marbles. Malcolm had never been so close to such luxury since his family was claimed in that fire.

Walking beside the confident old man made him remember his Dad.

Mr Hathaway was surprised that he didn't see the awed look on Malcolm’s face like he had expected.

He felt that poor people always marveled at such sights. He found it strange but didn't speak about it.

As they stepped into the house, the scent of roses and polished wood filled the air. The living room was grand and luxurious.

A tall, beautiful young woman stood near the staircase, her long dark hair falling in soft waves. Her features were sharp yet graceful, and her eyes were fixed on Mr Hathaway.

That had to be Aurora. Malcolm found himself already falling in love with her. He especially loved her eyes.

Beside her stood two men who looked just like her. Her brothers. Both well-dressed, both wearing smug expressions.

And then, standing casually with a drink in his hand, was a man dressed in a crisp suit, his hair slicked back, and a gold watch flashing on his wrist.

Anthony Gurrero. The man Aurora wanted to marry.

All their eyes fell on Malcolm the moment he stepped into the room. He couldn’t help but shift uncomfortably under their stares.

“Everyone,” Mr. Hathaway said proudly, placing a hand on Malcolm’s shoulder, “this is Malcolm Frost. He is the man I want Aurora to get married to,”

The room went silent.

Malcolm heard it—an awkward pause followed by the faint sound of someone scoffing.

The taller of the two brothers narrowed his eyes and gave a short, mocking laugh. “You can’t be serious, Dad. This guy?”

The other brother crossed his arms, clearly unimpressed. “Where did you even find him? He looks like a rejected intern.”

Malcolm clenched his jaw but said nothing. He’d heard worse. He was used to people looking down on him. But something about this setting made it sting more than usual.

Aurora didn’t say anything. She looked Malcolm over from head to toe, her expression unreadable. There was no mockery in her gaze, just curiosity.

And then Anthony stepped forward with a smug grin. “So this is your big plan, Mr. Hathaway? Bringing in a nobody to win Aurora’s heart?” He chuckled, sipping from his glass. “You think this poor excuse for a man can compete with me?”

Malcolm’s fists tightened at his sides wondering why Anthony was speaking to Mr Hathaway in such a rude and disrespectful manner.

Mr. Hathaway raised a hand. “Anthony, you’ve already made your intentions clear. But I’ve made mine too. I want what’s best for my daughter and it most certainly is not you.”

Anthony laughed again. “She’ll never fall for a charity case like him.”

“Careful,” Mr. Hathaway warned.

Malcolm took a slow breath. His pride was bruised, but he wasn’t going to back down. Not yet.

Aurora finally spoke, her voice calm. “So… Malcolm, right?” she asked, tilting her head.

He nodded. “Yes.”

She studied him a little longer. “You don’t look like the usual kind of man my father tries to set me up with.”

Malcolm gave a small smile. “Maybe that’s a good thing.”

Aurora blinked, and for a split second, a small amused smile tugged at the corner of her lips.

But her brothers weren’t done.

“This is ridiculous,” the shorter one, Belvin said. “You’re making a joke out of this family.”

“Exactly,” Anthony added. “Come on, Mr. Hathaway. Let’s not waste everyone’s time.”

Mr. Harthaway’s eyes turned cold. “You’re all so focused on appearances, you’ve forgotten what really matters. Malcolm might not have your wealth, but he has something far rarer. He has a good character.”

Malcolm swallowed hard. He hadn’t expected praise. He hadn’t expected a fight either—but it looked like this was just the beginning.

He began to wonder if he was making the right decision or not. His life was already too complicated and difficult for him to subject himself to more mockery and insult.

Mr. Hathaway turned to him and gave a small nod. “Come, I’ll show you to your room. You’ll be staying here for a while.”

Anthony’s mouth dropped open. “You’re letting him stay here?”

“Of course,” Mr. Hathaway said simply. “If this is to work, Malcolm needs to be part of this family for a while and get to know Aurora well,”

Malcolm then said something that surprised them all.