THE RISE OF THE CONGRESS MAN

003

003

“Enough,” Malcolm said sharply, his voice cutting through the air like a blade.

He had had enough of the Hathaway family belittling him. If it was when his parents were still alive and he was still the presidents son, he was sure they were all going to be nice to him and try to gain his favor.

Everyone turned to him, surprised by the sudden firmness in his tone. Even Mr. Hathaway paused mid-step.

“I may not come from money. I may not have fancy clothes or a luxurious background. But what I do have is self-respect,” Malcolm continued, his voice unwavering. “And I won’t stand here and let people I’ve just met try to humiliate me because I don’t fit into their idea of what ‘worthy’ looks like,”

He was tired of being insulted and looked down on. He wanted to talk back even though it was just once.

Aurora’s brothers blinked in disbelief, clearly stunned that the quiet, humble man they had mocked had the audacity to speak back.

Malcolm’s eyes swept across the room, finally settling on Anthony. “And you. You mock me for being poor? At least I’ve worked for everything I have. You just flash your wealth around like it’s a trophy, as if it makes you a man. It doesn’t.”

Malcolm hated whenever a man mocked another man because of his financial status. Such men irritated him.

Anthony’s face darkened, but Malcolm didn’t stop.

“I was invited here with respect by Mr. Hathaway. But if this is what I’m going to face in this house. Constant insults, judgment, and disrespect, then I’m not interested in marrying anyone.”

He went ahead to add. “I wasn’t gonna stay here anyway but before I got to anything you all began to judge me,”

Malcolm knew that if he stayed in the house it would be constant trouble for him. So he never wanted to stay in the house.

He turned to Mr. Harthaway. “I appreciate your offer, sir. But I won’t force myself into a family that clearly doesn’t want me. I won’t be a pawn in anyone’s game.”

With that, Malcolm turned on his heel and began walking toward the door, ignoring the stunned silence left in the room which was as a result of his words.

But before he could reach the exit, a hand grabbed his wrist.

He turned, shocked to find Aurora standing beside him, her hand holding his firmly.

“Wait,” she said softly, her eyes searching for him.

Everyone’s eyes widened in surprise. Even her brothers looked stunned.

“I don’t know you well, Malcolm,” Aurora said, her voice calm but sincere. “But I’ve never seen anyone talk to my brothers or Anthony like that. It shows me something about you. Something different and real.”

Malcolm’s heart pounded in his chest. Her eyes were deep, honest, and… kind.

“I trust my father’s judgment,” she continued, her grip still firm on his wrist. “So I’m willing to get to know you. And if everything he believes about you is true… then yes, I’m willing to marry you.”

Gasps filled the room. Malcolm blinked, unsure if he’d heard her right.

“You can’t be serious!” Anthony snapped, his face scrunched up with rage. “Aurora, what the hell are you saying?”

Aurora let go of Malcolm and turned to face Anthony. Her tone changed into a sharp and commanding one. “You heard me. This has nothing to do with you anymore.”

“But—after everything?” Anthony stammered. “You’d pick him over me?”

“Yes,” Aurora said simply. “Because I finally see you for what you are. Selfish, greedy, and shallow. All you care about is parties, money, and your own reputation. You never really cared about me.”

Anthony opened his mouth, but no words came. Her words had left him speechless and stunned.

Malcolm stood frozen, overwhelmed. He hadn’t expected Aurora to speak for him, let alone choose him.

Aurora turned back to him, her voice softening again. “I don’t know what’s ahead, Malcolm. But if you’re willing… I am too.”

Mr. Hathaway beamed with pride. “That’s my daughter,” he said with a proud smile, walking over to them. “You made the right choice, sweetheart.”

He placed a firm hand on Malcolm’s shoulder. “And as for you, son, it’s time we show the world who you really are.”

Malcolm raised a brow. “What do you mean?”

“I know talent when I see it,” Mr. Hathaway said. “With your determination, I can groom you for politics. You’ve got the passion and the heart for leadership. I’ll personally make sure you rise to power and make a name for yourself in this country.”

The room erupted in whispers. Even Aurora’s brothers exchanged stunned glances.

Malcolm felt his heart beat faster—not from fear, but from something stronger. Hope.

Politics. Power. Influence.

It wasn’t just a new beginning—it was a chance.

A chance to rebuild.

A chance to take back everything that had been stolen from him.

A chance to find out who was behind the fire that killed his family and almost claimed his life.

And most importantly—a chance for revenge.

He looked at Mr. Harthaway, then at Aurora, and finally nodded.

“I’m ready.” He said with so much determination.

After what Mr Hathaway said, he was willing to endure whatever insult the Hathaway family were to render on him.

He wanted to leave the house afterward when Mr Hathaway called out to him.