THE UNDERESTIMATED HEIR

A QUESTION OF LOYALTY

Marvin pulled his sedan into a parking spot just outside the Mayor’s Bite restaurant.

The neon lights flickered in the evening gloom, casting a pale glow on the sidewalk.

He killed the engine and stepped out, stretching his back, wincing slightly as his hand brushed against the bandage on his head.

Circling around to the back, he opened the door for his kids. “Easy, Bryan. Don’t hurt yourself,” he said, just in time to catch his son as the boy tumbled out, nearly tripping on the curb.

Bryan grinned, as fearless as ever. “I’m fine, Dad.”

Marvin chuckled despite himself, then turned his attention to his daughter. “Hey, sweetie, ready to come out?” His voice softened as he gently lifted her from the car seat, with her tiny hands clutching his shirt.

She giggled, pressing her chubby cheek against his, and his heart melted just like it always did.

But before he could fully savor the moment, Bryan’s voice broke through. “Dad, is your head still hurting?”

Marvin adjusted his daughter on his hip and glanced at his son, whose wide eyes were locked on the bandage. “It’s not too bad, buddy. It is better than yesterday.”

Bryan frowned. “Are the floors at your workplace that slippery?”

“A little, yeah.” Marvin admitted, his lips curved into a reassuring smile. “But I promise, I’ll be more careful from now on.”

Bryan nodded, satisfied for now, while his little sister cooed. “Papa,” and nuzzled into his neck.

Marvin kissed the top of her head, and warmth spread through his chest.

Inside the restaurant, the familiar scent of freshly baked bread and garlic greeted them.

Marvin waved at a man behind the counter—Mr. Fredrick, the owner, his apron was dusted with flour.

“Hey there, Marvin,” Mr. Fredrick called, his well-groomed mustache twitched as he spoke. “How’s the day treating you?”

“Pretty good,” Marvin replied, walking up to the counter, with Bryan trailing behind.

Mr. Fredrick’s eyes narrowed on the bandage. “Yikes. What happened?”

“Ah, just took a nasty fall at work,” Marvin said with a shrug.

“Sorry to hear that.” Fredrick’s brow furrowed in sympathy. “Anyway, I see you’re all ready for Martha’s birthday celebration.” He smiled warmly at the children, who waved back shyly.

“That’s right,” Marvin said, grinning. “We’ve been looking forward to it.”

“And the cake?” Fredrick asked.

Marvin’s eyes lit up. “Yeah, the cake! How’s it coming along?”

Mr. Fredrick’s chest puffed out with pride. “Oh, it’s done, and trust me, you’re gonna love it. It’s one of my best yet. But... I’ve got to ask...”

Marvin’s smile faltered slightly. “What is it?”

Fredrick lowered his voice, leaning in. “Marvin, I know it’s not my place, but twenty-five thousand dollars for a cake? For just you, your wife, and the kids? That’s a fortune, man. Are you sure Martha’s worth all that?”

For a moment, Marvin stood frozen. Then, a slow smile crept across his face, a smile that reached his eyes, eyes that were glowing with devotion. “Mr. Fredrick, Martha is worth every penny. She’s been my rock, my happiness, and look at these kids,” he gestured to his son and daughter, “she gave me the best gifts I could ever ask for.”

Fredrick held up his hands, backing off. “Alright, alright. I get it. It’s just that with the economy, and with the way those corporate gladiators are running wild with their—what do they call it—elemental powers or whatever, the world’s changing, Westwood especially is changing Marvin. People are struggling.”

Marvin shook his head, smiling with quiet resolve. “Even if the world falls apart, I’ll do whatever it takes to make Martha happy.”

Fredrick studied him for a moment, there was a strange mix of admiration and wariness in his eyes. “Well, you’re a better man than most, I’ll give you that.”

Marvin nodded, gathering the kids and heading to a table near the window. The evening crowd began to fill the restaurant, and Marvin ordered drinks for himself and cookies for the kids, but his mind wandered. Martha was late. Twenty minutes late.

He fished his phone from his pocket and dialed her number. It rang, then went to voicemail. His heart sank.

What’s keeping her?

His daughter, oblivious to his growing unease, broke a cookie in half and giggled as crumbs scattered across the table.

Bryan, on the other hand, was quiet, with his eyes darting to the door every few seconds, clearly missing his mom.

Just as Marvin started to dial again, the door swung open.

There she was.

Martha stepped inside, with her heels clicking against the tiled floor. She looked radiant, her fitted dress highlighted her curves, and her long hair framed her flawless face.

Marvin’s breath caught in his throat. She was always beautiful, but tonight—tonight she looked stunning.

A broad grin spread across his face, and relief and pride washed over him. But just as he was about to stand and greet her, the door swung wider, and another figure stepped through.

Marvin’s smile faltered, and his heart stuttered in his chest.

It was Daniel Richmond.

His stepbrother.

The man he had come to despise more than anyone else in the world.

Martha’s hand was on Daniel’s arm, her expression was warm, too warm. She leaned in close to say something to him, and Daniel laughed, with his eyes glittering with something Marvin couldn’t quite place. The sound sent a chill crawling up Marvin’s spine.

His mind reeled, unable to make sense of what he was seeing.

Why was she with him?

And why did she look so comfortable?

The blood drained from Marvin’s face as a thousand possibilities raced through his mind, each one was worse than the last.

His heart pounded, his throat turned dry.

Everything in the room blurred except for the two figures standing in the doorway—the woman he loved, and the man he hated.