The Man She Called A Nobody

Chapter 3: The Heir Returns

"Master Reed, it's incredibly good to have you back. We’ve all been waiting for this day."

John’s voice was filled with genuine relief as he steered the luxury sedan smoothly through the city streets, heading toward the Reeds family estate.

Nelson only offered a faint, exhausted smile, keeping his gaze fixed on the passing streetlights.

But John wasn't just a driver; he was Nelson’s assistant and most trusted confidant. He had served the Reeds family faithfully for most of his life, and he knew Nelson better than anyone. He could read the heavy silence filling the car. Something was deeply wrong.

"Nelson, are you okay?" John asked gently, glancing in the rearview mirror.

Nelson didn't reply. His mind was miles away, drifting through the wreckage of the last few hours. All he wanted right now was to crawl into bed and sleep for a week.

But John was persistent. "Is it… Lisa?"

Nelson raised a hand, cutting him off immediately. "I don't want to talk about it."

His voice was low, but the finality in his tone made it clear the subject was closed. Nelson rubbed his temples. "Can you just play some music, John? Please."

"Right. Of course, sir. Some music."

As John reached for the dashboard, his eyes caught a fleeting glimpse of the silver band in Nelson’s hand—the wedding ring that was supposed to be on Lisa’s finger. John swallowed hard, instantly understanding why Nelson had been acting so out of character. He quickly turned on the radio, letting a soft melody fill the tense silence.

As the car approached the grand gates of the mansion, Nelson turned to look out the window. They were passing the exact street corner where he had first met Lisa, back when she had absolutely nothing.

"Welcome back, Master Reed," John said softly as he parked and stepped out to open Nelson’s door.

Nelson slowly stepped out of the car, taking in the sight of the estate. It was a sprawling fortress of wealth. A magnificent cascading waterfall anchored the front garden, flanked by a fleet of luxury cars worth more than most corporate buildings. Elite security personnel stood watch at every corner, and a line of staff waited near the entrance, ready to serve him twenty-four hours a day.

He had walked away from all of this. He had left this untouchable life behind just to find someone who would love him for him, not for his bank account. But that dream was dead now. It was time to start over.

Despite the fresh ache in his chest, the familiar beauty of his childhood home brought a small, genuine smile to his face.

As he grabbed the heavy brass handle of the front doors, the grand foyer erupted into a chorus of voices.

"It’s an honor to have you back, sir! Welcome home!"

The staff repeated the greeting, bowing in unison. Nelson finally let out a real laugh, turning to look at John.

"I know this was all your doing."

John chuckled, a proud gleam in his eye. "We are all just happy to have you back where you belong, sir."

Nelson’s face lit up. He had just survived the worst night of his life, but the genuine loyalty of the people standing in front of him was enough to keep him grounded.

"Let me take you to your room, sir," a maid stepped forward, swiftly taking Nelson's overnight bag off his shoulder and leading the way up the grand staircase.

As soon as Nelson walked into his massive, perfectly arranged bedroom, he collapsed onto the mattress face-first. He lay there in the quiet for twenty minutes, his mind ruthlessly replaying the look of disgust on Lisa’s face. Despite everything she had said and done tonight, a stubborn, foolish part of his heart still loved her.

Knock, knock.

Nelson sighed and sat up, rubbing his eyes. "Come in."

John pushed the door open slowly. "Sorry to disturb you, sir, but your dinner will be ready shortly."

"Mm. Thanks," Nelson muttered, staring at the floor.

John stepped further into the room, closing the door behind him. "Sir, you said we were going to talk about why you came back so suddenly. And why you’ve been so quiet."

Nelson cleared his throat, the bitter reality of the situation settling back in. "It’s Lisa. She decided to divorce me. She said she was done with the marriage… told me I was a nobody dragging her down."

John’s posture stiffened, outrage flashing across his face. "I knew it was about her! After everything you’ve done, she throws you away? Nelson, you should have shown her who you truly are!"

Nelson shook his head. "I actually planned on telling her the truth tonight, John. All of it. My background, the money, the family name. But look how it turned out. I don't believe a person truly loves you if they only respect you when you have wealth. I wanted to see if she would be loyal through the struggle. She failed the test."

John sighed, his anger softening into sympathy. "I am incredibly sorry, sir. I promise you, she will regret this decision very soon."

Nelson nodded slowly, his eyes darkening. "Yes. Sooner or later."

"Should I make the calls, sir? Do we cut all ties with her company? I can have her contracts ripped up by morning."

"No," Nelson said sharply, raising a hand. "Don't touch the contracts. Let her be for now. I want her to climb as high as she can… so she doesn't see it coming when reality finally hits her."