The Return Of Lee Young

CHAPTER 1

"Loser”!!

The word echo sends shock waves to the guests. All they could do was stare and watch what was about to unfold.

The mansion was screaming of wealth, power. Wealthy men in million-dollar suits, gold wristwatches sparkling through the magnificent transparent walls, expensive shoes clicking the marble floor, leaving some evidence of the millionaires and billionaires' shoe print.

Ladies dressed in sparkling wear, dazzling rings in silver and gold, millions of jewelry that could cost an average man's fortune and the latest iPhones that got released.

It was nowhere for nobody, no, it was nowhere for an average man. You're either a millionaire, billionaire or trillionaire. Clearly speaking, there are no trillionaires here.

Everything and everyone belongs to their classes except for a pitiful soul. He stood out from the guests who were enjoying the moment, and that was Lee, the washed off son-in-law.

He had some cheap garbage suit on, a wristwatch that barely cost ten dollars, a washed white tie– the audacity to put on a tie, and some cheap rat hole shoes. In fact, he doesn't belong here.

“Shut that trap, it stinks, loser”.

That was Dev, a relative of Wales' family. He has always been an arrogant peacock, searching for a chance to down-talk Lee, and this was a golden opportunity.

“Clearly, you don't belong here in the first place,” Bianca, the youngest daughter stated the obvious, but everyone could clearly see that, she didn't need to point it out, “you had the guts to summon your crappy mind and ask for a million dollars? Such a fool”.

Lee took a deep breath, ignoring their remarks and added, “mom, please, it's all I could ask for. One million dollars, and that's it”.

It's the Wales Group's 30th anniversary, and Lady Wales, the head of the family has been over the moon, getting to the top ten millionaires in town. It was the best thing that ever happened to her, since Grand Master Wales died and the Wales Group became hers.

These millionaires and billionaires are here to make this day really special. And Cole was here too, the son of the third-richest man in the country, Lady Wales' dream son-in-law.

Everyone was here with one or two presents to celebrate this grand day.

“Aunty, here's a high-grade carved vase inlaid with emeralds. As your favorite nephew, I looked high and low for this item worth $700,00.”

“Mom, this is a mug set in porcelain. I know you'd love it.” Susan, the eldest daughter offered.

Bianca stood up, bringing to the table a present worth several thousand dollars as if it was the best thing in the entire world. “Mom, here's an art piece personally designed by Vincent Van Gogh.”

Everyone gasped, they couldn't wait for the art piece to be unwrapped. Vincent Van Gogh was among the top artists who sold an expensive painting costing US$450.3 million in 2017. No one knew he had an artwork costing less than a million dollars. Maybe Bianca was just showing off a counterfeit.

Lady Wales beams, her eyes hopeful. She was elated. “Thanks, B,” she said, unwrapping the present.

The guest gasped in daze as a golden yellow sunflower artwork by Vincent Van Gogh revealed its magnificent view, dominating the canvas, showing strength.

It felt unreal, and the look on everyone's faces could describe disbelief. It felt like the painting was brought out from a fantasy world.

Lady Wales, on the other hand, couldn't stop staring; her eyes were fixed on the painting before her, and you could tell she was in trance.

“It doesn't look authentic”. Someone from the guest whispered.

“This cannot be Van Gogh's hand-painted work”

“It's just a forged work with Van's name written on it”.

Bianca could hear the soughing noise, and she stood up to defend the quiet complaint. “Mom, this painting cost 200,000 dollars.”

Lady Wales did not bother asking her where she got such money; she loved the attention she was getting. She was radiant.

“This is a present from Mr. Smith,” said the butler who sprinted towards Lady Wales as he held the premium lined box with care. “It's the Fu Lu Shou statue from the Qing dynasty.”

Lady Wales grinned as the box was opened to a solid gold antique. Her smile was so wide it felt like her face might crack.

The guest gasped, their eyes widening as they locked into the exquisite statue. It radiates with a vibrant golden aura.

“This must've cost thousands of dollars.” A guest said in a low tone.

“This isn't some cheap market trite, I snagged this antique at an auction house for a cool five million dollars.” Cole bragged loudly.

“Mr Smith is so rich. I wish he could be my son-in-law.” Someone from the guest whispered.

"I heard Lady Wales is after him for her second daughter – she's got her sights set on securing that wealth. Talk about greedy.”

Cole caught Lady Wales' expression shift and swiftly pivoted, “Speaking of auctions, I know a top-notch house that's got amazing antiques and sculptures – want an intro?”

They all sprinted towards Cole, drawing the guest's attention to himself.

Once the guest had all calmed down, Lady Wales cleared her throat, bringing back their attention. “You're so reasonable Mr Smith.”

She was beaming over the presents – too happy to be mad, till Lee had to go and ruin it. Her excitement curdled into anger.

Lady Wales stood up from her seat, her eyes furrowed in indignation, but her authority was wrapped in elegance. Her gown was the crown of her appearance. A floor-length midnight silk that flowed like liquid, catching the eyes of everyone. Anyone could tell that it was a masterpiece exclusively made from wealth.

“You b*stard! You dare… beg for money on such an occasion?”

She raised her hand to the air, trying to slap Lee, but Cathrine, the second daughter hurried closer, pulling her husband behind her and said, “Mom, I'm sorry, he's losing his mind.”

Lady Wales ignored Catherine, facing Lee. “Useless fool. You live under my roof, eat at my table, and still dare to ask for a million dollars as though you earned a single dime from this family's wealth. What a nerve! Shameless loser.”

Bianca leaned forward with a mocking smile. Her voice dripped with poison.

“Oh, Lee, you must have lost your mind like your wife said.” She turned her eyes, shooting it towards Cathrine, a tiny chuckle escaping her lips.

“Take a good look at your tie, you can't even afford something presentable, and you're asking for five hundred thousand? For what? To waste it over some old woman who probably has one leg in the grave already?”

The guests erupted in laughter.

Susan smirked coldly. “I've never been in support of Bianca, but she's right. If you want to play the hero Lee, go earn your own money. Don't come crawling here like some desperate stray dog. Our family has some image to maintain.”

Dev, Lady Wales' nephew, sipped his red wine, his charm on full display. “Honestly, Cath,” he said, his lips curling in contempt, “how do you put up with this guy? A husband who's a piece of trash, living off your family's wealth, eating crumbs like a beggar. No gifts, just embarrassment. Does he have any shame left?'"

Lee took a deep breath, clenching his fist as the Wales family turned on him, humiliating and mocking him. But he couldn't leave - if he dared, it'd be his last day at the Wales mansion. Who'd his wife have left?

Lady Wales slammed her palms against the table. “You embarrass me, Lee. You parade your poverty like it's something to flaunt in front of our guests. You shame my daughter with your pitiful existence. If you had any manhood, you'd provide for her instead of clinging to her coot."

He remained indifferent, his eyes steady as though their spite could not pierce him.

But beside him, Cathrine seethed with anger.

“Enough!” she yelled, her voice cutting through the cruel laughter. “He's no stranger, he's my husband.” Cathrine was bitter to the core. “Mom, he had no one except for Mrs Adams. She's the one who raised and took care of him all his life, and now her life is at risk; it's the little way he can express his gratitude. This is someone's life we're talking about, do you have no heart?”

Catherine took a long deep breath after speaking with such a loud voice, barely breathing in between her words. She turned, looking into Lee's eyes, and said to Lady Wales. “Mom, I married Lee because I love him, not out of pity.”

Lady Wales growled, her glare cutting through her like a blade. “Cathrine! You defend him again? Do you know how much he drags down our family? You, a Wales, married to a penniless nobody. If it weren't for my name, you'd both be living in the gutter. Wake up!”

Bianca leaned back in her chair, smirking. “Cathrine, don't waste your breath. Dogs don't change into lions. He'll always be beneath you, living off scraps. You should be ashamed, not protective.”

Some guests stood up to their feet, about to take their leave but Lady Wales pleaded and stopped them.

“We've got no time for this love show and family shit.” Someone from among them blurted.

Cathrine clutched Lee's arm, staring into his eyes. His face was calm, but he couldn't wait to leave.

Cathrine's grip on Lee's arm only fueled Lady Wales' fury. She jabbed a finger at the door, shouting angrily. “Get out! Out of my mansion now! You're a blight on the Wales name. You're not welcome – don't show your face around here again.”

Lee regretted ever coming here. He's had enough of Wales family and doesn't wish to spend any more time here.

“I'm going to visit Mrs Adams at the hospital.” He said to Catherine.

Cathrine quickly offered, “I'll come along.”

Lady Wales spat, “The minute you walk out that door, you're no daughter of mine. You and that loser husband of yours can hit the streets for all I care.”

Lady Wales added, “You'll no longer be welcomed to the Wales mansion ever again.”

Catherine didn't expect her mother to go that far.

Lee nodded knowingly, patting her hands, “You don't have to go with me. I'll be okay.”

He spun around and walked out before Catherine could say another word.

Dev chuckled, leaning in as he was about to exit the living hall. “Hey Lee, I heard your pride could be sold for a few dollars. Maybe you should do that. Or better yet, go beg on the street – just don't drag our name down with you.”

The mansion buzzed with ear-splitting laughter.

Lee ignored his arrogance and left without looking back.