Vincent Kane's Rise From Ash

2: A New Identity

The place was cozy enough for him to get a good sleep that night, but the chair outside on the sundeck was where he felt most at peace. He stared out into the cityscape in the distance- the place was nothing like he remembered. It seemed even more callous with the harsh weather. 

He thought about his aunt- who had introduced herself as Theresa, and how she bowed to him. 

Lord Roth.

The name was alien, but all his life he was treated like a nobody. He wanted to be Lord Vincent Roth, not the low life that was hated by his own family. 

He looked at the black card on the table before him. Written on it was her address- Office of the Duchess of Quincia.

He picked up his cell and dialed.

“Hello,” answered an older man.

“Tell Theresa I accept my position as the new Duke of Quincia,” he said.

“Yes, Lord Vincent.”

“Let's keep it confidential,” he ordered lastly before ending the call. 

*

The Kanes’ family reunion happened in honour of their new son in law. Morgana Kane had made Richard the happiest father in the world when she got married to the country's wealthiest business tycoon. In one day, she had done more to make him more proud than either Vincent or Tamar had.

Beside Richard, his son Doyle, kissed his fiancée on the cheek. Once upon a time, she was Vincent's only trusted friend.

They were all gathered at the long dinner table, making toasts to the newly wed, with Regina beaming graciously at her daughter while she gave a heartfelt speech.

A servant soon rushed in, head bowed and eyes lowered to the tiles as she whispered something in Richard's ear.

“Sir, your son has returned.”

“Who?” He asked, brow raised.

“It's Mr. Vincent, sir.”

His eyes widened at the sudden remembrance of his first child. He never imagined he would hear of him again, talk less of seeing that god-forsaken bastard.

Regina noticed his sudden shock.

“What's wrong, Richard?” She asked.

Before he could order the servant to kick him out, Vincent walked in- hands in pockets, with much more confidence than he remembered him ever having. He even looked different. More powerful.

The people gasped in shock at the sight of him.

“What's this loser doing here?”

“He's come back to beg for money”

“Isn't that Vincent Kane?”

“Speak of the devil”

Whispers filled the room immediately, and Regina glared at him with complete disgust.

“Richard! Who invited this bastard to our union?” Regina spat hatefully.

Vincent on the other hand couldn't take his eyes off the girl sitting beside Doyle.

Emma Williams averted her eyes shamefully, as the memory of her laughing at him came flooding back.

Richard walked towards him angrily then. “I thought I told you and that beggar sister of yours never to show your faces here again.”

“Kick him out dad,” Doyle said.

“Yes, throw him out like last time.”

“He shouldn't be here”

“He reeks of poverty and shame”

They all laughed and pointed, but the ridicule wasn't something that Vincent couldn't handle anymore. He had watched his mom go through it and had grown up to get used to it himself.

“As expected,” Vincent said coldly. 

His father's face reddened all the more but before he could utter another word, Vincent spoke.

“I'm here to celebrate with my half sister, Morgana and her new husband. Cheers to your new home.” He turned to Morgana’s husband. “You'll find out soon enough that once you go broke- and you will get broke- these people will feed you to the dogs like they never knew you. And I'll eagerly watch it happen.” He smirked.

“How dare you?!” Brian Eastwood flared. “I own the biggest estates and companies across the world, do you even know who I am?”

“One thing about us Kanes is…. We don't give a f*ck about your name or what you once had. Isn't that right Regina?”

His stepmother's cheeks brightened with full blown hate at that moment. 

HOW DARE HE DEFY HER?!

“But I'm not here for you yet, you old hag.” He walked calmly over to Emma and brought out an object from his pocket. A small black case. He opened it and inside was revealed a 24karat diamond ring. 

Doyle's eyes bulged with fury at the sight. 

“I know we've had our differences Emma,” he began “but years have passed and I'm ready to let bygones be bygones. Marry me.”

Loud gasps of shock erupted from every corner in the room. The elderly aunt sitting at the left edge of the table looked like she was about to have a heart attack. But he didn't care about any of them.

Emma stared at the ring in shock and looked back at Vincent. She was speechless. How could he ever forgive her naivety? A part of her knew the Kanes always subtly belittled her, but what if Vincent treated her right? Her mouth was opened, but words failed her.

“I- I..”

“Well? What're you waiting for? Are you seriously thinking of marrying this pauper?” Doyle asked his fiancée, infuriated.

“Emma! Are you out of your mind? You'll fall for a fake diamond ring, is that it? Is that how cheap you are?” Morgana spat.

“After everything my son has done for you,” Regina commented in disbelief.

Silence hovered then, as it was left for Emma to make the decision. Say yes, and spend the rest of her life living in poverty and disgrace. Or refuse and remain the obedient daughter-in-law they wanted. 

She looked Vincent dead in the eyes. “No.”

Regina, Doyle, and all the other relatives burst out in laughter immediately. 

“Who do you think you are humiliating my fiancée with such an atrocious proposal? Have you looked in the mirror lately? You're a castaway. Nobody wants you around here anymore Vincent.” She said with hatred and spat in his face.

“Yeah, take the hint and get lost,” Doyle added. 

They all laughed and the sound echoed in his ears until he left. Waiting for him downstairs was a

black jeep with Gary in the driver's seat. 

“Where to, boss?”

“The royal palace. I think it's time I get accustomed to my new duties as the heir.”