Ch-1 : Special Delivery

Mark checked the address of the venue before entering the main hall of this farmhouse, to deliver food to the party that was taking place inside.

But as soon as he entered, he spotted some familiar faces, and he was shocked by the realization that this was the company gala being held by his wife's own family.

It was most probably his brother-in-law, Andrew, who had played this prank on him to embarrass him.

Speaking of the Devil, Andrew appeared in front of him with a satisfied smile, and announced;

"Look who is finally here, everyone!

Looks like our chief guest has arrived."

Starting with murmurs, the hall was quickly filled with laughter. Few were already aware of the identity of the Holmes family's son-in-law, while others were just poking fun at him for the sake of entertainment.

Hearing the sudden bursts of laughter, Cassie turned around.

Taking a few moments to believe her eyes, she noticed it was none other than her husband Mark, who was standing at the door with take-out containers in both his hands.

Today the managing director of the Blue Mountains Group was going to be announced by Lady Holmes, revealing her preferred choice between the two candidates- Cassie and her brother, Andrew.

That's why Cassie had specifically asked her husband to come there in the attire she had selected for him, in order to make a good impression on the investors and board members.

But the jacket of the gray suit she had selected was nowhere to be seen. Even the pants were wrinkled- probably due to him riding his motorcycle there.

The sleeves of the cornflower blue shirt had been rolled up to his elbows, and it had gotten dirty, particularly with yellow and orange stains from the food containers he was carrying.

At this moment, there was a commotion at the door, as the Mayor of Clovelly had finally arrived.

The other party guests were eminent personalities from their city of Clovelly, including businessmen, politicians, socialites and celebrities.

Seeing Mark, Cassie and Andrew at the door, he halted to greet Mark with a smile and a handshake.

Extending his hand towards the Mayor, Andrew said, "Welcome, Mr. Ackerman, I'm so glad you could make it."

The mayor clasped his hand and returned the handshake, as he was escorted inside.

Andrew's smile vanished completely as he turned his gaze towards Cassie's husband again.

"But I'm curious, Mark, how did you come up in front of the Mayor? Did you meet him while begging for alms?

As I didn't know that you had gone to deliver food to the Mayor's house before coming here!

That's probably why you're late, but it's okay! I won't deduct your tip, don't worry."

In the meantime, Cassie came to stand beside her husband. Although the siblings' hazel green eyes resembled each other, their expressions were completely different.

Andrew's face was twisted into an ugly smirk as he began to speak;

"Oh, dear sister! You look quite beautiful today, but unfortunately, everyone here now knows exactly how useless your husband actually is!"

The guests began to snicker and laugh at this statement, as indeed, they had not expected to see Cassie's husband as a delivery boy!

There were some people who were even mocking him openly and laughing in his face.

Cassie was still trying to make sense of things, when her brother began to speak again,

"You should just prepare in advance, to congratulate me. After all, I will become the Managing Director today!

But don't you worry, I am not planning to fire you. You can keep working as a manager, and your good- for- nothing husband can become my office sweeper… or do you think he will be better suited for the job of a security guard?"

Some guests began to laugh at this, while others were watching the family drama with keen interest.

This gave Andrew the chance to continue,

"After all, compared to the status of our family, he is nothing but a delivery boy. And yet, you chose someone like him… but now, it's too late, I guess."

The guests erupted into laughter once again, while very few people sympathized with Cassie.

She was standing in the middle of the members of the high society, whom she had known for most of her life. But today, she was the target of their taunts.

Seeing this, Mark couldn't control himself any longer;

"Andrew! Mind what you say-"

"Oh, so now you are threatening me!"

He chuckled with disbelief before looking at the people gathered around them, and asked,

"Everybody, can you see, this man who came to my party on my order, has the guts to threaten me!"

Turning to Mark, he said;

"Just remember, people like you serve people like me, not the other way round!

I am just showing the mirror to you and my sister.

And anyway, she will soon see me become the Managing Director.

As the wise people say, the truth is indeed bitter. But whether or not you like bitter things, you will have to accept this fact!"

Cassie had finally had enough, and she snapped at him,

"Brother! There is a limit to everything!

You can't insult my husband like this, I won't tolerate it anymore."

Mark really couldn't stand the arrogance of the eldest son of the Holmes family.

Every single time that they met, he made it a point to insult Mark - and, every single time, Mark wanted to smack this brat across his arrogant face.

He endured all the taunts and humiliation for the love he had for his wife. But today, he could see the embarrassment that Cassie was being subjected to.

Although she had defended him in front of her brother, her head was still hanging low.

Her face was flushed, and her eyes downcast.

She could not even make eye contact with anyone; today, she was truly humiliated to be his wife.

It was clear that Andrew was still not satisfied after creating so much drama, and still wanted to say something more.

But seeing that the mayor was seated at the front while his grandmother's seat was vacant, he decided to go and impress the mayor to gain his support and improve his future prospects.

Cassie finally looked up at Mark. Her eyes were red, since she was holding back tears, and she spoke in a soft whisper;

"Let's go… I don't feel like staying anymore, I want to leave."

Before they could take a single step further, they heard Cassie's grandmother, Lady Mariella, calling her name.

"Cassandra Holmes! How dare you bring such defamation to our family?Are there any limits to your shamelessness, or not?

Today, you have made a mockery of the Holmes family as well as of the Blue Mountains Group.

I had so many marriage proposals lined up for you, from the most eligible bachelors of the country!

Yet, you chose to marry this delivery boy and associate our name with a commoner.

And look, how much public humiliation you have brought us all.

Under these conditions, you absolutely don't deserve to become the Managing Director of the company!"

Cassie's resolve broke upon hearing such harsh words from her grandmother, and a single tear rolled down her right cheek.

"Grandma, please don't say this.

Both this family and the company mean so much to me, and I have dedicated my life to my job.

Please don't disregard me, just give me one chance… I only need one chance to prove myself."

The Mayor, Mr. Ackerman had overheard the entire conversation and decided to intervene.

He turned to look at Cassie's face, and was reminded of the well- behaved, sincere and hardworking girl he had always known her to be.

Seeing her be shunned by her family in this manner, he could not stop himself from saying;

"Lady Holmes, if I may say something? Your family has always been an esteemed part of Clovelly, known for always abiding by a code of conduct.

I think this young lady deserves a fair chance as well, so I would advise you to give an equal opportunity to both these candidates before making your final decision.

If either one of them turns out to be undeserving of the position, then of course, you may take the necessary action as you see fit."

Lady Holmes was silent for a few seconds, before she replied with a dignified smile,

"Of course, Mr. Ackerman, you have graced me with very valuable advice.

I myself am a big proponent of gender equality, and I will definitely take your suggestion into account while making my decision."