The Heir Who Lost Everything

"Julian..." Lydia called my name as if she was trying to explain, but her mouth opened and closed without a single word coming out.

Silence was her answer.

I let out a bitter laugh and stood up. "I'm nothing but a pathetic clown!"

"Julian, I'm sorry. I never meant to hurt you." Lydia sobbed uncontrollably.

Just then, Xander stepped forward. He pulled Lydia aside and looked at me with disdain. "Typical country dog. Always spouting curses and lacking any manners."

Mom chimed in, backing Xander up. "This is why we had to lie to you about the family going bankrupt. We thought it would make you grow up, but look at you, still a failure."

Dad snorted. "Seems like Xander was right. A lowborn, unrefined brat like you doesn't deserve to inherit the family's fortune."

I stood there, staring at them, as their words sliced through me like daggers. I covered my eyes in agony, unable to say a single word.

I had been in this family for ten years. Two years after I joined the family, we went bankrupt.

For eight years, I ate nothing but bread and canned soup to help raise money for their medical bills. I never once faltered in my duty to them.

Before I left for work today, I even bought Dad the most expensive truffle soup from the hospital cafeteria just because the doctor said he needed extra nutrition.

Dad had frowned and barely sipped it before telling me I shouldn't have wasted the money.

I had thought he felt for me, but now I realize they never appreciated the effort I put into earning the money for those nutritious meals for them.

Now, I watched as Mom and Dad stood with Xander on stage, sneering at me. The irony hit me hard.

I laughed so hard that tears streamed down my face. How had things turned out this way?

I shouldn't have relented and shouldn't have come back.

Ten years ago, the Falkner family suddenly found me in the fishing village. At the time, Lydia and I had just gotten married. My adoptive parents loved me. Though we weren't wealthy, I was happy.

The Falkner family told me I was the real heir. I didn't want to be some rich heir.

But my adoptive parents, with their traditional thinking, persuaded me to go back and be with my biological parents. Even Lydia said that education in the big city would be better for our future children.

So I relented.

But how ridiculous it all was. My parents, who pushed me to return, never truly cared for me.

They always favored the fake heir, Xander. He ran the company as well. Mom and Dad even kicked me out of it.

Later, when I went to work for another company, they feared I might expose their secrets. So, they pretended to be concerned about me and kept me at home.

I worked myself to the bone for the Falkner family, always walking on eggshells while trying to please them.

But just when I thought things were looking up, the family suddenly went bankrupt.