Chapter 1: The Birthday Party

The grand estate of the Jackson family was abuzz with excitement as guests arrived for the 80th birthday celebration of Old Lady Jackson, the matriarch of the family. The occasion was marked with unparalleled luxury and extravagance, a testament to the family's wealth and status.

Upon entering the opulent ballroom, guests were greeted by the sight of crystal chandeliers refracting rainbow hues across the polished marble floor. The air was filled with the sweet scent of exotic flowers, expertly arranged by the finest florists in the city.

The tables were laden with an array of sumptuous delicacies: succulent lobster, tender filet mignon, and pan-seared duck breast, all prepared by world-renowned chefs. Golden caviar and truffles added an extra layer of decadence to the already impressive spread.

Champagne and fine wines flowed like rivers, served in delicate, diamond-encrusted glasses. The sound of clinking glasses and muted laughter filled the room as guests mingled and celebrated the life of Old Lady Jackson.

In the center of the ballroom, a magnificent cake stood tall, adorned with intricate sugar work and sparkling edible diamonds. The cake was a masterpiece, almost too beautiful to be eaten.

As the guests began to present their gifts to Old Lady Jackson, a young man, Tyler Wales, the live-in son-in-law, emerged from the crowd. But instead of bringing a gift, he approached Old Lady Jackson with a hesitant smile and a request that would change the tone of the evening...

"Grandma, may I have a word with you?" Tyler asked, his voice laced with a hint of desperation.

Old Lady Jackson's expression turned stern. "What is it, Tyler? Can't you see I'm busy?"

Tyler hesitated before speaking in a low tone, "I need to borrow some money, Mother. It's for Mrs. Flora's operation. She's not doing well, and I promised to take care of her."

The room fell silent, with all eyes on Tyler. The Jackson family members exchanged disbelieving glances.

"Mrs. Flora?" Old Lady Jackson repeated, her voice incredulous.

"That woman from the orphanage? Tyler, we've discussed this before. Why should we care about her?"

Tyler's face reddened as he pleaded, "Please, Mother. She's like a mother to me. I promise to pay you back."

The Jackson family erupted into a chorus of scorn and mockery.

"Pay us back?" Mr Noah Jackson sneered. "With what, Tyler? Your empty promises?"

"You're a leech, Tyler," Mrs Helen Jackson added. "Always taking and never giving."

Old Lady Jackson's anger boiled over.

"Get out, Tyler! You're an embarrassment to our family. We'll discuss this later."

"Grandma pls just help me out this once" Tyler pleased still trying to press his luck.

"Get out!!!" old lady Jackson said angrily and smashed her teacup on the floor.

Tyler then left sad and angry.

As Tyler slunk away, defeated, the party continued, but the atmosphere had been tainted by the uncomfortable exchange. The Jackson family's disdain for Tyler Wales was palpable, and it seemed that his charismatic facade hid a web of secrets and scandals waiting to be exposed.

As the party continued, Madison Wales, Tyler's wife and Old Lady Jackson's eldest granddaughter, made her way through the crowd, her eyes fixed on her grandmother. She had witnessed the entire exchange and was determined to set things right.

"Grandma, may I have a word with you?" Madison asked, her voice firm but respectful.

Old Lady Jackson turned, her expression still stern.

"What is it, Madison? Can't you see I'm busy?"

Madison stood her ground.

"No, Grandma, this can't wait. I wanted to talk to you about how you treated Tyler earlier."

Old Lady Jackson raised an eyebrow.

"And what about it?"

Madison took a deep breath.

"It was wrong, Grandma. You humiliated him in front of all these guests. He's my husband, and I won't stand for it."

The room fell silent once more, with all eyes on Madison and Old Lady Jackson.

"Madison, you don't understand," Old Lady Jackson began trying to talk to her granddaughter calmly but Madison cut her off.

"No, Grandma, I understand perfectly. Tyler may not be perfect, but he's trying. And he deserves our respect and kindness, especially in our home."

Old Lady Jackson's expression softened slightly, but her voice remained firm.

"I'll deal with Tyler as I see fit, Madison. He needs to learn his place in this family."

Madison's eyes flashed with determination. "And I'll stand by my husband, no matter what. You may not agree with his choices, but you have no right to belittle him like that."

The tension between Madison and Old Lady Jackson was palpable, but Madison refused to back down. She knew she had to stand up for Tyler, not just for his sake but for the sake of their marriage and their future together.

Old Lady Jackson's face turned red with anger.

"How dare you defend him, Madison! Tyler is not good for you. He's poor, he has no connections, and he's got nothing to offer you. You deserve so much better than a nobody like him."

Madison stood her ground.

"That's not fair, Grandma. Tyler may not have your wealth or status, but he's kind, intelligent, and hardworking. And he loves me for who I am, not for my family's name or fortune."

Harry and Kate, Madison's cousins, snickered and whispered to each other, enjoying the confrontation. Harry spoke up, supporting their grandmother.

"Yeah, and let's not forget his background, Madison. He's an orphan, a nobody. What could he possibly offer you?"

Kate added, still carrying a mischievous grin.

"You're so much better than him, Madison. Why settle for someone like Tyler when you could have anyone?"

Old Lady Jackson nodded in agreement. "Yes, Madison, you deserve someone with breeding, someone who can provide for you and elevate your status. Tyler is a dead-end, and you're blinded by your foolish love for him."

Madison's eyes flashed with anger, but she kept her cool. "I won't let you attack Tyler like this. He may not have your approval, but he has mine, and that's all that matters. And as for his background, it's not his fault he's an orphan. He's made something of himself despite that, and I admire him for it."

The room fell silent, with the tension between Madison and her family members palpable. It was clear that the battle lines had been drawn, and Madison would have to fight for her love and her marriage.

"And so what do you want me to do?" old lady Jackson asked.

"I want you to apologize to Tyler for embarrassing him" Madison said defiantly.

The whole room busrt with shocked expressions

"Come again, you want me to apologize to that waste of a son in-law, never!!"

Tyler approached Madison, his eyes pleading.

"Madison, please, let's just drop it. I don't want to cause any more tension."

Madison's expression softened, but she remained firm.

"Tyler, I can't just drop it. My family needs to understand and respect you. But I need to know, how do you plan to get the funds for Mrs. Flora's operation?"

Tyler hesitated before responding, "I'll figure something out. I'll rally round, somehow."

Madison's eyes narrowed.

"That's not a plan, Tyler. But I'll help you. I'll join you in finding a way to raise the funds. I will also donate whatever i can from the little i have"

Old Lady Jackson, who had been watching the exchange, stepped forward, her voice stern.

"Madison, you will do no such thing. Not now, not while this party is still going on. You will not embarrass me further by associating with...with...that woman and her problems.

"Madison's face set in determination.

"I won't abandon Tyler, Grandma. And I won't abandon Mrs. Flora. I'll find a way to help, with or without your approval. Tyler is my husband and i intend to stand with him"

Tyler placed a hand on Madison's arm, his eyes filled with gratitude.

"Madison, please, don't risk your relationship with your family for me. I'll find another way."

But Madison shook her head, her mind made up.

"No, Tyler. We're in this together.We said for better for worse so i can't possibly abandon you at this moment when you need it the most."

Old Lady Jackson's expression turned calculating as she finally thought and remembered something

"Tyler, I'm willing to help you with Mrs. Flora's operation, but on one condition. So are you in or not.

Both Tyler and Madison were shocked but Tyler quickly reminded himself that nothing goes for nothing and that he has to be careful when he talks with old lady Jackson as she could be cunning at times.

"I would give you any amount you want but you must do something for me, so I ask again are you in or not?"

Old lady Jackson said bringing Tyler back from his thoughts.

"And what's your condition grandma" Madison asked her grandmother.

"Tyler you would get money for Mrs flora's medical treatment but you must divorce Madison in return for this favour" old lady Jackson smiled cunningly.

Harry and Kate exchanged a triumphant glance, and Harry spoke up, "Yes, Tyler, it's a great offer. You'll be getting a lot of money, and you can finally leave our family alone."

Kate added, "Think about it, Tyler. You'll be free from our family's drama, and you can start fresh."

A few other family members nodded in agreement, their faces filled with disdain for Tyler.

But Tyler's response was immediate and firm.

"No, I won't divorce Madison. She's my wife, and I love her. I won't abandon her for any amount of money." He should have known that old lady Jackson never cared about anyone but herself and also her selfish ego and desires.

Maddie's eyes flashed with anger as she turned to Harry and Kate.

"How dare you! You're supposed to be my family, but you're always trying to tear me down. Tyler is my husband, and I won't let you drive a wedge between us."

She turned to the rest of the family, her voice ringing out.

"Nothing in this life would make me divorce my husband. I love him, and I'll stand by him no matter what. I will never divorce Tyler, never, not even if a gun is placed on my head."

The room fell silent, with the family members looking at each other in shock. Old Lady Jackson's face turned red with anger, but Tyler just smiled, his eyes filled with gratitude for Maddie's unwavering support.

Tyler turned to old lady Jackson, still sad and angry at her attitude towards him

"Grandma like I said nothing would make me divorce Madison.Since you don't want to help me out on this then i have no choice than to go outside and ask for help elsewhere, but nevertheless happy birthday and I wish you long life and prosperity even though i couldn't gift you a present"

He then turned towards the direction of the door.

Maddie turned to Tyler, determination in her eyes.

"I'm coming with you, Tyler. We'll raise the funds for Mrs. Flora's operation together."

But Old Lady Jackson stepped forward, her voice firm. "Madison, you will do no such thing. You will stay right here and enjoy the rest of the party. Tyler can handle this on his own."

"Grandma your birthday is doing fine and i am bound to my husband and not your birthday party.Am following Tyler no matter what you say" Madison said still standing her ground.

"And I say No, infact of you leave this house with that good for nothing besides you just take your entire family and get out of the Jackson family for good." old lady Jackson threatened.

Tyler hesitated, sensing the tension going on between both of them knowing fully well that old lady Jackson meant everything she said then he turned to his wife.

"It's okay, Maddie. I can handle this. You stay here and keep the peace."

Maddie's face fell, but she knew better than to argue with her grandmother in front of the guests.

"Fine, but be careful, Tyler. And keep me updated."

Tyler smiled and kissed her cheek.

"I will. Don't worry, I'll take care of everything."

With that, he turned and left the house, leaving Maddie feeling frustrated and helpless. She watched him go, her heart heavy with worry for her husband and his guardian.

Old Lady Jackson's voice cut through her thoughts.

"Madison, come and mingle with the guests. This party is not over yet."

Maddie nodded reluctantly and turned to join the party, but her mind was elsewhere, wondering what Tyler would do and how she could help him.