Chapter One:

The Fall from Grace

—

It was the day before his 16th birthday when Samson's world shattered. 

His mother passed away peacefully in her sleep, and he was by her side as she slipped into the afterlife. Losing her, his only family member, left him devastated.

Knowing that her time was limited, Samson's mother had hoped to secure a brighter future for him through an arranged marriage. She betrothed him to Monica Rodgers, the granddaughter of the soon-to-be wealthy and influential Rodgers Family. 

Samson's mother and Monica's mother were friends, and Monica's mother had promised to honor her dying wish by agreeing to the marriage.

Initially, both Samson and Monica were resistant to the idea, each harboring their own doubts and hesitations. However, as time passed, Samson's unwavering commitment and genuine efforts began to change Monica's perspective. Their relationship blossomed over the first few months, ultimately leading to their marriage a year later, when Samson was just 17.

—

{Two Weeks Before His 18th Birthday}

[Evening]

It had been two years since Samson lost his mother. 

It's been a year since Samson and Monica's wedding. This was the time when the Rodgers Family name started to become a household name. The family was becoming wealthier and more influential during this period.

Inside the lavish Rodgers family mansion, he stood in one of the elegantly appointed living rooms, dressed in his work uniform. His crisp shirt was tucked neatly into dark pants, though the fabric bore the signs of wear from long hours and relentless shifts.

His youthful face now bore the weight of stress and sorrow. Deep lines were etched into his forehead, hinting at sleepless nights, while his striking blue eyes appeared weary and distant. 

His jawline was softened by a hint of stubble he hadn't had the energy to shave, and his tousled dark brown hair fell over his forehead, giving him a slightly disheveled look.

Facing Monica, he felt the tension in the air.

Monica exuded effortless elegance in her soft, flowing comfortwear. The muted pastel colors complemented her fair skin, giving her a serene and inviting appearance. Her long, wavy hair cascaded over her shoulders, catching the light and shimmering with golden highlights. A few loose strands framed her delicate features, while her striking green eyes sparkled with warmth and intelligence, framed by long dark lashes.

Behind her, seated on a luxurious sofa, were her parents, Janis and James Rodgers, both in their 50s, watching the interaction with keen interest.

"What's this?" Samson asked, confusion crossing his face as he stared at the documents in Monica's hands.

They had been married for a year, and yet this moment felt like a betrayal. 

"Divorce papers," Monica replied calmly, her tone almost casual as she handed them to him.

Taking the documents, he looked bewildered. "What?" His voice barely above a whisper.

"We want you to divorce our daughter," Janis interjected firmly. Her words hung in the air, heavy and unyielding.

"Huh?" Samson felt his heart race, questioning whether he had heard correctly.

"I don't understand," he stammered.

"What's there not to get?" Monica replied, her gaze steady. "I want a divorce."

"Why? What have I done?" Samson's voice was laced with desperation.

"You haven't done anything," she replied, her tone devoid of emotion.

"What? You're not making any sense, Monica. What do you mean 'you haven't done anything' and yet you want a divorce?" 

"I don't want to be married to someone who can't spoil me and give me the world if I ask for it," Monica stated matter-of-factly.

"You're joking… I'm giving you everything I earn whenever you ask!" Samson argued, frustration rising in his chest.

Monica let out a mocking laugh. "Is that all you can spoil me with? A couple hundred a week?" She crossed her arms, unimpressed.

Monica had undergone a significant change since the Rodgers Family had come into wealth. Samson was all too aware of this transformation.

Over the past few months, Monica had become more distant from Samson at home. She would often belittle him, putting him down whenever she could. Additionally, Monica frequently did not want to be seen in public with Samson.

"Do you think that's enough to satisfy our daughter?" James scoffed from the sofa, his bemused expression evident.

A year after Samson and Monica's wedding, the Rodgers family had come to view Samson as being at the bottom of society. To the influential Rodgers clan, Samson had become a stain on their prestigious family name.

As the Rodgers family grew richer and more powerful, they attracted many suitors eager to marry into their wealthy lineage. However, the family had also developed a taste for greed. They now wanted to marry into other wealthy families, rather than just have others marry into theirs.

Samson understood what James meant, anxiety washing over him. "I know it's not much, but I'm trying my best to be the person Monica wants me to be," he replied, his voice tinged with determination.

"Tell us how you're…" James said sarcastically, mimicking air quotes, "trying?" 

"I've been working a part-time job while studying hard at school so I can get a well-paying job," Samson replied, his voice steady despite the mounting pressure.

"Is that all?" James raised an eyebrow, condescension dripping from his words.

"Yes," Samson said, a hint of pride in his voice.

"And you think that's enough?" James shook his head in disbelief. "You really think that's enough to satisfy my daughter?"

With a dismissive gesture, "Samson, you have nothing to satisfy my daughter."

"Please, think about this," he pleaded, turning his gaze back to Monica.

"There's nothing to think about," she replied coldly. "I don't want to be married to some bum. Just look at you…" She looked at him with disgust. "You've got nothing to your name. No financial backing. You're just a nobody."

Her words stung, feeling foreign and unfamiliar. It was as if the wealth that now surrounded Monica had somehow altered her very essence. This transformation was undeniable.

"You see? You can't satisfy our daughter," Janis chimed in sharply.

Samson felt a wave of frustration and anger wash over him. "So you're just going back on what my mother said?" he asked reluctantly, not wanting to bring his mother into the painful discussion. He knew of the promise that was made, his mother told him a few days before she passed.

"Yes," Janis replied bluntly. "She's dead; there's nothing she can say anymore."

A surge of anger bubbled up within Samson as he witnessed her callousness. He knew that Janis, Monica's mother, had been friends with his own mother when she was alive. But ever since the Rodgers family had come into money, their personalities had changed - they had become more arrogant.

Samson had seen this transformation firsthand. He was also on the receiving end of the family's disdain. Samson felt constantly looked down upon and disregarded by the once humble Rodgers clan, who had now grown haughty with their newfound wealth and influence.

"Look, kid," James interjected, his tone growing sharper. "You're not worthy to be married to our daughter. We all want you to divorce Monica, so just sign the damn papers." His frustration was palpable.

Samson felt cornered, battling between his emotions and the harsh reality of the situation. Each word felt like a blow.

Suddenly, the living room door opened, drawing everyone's attention. An elderly man, Cecil Rodgers, Monica's grandfather, walked in, followed closely by a younger man.