Chapter 1

Tilly's father, Mr Parsons Duke, from the Dukes Family had just passed away, but his relatives, both far and near had begun to covet his properties.

Although, it was the day of his wake, yet Mr Parson's funeral ceremony wasn't the bone of contention.

It was Gene Duke, the younger brother of the deceased who led the upheaval amongst the brothers.

“ I will take two of Parson's estates and three of his industrial companies, after all, I was his immediate younger brother. No one is more qualified than me. So, I don't expect any controversy.” he said with a voice of authority.

By his voice, anyone in their right senses could have stopped talking, but this was not the case at hand. Each of them yearned to possess the dead man's wealth.

“ What do you mean?” Evans, the youngest son spat and sprang up from his position and was about to charge at Gene, but a hand held him back.

“ Do you think you can come out from nowhere to claim what you never sowed? What a barbaric statement! I lived with Parsons. I suffered with him, I built with him till he married!” he seethed in great indignation and sat back.

“ Who cares if you lived with anybody! The issue at hand is not meant for kids but adults alone. If you have nothing reasonable to utter, seal your lips!” Gene backtalked.

" How can you say that to him? He is also part of the family. He is one of us, therefore, he should speak!" retorted another.

It was at this point that the Don Duke, the grandfather of the extended family stretched out his staff to silence his children.

For ages, Don had been settling disputes, brawls, quarrels, among the brothers and even the outsiders.

Due to his grey hair, age and quiet countenance, Don Duke was proven to be a man of wisdom.

However, only a few persons knew about the deep rooted contempt he had for Parson's wife, Elsie.

“ Parson, my son, is dead. We are here to mourn for him and plan on conducting his funeral ceremony. He is not even buried in peace, yet you all are coveting his earthly possessions!”

Whenever Don Duke spoke, every living thing listened attentively. The whole living room grew so silent that even the sound of a pin dropped would be heard.

His fragile eyes ran to and fro and he shook his head in deep regrets and disappointment.

“ This baffled me. You all disappionted me. I will say that Parsons should be buried, thereafter, we can bring back the issue of distributing his wealth.” he concluded.

For the first time in history, the six brothers disagreed with their aged father. It was like Don Duke had transformed into an enemy.

How could he reason that? Didn't he think that Elsie would be quick to sign all her husband's properties to her name?

At that moment, Don Duke drew out his staff.

“ I am not against you. In whatever you do, do not leave anything for Elsie. She was not welcomed by me into the Dukes Family. Parsons had wedded her against my wish.” he said bluntly.

All eyes immediately fell on Elsie and her two children; Tilly and Britt.

All the while, it had never occurred to them that the nuclear family of the deceased were seated far from them.

Perhaps, the evil in their dark and wicked hearts had overwhelmed and blinded their eyes from seeing them.

“ What do you mean, father? We thought Parsons was your favorite son? What will be their fate if everthing is taken?”

Evans was wise enough to ask. Not because he really cared, but to justify himself.

“ This may come as a shocking news, but weeks into his death, Parsons and I agreed to marry Tilly to the Cookes Family.” Don Duke shrugged like his words were weightless.

It was like a dream. Tilly couldn't believe what her grandfather had said. She wanted to fathom if he was joking like he had always done in the past, so she gazed at him.

However, the reverse was the case. His eyes were stony, icy and indifferent. He glanced at her for a second and stared at the door ahead.

Tilly didn't know when she uttered. “ Grandfather, please don't crack jokes now. You are quite aware that I need to finish up my studies in college. I offically gained admission few weeks ago. ”

Her feeble words, wet eyes, cracked voice could have melted even the strongest hearts of people. But the young men and their partriach were unmoved by her tears.

If it was possible, Don Duke should wed her off immediately.

The sight of the family aggravated them to the core. More so, they should not be pitied for they had enjoyed many good things of life before Parson passed on.

“ You should be thankful that you are getting into another home of luxury, which is the Cookes Family. You are such a lucky girl. Many pretty ladies will kill to get into that Family.” Gene said with resentment.

It was true that the Cookes Family were of a noble line and one of the most influential,wealthiest families in that city, yet, their lifestyle towards the lower class set of people was too callous.

In spite of that, many ladies have wished, dreamed and prayed that they collide into any of the Cooke's brothers.

Even Gene Duke prayed that Tilly rejected the offer so that his daughter, Kate would take her stead.

“ My daughter is too innocent to marry into that notorious family. You can have all you want, but not my children. She is too young for goodness sake!” Elsie wailed for the first time.

Don Duke was amazed at Elsie's outburst, but he was quick to recover himslef.

“ You have finally pulled out of your shell, Elsie. I believe that your frequent outburst must have led Parsons's to his early grave. You have been pretending to be calm!” he cackled bitterly.

No matter how Elsie might be, cool headed or hot tempered, she can never win Don Duke to herself. The old man hated her to the moon and back.

Elsie was frantic and somber that none of her husband's siblings were by her side when she needed them the most. All they were after was Parson's money and not their well being.

“ The decision was not personal; it wasn't mine alone. My son, Parson agreed to it. This marriage alliance is for our benefit. I can play the recorded conversation if you do not believe.”

Tilly was heartbroken and emotionally shattered. Her loving father and once sweet grandfather had planned an arranged marriage for her.

The shocking news left her in a state of dilemma. Why would her father accept the offer? In terms of riches and money, they weren't lacking anything good.

At this time, one of the servants at the Duke's mansion dashed in. He ran up to Don Duke with a horrified demeanor.

“ Master, the Cooke's Family have arrived. Should I let them in?” the servant asked with his head slightly bowed.

The arrival of the Cookes was unexpected and dreadful to the Dukes including the Don.

“ Yes, they allow them. Who are we to keep them waiting? Don questioned rhetorically.

Just when the servant had gone, Booth Duke quickly asked if the Cookes arrived due to the marriage alliance and which of the sons will Tilly wed.

“ I believe they have come to introduce the partners. I guess it will be the first son. This is the perfect time to do so.”

Unanticipatedly, sounds of foot steps began to draw nigh.