Chapter 1: No Longer Part of the Quixall Family

For twenty years, Caleb Jenkins had been the beloved heir of the Quixall family. On his birthday, everything changed. He learned he was an impostor; the real heir had returned. His formerly doting parents instantly transferred their affections to their biological son. His sister, whom he’d always protected, pushed him into the sea to defend the new heir. Even his fiancée repeatedly abandoned him for the real heir. A tragic car accident resulted in a death, and Caleb became the scapegoat, serving a five-year sentence for a crime he didn't commit. They never once reached out; they never cared.

Five years later, on his release, his ruthless sister—now a formidable businesswoman—stood before him, her voice trembling. “Caleb, I’m sorry. I couldn’t protect you. Let’s go home.” His parents arrived, pleading for forgiveness. His fiancée, now a dazzling CEO, threw herself into his arms, tears streaming down her face. “Caleb, I finally understand—you’re the one I love. Will you still cherish me?” But Caleb’s heart, withered by nearly two thousand nights in a cold prison cell, remained untouched. The warmth they’d stolen could never return. They lingered outside his door, waiting, hoping, praying for a single glance.

“0278, hurry up. Ms. Quixall is here,” barked the guard. Caleb’s hand trembled, and his thermos clattered to the ground. For twenty years, he’d had everything—he only had to ask. But five years ago, on his birthday, a frail young man arrived with a DNA test report. That day, Caleb’s birthday became a tearful reunion for George Quixall, Deborah Irwin, and the true heir, Jesse Quixall. Relatives wept with joy, surrounding Jesse. Caleb, the birthday boy, stood alone, watching the celebration unfold in the distance.

This was only the beginning. Jesse, frail and sickly, needed their care. His parents insisted they loved them both, but their guilt favored Jesse, leaving Caleb with nothing. Even Yelena Quixall and his fiancée believed he’d stolen Jesse’s rightful inheritance. They felt he owed Jesse, and the only repayment was to step aside. But despite Caleb’s concessions, Jesse was far from harmless. Before Caleb’s imprisonment, he'd already fallen victim to Jesse’s schemes. Jesse played the innocent victim perfectly, while Caleb was portrayed as the jealous impostor. When Jesse fell ill after being caught in the rain, Yelena, believing Caleb had caused it out of spite, shoved him into the sea. His fiancée, repeatedly choosing Jesse over him, ultimately abandoned him. The final betrayal came with Jesse's involvement in a fatal drunk-driving accident. His parents, tears streaming down their faces, pleaded, “Jesse just came back—we can’t lose him again. Caleb, as his brother, please help him.” Caleb, seeing their tear-filled faces, felt only injustice. Jesse had caused the accident. Why was he going to jail?

This was the truth. Because he was the fake heir, because he had no blood ties, he was disposable—a sacrifice for the real son. Only when his sister and fiancée conspired to frame him did Caleb understand: he was no longer part of the Quixall family. From Jesse's return, he’d been an outsider.

“What are you standing around for?” the guard barked. Caleb walked forward, unhurried.

Creak!

The iron gate groaned open. After five years, he’d crossed the threshold. The sunlight was blinding. He squinted, shielding his eyes. A sleek red Porsche came into view. Leaning against it was Yelena, elegant and confident. As she approached, a familiar gaze tightened his chest. The grievances of five silent years resurfaced. Yelena saw her brother, unseen for five years, and a complex mix of guilt, regret, and sorrow washed over her, condensing into a whispered, “You’ve had it tough.”