The Vengeance Of A Broken Man

I had been reduced to nothing.

Hardly out of the surgery room, I was viciously kicked in the groin by my own wife, shattering what was left of my manhood.

All because I stood up to her precious lover during the board meeting.

Even my younger sister, whom I had pampered since we were kids, only sneered at me after finding out. You have a foul mouth. If you ever disrespect him again, dont expect me to forgive you.

They had accumulated massive debts through high-stakes gambling and predatory loans. My wife and sister colluded to frame me, effectively throwing me to the wolves.

Those thugs tortured me until I was a bruised mess of broken bones and agony.

When I finally escaped, the love I once held for my family had turned to ash.

Yet, they were the ones who would eventually come crawling back in regret.

Madeline Reed kicked me so hard I collapsed onto the cold, tiled floor. A sharp, tearing sensation bloomed in my lower abdomen, and the agony was blinding.

My mind went completely blank.

Instinctively, I clawed at the hem of Madelines trousers, begging for help in a dazed, delirious stupor.

Madeline it hurts down there.

She remained unmoved, offering only a cold, chilling laugh as she watched me writhe in misery.

She shoved my hand away and spoke with undisguised contempt. Caleb Sterling, you deserve this! Youve been in the CEOs chair for too long, and now youve forgotten your place?

Who gave you the nerve to call Jasper a bastard in front of everyone? Do you have any idea how important today was for him? Why are you such a spineless worm?

As if that weren't enough to satisfy her spite, she delivered two more brutal kicks to my stomach.

I was already at my breaking point, and the blow to my abdomen sent shockwaves through my body.

The pain radiating from my lower body intensified. Sweat poured down my face, and even gasping for air felt impossible.

I didnt I tried to explain, to tell her I had just come from a blood transfusion and had done nothing.

But my consciousness was fading fast. I gritted my teeth and lowered my head to beg. Madeline, please, save me. Im Im actually dying.

Madeline cast an icy, dismissive glance at me, clearly not believing a word. Caleb, youre a grown man. Is this really how you handle a couple of kicks? Are you honestly that pathetic?

She had clearly forgotten that she used to be a skilled kickboxer.

Few people could withstand a direct hit from her, let alone in such a vulnerable area.

After mocking me, she realized something, and her expression turned even more twisted. She cursed me with pure venom. Good, be a cripple. Maybe that way youll stop chasing skirts and causing trouble.

I could barely hear her anymore. A warm liquid began to pool, and the sheer agony forced me to curl into a fetal position.

Through the haze, I saw Jasper Croft hurry over to Madelines side, cooing and acting like a spoiled child.

Sweetheart, the board members heard what Caleb said and refused to vote for me. Can you help me out?

Madeline didn't hesitate for a second. She rushed off to follow him, completely ignoring me as I lay on the floor, struggling like a dying dog.

I watched their retreating figures, realizing then that I was truly dead inside.

I couldn't hold on any longer, and I collapsed into a deep, dark void.

I was unconscious for a long time.

In the depths of my dreams, I saw flashes of my past self.

Madeline and I had once been childhood sweethearts.

When I first arrived at the Sterling estate, I spent every day walking on eggshells, terrified of being sent back to the streets.

Perhaps my desperation to be liked was too obvious, or my poverty-stricken background made me stand out like a sore thumb.

At school, the other kids constantly humiliated me, using my status to order me around.

I didn't want to cause trouble for the Sterlings, so I swallowed my pride, but the bullies only became more aggressive.

They dragged me into the restroom, holding me down as they threatened to strip me.

The ringleader mocked me with a sneer. Caleb, Ive never seen anyone as pathetic and poor as you. Perfect, today were going to give everyone a show.

The group erupted in laughter.

Even though I had a high threshold for pain, I felt pure, burning rage.

I fought back with everything I had, breaking free for a split second.

But the next moment, I was pinned back to the floor.

There were too many of them, and I was powerless.

I felt hands pulling at my trousers, and I held back tears, wishing for the humiliation to end.

That was when Madeline appeared.

She burst into the boys restroom, scaring the group of bullies so much they scrambled back, and she tossed the boy on top of me away like a ragdoll.

She pulled me up and spoke with righteous fury. Damien, youre picking on classmates again? Im telling your father!

Damien was intimidated, but he stood his ground to save face. Cousin, were just playing around. Why do you have to be such a nuisance?

Madeline didn't care for his excuses. She shook her fist at them and threatened, If you dont leave right now, dont blame me for what happens next.

Recalling Madelines reputation for fighting, the group quickly scampered off.

She turned to me, looking like an angel, and asked with genuine concern if I was hurt.

She patted her chest and promised to protect me, vowing that no one would ever bully me again.

Perhaps that was when the seed of my devotion to her was planted.

After that, we became close friends, and the walk to school turned into a trioDme, my sister, and her.

True to her word, she never let me suffer under bullies again.

Later, the Sterling family faced a crisis. I stopped going to school to focus on the company, and I saw her less and less.

I could only track her progress through others, a small comfort in my lonely life.

We met again at a business gala, and I recognized her immediately.

By then, I had established my position at the firm, but whenever I saw her, I still felt a sense of inadequacy.

She was just as fiery as before, though she seemed troubled.

She got drunk, kissed me in a way she never had before, and asked if I wanted to marry her.

I was ecstatic, my judgment clouded by sheer joy.

I hadn't noticed the regret and confusion in her eyes once the alcohol wore off.

I married the woman I loved, and after the wedding, I catered to her every whim, hoping she would eventually return my feelings.

Everything seemed to be looking up until Jasper Croft returned to the country.

That was when I realized the words shed spoken that night weren't meant for me.

She had fallen for someone else years ago, long before I had moved on.

From the moment Jasper returned, everything changed.

She grew indifferent, stopped coming home at night, and eventually appeared in public with Jasper.

I stood by like a fool, dreaming that she would eventually turn back to me.

But today, I finally let that dream die.

When I woke up again, the sun was high in the sky.

But my heart felt heavy and hollow.

I moved slightly, but my lower body felt completely numb, likely due to the anesthesia.

Before I could process the events of the last few days, my sister, Clara, burst into the room, looking panicked and disheveled.

Seeing the person I loved most in the world, I felt a wave of relief, expecting her to be there for me.

I prepared a small smile to tell her I was okay.

Instead, her cold, sharp words felt like needles piercing my heart.

She pointed a finger at me, accusing me with fire in her eyes. Caleb, what gives you the right to look down on Jasper? Have you been the CEO for so long that youve forgotten youre just a dog raised by our family?

Are you happy now that Jasper didn't get the position?

The smile on my face froze.

So, she was here to fight Jaspers battles too.

Thats rightDI was only acting as a placeholder for the CEO role.

Whenever she wanted the power, I was ready to step down.

I had never had any intention of stealing from the Sterling legacy.

But now, the sister I had protected for over a decade was using the cruelest words possible to attack me for the sake of a two-timing man.

I had always known Clara was infatuated with someone.

She had been devastated after the death of our parents, trapped in a state of constant anxiety.

I was too busy at the company to give her the attention she needed, and that was when *he* entered her life.

In her stories, he was a sunny, kind guy who kept her company and cheered her up.

Not long after, he went abroad.

Claras crush never materialized into anything, but she never let go of the memory.

I never imagined that the guy was Jasper.

Even less did I imagine that she would turn against me for him.

I was desperate, holding onto a shred of hope. Clara, I didn't do it. That day, I was at the

Before I could even say the word hospital, Clara cut me off, her face twisting in disgust.

She looked at me as if I were a stain on the floor, the affection she once held for me completely evaporated.

Stop making excuses. Do you really think Jasper would frame you for no reason?

I knew people of your background were like this. A bastard is still better than an orphan like you. How do you have the audacity to look down on him?

Im warning you: apologize to him immediately, or dont blame us when youre no longer welcome in the Sterling family.

I never knew words could be such effective weapons, carving through my broken spirit.

They truly loved Jasper! They would rather believe his baseless accusations than hear a single word of my explanation.

But why did it have to be me? Why did I have to be the one to endure all this?

I couldn't understand it. What had I done to deserve this treatment?

A wave of fury rose in my chest, burning like fire.

I couldn't catch my breath, and I hunched over the bedside, coughing until I felt like my lungs were tearing.

A flicker of concern crossed Claras eyes, but it vanished as quickly as it came, replaced by pure impatience.

Stop the theatrics. Im telling you, this is non-negotiable!

You messed up, so you apologize. Thats what you taught me, isnt it? Or can you not even practice what you preach?

Ill give you three days. If you dont apologize, I wont ever acknowledge you as my brother again. Think about that.

With that, she turned and walked away without looking back.

I stared at the door until my eyes ached and tears streamed down my face.

I had been abandoned once again.

Clara was right.

I wasnt a true member of the Sterling familyDI was just a "safety net" the Sterlings had adopted to protect Clara.

But I was grateful. They had taken me out of that cold, hungry orphanage, and I had truly loved my sweet, lively sister.

I vowed to repay them with everything I had.

Our parents died when we were in our junior year of high school.

The Sterling Group was like a pack of wolves waiting to tear us apart.

Clara, newly orphaned and terrified by threats, couldn't sleep at night, and her mental health began to crumble.

I moved into her room, sleeping on the floor and guarding her night and day.

Later, I used my parents will to clean house and seize control of the corporation, finally securing our future.

The sacrifices I made were endless, but I never told Clara. I wanted my little sister to be happy forever.

Gradually, she emerged from the shadows of our parents' deaths and we became closer than ever.

I gave her everything I could, spoiling her until she was like a true princess.

Yesterday, when Madeline came to visit, I had just finished donating blood for her.

She had grown up, and her personality had changed significantly.

She became obsessed with high-speed racing, constantly getting into trouble, and complaining that I was too nagging.

Finally, yesterday, she had an accident.

She crashed at a sharp turn, losing massive amounts of bloodDher life was hanging in the balance.

Her blood type was rare, and the hospital blood bank was running dry.

In my panic, I didn't think twiceDI told the doctors to take my blood.

Clara and I shared the same blood type, which was one of the reasons I was adopted in the first place.

They took 400ml before they stopped.

By the time I finished, I was barely conscious, but I insisted on leaving the recovery room.

I didnt want the girl to wake up and see my pale, sickly face.

She didn't need to know. She just needed to be happy.

Yet, I never expected the person I held in the highest regard to be the one to stab me in the back.

Just as Clara left, the doctor entered.

He checked my vitals and reminded me, Mr. Sterling, you just went through a major surgery. Please, be careful. If you need anything, just call the nurse.

I froze, staring at him in disbelief, as if struck by a lightning bolt.

I was helpless, gripping his arm with red-rimmed eyes as I demanded, What surgery?

He looked shocked, blurting out, Didnt Miss Reed tell you?

Of course not. She was too busy defending Jasper to care about me.

I frantically pushed back the covers, feeling around with trembling hands. My worst fears were confirmedDthere was nothing left.

Everything was gone.

I let out a hollow laugh, a sound that grew louder and more desolate until I couldn't stop.

Tears soaked the sheets, and I couldn't help but sob in front of a stranger.

I had survived countless business wars, but I could not accept this reality.

Caleb Sterling had become a eunuch.

It was the ultimate humiliation. I would never be a man again.

In my hysteria, I grabbed the doctors collar, shaking him. What right did you have? Why did you perform the surgery without my consent?

He struggled to stay calm, saying defensively, Mr. Sterling, your lower body was too badly damaged, and we found out too late. It was the only way to save your life.

He added quietly, Besides, your wife signed the paperwork.

My hands dropped, my heart cold and dead, as if every ounce of life had been drained from me.

He opened his mouth to say something, but stayed silent, finally offering a weak, empty comfort. Im sorry, sir.

I laughed again, mocking myself.

I remembered. I remembered Madeline was the culprit. I remembered the smug, triumphant smile on Jaspers face as he walked away.

Why were they so happy when they had destroyed my life?

I wasn't going to let this go. I wanted revenge.

Hatred surged through me, but as I tried to get off the bed, I forgot the medication was still in my system.

With a crash, I fell and blacked out.

In my delirious state, I saw my younger self, bullied in the orphanage.

I saw the days after my parents died, clinging to Clara for survival.

I saw the brief moments of happiness I had with Madeline.

But since Jasper appeared, all of it had withered away.

I don't know how much time had passed.

As I struggled in my dream, a familiar voice drifted into my ear.

Sweetheart, let it go. I don't think Caleb meant to insult me. Its probably just because Im not talented enough to catch his eye.

Madeline growled, frustrated. Jasper, why are you such a pushover? If you let him slide this time, hell only get worse. Do you want to be bullied until you die?

Jasper remained silent.

I was woken by their bickering and saw them standing by my bed.

When Madeline saw I was awake, her gaze shifted from tenderness for him to pure disgust for me. Now that youre awake, stop playing dead. Apologize to Jasper.

I opened my mouth. My voice was raspy, but firm. Impossible. I wont admit to things I never did.

Madeline became enraged, looking at me with cold eyes. How dare you be stubborn! Jasper is kind enough to ask for a simple apology. If it were me, Id expose your crimes to the whole world. Caleb, dont push your luck.

I felt a wave of sadness and replied indifferently, Go ahead. Id prefer you did.

Jasper looked nervous, instinctively grabbing Madeline, but she cut him off.

Caleb, how did you become this? Did you forget the days you were almost stripped naked because you were poor?

If Id known youd turn out like this, I never would have saved you. I shouldve left you to rot with those thugs.

Though I had stopped expecting anything from her, those words still hurt.

She knew that was the trauma I could never erase, yet she used it to humiliate me, all for Jasper.

Madeline, you promised to protect me. You broke your word.

I gathered my remaining strength and looked her straight in the eyes. Say whatever you want. I wont apologize.

Madeline suddenly laughed, threatening me with total control. Is the Sterling Group not enough? If you dont back down, Ill bankrupt the whole company.

I found it funny. If I recall correctly, the Sterling family is still wealthier than the Reeds, isn't it? Madeline, youre using fraud and manipulation just for him.

I didn't expect Clara to kick the door open to prove her loyalty.

Brother, Im the one in control of the Sterling Group now. If you dont want our parents legacy to go to waste, kneel and apologize.

She shoved a newspaper in my face to prove it.

It clearly showed the new board membersDwith Claras name at the top.

While I was in the hospital, they had colluded to kick me out of the game.

But compared to that, what chilled me to the bone was the sheer disappointment.

I had spoiled her too much, making her think that holding onto a company was a piece of cake.

Fury exploded in my chest. Clara, have you lost your mind? Do you know what youre saying? Thats our parents lifes work!

Clara didn't care. Its just a company. If Jasper wants it, he can have it!

You really like him that much?

Obviously.

I saw the smugness on Jaspers face. He had effortlessly stolen every ounce of love I had built.

I surrendered. I had lostDcompletely and utterly.

I couldn't gamble with the one-in-a-thousand chance that theyd ruin the business; my parents memory meant too much to me.

Fine. You want me to kneel? Ill kneel.

I dragged my body off the bed, my legs dragging on the floor as I crawled toward Jasper.

I shut my eyes and forced myself to my knees.

My voice echoed in the empty room. Jasper, Im sorry. Please forgive me.

Jasper came over to help me up, acting fake as he bragged. Mr. Sterling, I never blamed you. Madeline was just upset because she thought I was being bullied. Get up.

He pretended to help me up, but "accidentally" tripped and kicked me hard in the stomach.

My fresh stitches ripped open, and the familiar agony curled me back onto the floor.

A puddle of yellow liquid stained the ground. My pride had been utterly ground into the dust.

Jasper jumped back, his face twisted in disgust. Ugh, is that pee?