The Heir (bxb)

Wren stepped out of the taxi, adjusting his bag over his shoulder. He handed the driver his fare just as his button phone rang loudly. He pulled it out and answered.

"Zack, I know why you're calling. I just arrived. Please be careful not to get caught making a call."

"I know. I just wanted to check on you."

"I appreciate it, but I don't want you getting punished for having a phone, which isn't allowed."

"Fine. Take care, and don't forget to call or message me once you settle in."

"I will. Bye." He hung up and looked up at the grand mansion before him. The towering gates, the well-manicured garden, and the stationed guards made it feel like a dream come true-except he wasn't sure whether it was a dream or a nightmare.

As he approached the entrance, the door swung open before he could knock. A uniformed guard stood in the doorway.

"Good afternoon, sir," Wren greeted politely. "Welcome, young master. We were informed that you'd be arriving this morning. Did something happen on the way?"

"Nothing worth worrying about," Wren replied.

"Please, come in." Stepping inside, Wren glanced around. A row of luxury cars was parked on one side, and a flower garden stretched along the pathway. Above the large doorway, a stone molding spelled out "THE BOOKS." As he lifted his foot to step inside, a sharp, hostile voice stopped him.

"Hey, Butler More, what the hell is going on? Can any Tom, Dick, and Harry just walk into the Books' mansion?" A boy around Wren's age stood in the doorway, his posture reeking of entitlement. A gold watch gleamed on his wrist, and his smirk screamed "I'm better than you." The butler, an older man in his forties, began to introduce Wren.

"Young Master Mark, this is-"

"Butler More, I don't care who he is, but-"

"It's rude to interrupt when elders are speaking," Wren cut in sharply. Mark's smirk vanished, replaced by a glare.

"Get the hell out of here, you poor thing."

"Mark, stop. Let him introduce himself," another voice interjected. A boy with a bright smile and sparkling eyes stood beside another, who had a calmer, more reserved demeanor.

"Cam is right," the quiet one agreed. Mark scoffed.

"Oh, please. You two are just adopted sons. You have no right to speak when I'm talking." He turned back to Wren, pointing rudely.

"And you-I just told you to get out." Wren crossed his arms. "Who are you?" Mark blinked in confusion. "What?"

"I asked, who are you?" Wren repeated.

"Well, I'm Mark Book, son of-" "So, you're the Mark," Wren interrupted, his gaze sharp. Mark frowned.

"What do you mean?" "We were swapped at birth. It was recently discovered. So, technically, all of you are just adopted-including you, Mark. So, tell me again, who are you to talk down to me?" Mark's face drained of color, his mouth opening and closing in stunned silence. "None of you should pretend you don't know who I am or that I was coming today," Wren added before turning to Cam and the other boy.

"Zoe, Cam-I'm Wren Smith. Sorry, I mean, Wren Book. Nice to meet you." He then turned to the butler.

"Please show me to my room." He walked past the others, leaving them speechless. Cam grinned.

"So cool. I love his vibe already." Zoe smirked.

"At least he finally shut someone up." Mark clenched his fists, his face burning with anger.

"AHH-" he screamed in frustration. Cam made a face. "I'm leaving before his craziness rubs off on me." Zoe followed him.

"Where are you going?"

"None of your business. You're not my dad."

"I just want to know."

"Screw you, I'm off." Zoe rolled his eyes.

"Spoiled brat." He turned and left.

*Wren's Room*

Wren sat on his bed, releasing a weary sigh as his head throbbed.

"I just arrived, and I already have a headache... How did it even come to this? It all started when-"

*Flashback: The Orphanage*

"Good afternoon, ma," Wren greeted.

"Sit down. We have something important to discuss." He took a seat.

"Okay, ma." She nodded toward the men.

"These gentlemen came a few days ago, claiming that you are from the Book family. I asked them for proof, and they've just provided it." Wren's eyes widened in stunned incredulity.

"How is that possible?"

"You were swapped at birth. Two months ago, the Books discovered that the child they raised wasn't their biological son. They started searching and eventually found you." Silence.

"Oh..." Wren finally managed.

"You'll pack your things tonight. You're going back to your family tomorrow. Everything has been arranged." Wren stood up.

"Thank you, ma." He left the office quietly. Zack was waiting outside.

"What did she say? She's not punishing you, is she?"

"My biological parents found me. I'm leaving tomorrow." Zack's eyes widened.

"That's great news, Reny! I'll miss you, but it's for your own good. I'm happy for you."

"Thanks."

"Two more months and I'll turn eighteen. Then I can leave the orphanage, and we'll meet more often." Wren smiled slightly.

"Just two months."

*The Next Day*

At the orphanage gates, Zack hugged him tightly.

"I'm gonna miss you, Reny."

"Me too. But the driver's waiting."

"Take care. Bye."

"Goodbye." With his bag in hand, Wren entered the car. The orphanage faded behind him.

*30 Minutes Later*

The car sputtered and rolled to a stop. Wren frowned.

"What happened?" The driver sighed.

"It suddenly developed a fault."

"So, what now?" The driver hesitated.

"I'll give you the address and some money for transport." Wren took the cash and stepped out. As he walked away, he suddenly stopped and hid behind a corner. The driver pulled out his phone.

"Young Master Mark, I've done as you asked."

"Good," Mark's voice replied. The call ended. The driver started the car and drove off-perfectly fine. Wren smirked, stepping out of his hiding spot.

"You think a small trick like that will stop me? You've just crossed the line, Mark. Be ready." With that, he hailed a taxi and left.

*End of Flashback*

A knock on the door jolted him back to reality. "Young Master, dinner is ready," a maid called.

"I'm coming." At the dining table, Mark smirked.

"Look who finally decided to join us." Wren ignored him and sat down. "Hey! That's my chair!"

"Your name isn't on it. Find another." Mark fumed but was interrupted.

"Young Master Mark, it's time for dinner," the butler said. Mark scowled but sat down. Tomorrow, the real battle would begin.

"Tomorrow, the trainer will begin teaching you everything you need to know before the heir assessment starts. The assessment is in a few months, so don't forget," the butler said. Mark's curiosity got the better of him.

"Who is our trainer?" The butler's expression remained stern.

"No talking while eating." Mark shrugged, muttering under his breath.

"Okay, whatever." Minutes later, Wren stood up, preparing to leave. The butler stopped him. "Where are you off to, young masters?" Wren smiled politely.

"Butler, I've finished eating. Thank you for the food, but I need to get some rest for tomorrow. Good night."

Next chapter Precap: "As Wren enters the dining room, he's struck by the breathtaking appearance of a mysterious man, but Mark's arrival sparks a surprising display of affection, testing the household's rules."

Question:

"What challenges will Wren face as he prepares for the heir assessment, and will he be able to prove himself?"

The heir will be updated every Wednesday and Saturday don't forget to add to your library

#vote Wrens story is just beginning. join Me next time for more drama, intrigue, and self discovering!

Recap

Wren arrived at the Book mansion, revealing his true identity as the biological son. He faced hostility from Mark, but stood his ground. As Wren settled in, he reflected on his past and prepared for the challenges ahead, including the heir assessment and rivalry with Mark.

The Next Day

Wren jogged around the compound for some time before heading back to his room to take a bath.

"Young Master Wren, it's time for breakfast," a maid announced as she entered his room. "Did you knock?" Wren asked, already dressed.

"Yes, sir," she lied.

"But I didn't hear any sound." Wren locked eyes with her.

"Sir, I knocked... maybe you didn't hear it," she replied hesitantly.

"So I'm lying?" Wren's expression darkened. "I don't know, sir," she murmured, looking down.

"Good, excellent. I think there's a CCTV camera in the corridor. I'll ask Butler More to check the footage."

"No, sir! Please don't deduct my salary," she pleaded.

"You already decided your punishment before I even mentioned one. I was just going to let it slide," Wren said coldly.

"No, sir, I'm sorry! Please, I don't want to lose my job. My family depends on my salary to survive." Wren raised an eyebrow.

"You're just a maid. Are you trying to emotionally blackmail me?"

"No, sir... I-"

"Wait. How are we related? Am I part of your family? Why should I care about your survival?" Wren interrupted.

"I'm sorry, sir."

"Good. Now, I want you to understand something-your source of livelihood lies in my hands. So, you will do exactly as I say." "Yes, sir," she said in a trembling voice.

"You will be my eyes and ears in this house. I want to know everything that happens. Am I clear?"

"Yes, sir." Wren walked toward the door, then paused. Turning back to the maid, he smiled-half amusement, half warning.

"I know Mark set you up to disrespect me, to make me feel insignificant. I also know you only have a grandmother, not a full family." The maid's face paled.

"If I can find out that much, imagine what else I can uncover. Be careful-because I can do anything I want. I'll be watching you. Your grandmother's safety depends on your loyalty." Without another word, Wren left, while the maid stood frozen in shock.

As he walked down the hallway toward the dining room, he stopped and glanced around, ensuring no one was around.

"Geez... Zack always says eavesdropping is bad, but for once, I think it's useful," he muttered. He exhaled sharply.

"I think I was quite intimidating back there. She's not going to notice I was just acting. After this competition, I should get into showbiz." With that, he continued on his way.

At the Dining Room

Wren entered and saw Zoe and Cam seated. Beside them sat a young man in his early twenties-tall, slim, and strikingly handsome. His beauty was almost divine, his aura commanding.

Wren froze for a moment, stunned. He was the most attractive man he had ever seen in his life.

"Wren," Cam called, breaking him out of his trance. Wren quickly masked his reaction and casually took his seat.

"Good morning," he greeted.

"Morning," Cam and Zoe responded, but the handsome stranger remained silent, continuing to eat as if he had heard nothing. The dining hall fell into a heavy silence as they ate.

Suddenly, Mark stormed in, dressed in a crop top and tight jeans, his face heavily made up. He approached the handsome man with a coquettish smile.

"Young Master Dee," Mark purred seductively.

"No talking while eating," Dee responded flatly, not even sparing him a glance. Mark pouted but obeyed.

"Okay, Brother Dee." The room returned to silence.

After Breakfast

"I'm Dee from the Van family, and I will be your trainer for the heir competition," the handsome man announced, his tone emotionless.

"In two days, a casual banquet will be held for socializing before training begins." He continued,

"The designer will be here this afternoon to customize your suits. I will be staying with the Book family for the next few months." With that, he strode out of the dining room, Mark scrambling to keep up with him but failing.

"So... who is that man?" Wren asked Zoe and Cam.

"I never knew you were this gossipy," Cam teased.

"Oh, so you're not curious?" Wren shot back. Cam smirked.

"Fine, I'll spill. He's the sole heir to the Van family. The Vans are the wealthiest family in the country, involved in almost every major industry. They even have government backing."

"Damn," Wren muttered. Cam nodded.

"Young Master Dee is a prodigy. He started his own jewelry company, Jewel, at the age of fifteen-without any help from his father's money or influence." Wren's eyes widened.

"That's insane." Zoe chimed in,

"Compared to the Vans, our family is nothing. If they wanted, they could buy the entire Book family business a hundred times over."

"Then why did he agree to come here?" Wren asked. "It's rumored that he owes Papa a favor," Zoe said.

"I wonder what kind of favor it is."

"Me too," Cam agreed. Wren sighed.

"One more thing..."

"What?"

"He's rumored to have never had a partner-not male or female. Some say he's gay."

"That's good to know," Wren muttered. Cam raised an eyebrow.

"What do you mean?"

"Nothing." Wren stood up and left, leaving Cam and Zoe exchanging glances. Cam stretched.

"I think I'll hit the club." Zoe frowned.

"At this hour?"

"Yep. See you later."

"Why do you always go to the club?"

"That's none of your business, Zoe."

"I was just asking."

"Yeah, yeah." Cam waved him off and left. Zoe watched him go, deep in thought. I need to find out what he's up to.

Precap

Wren confronts Mark, and the family prepares for the banquet. Zoe investigates Cam's mysterious club visits. Will Wren's bold move pay off, or ignite conflict?

#vote

Thank you for reading! I hope you're enjoying the story so far. If you have any feedback or just want to chat, feel free to reach out. Happy reading!

Recap from chapter 2

Wren asserted his authority over a maid and met Dee, the Van family's young master, who will train them for the heir competition. Cam revealed Dee's impressive background, sparking Wren's interest.

That Afternoon

The designer arrived with her assistants carrying bags of fabric and tools.

"Butler More, the designer is here," a maid informed him.

"Call the young masters," Butler More ordered.

"Tell them to come for their measurements." Zoe and Cam arrived first.

"Good afternoon, Miss Lee," Cam greeted with a smile.

"Good afternoon," Zoe said. "Morning, dear," Lee responded warmly. She then looked at Zoe and sighed.

"Still as expressionless as ever." Cam laughed.

"Miss, you know how Zoe is. You've been our designer for years."

"Yes, seven years now. Always so serious," she chuckled. Before they could continue chatting, Mark stormed in.

"Who's taking my measurements?" he demanded rudely.

"Sun, take his measurements," Lee instructed her assistant. As the assistant worked, Lee asked,

"What style do you want?"

"My usual. I want to be the center of attention," Mark said arrogantly.

"Anything else?"

"I'll send you the jewelry I plan to wear so you can match it."

"Understood." Just then, Wren strolled in. "Look who finally graced us with his presence," Mark sneered. Wren smirked. "Yeah, so be honored."

"You-!" Mark spluttered.

"You sound like a broken record. Sit down before I make you." Mark huffed.

"I don't want to catch your poor people disease." Wren's eyes narrowed.

"You stole my life. You should've been the poor thing-not me. But I'd rather be this than a fraud like you." Mark's face turned red.

"I hate you!" he screamed, storming out.

"The feeling is mutual!" Wren called after him, smirking. Cam burst into laughter. "Damn, you really sent him running."

"I know, right?" Wren grinned.

"Now, let's get this over with." And so, the measuring began.

That Evening

– Mark's Room

Mark sat on his bed, his face contorted in anger. He had been fuming since his encounter with Wren.

Grabbing his phone, he dialed a number. The call rang for a long time before the person finally picked up.

"Pick up the damn phone faster next time," Mark growled. A cold voice responded. "What do you want?"

"That Wren guy is getting on my nerves."

"So? You can't handle him yourself?"

"I can handle him," Mark snapped.

"But I want him to suffer. I want him to regret ever stepping into this house." A short silence followed before the voice on the other end spoke.

"Stick to the plan. If you mess this up, we lose everything." Mark clenched his jaw.

"I know what I'm doing."

"You'd better. Handle Wren before I return." The call ended. Mark threw his phone onto the bed, his eyes gleaming with malice.

"I'll make you regret ever thinking you could take what's mine," he muttered.

That Night –

At the Club Zoe sat in a dark corner of the club, watching Cam closely. The loud music pulsed through the air, neon lights flashing across the dance floor.

Cam was moving to the beat, his body pressed against another man's.

Zoe's fingers curled into fists. He hadn't expected to find out this about Cam. So this is what he does every night...? His chest tightened as he watched Cam grinding against the stranger, laughing in his drunken state. Unable to stand it any longer, Zoe stormed onto the dance floor and grabbed Cam's wrist.

"What the hell are you doing?" Zoe demanded. Cam turned, his movements slightly unsteady.

His face lit up with recognition, even in his intoxicated state.

"Zoe? What are you doing here?"

"I should be asking you that!" Zoe snapped.

"We're leaving." Cam smirked, his words slightly slurred.

"Nope. I came here for a quick fuck-I'm horny." Zoe stiffened.

"How can you say something like that?" Cam chuckled, leaning in too close.

"Oh, don't pretend to be innocent, Zoe." Zoe narrowed his eyes.

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" Cam grinned wickedly.

"Next time you decide to jerk off, maybe close your door properly. And lower your voice." Zoe's entire body froze.

"...You what?"

"And," Cam continued smugly,

"maybe delete your search history next time. 'Hot gay porn videos'-ring a bell?" Zoe's face turned red. Cam leaned in, his lips brushing against Zoe's ear.

"You could help me out instead... or I'll find someone else."

A sudden heat rushed through Zoe's veins. Without thinking, he grabbed Cam's face and crashed their lips together. Cam didn't pull away. Instead, he deepened the kiss.

Their breaths mingled, heat rising between them. The club's music pounded in the background, but at that moment, it didn't matter. When they finally pulled apart, Zoe's voice was husky.

"Let's get a room." Cam smirked.

"Unless you want tomorrow's headlines to be 'Book Family's Adopted Sons Caught in a Gay Club'... I suggest we move somewhere private." Zoe scoffed.

"There's nothing the media won't write." They made their way to the private rooms in the back of the club.

Cam opened a door, pulled Zoe inside, and locked it behind them. Before Zoe could say another word, Cam pushed him onto the bed, straddling him.

"This is what you wanted, right?" Cam whispered, grinding against Zoe. Zoe's breath hitched as he looked up at Cam's mischievous smirk.

No turning back now.

A mix of moans and ragged breaths soon filled the room.

Precap:

"Siri what to do after sleeping with your adopted brother" cam asked looking at his phone He woke up this morning and remembered the previous night illicit act

Question: What secrets have Cam and Zoe been hiding, and how will their newfound passion affect their relationships with the rest of the family?

Thank you for reading! I hope you're enjoying the story so far. If you have any feedback or just want to chat, feel free to reach out. Happy reading! Next chapter on Wednesday #vote