From Doormat to Tycoon: The Rise of the Useless Husband

Chapter 3

"His belongings are as worthless as he is," Serena muttered under her breath, flinging another shirt into the trash bag.

The apartment was eerily quiet without Damon’s presence, but her mind was anything but calm. Her hands worked furiously, grabbing every trace of him—his clothes, his cologne bottle, even the stupid coffee mug he had insisted on bringing from his old apartment. Every item, every memory, she tossed away with rough, jerky movements.

Then her fingers brushed against something cold.

She stilled.

It was a ring.

Serena frowned, picking it up between her fingers. It wasn’t just any ring. It was familiar. 

The delicate patterns, the design—

It was identical to the one she had taken years ago from Celia!

Her breath caught in her throat.

She swallowed hard, her mind suddenly yanked into the past.

Celia.

They had been best friends, inseparable during their school days. Matching clothes, inside jokes that no one else understood. But time had changed everything. Celia’s family had faced hardships,their business crumbled, and their friendship had drifted, like a boat losing its anchor.

Serena had visited Celia’s house one day before life pulled them apart. She remembered that visit vividly. Celia had been distracted, speaking about something serious, but Serena’s eyes had landed on a ring. Unique, delicate, beautiful. She had taken it on a whim, thinking Celia wouldn’t find it.

And she hadn’t. Or maybe she had but never said anything.

However, after a while Serena lost interest in the ring after that—tossed it into a drawer.

And now, another one had appeared.

Her hands clenched around it as a dark thought took root.

Did Damon have an affair with Celia?!

She exhaled sharply. Her blood simmered. 

How dare he betray her—he, who couldn’t even afford his next meal without her help?

Furiously, without hesitation, she reached for her phone, her fingers gripping it tightly. She was about to dial Damon’s number, demanding an explanation,now.

The phone rang before she could press call.

The screen lit up.

Mom.

She answered it.

“Hello?” 

“Serena! Finally, I was starting to think you’d disappeared!” Her mother’s voice was unnaturally cheerful, instantly putting Serena on edge.

She swallowed down her turmoil. “I’ve been busy.”

“Well, you won’t be too busy tonight, I hope,” her mother continued. “Because we have something important to celebrate.”

Serena frowned. “Celebrate?”

“Oh, don’t pretend you forgot! Your divorce is finally finalized! No more Damon. That man was a burden, and I’m relieved you’ve come to your senses.”

Serena’s grip tightened on the phone. She hated Damon with everything inside her.

“And,” her mother added, “Michael has arranged something special for you. He booked a table at Luxea Restaurant—the best restaurant in the city. It’s exclusive, Serena. You should feel honored.”

Michael.

Serena’s eyes immediately lit up at the name. What else could make her happier? Michael was the only man who could lift her to the top with just a tip of his finger. With a single word from him, she had secured a partnership with Vespera Corporation.

“Michael wanted to celebrate with you for securing the partnership with Vespera Corporation. Even though he's the one who helped you, he’s so kind, Serena,” her mother said excitedly. Serena couldn’t keep the smile off her face.

“I know, Mom. You made me make the right choice,” Serena said, practically jumping with happiness.

“You almost declined Michael because of that bastard Damon! I’m so glad you changed your mind. Look where Michael has taken you—to the top, my dear. I’m glad I convinced you.”

“Thank you so much, Mom. You’re the best.”

“Now, you don’t want to be late. Get dressed and come to Luxea Restaurant. We can’t keep Michael waiting! A man like him should never be kept waiting—he’s our god now, Serena. Quickly, get dressed.”

“Okay, Mom. I’ll be there before you even know it,” Serena said.

“Wear something seductive and stunning. You should look sexy tonight, Serena.” her mother added.

“Okay, Mom, I get it. Bye. I should quickly get dressed,” Serena said, ending the call. The happiest look spread across her face as she pushed aside the thought of the ring and excitedly rushed inside to get ready.

---

Cars stopped near Luxea Restaurant, and in the second car, a guard quickly stepped out to open the door of the first car. 

Damon stepped out.

He didn’t spare the scenery a glance—his mind was on one thing: what Simon had uncovered about his mother’s death.

He headed toward the restaurant, his guards instinctively falling in behind him.

"Wait outside. I’ll go in alone," Damon ordered.

The guards stopped at his word, and Damon continued on toward the grand entrance. But just as he reached the doors, a security guard stepped forward, blocking his path.

“Membership card?” the guard asked flatly.

His eyes ran over Damon’s appearance—simple clothes, no flashy accessories. Nothing that screamed “VIP.” The guard’s lips curled slightly in disdain.

Damon arched a brow. “I don’t have one.”

He had dined here before with Anthony—no one had ever mentioned a membership card then.

The guard's stance stiffened. His tone turned dismissive, almost scornful. “This place is for members only. No card, no entry. Now move along.”

His gaze was sharp, judgmental—as if Damon were some vagrant trying to sneak into a palace.

Damon’s expression remained unreadable, but the air around him shifted. Cooler. Sharper.

“I’m invited by—”

Before he could finish, a mocking voice rang out behind him.

“Oh, look who we have here—my ex-useless son-in-law!”

Damon turned immediately, smirking. Tessa, Serena’s mother, stood there, looking smug.

She was here too. Not that it mattered to Damon.

Tessa approached, her eyes gleaming with malice.

"What is a useless man like you doing in a place like this? Are you trying to sneak your miserable self inside? Trying to scam your way in, pretending to be a wealthy man? It’s called theft, Damon. You still haven’t changed. You’re a thief!" she yelled loudly, drawing attention from people.

But Damon just stared at the foolish woman in front of him.

Like mother, like daughter.

Tessa eyed him up and down and smirked. “You know what? My future son-in-law—the only man worthy of my daughter—is a platinum member of this restaurant. He doesn’t have to fake his way in.”

She let out a mocking laugh as the murmurs and chuckles of the crowd surrounded them.