I WAS A USELESS SON-IN-LAW, NOW I DECIDE FATE

Edward Gavins brought his motorcycle to a halt, swung off quickly, and sprinted toward the door.

Ding, ding, ding! The doorbell chimed sharply as he pressed it in rapid succession.

Edward Gavins, the eldest son of Mr. Gavins, the fifth-richest man in Goldmere city, was now working as a deliveryman. Despite his bloodline, this was his present reality. Judging from the way he parked the bike, dashed to the door, and hammered the bell, it was clear he was in a hurry.

He lifted his left wrist and checked his watch. 7:58. His lips curved into a smile.

Perfect. I'll be on time tonight. Just wait for my little anniversary surprise, my love.

He smiled as images of Ava the only woman who had ever truly held his heart, filled his mind.

The door opened to reveal a middle-aged woman.

"Your order, ma'am. Please sign here," Edward said, presenting the delivery slip.

"Thank you," she replied, signing quickly before taking the neatly wrapped package.

Edward mounted his bike and sped away.

He worked for The Instant Delivery, one of the city's most popular courier companies. Normally, his shift ended at nine. But tonight, his quick pace meant finishing nearly an hour earlier. And tonight wasn't just any evening.

It was his second wedding anniversary with Ava.

Two years. He still couldn't believe it. Even now, thoughts of her made his chest tighten with longing. His body craved her touch as though they were still newlyweds. The memory of their first anniversary stung. He'd been sent away on a delivery trip and missed it entirely. Had never forgiven himself for letting Ava spend that day alone.

Tonight, he would make it right.

To Edward, this celebration was their true first anniversary.

His smile grew broader as he rode through the famous Goldmere city streets. Soon, he turned into a narrow side street, pulling up outside a huge yet modest mansion. He strode into the compound, secured his bike, whistling softly as he walked inside. Anticipation thrummed in his chest.

He pictured Ava beaming in the elegant dress he'd bought her just days ago.

His heart skipped when he opened their bedroom door.

The figure before him was tall, fair-skinned, giving the room a dazzling glow. She had her back to the door, dabbing powder on her face. Her long black hair fell to her waist.

"Honey." Edward stood in silence for some seconds, simply admiring his wife. "You're already dressed."

Ava turned around, panic flickered in her eyes. Why is he home this early? Of all days, why tonight? She hadn't expected him until nine. She wasn't prepared to face him!

Edward's throat went dry.

His wife stood before him in a dress that showed more skin than he'd ever seen on her, even on their wedding night. The woman who once blushed when he kissed her shoulder now wore a neckline that plunged like a cliff's edge.

"Baby?" His voice cracked. "What... You wearing this for me tonight?"

Ava's hand flew to her throat, covering the delicate necklace there, the one Edward had saved three months to buy after his disinheritance. The one she'd promised to wear forever.

"Oh... yes, I'm ready." She couldn't meet his eyes. "But the dress... it wasn't worn for you."

The words hung in the air like smoke.

Edward blinked. "What do you mean”

"Oh, Jesus. Not now," Ava muttered under her breath, her body trembling on hearing

Footsteps echoed down the hallway. Someone was coming and she knew exactly who it was SOFIA LORNE she was going to make the situation worst seeing how she has been ranting about Edward all day.

Soon the door swung open again. A sharp voice pierced the air.

"Sweetheart, he sent a driver to pick you up!" Sofia, Ava's mother, announced. Then she saw Edward. Her eyes narrowed with undisguised disgust. "He's home early today? Shame last year's mistake didn't repeat itself."

Edward's smile faded completely. "Honey, it's our anniversary. Where are you going? Is it for business?" He stepped closer, reaching for Ava's hand.

She pulled away.

"Stop asking foolish questions," Sofia snapped, inserting herself between them. Her voice dripped venom. "She's leaving with someone who can truly take care of her. My daughter is being courted by another man. A man who can give her everything you never could. This marriage is over, Edward. And I'll make sure of it."

Edward's chest tightened as though a blade had pierced him. Sofia his mother-in-law, had once welcomed him warmly during his courtship with Ava. But everything changed months into their marriage, when his family turned on him. When the money, name and everything he had grew up to know disappeared. Guess When he became beneath them.

"Honey, don't listen to her." His voice broke. "We're okay, right? Tell me we're okay."

Ava's fingers fidgeted against her gown, smoothing invisible wrinkles. Her eyes flickered with something that looked almost like guilt. Then she looked up.

"No, Edward. We're not okay." Her voice came out sharp, higher than usual like she was forcing the words through clenched teeth. "My mother's right. You're too wretched for my liking."

The words landed like physical blows.

"So what about today?" he whispered. "What about us?"

"This marriage is the worst mistake of my life, Edward!" The words exploded from her. "Two years of a mistake shouldn't be celebrated!"

Edward laughed a bitter, broken sound. His eyes burned, but he refused to let the tears fall.

"I know... I know I've fallen." His voice dropped to barely a whisper. "But I wasn't like this when we married. Give me time, Ava. I'll fix things."

Even as he said it, doubt crept in. He'd tried everything. Nothing changed.

"Fix what?" Sofia's voice cracked like a whip. Her glare could have drawn blood. "You've never achieved anything on your own, not without your father's money. Now that he's turned his back on you, look at yourself. You deliver packages." She spat the word like poison. "You're pathetic."

"Mum, this isn't…”

Sofia snapped her fingers, cutting him off with a dismissive glare.

"I won't waste words on you."

Then, turning to Ava, her entire demeanor softened. "Darling, don't keep your suitor waiting." She straightened Ava's gown, brushing away imaginary dust, her lips curling into a satisfied smile. "Go on. I'll handle him."

But the venom in her side-glance at Edward was unmistakable.

Ava stumbled toward the door, shaken. Her heels clicked against the floor like a countdown. She didn't look back.

Sofia rounded on Edward. "Don't you dare ruin this for my daughter." Then she swept out after Ava.

Edward stood frozen.

His heart pounded while his mind reeled trying to read meaning to what just happened but the meaning was clear enough, Ava was replacing him with another man. And for Sofia who had never spoken so openly about replacing him to do so now, it means there was no longer time to work it out with Ava.

Who is this man? Is he wealthy? Does he know Ava is married?

And if he does... why would he still want her?

The questions clawed at him, leaving him breathless.

A sharp vibration jolted him back to reality. His phone was ringing so he pulled it out from his pocket then glanced at the screen.

BOSS.

His eyes widened.

In a year at Instant Delivery, his boss had called exactly twice. First to send him on the trip that ruined his first anniversary. Now this on his second wedding anniversary.

“Why now? What does he want” Edward said through clenched teeths.

Reluctantly, he swiped to accept.

"Edward." His boss's voice came through, brisk and commanding. "A special client needs a delivery. A dress. For his date tonight. Get here quickly this job could change your miserable life."

Before Edward could reply, the line went dead.

Edward stared at his phone.

A dress For a date Tonight.

His blood ran cold this was supposed to be himself and Ava.

He looked down at the bedroom floor. There, glinting in the lamplight, lay the necklace he'd given Ava the one she'd promised to wear forever. She'd dropped it in her haste to leave.

He picked it up slowly. The metal was still warm from her skin.

Outside, a car engine started. Through the window, Edward watched a black Rolls-Royce pull away from the curb. The same car that had been parked down the street when he arrived home. He'd been too happy to notice.

Too happy to question why a car worth millions sat outside his modest home.

His phone buzzed again. A text this time.

From an unknown number.

“SHE LOOKS BEAUTIFUL TONIGHT. DON'T YOU THINK?”