RISE OF THE WORTHLESS SON-IN-LAW

In the Shaw family mansion, Ethan Cole had just returned from his cleaning job when his mother-in-law, Margaret Shaw, stormed into the lobby.

Her face was twisted with anger the moment she saw him. Without saying a word, she snatched a dirty apron from the counter and tossed it right at his face.

“Ethan! You’re late again!” she snapped, crossing her arms. “Didn’t I tell you to come home early and help in the kitParker? Is cleaning public toilets more important than your duty here?!”

Ethan pulled the apron off his face, biting his tongue to stop himself from saying anything back. His legs ached from standing all day, but that didn’t seem to matter to Margaret or anyone else in the Shaw family.

“I’m sorry, big mom,” Ethan mumbled. “I had to finish my work or else I would be fired. I didn’t mean to;”

“Sorry for yourself!” Margaret cut him off, taking a step closer. “If you’re sorry, then move your lazy ass to the kitParker and start preparing the meals! Do you think the food is going to cook itself?!”

Before Ethan could move, Margaret smacked him on the back of his head, not once, but twice, just to prove a point and make him feel inferior.

Ethan couldn’t retaliate because this had been his life for the past three years ever since he married one of their daughters. Three years of doing everything for the Shaw family like some low-born servant. And no matter how much he did, it was never enough for them.

Margaret scoffed when he didn’t react. “You're nothing but a useless beggar! You should be grateful we allowed you to live here.”

Ethan swallowed the anger rising in his chest. He wanted to speak, but what could he do? This was his life now, married into a family that never wanted him.

Just then, Clara Shaw, his wife, appeared at the doorway of the dining hall. She looked as gorgeous as ever, with flawless hair and a lovely dress, but there was a trace of frustration in her voice when she spoke.

“Mom, stop yelling,” Clara said sharply. “I’ve told you not to treat him like that.”

Margaret rolled her eyes and reprimanded. “Why are you defending him even when he did something wrong? He’s lucky we even let him live under our roof.”

Clara sighed and shook her head. “Whatever. Just come to the dining hall already. Everyone’s waiting for you,” she said and walked away.

Margaret shot Ethan one last glare. “Idiot! Don’t just stand there! Go help prepare the food. And be quick about it. Don't embarrass us more than you already do!”

Without waiting for a response, she turned and walked into the dining hall while Ethan dragged himself to the kitParker to prepare the food.

Today was the 40th anniversary of Shaw Enterprises, the Shaw family business. Shaw Enterprises is a large multi-purpose company worth millions, and tonight, the entire family had gathered to discuss the affairs of the company.

About an hour later, Ethan walked into the dining room carrying trays of well-prepared food and costly wine. The ceremony was in full swing and more than sixteen relatives were already seated around a long table.

“What took you so long?” an older man at the head of the table snapped. His silver hair was slicked back, and he looked like he hadn’t smiled in years. He was Walter Shaw, the head of the family, and everyone feared and respected him.

“I’m sorry, grandfather,” Ethan said softly, lowering his head. “I was making arrangements for the catering.”

“Enough excuses,” Walter muttered, waving a hand as he continued, “…we are here to address the pressing issues concerning the company's finances. I expect all of you to pay attention.”

Derek, the oldest grandchild of the family stood up with a sly smile curling on his lips and said. “Grandpa, I talked to Mr. Harlow today. He’s willing to give us the contract. But, there’s one condition. Someone from our family has to get married to him. If one of the ladies agrees, we can save the company. If not…” He shrugged. “We will run into bankruptcy.”

Walter leaned back in his chair. His eyes swept over the room before settling on three people. “Fiona, Amber, Clara;you three are the only ones who can do this. Which one of you is willing to help the family?”

Fiona tightened her hand around her designer purse. “Grandpa, I would love to, but I haven’t been feeling very well, and Mr. Harlow would be disappointed with me. I wish I could help, but I can’t.”

Amber shook her head, resting a hand on her stomach. “I’m pregnant, Grandpa. The doctor warned me to avoid any kind of stress. Moreover, Mr. Harlow wouldn't want to get married to a pregnant woman.”

These words were said with fake sweetness, but the way their eyes kept drifting toward Clara said everything. Since they were kids, Fiona and Amber had never missed a chance to bully her. Clara was a little prettier than them, and they hated her for it.

Walter’s gaze settled on Clara. “I suppose you’re the only person left. Are you willing to get married to Mr. Harlow and save our family company?”

Before Clara could speak, Ethan, who was busy serving the family, interrupted. “Grandpa, Clara is married to me. Our wedding anniversary is next week.”

Although their marriage wasn’t perfect or consummate, he still loved her more than anything.

Derek let out a bitter laugh. “Oh, come on, Ethan.” He rolled his eyes. “You’re nothing but a leech. Racheal could do so much better without you. Honestly, being with Mr. Harlow would be an upgrade. She’d finally live the life she deserves and you would be free from all the chores.” He leaned forward, his smile growing wider. “If you ask me, we’re doing you both a favor.”

A few other family members murmured in agreement.

“She’s wasting her life with that God-forsaken fool,” Aunt Beatrice scoffed. “A man who can’t provide isn’t worth keeping,”

“He’s nothing but a broke man with no future,” Uncle Frank added. “She should’ve left him years ago, I told her he was a dead weight,”

“Why shouldn’t she do it? This could help the family and help her too.”

It was obvious everyone wanted Clara to accept it. Since she married Ethan, a man with no family name, no money, they laughed at her. They said she threw her life away for nothing and brought embarrassment to the family. And now, with the company falling apart, they wanted her to fix everything.

Bang! Walter slammed his palm on the table. “Enough of this nonsense,” he snapped. “Clara. You’re the only one left. Are you going to help this family or not?”

Ethan's heart was pounding so loud it rang in his ears. He wanted her to say no. To stand up and defend their marriage. To tell them he wasn’t worthless and that she wouldn’t trade their life together for anything.

Racheal, who had been staring quietly out the window, turned around. She didn’t look at Ethan, instead, she looked her grandfather in the eyes and said softly. “Yes, Grandpa, I will get married to Mr. Harlow.”

The tray slipped from Ethan’s shaking hands and the plates and glass cups crashed to the floor, breaking into several pieces but not as broken as his heart.