Redeemed Son In-law

As the radiant sun stretched its golden rays across the land, A young man's head is hunched, staring tentatively at his shoe. The atmosphere in the abode was inauspicious; casting a blue hue upon the wall, plastered on it were some shiny stones, giving it a perfect decoration.

“You are bad luck; nothing good will ever come from you,” bellowed Mr. Wesley, Bryan’s terrible father-in-law. His voice reverberated with such unruly anger that it penetrated the building.

“I am sorry; I didn’t mean for you to lose that contract, “he apologizes, his voice coming politely.

“You are sorry, is that all you could say? I lost a contract worth billions of dollars because of your stupidity, and all you could say is sorry?” His voice echos through the walls.

“So shameless and useless. Father, why don’t you lock him up so he could have some sense?”  Alicia, Bryan’s horrible wife, said, laughing rancorously, obviously enjoying the fact that her so-called husband was being scolded by her father.

“We shouldn’t do that, you know; people will start talking about how we are wicked for locking up our son-in-law without knowing the reason for doing that.” Mrs. Wesley said as she walked towards the table, then took the jug of water on the table and walked towards Bryan's.

“My husband, why don’t I take it from here?” She shoved a glare at Bryan; only her glare was enough to tell him he’s doomed. 

He clenched his fist as he bowed his head with shame. He gets treated like this every blessed day, and each time he doesn’t say anything. What could he say when life has been unfair for him in every aspect? 

He was born poor and has lived poor all his life. What could a poor man like himself do apart from take all the awful treatment with the hope that it's going to end one day? So he always leaves them to stomp on his dignity.

“Mother, I am sorry. I never meant for you to lose the contract. I really did put some effort into this. I don’t know why they didn’t give us the contract.” He bites his lower lips; if life had been good to him, maybe he wouldn’t have to deal with this family just to survive.

“Shut your stupid mouth, you cleaner," Alicia hissed in irritation. “One more thing, don’t you ever dare refer to my mother as your mother; she only has a child, and that’s me,” she warned, which he simply nodded positively.

“It was a mistake to choose you for our daughter; we actually thought you would be useful, but all you do is flaunt our money and remain useless. You are a waste of time and money and a great liability to our family,” Mr. Wesley thundered, while Bryan could only clench his fist, trying his best not to get angry.

“Didn't I tell you, dad, he’s useless as a husband too; I shouldn’t have considered your words and gotten married to him?” She hissed, glaring hatefully at him, wondering why he only shoved his head to the ground. 

Mrs. Wesley took the opportunity to stomp on his little ounce of dignity left by emptying the jug of water on his head, there was nothing he could do to stop this humiliation. He simply watched the water flow down his face, accompanied by hot tears.  

As if that weren't enough humiliation, Alicia stormed towards him and landed a resounding slap on his face, making him blink a few times as disbelief and surprise etched his face. 

“I will leave you to deal with your useless husband; if this happens again, you both will hate me,” Mr. Wesley warned before walking out of the living room in immerse anger.

“Useless son-in-law, you got my husband angry,” Mrs. Wesley cursed with a disgusted glare, then rushed after her husband.

“You see the shame you've brought me. Why did you even come into my life? You are a disgrace. Your existence is a big mistake, and trust me, even God's regretting creating your useless ass,” she shuddered as though she just remembered something irritating. “Common, get your foolish ass out of here,” Alicia barked, her voice coming with pride and hatred.

“I don’t know how it happened, Alicia; I really tried my best.” He tried to explain, even though he knows it's of no use.

He was covered in shame. He looked so pitiful, but there's nothing he could do about his current situation. 

“I. Said. Get. Out!” Alicia growled, which startled him, and he wobbly stood up from where he was kneeing.

“I really tried my best.” She mimicked him and hissed angrily.

“I will make sure to do better next time.” He was about to walk away, soaked in water.

 “Hey. Get this place cleaned up. Who do you think will clean it for you?” she asked, and he chuckled.

“I thought the maid would come to clean it” he said, and she burst into rancorous laughter, followed by a maniacal look. 

“Wait, do you really have a maid in this house? Do you pay anyone in this house?” she asked, and he nodded negatively.

“So what, maid, are you talking about?” she demanded.

“I am sorry; I will clean it up.” He scratched the back of his neck.

“Better do that now. Because you are married to me, you now think you are superior and can claim ownership, while you only come to me every week to get pocket money. Useless man” She cursed, and he walked to get the mop without uttering a word. 

The surrounding maids were laughing and making jokes about him. No one respects him, both at work and home, but he cares less as long as he has survived. 

He walked back to the living room and saw Alicia with another full jug of water. He was shocked, but unconvinced of what she wanted to use the water for. Alicia can be wicked and cruel, and all he knew was that she’s up to no good; all she loved to do was make him suffer.

“You know what? I missed seeing you clean the house. You used to be our best cleaner, and now that you are lucky to be my husband, I guess I really want to see that man in you. Cleaning suits you more perfectly than office work. So I will love to see you clean this entire place.” 

A sinister grin played by the corner of her lips, while he only clenched his fist, holding tightly to the mop, trying to bear the awkwardness coming from her. 

She started pouring the water all over the place and throwing the jug at him wickedly. She went so far as to sit on the sofa, laughing rancorously.

“Get it cleaned up” she commanded.