Rise Of The Forgotten Son-in-law

CHAPTER 9

"Hey sis, look at him..." Beatrice said, clutching her chest as she approached Jasmine, pointing an accusing finger at Ethan Blackwood.

"It's not his fault. I heard everything you said, and I told you, as long as I'm not divorced from him, you have to call him 'brother-in-law,' got it?" Jasmine replied, holding a blanket.

"I...I... I don't want a brother-in-law like that!" Beatrice huffed, storming out. "I can't stay in this house anymore. It's either him or me!" With that, she left in a huff.

"Ugh." Ethan sighed as she watched Beatrice leave. "That girl has such a temper. She'll be fine in a few days; there's no need to worry. By the way, I got you a new blanket." In the room, Jasmine spread out a blanket on the floor.

It was a makeshift bed for Ethan. Their marriage was just a formality, and Ethan was merely a chosen orphan by Jasmine. The last time he saved her, it only made her take a proper look at him for the first time.

But in the end, they were from completely different worlds. "So, do you have any plans for tomorrow?" Ethan suddenly asked, "What's going on tomorrow?"

"I have to negotiate a partnership," Jasmine replied, brushing her hair back. "The Jackson family group has blocked our company. We secured the funding, but our partner has backed out. I need to talk to them tomorrow." Jasmine felt a headache coming on. If they couldn't resolve the partnership issue, it would be a major problem.

"Is the Elite Group really that important to you?"Ethan inquired.

"Yes, it's very important. Truly important," Jasmine nodded, her gaze drifting to a family photo on the side. She picked it up; it featured her family of four-herself, her sister, and their parents.

Back then, her father was still alive, full of vigor and ambition. He was a standout in his generation. But life can be unpredictable. Her father had died in a car accident, leaving her with a mess to clean up.

The Elite Group was under scrutiny from many, and it was her determination, step by step, that kept it afloat. It was incredibly difficult, but she managed to hold on. Now, however, the looming presence of the Jackson family group was suffocating her.

But she had to keep pushing forward. This was her father's legacy, the result of his hard work over a lifetime. Jasmine didn't want to let her father's efforts go to waste, to see it all crumble into nothing.

She wanted Elite Group to shine brightly. But it was incredibly difficult. Just the upcoming collaboration tomorrow left Jasmine feeling utterly despondent. At that moment, Ethan Blackwood's voice broke through her thoughts.

"Since Elite Group is so important to you, I'll definitely help. After all, we're family. Let's go discuss the collaboration together tomorrow."

"Family?" Jasmine turned to look at Ethan. She had never considered him family. In the family photo she held, she had never thought to include Ethan.

Yet, people are not emotionless beings. They had been together for three years. Every little moment of their lives had carved a place in her heart.

When she fell ill and had a high fever, it was Ethan who carried her to the hospital, taking care of her for an entire day and night. Whenever something happened to her, he was always the first to show concern, even when he couldn't speak back then. "Alright then, it's getting late. Let's get some sleep." Jasmine pulled the covers around her, her thoughts swirling in complexity.

Family, huh?

But she wasn't quite sure yet. Ethan Blackwood, is he really the right fit? Still, she decided to let him tag along tomorrow. If he performed well, then maybe, just maybe, she would give him a little chance. The next morning!

"Mmmm.. yawn..."

Jasmine stretched lazily in bed, her voice oddly enticing, like a cat scratching at someone's heart. But today, she felt something was different. A gaze swept over her. She froze for a moment.

Then it hit her Ethan could hear her. She quickly glanced toward the door and, sure enough, there he was, standing in the doorway wearing an apron, watching her. Instantly, she pulled the blanket over her face, mumbling, “Ah... I didn't call... I didn't call.." That voice was just too embarrassing.

"Yes, yes, yes, you didn't call, you didn't call. I didn't hear anything," Ethan said, squinting and nodding. His wife looked so adorable in that moment. Perhaps all the misfortunes in his life had been leading him to this woman.

"Ah... ah... you need to get out... I need to change!" Jasmine continued to scream.

"Alright, sweetheart, I'm done. Come eat; I made your favorite century egg and lean pork congee," Ethan said as he turned and headed downstairs.

Jasmine slowly poked her head out from under the covers, her cheeks slightly flushed. She bit her lip and glanced in the direction Ethan had gone, feeling a twinge of melancholy.

"Why did you call me Sweetheart... I never agreed to that..." Yet, the term "sweetheart!" stirred something within her, creating ripples in her heart.

It was the first time someone had called her that, especially in such a Context. After getting ready, Jasmine headed downstairs, initially planning to correct Ethan's choice of words. She preferred him to just call her Jasmine like before; "'sweetheart" felt strange.

But as she descended the stairs and caught a whiff of the delicious congee, her resolve softened. Seeing how hard he worked to make her breakfast, and knowing he would be taking her out later, she decided to let it slide for now.

Just for a little while, it wouldn't hurt to let him call her that. Once she finished getting ready, they set off. Since Ethan hadn't gotten his driver's license yet, Jasmine took the driver's seat while he sat in the passenger seat.

Ethan glanced sideways at her and noticed that today, Jasmine wasn't wearing her usual work attire. It was broad daylight, and they were just going to a cafe to talk. It didn't feel as risky.

However, the Jasmine sitting next to him now was different from the one at home. While her outfit was the same, her aura had shifted.

At home, Jasmine was gentle and easygoing, but now, she exuded a commanding presence. There was a confidence about her, a strong and cool demeanor that came from being the president of Elite Group.

She wore a small felt hat, her long black hair cascading down her back. Her arched willow-leaf eyebrows framed a pair of almond-shaped eyes that seemed to draw people in.

Most importantly, she sported a leather jacket on top and a black tulle skirt on the bottom, which revealed her long legs-smooth and delicate, almost like they could be broken by a gentle touch. "Hey, look ahead! Don't stare at me," Jasmine quickly said, noticing his gaze. Yet, inside her heart, an inexplicable thrill began to blossom-a feeling she had never experienced before.