Sovereign Son-in-Law: Rise from The Ashes.

CHAPTER TWO.

2.

Rain smacked Finn Rowe as he walked to the Voss mansion, soaking him. His wet clothes were heavy, but the storm inside was worse. He heard loud, angry voices even outside. Finn slowed, feeling his chest tighten. They were talking about him.

He's back. That bum, Regina Voss said, her voice nasty. The son-in-law who's done nothing. A total loser.

Leonard sighed. I never got why Elara married him. He's worthless, just a delivery guy.

Maribel laughed. I can't believe she stayed married to that house husband for three years.

Darius Blackmoor sneered, I should kick him out before he embarrasses himself more.

Finn stopped, clenching his fists. He didn't run. He walked into the house. Everyone stared at him with hate. Regina started in, You're here, but you're still a nobody.

Elara appeared, her hair wet, and smiled in a way that made Finn's stomach turn. Go your own way, Rowe. I'm done with you. Her words stung. Finn's heart skipped. He was shocked.

Elara, what? Did you set this up? he asked, his voice shaking.

She acted innocent. How could you ask that? Then she slapped him hard. The family started yelling at him again.

You've been here pretending to be a man, Regina yelled. You've done squat. You're a freeloader, a disgrace, a problem.

Leonard shook his head. We hoped you'd get better, but you're still useless. Just a delivery driver, can't stand on your own two feet.

Maribel laughed, circling him. Three years wasted. She could've married someone who loved her.

Darius grabbed Finn's coat. You think you deserve her? You've done nothing. You are nothing.

Finn clenched his fists, almost crying, but stood tall. I did everything for this family. I took care of this house, protected it, and loved Elara for three years. How can you treat me like this?

Regina laughed coldly. Cleaning and doing what we want is 'doing everything'? You're kidding yourself. You've done nothing.

Leonard sounded sad. You call yourself a husband? You haven't provided, defended, or led. Three years, and what have you got? Nothing.

Maribel slapped him. Darius pushed him to the floor. His lip split, but Finn didn't fall apart.

You don't get it, he said. I loved her. I served this family. I gave all I could. And this is what I get?

Elara handed him an envelope. Sign this. Divorce papers. It's over.

Finn stared at her. What? Three years, and I've never given you a reason to complain. Why now?

Elara smiled slightly, but her eyes were cold. My daughter needs to marry someone on her level. She's done well. She's gotten to where you'll never be able to reach. You're nothing, Rowe. You never were.

The family yelled at him. Regina shouted, You think we'd put up with you another day? You've ruined her name just by existing. You have no power, money, or respect. Nothing.

Leonard said, Three years wasted. She could've been with someone who values her, who could give her a good life. Instead, she's been stuck with you.

Maribel laughed, Think anyone will remember you? You're a nobody. All that's left is your humiliation.

Darius grinned. I'll make sure you leave. There's no place for you here.

Darius hit Finn. He fell to the floor, bleeding. The family watched, yelling.

Finn gasped, I loved Elara. I served this family. How can you do this to me?

Elara said, What you were doing was pointless. Love without power, loyalty without anything to show for it, is worthless. Sign the papers. Face the truth.

Finn's head spun. The envelope felt heavy. He looked at Elara, the woman he had loved. Elara, please stop. Think about what we've made. How can it end like this?

Elara shook her head. It's over. You were never enough.

Regina yelled, You are nothing. You're a weak. You've freeloaded for three years. Now, you're begging? You have no right to speak.

Leonard nodded. You've only disappointed. We've lost all hope in you. It's time for you to leave.

Maribel slapped him. Darius punched him in the stomach. Finn fell. Every insult and blow hurt.

Elara held out the papers. Sign. This is the end. Your marriage, your place in this family—gone.

Finn struggled to breathe. He looked at them, filled with hate. He looked at the divorce papers.

The house felt cold, a place where Finn Rowe was just a broken man. But a spark lit in his chest. He'd make it through this. He'd prove them wrong, get back his respect, and show them he was stronger than they thought.

For now, he lay on the floor, staring at the envelope, feeling the weight of three years of love. He had been broken, humiliated, and dumped.