The Kleptomaniac Son In Law Is Back

The Anniversary

Merrick stepped off the bus with a small velvet box tucked safely inside his coat pocket.

He had spent most of the afternoon deciding what to buy Avery, walking from one shop to another until he found something he thought she might like. 

The necklace inside the box wasn't the 

most expensive piece in the store. 

But its delicate pendant had caught his attention, reminding him of the first necklace Avery had worn when they began dating.

He couldn't afford the extravagant gifts her family exchanged at their gatherings, but he hoped she'd appreciate the thought behind it.

After all, this was their fourth wedding anniversary.

Merrick adjusted his faded jacket and started towards the Sterling estate, already imagining the look on Avery's face when he presented it to her. 

Perhaps she would smile the way she used to, teasing him about his terrible taste in gifts before pulling him into an embrace.

The thought warmed him enough to ignore the familiar embarrassment of arriving at the mansion in scuffed sneakers while luxury cars occupied the driveway.

Then he noticed the decorations.

Music drifted across the manicured lawns, and valets hurried to accommodate the steady stream of expensive vehicles arriving at the estate. 

Guests in tailored suits and elegant gowns gathered near the entrance, their champagne glasses catching the light beneath the elaborate decorations.

Merrick slowed, looking around in surprise.

Had Avery arranged something for their anniversary?

His fingers brushed the velvet box through his coat, and a smile spread across his face. He hadn't expected her to go to so much trouble, especially with how busy she'd been lately, but perhaps she'd wanted to surprise him.

Perhaps Nadia had been wrong about her after all.

He stepped through the massive double doors, entering a foyer crowded with guests and staff. Waiters in black vests hurried between groups of people, carrying trays of drinks while the sound of conversation filled the hall.

Merrick had barely taken a few steps when an older woman carrying a tray hurried towards him.

“Oh, thank goodness!” she exclaimed, grabbing his arm and thrusting a white apron against his chest. “Put this on and take the left wing. We're short-staffed, and the guests are already waiting.”

Merrick stared at the apron before looking at her in confusion.

“I'm sorry, but you've mistaken me for someone else. I live here.”

The woman barely spared him a glance as she adjusted the tray in her hands.

“Then you should know how important tonight is. The catering company has failed us, and I don't have time to argue with you. Take a tray of champagne to the head table and keep the glasses full.”

“Ma'am, I'm not a waiter,” Merrick insisted, trying to return the apron. “I'm Avery's husband.”

She finally looked at him properly, her eyes travelling over his worn clothes before settling on his face.

“Enough with the excuses. Everyone is working tonight, so stop standing around and do your job.”

Merrick's smile faltered. He had endured years of disrespect from the Sterling family, but being mistaken for hired help in his own home still stung.

He was about to insist again when the woman glanced towards the crowded hall.

“It's an engagement party, for heaven's sake! The couple can't have empty glasses.”

Merrick went still.

“An engagement party?” he repeated, his fingers tightening around the apron.

“Yes,” the woman replied impatiently. “Miss Avery Sterling and Mr. Lucian Vale are getting engaged tonight. Now, please, move!”

She hurried away before he could ask another question, disappearing into the crowd with her tray.

Merrick remained where he stood, struggling to make sense of what he'd just heard.

Avery? Lucian Vale? Engaged!?

His gaze moved towards the main hall, where guests were gathering beneath sparkling lights and elaborate floral arrangements. A large sign stood prominently near the entrance, its golden lettering impossible to miss.

CONGRATULATIONS, AVERY & LUCIAN.

The velvet box pressed against his chest through his coat.

For a moment, Merrick couldn't move. He had spent the afternoon searching for a gift to make his wife happy, imagining that she might still care enough to celebrate four years of marriage.

Instead, he had arrived with a present in his pocket to find her

celebrating an engagement to another man.

On their fourth wedding anniversary.