The Live‑In Son‑In‑Law Who Ruled The World

Chapter 1 — The Anniversary He Waited Alone

The sound of porcelain shattering echoed through the kitchen. A plate slipped from Alexander’s wet fingers and crashed onto the marble floor, fragments scattering in all directions.

Before he could even bend down, a sharp voice rang out. "Alexander, are you blind? That’s imported porcelain! Do you know how expensive that is?"

The head servant, Mrs. Rowan, stood at the doorway with her arms folded, her expression filled with disdain, her lips curled slightly as she looked at him like he was something stuck to the bottom of her shoe.

Alexander paused for a moment, then quietly crouched down to pick up the broken pieces. "I'm sorry," he said calmly.

Mrs. Rowan scoffed. "Sorry? Sorry, fixes nothing. Ever since you married into the Wallace family, you've done nothing but waste resources. If not for Miss Aurelia's kindness, do you think someone like you would even be allowed to set foot in this house?"

Alexander didn’t respond; he simply gathered the broken shards carefully, his movements steady and controlled. This wasn't the first time, nor would it be the last three years.

He had endured this kind of humiliation for three entire years to everyone in the Wallace household. Alexander was nothing more than a live-in son-in-law, a man with no status, no wealth, and no dignity, a freeloader, a dependent, a useless husband living off Aurelia’s success.

But only he knew the truth. Three years ago, Aurelia's grandfather had discovered Alexander's parents after they were ambushed by enemies. 

Alexander's family was one of the wealthiest and most feared households in the city. Their influence stretched across multiple industries, and their immense wealth only made them more dangerous in the eyes of their enemies, which was precisely why they had become a target and were eventually attacked.

The attack had been brutal — a suicidal assault targeting extremely wealthy families.

His parents lost their wealth and status temporarily and were forced into ordinary society. Aurelia's grandfather recognized their background and secretly helped them recover.

In return, the old man made a single request. Marry Aurelia. Protect her for three years, Alexander had no choice but to agree at that time, Aurelia was still in college.

He never expected her to pursue him so passionately afterward and even less expected… that he would eventually fall for her.

"Stop daydreaming!" Mrs. Rowan snapped again. "After you finish the dishes, Miss Aurelia’s clothes are waiting. Don’t forget to hand-wash them. She doesn’t like machine washing."

Alexander nodded quietly. "I understand."

Mrs. Rowan clicked her tongue and turned away. "Useless," she muttered under her breath. Alexander didn’t react.

He turned back to the sink and continued washing the mountain of dishes piled high like a small hill, and the cold water ran across his fingers.

Alexander could hardly believe how his life had turned out. A man who once stood among the wealthy had become a live-in son-in-law, all to repay the kindness Aurelia’s grandfather had shown his parents years ago.

Now, his hands were soaked in soap foam and grease, the sharp scent clinging stubbornly to his skin. The contrast was almost cruel — from polished boardrooms to stained fingers and quiet servitude.

Yet, despite it all, his expression remained calm, as if he had long accepted this fate, burying every trace of pride deep within his heart.

Because today was special, today marked the third anniversary of his relationship with Aurelia, and in five days, their agreement would end.

After finishing the dishes, Alexander wiped his hands dry and walked upstairs. Aurelia’s bedroom door stood slightly open, and the faint scent of lavender lingered in the air.

Her clothes were neatly placed in a basket beside the bed. Alexander picked them up carefully; each piece of clothing felt familiar in his hands, and he had washed them countless times.

He filled the basin with warm water and began gently scrubbing the sunlight filtered through the window, illuminating the quiet room. His movements were careful and slow.

As if he were handling something precious, Aurelia was always busy ever since Aurelia Cosmetics began expanding. She barely had time for herself; her stomach problems had worsened recently due to stress.

That was why Alexander stepped back from the company he chose to become a stay-at-home husband to take care of her, to lighten her burden, to protect her even if she never noticed.

After washing the clothes, Alexander carefully hung them to dry, then he checked the time. 5:40 PM. She should be home soon. He walked downstairs and began preparing dinner: steak, red wine, candles, soft lighting.

He arranged everything meticulously. At the center of the table sat a velvet box. Inside it, a pink diamond, rare, elegant, worth millions. Beside it lay a document.

The contract Aurelia had been desperately trying to secure with Harbor International, the industry leader, was the gateway to overseas expansion.

Recently, Aurelia had been under immense pressure because of this deal. She didn’t know Alexander had already secured it, using his own methods.

Using connections that even Aurelia couldn't imagine, and beside the contract, a sleek black card rested silently. Unlimited. No spending limit. A gift for her.

Everything was ready. Alexander checked the clock again. 6:30 PM Still no sign of her. He hesitated briefly, then picked up his phone and called her. The phone rang three times, then connected.

Aurelia’s voice sounded hurried. "Alexander? I'm busy."

"I just wanted to"

"I'm working overtime today. The company is overloaded. If it’s not important, don't disturb me."

Alexander paused, his fingers tightened slightly. "Today is"

"I'm really busy, okay? We'll talk later."

Click. The line went dead. Alexander lowered the phone slowly, the room felt quieter, the candles flickered gently, and the steak slowly cooled. 

He sat there in silence, alone, confusion clouding his face. Slowly, he placed the phone beside him on the table, his movements absent-minded.

His thoughts churned as he tried to process what had just happened. “Did she… forget what today was?” The question lingered in his mind, heavy and unsettling, as a quiet disappointment crept into his chest.

Meanwhile, at the airport.

A silver Rizmo was parked near the entrance. Aurelia stepped out, holding a welcome banner. Her best friend, Vivian, leaned against the car, shielding her eyes from the sun. Vivian chuckled. "Wow. The pampered princess actually came out in this heat?"

Aurelia rolled her eyes. "Stop teasing."

Vivian smirked. "You even lied to your husband about working overtime. Don't tell me you're embarrassed to admit you're picking up your first love?"

Aurelia’s cheeks flushed instantly. "Nonsense. It's just business."

Vivian laughed. "Business? Then why reserve the Stellar Grand Hotel three months in advance? And invite your family elders?"

Aurelia hesitated slightly. "It's his first day back."

Vivian raised an eyebrow. "Your wedding wasn't even this grand."

"Husband and first love are different," Aurelia replied quietly.

Vivian's smile deepened. "Oh? So, first love matters more?"

Aurelia didn’t answer at that moment. A tall figure emerged from the arrival gate, Nah Virel, elegant, handsome, confident. Aurelia’s eyes lit up instantly, and she hurried forward. "You're finally back."

She reached up gently, wiping sweat from his forehead, then handed him her water bottle. "Drink."

He accepted it naturally without hesitation. Vivian quietly took a photo. They looked perfect together. 

At home, Alexander suddenly felt uneasy. He glanced at the door, still empty, and he sighed softly. She was always busy. It had always been this way since college. 

Whether it was gratitude or love, he had accepted everything. Suddenly, his phone rang again, and he frowned slightly. "Jake?"

"Boss, trouble. Black Dragon Gang plans to smash the Stellar Grand Hotel tonight."

Alexander’s eyes narrowed. "Do they know whose territory that is?"

"They said their boss can handle the consequences."

Alexander fell silent, then stood slowly. A faint coldness entered his gaze. "Prepare the car."

Since Aurelia wouldn't be home tonight, he might as well take a look after all; some people were asking for trouble. Alexander picked up his coat, the candles flickered behind him, and the anniversary dinner was left untouched.

As he walked toward the door, the night outside felt unusually tense, and somewhere far away, fate was already beginning to shift. Tonight, everything would start to change.