The Trash Son-in-Law Is a General

Grandma's Platinum Birthday

At the entrance of an apartment complex, a woman glanced at her wristwatch for what felt like the thirtieth time in the past two minutes.

"Come on, Kim, we need to go. We're already running late, and you know how much Mom hates it when anyone’s late to her events."

From the driver’s seat of the car, Albert, Kim’s father, drummed impatiently on the steering wheel.

“One more minute, Dad. Ryan will be here soon,” Kim responded quickly, her eyes darting to her watch once more.

“You’ve been saying that for the past ten minutes. If we leave now, it’ll save us all from the embarrassment of showing up with that loser”.

Catherine snapped from the front seat, her tone sharp. She was Kim’s mother and never shied away from voicing her opinions, especially when it involved Ryan.

“I don’t know why you keep insisting he comes. He’s just going to make a fool of himself again,” Sydney, Kim’s younger sister, chimed in from the backseat, crossing her arms in disdain.

Ryan was Kim’s husband and the three people in the car that despised him so much were his in-laws.

At that moment, a man emerged from the night, hurrying towards them.

“Oh look, it’s Ryan,” Kim sighed. “What took you so long?”

“Sorry, Kim. I wanted to look good for the event, so I had to branch out and grab this suit,” Ryan said, gesturing awkwardly to his outfit.

Sydney leaned out the window, squinting as if she couldn’t believe her eyes, then burst out laughing. “Did you pick that from a trash bin, or did you actually pay for it?” she sneered.

Ryan smiled sheepishly. “I paid for it”.

Though Ryan had paid for it, the suit was a joke! He didn’t have enough money for a better one, so he grabbed this old thing for fifteen bucks at the flea market.

Sydney’s eyes slid down to Ryan’s shoes, her lip curling into a sneer. “Those shoes... where did you even find them? It’s like you’re trying to stand out, and not in a good way.”

Kim shot Sydney a warning glance. “Enough, Sydney. The outfit looks just fine,” she said defensively.

But even as she spoke, she knew she was lying.

“You make me sick, Ryan,” Catherine complained. “Why don’t you just stay at home? Look at what you are wearing— things like these weren’t even worn in the fifteenth century”.

Ryan glanced down at his outfit, awkwardly brushing a hand over his jacket. He didn’t think it looked that bad, but in their eyes, he might as well have been wearing rags.

“How could my daughter be this unlucky? Why don’t you just collapse and die, maybe she could find herself a real husband,” Albert spat annoyingly.

“How can a man live off his wife like a parasite? It’s embarrassing to even call you family,” he added.

Ryan was no stranger to these contemptuous words, he had heard worse. The insults were beginning to sound like greetings to him.

“Come on everyone, we should get going. The event might’ve already started,” Kim said grabbing the car door so that she and Ryan got in.

Albert started the car and drove to the Kardashian villa, nestled in the city's upscale district

A large, elegant banner stretched across the front of the house, proudly announcing ‘70th Birthday Celebration’.

It was a momentous day for the entire Kardashian family, especially Grandma Hannah as she celebrated her platinum birthday.

As they were about to enter, Albert seized Ryan’s hand roughly. "Don’t do anything to damage our reputation further. Blend in—be invisible if you have to," he warned sternly.

"Yes…" Ryan nodded instantly.

As soon as they stepped into the bustling hall, a couple approached them, as if they had been eagerly awaiting for their arrival.

"Ah, here comes my younger brother and his family! And, of course, their wonderful son-in-law," the man remarked sarcastically, raising his glass in mock celebration.

It was Albert’s elder brother, Kingsley, accompanied by his wife, Natasha. Kingsley was more successful than his brother and never hesitated to mock him whenever the chance presented itself.

Albert’s face tightened; he could already see their intentions in their eyes. And, as expected, they didn’t disappoint.

“You’re late, brother,” Kingsley sneered, pointing his glass toward the clock. “I mean, I can clearly understand that your house is a bit far from here since you couldn’t afford a house here in the upscale district,” he smiled derisively.

"But don’t worry, the celebration hasn’t started yet. We’re waiting for an important guest," Kingsley added, casting a sly glance in Kim’s direction.

Albert read his brother like an open book. He was clearly up to something and it was no good.

“Sydney, darling, come over here and give your aunt a hug,” Natasha cooed, beckoning to Kim’s younger sister.

She pulled Sydney close, eyes gleaming with mischief. “Look at you—more beautiful by the day,” she purred, holding Sydney’s arms tightly. "Just don’t make the mistake your sister did. The prettiest Kardashian granddaughter, married to a... well, a piece of trash.”

Kim’s brows furrowed, but she didn’t speak.

“When you finish college, let me find you a real match,” Natasha continued, her voice dripping with disdain. “Clearly, your parents have no taste in choosing sons-in-law. You wouldn’t want to marry a loser, would you?”

“No, Auntie,” Sydney shook her head quickly, her voice small.

"Good girl."

Catherine’s chin fell with embarrassment, her husband equally mortified. Both of them glared at Ryan, their eyes filled with hatred.

"If only my daughter had married someone of status," Catherine thought bitterly. "Someone wealthy, with real standing in society. Then I wouldn’t have to endure this humiliation."

Three years ago, Kim’s grandfather, Kai Kardashian, had returned from a business trip with Ryan in tow and insisted on the marriage. A week after the wedding, Kai died in a car accident. Since then, Ryan had become the family’s scapegoat, enduring their constant scorn. Even Grandma Hannah, his grandmother-in-law, treated him like an outcast. To them, he was trash.

But Ryan wasn’t always this way. Just five years ago, he had been a man of honor, a Lieutenant General commanding thousands of soldiers in war. Before a series of mishaps brought him to this stage where he was considered nothing more than a piece of trash by in-laws.

Kingsley and Natasha exchanged a satisfied look, then turned to walk away. As if suddenly remembering something, Kingsley turned three-sixty with a smug grin.

“Oh, and Albert,” he said, his tone deceptively casual. “It’s Mother’s platinum birthday today. She’ll be expecting gifts from everyone. I trust your son-in-law has something special prepared?” He chuckled, his laughter lingering as they walked away.

Albert blinked, his glare fixated on Ryan. He wished the ground would open up and swallow this embarrassment of a man.

Ryan stood there, hands full of gifts for Grandma Hannah—none of which were his own.

If it hadn’t been for his father, Kai, pushing for this marriage, Albert would have never allowed his daughter to marry Ryan. The humiliation of having him as a son-in-law was almost unbearable.

“Dad, let’s just go say hello to Grandma,” Kim suggested gently, hoping to ease the tension. “At least let her know we’re not that late.”

Albert scowled at Ryan again, the disgust etched clearly across his face, before finally turning and leading them toward the front of the hall, where Grandma Hannah sat regally.

The celebration began soon after, with Grandma Hannah seated at the head of the hall, receiving gifts from the family one by one.

Kingsley and Natasha were the first to present their gift. "Mother, my wife and I know how much you adore Caribbean culture and cuisine. So, we’ve acquired a mansion for you on a Caribbean island, worth $2 million,” Kingsley announced, handing her a stack of documents.

Hannah’s eyes lit up as she flipped through the papers. “Thank you, Kingsley. This is truly thoughtful of you both.”

The room erupted in applause.

Next, she turned to her other son. "Your turn, Albert. What did you get for me?" she asked, gesturing for him to step forward.

Albert approached with his gift in hand. “Mom, I’ve brought you something special—Japanese matcha tea. It’s said to add two years to your lifespan. It’s valued at $800,000.”

Grandma Hannah’s smile widened. She’d heard of the tea but knew how rare it was to find. Though not as extravagant as Kingsley’s gift, it was more personal.

Seeing her satisfaction, Kingsley couldn’t resist stepping forward once more.

“Mother, Albert, and I have given you wonderful gifts. I think it’s only fair that we let our children present theirs now,” Kingsley said with a sly smile. “Let’s start with Albert’s son-in-law.”

Albert’s face darkened. He knew exactly what his brother was up to—setting the stage to humiliate him by singling out Ryan, knowing full well that Ryan couldn’t afford a lavish gift. Albert regretted bringing him along. Ryan should’ve just stayed home.

“I agree,” Grandma Hannah chimed in, her voice sharp. “Where is your useless son-in-law, Albert? Let’s see what he’s brought me. If he’s even brought anything,” she added with contempt.

“I’m here, Grandma,” Ryan said, stepping forward.

“I have a gift for you,” he continued, holding up a small box. “It’s a symbol of my constant prayers for your good health.” He handed the box to her, his expression humble.

Even Kim was stunned. She hadn’t expected Ryan to be able to afford a gift for Grandma, so she hadn’t bothered asking him. But Ryan had been saving up for months just to buy something for the occasion.

“What’s this? A pearl necklace?” Kingsley snorted as Grandma Hannah pulled the necklace from the box.

“How dare you try to give Mom this dusty relic? Who even wears these anymore?” he mocked, his words drawing giggles from the guests.

Albert and Catherine lowered their heads in embarrassment. One glance at the necklace told them it wasn’t worth more than a couple of hundred dollars. If they’d known Ryan had bought something like that, they would have stopped him from presenting it.

“This isn’t just any pearl necklace, Uncle, it was specially blessed by a priest to give Grandma good health.”

“Good health?” Kingsley scoffed. “The smell alone is enough to make her sick. Is that what you mean by good health?” he added, provoking more laughter from the room.

Though Hannah wasn’t pleased with Ryan’s gift, it was not in her nature to turn down gifts.

“I’ll accept the necklace, but I’ll give it to one of my servants. I won’t be wearing something so outdated.”

Almost immediately, the door swung open, revealing a man wearing an expensive suit, followed by three male servants, their hands filled with gifts.

“Happy birthday, Grandma Hannah! Indeed you’ve aged like a fine wine.”

The person who spoke was Barnes, the eldest son and heir of the Dominic’s family. He has been schooling abroad for some years now, so he would take over his father’s company and he’d just returned today.

“Oh Barnes my boy, you’ve grown taller and more handsome than the last time I saw you— you take your looks from your grandfather. Come over here,” Hannah exclaimed enthusiastically.

Everyone stared at Barnes with admiration, his attire exuded wealth.

"How was your trip? You arrived faster than I expected," Hannah said, raising an eyebrow.

Barnes flashed a smug grin. "It was amazing, Grandma—first class, literally. My father's private jet. You wouldn’t believe how fast that thing flies." He leaned back, clearly relishing the attention, his smile widening. "That’s how fast a half-billion-dollar jet flies."

Of course, Barnes was from a wealthy family and he never missed the opportunity to brag about it.

"Like I told you and Uncle Kingsley over the phone, I've heard the Kardashian granddaughters are the most stunning women in the city. Naturally, it only makes sense for me to find a wife of such beauty, especially from a family as esteemed as yours," Barnes revealed with a confident air, his eyes gleaming with ambition. "That’s precisely why I’m here."

Hannah looked at him and smiled warmly, “It’ll be such a wonderful thing to have you as a grandson-in-law, Barnes. I have five beautiful granddaughters, come on, go ahead and make your choice”.

Albert looked at his brother and winked, now he clearly understood the special guest Kingsley mentioned earlier.

"Before I go on, Grandma, I brought gifts for three special people," Barnes said, gesturing toward the men behind him. "One is for you, of course, and the others are for whoever I choose as my wife—and her immediate parents."

“Oh really?” Hannah exclaimed, her eyes beaming with curiosity.

Barnes handed the gifts to Hannah. "I brought three gifts for you. First, an Italian scarf with your name, worth $1 million." Before she could react, he presented the next. "A jewelry package, valued at $5 million." Finally, he revealed the third gift. "And here, grandma—a bag containing $10 million in cash."

Hannah was dumbfounded, Barnes just gave her gifts worth half her company’s annual earnings like it was nothing. The Dominic’s must be far wealthier than they appeared.

“And Grandma Hannah, I’ve already made up my mind about which of your granddaughters I’ll marry. They’re all stunning, of course, but one of them stands out above the rest,” he said with a sly grin.

“Go on, Barnes tell me. Who among them?” Hannah intrigued.

"Grandma, I’d like to marry Kim Kardashian!"