The Useless Son In-law Is A Legend

Chapter 40

Clara sat on the edge of her bed, twisting her fingers nervously. The afternoon sun slipped through the curtains, warming the room, but she felt cold inside. She had barely slept the night before. Ryan’s disappearance still bothered her, no matter how much she tried to deny it.

She looked up when the door opened and Eric walked in slowly. He shut the door behind him and leaned against it with a serious look.

“Clara, we need to talk,” he said.

She sighed. “What again, Eric? You always look for trouble.”

He didn’t smile. Instead, he pulled out the chair and sat facing her.

“I’m saying this for your own good,” he began. “You need to forget Ryan.”

Clara frowned. “Why do you always say that? Ryan may not be rich, but he’s not a bad person.”

Eric shook his head quickly. “Not a bad person? Clara, he disappeared without telling anyone. A man who cares doesn’t run away like that. And even when he was here, what did he offer you? Nothing. No money. No future.”

Clara looked down at her hands. She didn’t want to admit it, but Eric’s words hit something inside her.

Eric continued, his voice calm but firm. “Clara, you are beautiful. You can have a better life. You deserve comfort. You deserve someone with money. Someone who can take care of you and your mother.”

Clara’s jaw tightened. “Money is not everything.”

“But it matters,” Eric said sharply. “Look at your situation. You are struggling. Ryan had no job, no plan, no influence. You want to tie your future to that?”

She didn’t answer.

Eric leaned closer. “Clara, listen. A rich man is looking for a wife. Men like that don’t stay available for long. If you marry well, your whole life will change. You won’t have to worry about bills, food, or the shame of being stuck here.”

Clara swallowed hard. “I don’t love a rich man.”

Eric scoffed. “Love doesn’t feed you. Love doesn’t pay rent. And what love are you even talking about? Ryan never treated you like someone he cared for. He lived in your house and brought you trouble. Instead of building a future, he added stress.”

Clara bit her lip.

Eric watched her closely. “Clara, think well. Ryan is gone. And even if he returns, he will return with the same empty hands. You need to stop holding on to a man who has nothing to offer.”

Clara looked away, blinking fast. “But what if he becomes somebody? What if he was just going through something?”

Eric let out a slow breath. “That’s the problem. You always wait for what he *might* become. But look at reality. A rich suitor wants you *now*. He can take you out of this suffering. He can give you the life you dream of.”

Clara remained quiet.

Eric softened his voice. “I’m your cousin. I want the best for you. That rich man—he’s the kind of man women fight to keep. He asked about you again today. Clara… don’t miss this chance.”

Clara’s eyes widened slightly. “He asked about me?”

Eric nodded. “Yes. He’s serious. But if he finds someone else, that door will close forever.”

Silence filled the room.

Clara slowly inhaled. “Let me think about it.”

Eric stood up. “Good. Think well. A future with Ryan is empty. But a future with a wealthy man? That is a future with security.”

He opened the door to leave, then glanced back at her one more time.

“Clara… forget Ryan. He’s not coming back.”

When the door closed, Clara sat still, her heart beating faster.  

She didn’t know what to believe anymore.

But one thing was clear—  

Eric’s words had planted a seed of doubt deep inside her.