The Useless Son In-law Is A Legend

Chapter 49

    Eric sat in his small room, staring at his phone like it was the most important thing in the world. For the past three weeks, all he had thought about was Vanessa—the rich, classy girl who lived on the wealthy side of town. She barely knew he existed, but Eric had convinced himself that she was the key to changing his life.

He wanted her to see him as someone important… someone with money… someone worth her time.

But he had none of those things.

That was when the idea entered his head. At first, he ignored it. Then it came back again. And again. Until he could no longer stop himself.

“I’ll take a loan,” he whispered. “Just something small… enough to impress her.”

The next morning, he dressed in his best clothes, borrowed shoes from a friend, and went straight to a loan agency. The officer asked him twice if he was sure about the amount, and Eric kept nodding confidently, even though fear was tearing his stomach apart.

When he walked out, he felt like a king with the money in his pocket. He didn’t think about how he would repay it. He didn’t think about the interest. He didn’t think about the danger.

He only thought of Vanessa.

That evening, he went to the fancy restaurant she often visited. He made sure to choose a table where she could clearly see him. He ordered expensive food, things he had never eaten in his life. He even requested the waiter to bring the wine slowly, hoping Vanessa would notice the bottle.

Soon, she walked in. Eric almost forgot how to breathe.

She was wearing a designer dress, her hair perfectly curled, her bag worth more than everything Eric owned. She sat with her friends and started laughing, the kind of laugh rich people have—carefree.

Eric quickly waved the waiter closer.

“Send a drink to her table,” he said. “Tell her it’s from me.”

The waiter raised a brow but nodded. Vanessa and her friends looked confused when the drink arrived. They turned, saw Eric, and whispered among themselves. He sat straighter, pretending to be someone important.

Vanessa finally stood and walked to his table.

“So you’re the one sending drinks?” she asked.

Eric smiled like a proud peacock. “Of course. Only for a beautiful woman like you.”

She sat down, crossed her legs, and gave him a sharp look.

“You look… familiar,” she said. “Aren’t you Clara’s cousin? The one whose father left the town years ago?”

Eric froze, but he forced a crooked smile. “That was a long time ago. Things are different now.”

Vanessa nodded slowly, her eyes sliding over his outfit, clearly noticing everything.

“So, what do you do?” she asked.

Eric swallowed. “I… I run a business.”

“What business?”

He suddenly felt sweat on his forehead. “A small company. You wouldn’t know it.”

She leaned back, expression unreadable. “Interesting.”

Just then, her wealthy friend called her. “Vanessa! We’re leaving!”

Vanessa stood up, but before going, she gave Eric a small smile.

“Maybe we can talk again. But next time, try to look more… confident.”

Eric almost jumped with excitement as she walked away. He felt like he was floating. He didn’t notice the waiter approaching.

“Sir,” the waiter said, holding the bill. “Here is the total amount.”

When Eric saw the number, his heart dropped into his stomach. He had spent far more than he planned. But he didn’t want to look weak, not after Vanessa had just noticed him.

He forced a smile. “No problem.”

He paid half. The waiter frowned. “Sir, you need to complete the payment.”

“I—I will,” Eric said quickly. “Tomorrow. I just… forgot my other card.”

The waiter didn’t look convinced, but Eric hurried out before he could argue more.

Outside, the cold air hit him. The excitement faded. Reality returned.

He was in debt.

Real debt.

And it was growing with every passing hour.

But Eric pushed the fear away. “It’s worth it,” he whispered. “Vanessa will like me. I just need more money. Then everything will change.”

He didn’t know that this was the beginning of bigger trouble… trouble that would drag his entire family along with him.

Trouble that would soon push Ryan out of hiding.

And trouble that would reveal more secrets than Eric was ready to face.