You do not tell me what to do

"You piece of shit! Get out of this house!"

"Dogs like you deserve to live in the street until the ends of your life," 

"Mark my words, you are nothing without this family's name. You are nothing but a curse!"

…

Evan stood on the sidewalk with a lighter in hand in front of the hotel. His clothes were wet by the drizzle that fell from the dark sky. 

His deep blue eyes stared at the empty streets as he took out another cigarette and lit it with the lighter.

"It has been long but yet I haven't gotten over those words she said," He muttered as he stood there memorizing the hurtful words his mother-in-law had said to him, the day she sent him out of the house.

 He took a deep drag of the cigarette letting the smoke escape his lips in a long, and slow exhale. Three years ago, he was brought to San Francisco without much information about the city and as such he had a flash marriage with his wife, Christel.

It was supposed to be one filled with love and happiness since her grandfather approved of it but because of her greedy and overprotective mother, their marriage couldn't last long enough, and a year ago after her grandpa's death, her mother filed for a divorce when she saw that he didn't have any internal support anymore.

"Sir, you don't have to stay out here when it's drizzling and most importantly when you have a speech today," A tall young man with dark blonde hair walked towards him with an umbrella in hand and then held it out for him. Evan stared at him for a while then stared back at the street.

"What are you doing here, William?" He asked. The young man beside him was William Greyfind, one of the most capable subordinates he had in the Vertice Capital and a loyal one at that.

"Huh?" William flashed him a confused look and soon he quickly realized that his boss must have forgotten what today was to him.

"Sir, have you forgotten that Vertice Capital is about to launch its first investment in San Francisco today? Many businessmen and women will come over today to try and get a seat at the high table and…" He said with a calm and collected look on his face but when he got to the last part, he stopped and stared at Evan with a conflicted expression.

"And what?" Evan frowned.

"And your wife and mother-in-law will be here tonight sir," He answered and Evan's body stiffened then loosened up. He took a deep drag of the cigarette one last time before he threw it on the floor and made his way to the hotel.

"Tell the others to be in position. We have to tighten the security to prevent any scene," He ordered coldly as he opened the door and walked inside the hotel. 

William quickly took out his phone and sent some messages before he shoved it back into his pocket and went after his boss.

Evan made his way to the reception and showed her his card. She quickly stood up and welcomed him inside.

The hotel which was among the top 3 best hotels in San Francisco and has always been the best choice for most dignitaries had been purchased by the VP. No one knew what he was thinking but he made it known that this banquet was to welcome their coming by the mayor.

Such people had no other choice than to express their excitement, sadness, and jealousy.

Evan didn't bat an eyelid at this and instead, he made a turn to the left and entered the banquet hall that had guests already. 

He noticed how nervous and excited everyone was and from the corner of his eyes he saw the VP shake hands with someone then they walked away.

"It's just a few hours before the banquet hold and yet I haven't collected myself," A young woman in a blue dress said to her friend as she looked around as though she was searching for someone.

"Calm down Bella, the Vertice Capital members will be here before then. I am sure we would be able to get a spot in their company," Her friend replied then chewed on a snack.

"I can't wait,"...

…

Evan stood at a corner in the banquet with a disinterested look on his face. He noticed how well dressed and composed everyone was, then looked around as though he was searching for something but soon a waitress walked over with a buffet and served it to him.

"Enjoy sir," She bowed slightly then left the place. Evan stood there enjoying his buffet when suddenly he stopped as a cold and familiar voice sounded in his ears.

"Oh, my world. Who is this?" Her sharp crispy voice sounded beside him and he slowly turned towards the direction with a deep frown on his face.

"Mother-in-law?" He muttered and she stood in front of him with a cold look on her face.

"How many times have I told you not to call me that? Oh my, is that why you came here? You thought that I would accept you just because people are around here?" She laughed out loud and then turned to the woman behind her.

She had long silky black hair and hazel eyes. She appeared to be nervous and when she saw her mother's cold gaze she lowered her head_seeing this, her mother couldn't help but sneer coldly and looked away.

"What are you doing here? Don't tell me you came here to see my daughter," She asked.

Evan stared at her then looked at her daughter whom he once called his wife then back at his mother-in-law.

"I came here to deal with some personal affairs," He replied in a simple tone. His voice was cold and his eyes were void of any emotions. It felt as though this one year he spent away from them had made him an emotionless and ruthless man.

But, the elderly woman before him didn't notice that as she was blinded by rage.

"Personal affairs my foot! Ha! Did you think I am a fool?" She sneered coldly then looked around in search of securities.

"You don't have to believe me. At least Grandpa knows the very reason I am here. I am paying homage to the man who once stood by me when I was nothing. The man who consoled me and told me everything would be fine… this is me paying him my respect," He coldly replied.

"Don't you dare call that man's name from your mouth. You are not a part of our family anymore, in fact, you never were… so drop your fake act and leave this place!" She yelled angrily at him. 

She has already lost it!

All the guest's heads turned in her direction with confused looks on their faces and when they saw Elvan and the young lady beside the woman, they quickly got the gist of the situation.

"Ah, he must be the son-in-law of this family. How unfortunate for them to have this type of person… just take a look at his clothes, look how cheap and wet they are." An elderly man shook his head with a look of disdain evident in his eyes.

"Don't tell me he came to this event on foot even when it's drizzling outside," Another gasped and soon everyone was whispering and discussing the situation.

"He must be a well-known belittled son-in-law… maybe that's why his mother-in-law wanted him out of this place," 

…

Evan noticed that he was the center of attention but he didn't say a word and instead turned towards the woman.

"You don't tell me what to do,"