Rise Of Undervalued Son-In-Law

Chapter 3

It’s not that Ethan doesn’t want to buy a more expensive gift for Sophia. However, he still wants to keep his family background a secret and maintain a peaceful life with his wife.

As Ethan is about to leave, Lily quickly follows him with a professional smile. "Sir, could you leave your phone number? If there’s any issue with the watch, we can send someone to pick it up. Free maintenance is available for 10 years."

Ethan doesn’t think much of it and responds, "Okay." Casually, he writes down his name and phone number, then turns and leaves.

Behind him, Netty—the teller who had previously looked down on him—frowns and asks Lily with a skeptical tone, "Manager Lily, why are you so respectful towards him? The watch he bought is just the cheapest model. He doesn’t even look like a rich person based on his attire."

Lily gives her a sharp glance. "What do you know? True rich people don’t like to show off. This man could be a big client of ours in the future. If he comes back, let me know immediately!"

Lily doesn’t intend to tell Netty about the Black Gold Card Ethan used. Girls like Netty are always looking for opportunities to climb the social ladder. If Netty knew who Ethan really was, she would definitely try to attract his attention. Lily doesn’t want to add a rival for herself.

***

At Edenia State Real Estate Sales Center

This is where Sophia works as a property agent. Today, she just closed the sale of three houses without even negotiating the price.

"Sophia, you’re really lucky today!" said Jenny, her colleague and best friend, with a hint of envy. "You truly deserve to be called the golden star at Edenia Real Estate! One house alone brings in $500 in commission, so you must have made a lot of money today. How about we celebrate tonight?"

Sophia smiles and shakes her head. "Sorry, Jenny, but I already promised Ethan we’d go to the cinema tonight."

Hearing Ethan’s name, Jenny’s expression immediately changes. She smirks cynically. "Ethan?"

Jenny scoffs. "Sophia, what’s so good about Ethan? He’s just an unemployed man who does nothing all day and lives off your money!"

"If I were you, I would have divorced him a long time ago. You’re beautiful, successful, and independent. Even Max, the rich guy from Edenia Real Estate, is clearly interested in you! Why are you still holding on to Ethan, who has no future?"

Sophia sighs, her face a little upset. "Jenny, don’t talk like that. Ethan loves me so much, and I love him too. That’s enough for me."

Jenny snorts and crosses her arms. "Sophia, we’re not teenagers anymore. Love doesn’t equal money!"

"This is the real world, not a fairytale! Without money, love becomes a burden. You and Ethan have been married for three years. Have you ever thought about what would happen if you get pregnant and can’t work? Who will support your family?" Jenny says, frustrated.

"After the baby is born, the costs will keep rising! Formula milk, diapers, education expenses—all of that takes money! Aren’t you tired of being the only breadwinner?" Jenny continues.

Sophia stays silent. Deep down, she knows Jenny isn’t wrong. As a woman, of course, she wants a husband who can be relied upon, who protects and supports her through thick and thin.

However, Ethan has never worked. Even if her family often belittles him, Sophia has never pressured him to find a job.

Jenny sighs deeply and says with a desperate tone, "Sophia, I really don’t understand why you’re so stubborn..."

"If Ethan were a man who could guarantee your future, I wouldn’t say anything. But now? He can’t even help you financially!"

"You’re always pinching pennies, even hesitant to buy cosmetics or expensive jewelry for yourself! Why are you willing to sacrifice everything for Ethan?"

"Believe me, if you divorced him, with your status and beauty, you could find a man 100 or even 1,000 times better than Ethan in an instant. Why are you still holding on?"

Sophia looks at Jenny with an unhappy expression. "Jenny, I don’t care about jewelry or luxury items. They’re all just temporary things."

"For me, if there’s no love in a marriage, then that marriage is no different from a tomb. I won’t leave Ethan just because of money," Sophia continues.

Jenny grits her teeth, frustrated. "Sophia, you’re really too naive!"

Sophia sighs. "Jenny, I don’t want to argue with you about this. I value our friendship, so let’s stop this conversation and continue working."

Jenny sighs deeply. She knows Sophia is very stubborn. "Believe me, one day you will regret this..." she thinks to herself.

Jenny sighs in frustration. She has given up trying to persuade Sophia to leave Ethan, but deep down, she still feels that Ethan will only destroy her friend’s happiness.

As working hours near their end, Sophia starts packing her things. She grabs her bag and walks out of the office with a light step.

Outside the building, Ethan is already waiting. He wants to surprise his wife.

As soon as Sophia sees Ethan, her eyes light up. Her smile widens as she runs towards him excitedly.

"Ethan!" she calls happily. "When did you come? Have you been waiting long?"

Ethan smiles calmly, shaking his head. "Not long. I knew you’d be out after work."

However, before they can talk more, another voice is heard. "Sophia!"

Jenny runs up to them. She looks intentionally more dressed up, with thicker makeup and glossy red lips. But as soon as her eyes land on Ethan, her expression changes to one of cynicism.

Jenny looks at Ethan’s simple clothes, which likely cost no more than a few hundred dollars, and snorts with a dismissive look.

"Where are you two going?" Jenny asks in an interrogative tone.

"We’re going to have dinner and then to the cinema," Sophia responds casually.

Jenny smiles faintly. "Well then, let’s go together! My boyfriend will be arriving soon, and he can drive us all. At least you won’t need to take a taxi."

But at that moment, Jenny’s eyes fall on a gift box in Ethan’s hand. The Richard Mille logo printed on it immediately catches her attention.

Jenny squints with suspicion. "Ethan, what’s that you’re holding? Is it a gift for Sophia?" she asks with disbelief.

Sophia just now notices that her husband is holding a gift box. She looks at Ethan with a surprised expression.

Ethan smiles and nods slightly. "Yes, I bought a small gift for Sophia while passing by the mall."

A small gift?

Jenny immediately laughs sarcastically. "A small gift? You’re kidding, right? That’s Richard Mille!"

As someone obsessed with luxury brands, Jenny immediately recognizes the logo. She often goes to exclusive boutiques to see the latest collections, hoping that one day she’ll find a rich husband who will buy her such things.

"Ethan, do you think I’m that stupid?" Jenny says with a mocking tone. "You’re just an unemployed man who even depends on his wife for a living. Where did you get the money to buy such an expensive watch?"

Jenny’s eyes narrow with suspicion. "Could it be just a cheap imitation watch?" she adds with a sneering tone. “There are many stores selling fakes for a few million. Did you buy one of those?"

"HAHAHA!"

Jenny laughs triumphantly, feeling that she has exposed Ethan’s lie.