Worthless Househusband: Secret Trillionaire

Ronan Montgomery’s hands were bruised and peeling from all the menial domestic labor he had been subjected to all day. Mopping the floors, scrubbing the toilets, cooking dishes. He did this every day, but today was special. His mother-in-law had come visiting. And for his wife's sake, he wanted to please the cruel old lady. He pushed his sleeves further up his elbows, hurrying to cut up some apples for his mother-in-law. The woman had high expectations each time she visited, and he always made sure the house was in order. That was how good of a househusband he was. In the middle of slicing, he realized that he had gotten water on his wedding ring. “My dear wife wouldn't be happy if I ruined my ring!” He muttered, slipping it off. Just then his phone burst out ringing. It was Clara, his subordinate. “What is it?” He answered, slightly irritated. His demeanor had changed into his real self. His voice was deeper, his spine straighter. This was the real personality of Ronan Montgomery, the richest man in the country. However, his wealth was a secret, reducing him to the mundane life of a lowly househusband. “Boss! Congratulations are in order, as your wife is about to receive the award for Best Actress at the Fishford Price!!” Clara answered, “With you secretly pulling the strings, your wife's fame grows larger every day!” “Of course. She deserves the world, and I'll give her that.” He shrugged, “You must never let it be known that she's connected to me in any way.” “Trust me, Mr. Montgomery. I have managed your numerous companies and insurmountable wealth for years. All the while keeping your true identity secret. Your wife’s career is in good hands.” “Good. Keep running promotions. I want my beautiful wife, Scarlett, on every designer ad, magazine and billboard. Get her on the next big film, instantly—” “—but sir, Hollywood star Angelina Simone has already been cast for the role.” “Get her kicked off the cast instantly!” He ordered. “That is my wife's position, and no one else's. Do you understand?” “Y-yes, sir—” “Ronan!” A shrill voice erupted from the living room. “Where the hell is my fruit platter?! All you do is stay at home all day, living off my daughter's money, and you are still slow?!” It was his mother-in-law, Madam Claudia. Ronan hung up immediately. "I'm coming, ma’am!” He carried the fruit platter from the kitchen to the living room, where an angry glare pinned him to the spot. “Bring it over here, you disgusting excuse of a man!” She snapped. “Did you even wash your hands while cutting that up?!” “I did, ma’am.” He placed the platter carefully on the stool in front of her couch. She merely gave him a derisive look, her lips curled in distaste. “Well? What am I supposed to eat it with? My bare hands?!” “There's a fork on the tray—” “Are you calling me blind?!” She yelled. “Are you trying to play smart with me, young man?” Before he could apologize, she threw her glass of wine at him. The cold liquid splashed harshly against his face. It dribbled down onto his white shirt, permanently staining it. Ignoring the mess, he quickly caught the glass before it could hit the floor. That only infuriated her the more. She wished the glass shattered and cut his skin up! “It was not my intention to make you upset, ma’am.” He said in a low tone. “Get out of my sight, before you make me miss my daughter's speech!” Ronan's attention immediately swiveled to the TV. The award ceremony was showing live, and there she was, his beautiful wife, accepting her award. Forgetting all that just transpired, a small smile crossed his face at the sight of her. Scarlett Grace Montgomery was glowing as she held up the award of Best Actress, to the cheers of the audience. She was so beautiful, Ronan considered himself lucky to call himself her husband. Her red hair cascaded down her sleeveless dress, and he was utterly captivated. “You're standing in front of the TV, you fool!” Madam Claudia shouted from behind. “Get a towel and clean up this damn living room! It has to be sparkling clean by the time my daughter returns!” “Yes, ma'am.” He went to work immediately. Scarlett's mother never liked him. She had had high hopes for her daughter, expecting her to marry a rich and popular man that befits her celebrity status. Imagine the old lady's disappointment when she ended up with Ronan. A pathetic, broken pushover with no job, skills or ambition. It was a real shame, or so they thought. Ronan moved to wipe the tables and floors, stealing glances at the TV while he could. “I am so honored to receive this award, I could not have made it this far without all the love and support I have received…” Scarlett Grace began her speech. “First, I want to thank my lovely mother for always believing in me…” Madam Claudia chuckled proudly, transfixed at the TV screen. Ronan stared on expectantly, waiting for his wife to acknowledge him next. However, she did not. “... I also want to give my thanks to the able director, James, for creating such a masterpiece of a film. My talents would never have shone through if not for his expertise. And finally, there is one special person I want to thank…” Ronan clutched the towel tighter, a small smile growing on his face. She was going to talk about him now, he was certain. Scarlett Grace glanced into the audience, with a soft expression on her face. From the angle of the camera, one could not see that she was actually gazing at someone in particular. A handsome young man, with a slicked-back hairstyle and a dark suit. A man, that was not her husband. “Words cannot explain how grateful I am to have someone like you by my side. Supporting me, taking care of me, cheering me on, no matter what. This would not have been possible without you. I love you so much.” She said affectionately. Naturally, Ronan believed that she was talking to him through the screen. Who else could she be referring to? He was her doting husband, after all.