The Poor Son-in-law: Rise Of The Second Heir

It was Valentines Day—the day of love. Ben clenched the flower bouquet he had bought for $15 in his hand, a rush of excitement surge over him. The flowers were small but they were fresh with better wrapping. This was the best gift that Ben could afford for his wife. Everyone else was getting their spouses a valentine's gift today. Ben couldn't stand the thought of being left behind. Hurrying to his scooter, he dropped the flowers and a box of chocolates into the front basket. Then he rode his scooter all the way from the local grocery store to Lincoln estate. The Lincoln family was an influential, elite family in Springfield City. They were hosting a lavish party to celebrate Valentines day. Their friends, and business associates were all invited. Even the Clooney family, Ben's in-laws, were among the guest lists. However, Ben wasn't invited to the party. His in-laws didn't want him to tag along. Even his wife, Samantha, left without him. She was too embarrassed to be anywhere around him. But this didn't stop Ben at all. He decided he was going to the party either way. He arrived outside the Lincoln mansion which was packed with luxurious cars. Parking his scooter next to a Maserati, he grabbed his items from the front basket, fixed his cheap suit before stepping inside the Lincoln's mansion. It didn't take Ben long to find his wife, Samantha. She was the center of attention in the room, her beauty stealing the spotlight. Suddenly, Ben came to a standstill, his body stiffening. Right before his eyes, Samantha was flirting openly with Kevin Lincoln, the eldest son of the Lincoln family. Kevin Lincoln was everything Ben wasn't; handsome, rich and charming. Everything Ben wasn't. For a long moment, Ben couldn't help but watch as Samantha laughed hard at Kevin's jokes, how she leaned her body close to him, and the way she fluttered her long lashes at him with a longing invitation in her eyes. A knot tightened in Ben's chest. She had never acted that way to him before. Summoning enough courage, Ben walked forward until he was was standing right in front of them. They were still chatting when he cleared his throat, finally drawing their attention to him. "Samantha," he said, forcing a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "Sorry I'm late. I just arrived now." Samantha's face fell the moment her gaze fell on him. In a split second, her jovial air was quickly replaced with annoyance. It was as though he had splashed cold water over her. "Ben?" she said curtly. "What the hell are you doing here?" "Well, it's valentines day," Ben smiled, passing her the flowers and chocolate box. "So I... I got you these. I really hope you like them." For a moment, Samantha stared at the gifts as if he had just handed her a live frog. "You filthy pig," she threw the gifts onto the floor. "What do you take me for? Is this supposed to make me happy?" Ben recoiled, taken aback by her reaction. "B-but dear, that's all I could afford." "And it's garbage," she yelled, gesturing at the flowers on the floor. "They look awful. Where did you buy them from? A grocery store?" Ben licked his lips. They felt as dry as sand. "They actually sold for $15, but they're pretty. I thought you'd like them." "You thought I'd like..." she groaned, stamping her feet in frustration. "You're so pathetic it drives me insane. What gave you the idea I'd be impressed over a $15 bouquet?" Ben lowered his head in shame. He could feel the stares from the other guests piercing him like hot needles. "I'm really sorry, dear," he mumbled. "And don't get me started on the chocolate box," she went on, kicking the velvet box as if it was a piece of dung. "If you really want to give me a valentine's present, at least make it something worth my time or attention." Ben bite his lips hard. He could hardly manage to keep his mouth shut. This party was a gathering with some of the most prominent families in Springfield City attending. His ears picked up on the sneers and contemptuous remarks sniggered by the other people and families. "Can you believe it? He got her a $15 flower bouquet." "That's Ben for you. He's the shittiest husband ever." "Samantha is so pretty. Why is she still married to that loser?" "Thank God I'm not married to him. Such an embarrassment. I pity Samantha." The criticisms were like a burning torch of shame for Ben. He was aware that he was not in any position to reply or defend himself. He felt like a street rat, that is how low his life had become. "This is just sad," Kevin Lincoln said, a mockery tone in his voice. "A $15 flower bouquet and chocolate box? Samantha deserves better." Ben shot him a hard look. "My gifts may be cheap but they are very nice. It's okay if my wife doesn't like them, but you don't have any right to mock my gifts." There was a simultaneous gasp from the other guests present. "Did he just talk back at Kevin?" "Who does he think he is? He's not even worth a servant's pay." "Shut up, i***t! The Lincoln family would buy you and still use your worthless body as a doormat!" Kevin didn't seem to be offended by Ben's remarks; rather, he laughed. He approached Ben, a sly smirk playing on his face. "Do you really think a $15 flower bouquet is a nice gift? I get it; it's cute. But allow me to show you the standard." With that, he clapped his hand. Suddenly, a curtain split open and a servant entered, carrying a velvet-lined jewelry box in both hands. When he reached Kevin, the servant sank a knee to the floor, bowing deeply. He held up the box as if it were a sacred offering. Ben watched as Kevin lifted the lid and withdrew a jade necklace out of the box. It was a very bright green color and it was radiating beautifully. The green reflection spread to everyone’s faces. "This jade necklace," Kevin began, showing off the necklace, "was hand-carved and custom made just for this special occasion. The artisanship alone took over six months to complete. It's a rare piece valued at $260,000." The guests were impressed. They murmured in excitement as Kevin raised the necklace higher for all to see. Ben felt a knot tightened in his chest. Kevin had stolen his spotlight, making his gift irrelevant. There was no way he could afford to buy Samantha a necklace worth over $260,000. Then, to everyone's astonishment, Kevin turned to Samantha, holding out the necklace. "Samantha, I got this for you. The necklace is yours."