THE CONVICTED SON IN LAW

SCORNED

The rain poured heavily over Kreg City that evening, washing the streets as if on a mission to wash it. Lights from tall buildings shimmered casting broken reflections that rippled whenever cars passed. Inside one of the tallest skyscrapers, the Roland family mansion stood like a symbol of pride and affluence, an empire built over decades of wealth and influence.

But within its lavish walls, a quiet storm brewed.

Jayden sat on the edge of a velvet couch, his hands clasped tightly together, his worn jacket dripping from the rain he hadn’t bothered to shake off. The warmth of the Roland mansion did little to comfort him. He kept his gaze low, aware of the sharp, disdainful eyes that lingered on him from across the living room.

Michelle, his wife, sat several seats away, her legs crossed elegantly in a red silk dress. She looked every bit the daughter of affluence, polished, confident, and aloof. Jayden stole a glance at her, but her eyes didn’t once shift toward him. Instead, she sipped her wine as if he wasn’t even in the room.

Across from him, Roland Senior,the patriarch of the family folded his arms. His presence filled the room, not because of his broad build, but because of the sheer authority he commanded. He glanced at Jayden with thinly veiled irritation, as though his very existence was a stain on their evening.

"You came in through the front door again," Roland Senior said, his voice cold. "Didn’t I tell you, Jayden? The staff entrance is more suited for people of your… background."

The laughter that followed was low and scornful.

From the corner, Cassandra, Michelle’s younger sister, smirked. "Father, don’t be too harsh. Brother-in-law here is just learning how rich people live. He probably thinks using the main entrance makes him one of us."

Another ripple of laughter echoed around the room. Even the butler, though composed, couldn’t hide the twitch of a smirk at the corner of his lips.

Jayden felt the sting of their words but swallowed hard, forcing himself to remain silent. He wasn’t ignorant of his position here. They had made it clear from the very beginning that he was nothing but a charity case and a nameless poor fool.

He remembered the day he had married Michelle, the disbelief in the Roland family’s eyes. It had been rushed, a decision Michelle insisted upon, though she never told him why. They had accepted it reluctantly, but from that day on, he became the target of their ridicule.

"You should be grateful you are allowed to sit here," Cassandra continued, her voice sharp with malice. "Men like you usually shine shoes outside restaurants, not share a table in homes like ours."

"Cassandra." Michelle’s voice finally cut in, but it wasn’t in his defense. Don’t waste your energy. He’s used to it by now."

The words cut deeper than the others. His wife’s tone was cold, dismissive, as though she was ashamed of his very existence.

Jayden clenched his fists in his lap, unseen, his nails digging into his skin. He wanted to speak, to defend himself, but he knew any word from him would only fuel their scorn. Silence was his only shield.

Just then, Roland Senior leaned forward. "Tell me, Jayden," he said, his tone laced with mock curiosity. "It’s been six months since you married my daughter. What exactly do you do with your days? Surely you must be working somewhere?"

The question was designed as a trap. Jayden knew it, and so did everyone else.

He cleared his throat, his voice steady though soft. "I’ve been looking for work. It’s… not easy to find."

A mocking chuckle filled the room. "Not easy?' Cassandra repeated. "In a city where opportunities lie on every corner? Please. What you mean is no one wants to hire a man with no background, no education, and no family name."

The words stung because they were true. Jayden had no memory of his family, he is an orphan raised in hardship, every day a battle to survive. And now, even as Michelle’s husband, the doors of the city remained closed to him.

Michelle set her glass down and finally looked at him, her eyes sharp. "You embarrass me every single day, Jayden. Do you know what it’s like to be asked what my husband does, and I have no answer? Sometimes I wish I could pretend I wasn’t married at all."

The room fell into silence for a moment, the weight of her words heavy. Jayden’s chest tightened, but he didn’t allow his face to crumble. He just nodded slightly, as if agreeing with her insult.

Roland Senior leaned back in his chair, a cruel smile playing at his lips. "My daughter could have had the son of a senator, or a wealthy businessman, but instead she chose… this. I will never understand it.”

"I told you, Father,Michelle said flatly. "It was a mistake."

The words echoed in his mind like a hammer blow. A mistake. His marriage, his devotion, his entire existence in this family was dismissed with a single sentence.

Jayden stood slowly, bowing his head. "I should go,"he murmured, his voice quiet but firm. Thank you for the meal."

He turned to leave, his steps heavy but controlled. Behind him, Cassandra’s laughter rang out again, and Roland Senior’s voice followed. "Yes, go. Don’t drip water on the carpets. They cost more than your entire life."

He stepped into the cold night air, the rain still falling. For a moment, he stood there, drenched and humiliated, the echoes of their laughter still burning in his ears.

Yet somewhere deep inside, beneath the pain and humiliation, a spark flickered. It was faint, but it was there, it's the desire for something more. The hunger to rise.

He didn’t know how. He didn’t know when. But he knew one thing with absolute certainty: he would never forget this night.