ONCE MOCKED, DISGRACED:SON IN LAW REVENGE

Chapter 2 USELESS HUSBAND

In the grand hall of the McKinney family Mansion, all branches of the family had gathered, their faces reflecting the gravity of the situation. 

As Erica's uncle, the patriarch, stepped forward, an uneasy hush fell over the room.

"I am sure everyone gathered here knows the reason behind this meeting. The Rossi family has agreed to come to our aid, and they are willing to give enough resources that our financial troubles can be dealt with. But they do have an unusual bargain…"

The gathering was waiting for him to explain further, and give his opinion on who the most suitable candidate was. But right then, Nancy, one of Erica's cousins, broke the silence;

"Thank God! I know that at least I won't be the one to marry that ugly old man. You know, because I am already engaged to Victor! He is not only handsome, kind and intelligent, but he is quite well to do. And once we get married, his family can also help us out."

She declared with an air of confidence, and her statement found favor among the gathered relatives, who nodded in agreement.

Unexpectedly, Nancy turned the focus towards Erica. 

"But you know who will be the best bride for him? Erica!"

She suggested nonchalantly, shrugging her shoulders as if she was just talking about the weather. But this sentence broke the temporary peace that had settled in the room. 

The chaos erupted as family members exchanged bewildered glances and whispered amongst themselves. 

In the middle of this commotion was Maria, who couldn't contain her anger.  

"How dare you say that? This is outrageous! My daughter deserves much better than this pathetic proposal! Is she some cattle that you can pick out to be sacrificed, without consulting her parents or herself?"

"Oh aunty, why are you getting so hyper–"

"Shut up! I won't stand quietly while you talk about her marrying that fat, drug-addicted man!" 

Maria might not like Nate, but she was surely not in favor of accepting this proposal, either. If it had been any decent boy from a good family, she might have thought about it… but she knew that Anthony Rossi was a total scum, and she could never hand her daughter to him.

Maria had managed to scream at Nancy and make her settle down for now, but the other girls in the family spoke up, supporting her proposal. 

"Aunty, don't be offended, but let's be practical about this matter. Erica's husband is just a loser anyway!"

"I also think she should go ahead and take advantage of this proposal. And if Erica marries that man, it's not like she's losing much. We could still keep her husband around as a servant or something." 

"I mean, she's not wrong. If I was in Erica's place, I would jump at the chance to leave that pathetic beggar and become the daughter in law of such a rich family."

"I think Erica will be the best! Somehow, someone has to save the family, right? Erica can do it. She has the qualities to handle it…" 

Another cousin remarked with a sly smile, casting a sidelong glance at Erica. But the truth was something else, which was hidden under the surface of their seemingly good- natured arguments. 

They were all thinking the same thing, even though nobody dared to speak it out loud. 

In reality, Erica was the most beautiful girl in the family, and a subtle wave of jealousy was running through their hearts. 

But finally, they had found their chance to take their revenge: his proposed marriage to the fat middle- aged man was just not about saving the family. Rather, it was an opportunity to shatter Erica's pride, and strip away her dignity from her… 

Erica's aunts and uncles also took this opportunity to speak out, portraying as if this proposed marriage with Anthony Rossi was like a lifeline instead of a compulsion. 

"Erica, dear… you have already ruined your life by choosing to marry that beggar. But thankfully, life has given you a second chance, so why are you hesitating?"

"Your aunt is right." Her uncle also chimed in, "We are your elders, and we obviously care about you. That's why we are advising you to not let this opportunity go by."

"Of course! And imagine, if you divorced that loser and married Anthony Rossi, you rule as the queen of the Rossi empire! Your fortune would turn completely…" 

The manipulation reached new heights as one aunt went even further, saying;

"I was so happy when this proposal came, thinking that God himself had sent us a blessing in disguise. If I wasn't so worried about our precious Erica stuck in a pointless marriage, I would be fighting to secure a place for my own daughter within the Rossi family!"

Surrounded by this cacophony of voices, Erica sat in silence. Her head was bowed low as she tried to absorb the betrayal given by her own family. 

Her cousins, even her aunts and uncles were going to these lengths to protect their own daughters. They were not just pushing her for the sacrifice, but also manipulating her so shamelessly. 

Her delicate bows were knitted together as her heart was weighed down by this sudden sadness. At this time, there was no one standing in her corner. 

As the discussion in the room reached its peak, Erica abruptly stood up from her seat.

Her hazel eyes swept over the hall, as the gathering fell into an abrupt silence. All eyes turned towards her, awaiting her response to this proposal with anticipation. 

But to the shock of everyone present, Erica parted her lips and declared;

"I agree to marry Anthony Rossi." 

Her words echoed through the room, and the atmosphere shifted from anxiety to relief. A ripple of joy surged through the shocked family members, who had been bracing themselves for some kind of argument. 

This agreement had caught them so off guard that they couldn't even believe that she had actually said these words! But after a few moments, a sense of victory settled in the hearts of these relatives.

However, this wave of happiness was broken as quickly as it arrived, as Erica continued;

"But I have some conditions." 

The room buzzed with curious whispers as Erica outlined her demands. 

"I want 30% of the family wealth allocated to my parents," she declared, dropping a bombshell that left the room stunned. 

The abrupt request raised some eyebrows, and while they were still exchanging puzzled looks, Erica dropped another bombshell. 

"Apart from that, I want 1 million dollars for Nate, my husband." 

This mention of Nate confused the family further, leaving them scratching their heads about what she really wanted.

One of her uncles was about to object, when someone burst into the hall. 

"I don't agree!" 

The newcomer declared, his voice cutting through the rising tensions, as all eyes turned towards the entrance.

A shocked gasp escaped Erica's lips: 

"Nate!"