2025-01-26 21:59:49The night was heavy with anticipation. Marcus Carter walked down the dimly lit street, a bouquet of white lilies held firmly in his hand. The flowers were Evelyn's favorite—soft, elegant, and timeless, just like the love he thought they shared. He adjusted the collar of his overcoat as a chill breeze swept past, but his mind wasn’t on the cold.
Tonight was their anniversary.
He glanced at his watch—8:45 PM. He was late. Work had dragged on longer than he'd planned, but he was certain Evelyn would understand. She always did. Or at least, she used to.
The golden light spilling from the windows of their house was warm and inviting, and for a moment, Marcus allowed himself to imagine her reaction. She’d scold him for being late, of course, but then she’d smile—soft and forgiving. They’d toast to another year together, another year of promises.
But as he stepped through the front door, something was… off.
The house was eerily quiet, too quiet for a night meant for celebration. The faint scent of Evelyn’s perfume lingered in the air, but it was cold, distant, as if she’d been gone for hours. Marcus set the flowers on the entryway table and called out.
“Evelyn?” His voice echoed faintly through the hall.
No response.
He walked further into the living room, the soft creak of his footsteps the only sound. That was when he saw it—a single envelope sitting on the coffee table, its stark white edges sharp against the dark wood. His heart sank instantly, a knot of unease tightening in his chest.
Still, he picked it up, the weight of dread settling in his stomach as he opened it.
Inside was a set of divorce papers. Already signed.
Marcus stared at the papers, blinking hard as the words blurred before his eyes. Divorce. The word felt foreign, even absurd. He sat down slowly, his mind racing, grasping for some kind of explanation. This couldn’t be happening. Not tonight. Not ever.
And yet, it was.
---
The sound of heels clicking against the tiled floor shattered his thoughts. He looked up just as Margaret Moore, Evelyn’s mother, appeared in the doorway. Her expression was as sharp as her tailored suit, her lips curling into a smirk that only deepened Marcus’s sense of unease.
“Well, well,” she drawled, her voice dripping with condescension. “I see you’ve finally found them.”
Marcus stood abruptly, his jaw tightening. “Where’s Evelyn?”
Margaret raised an arched brow, crossing her arms over her chest. “Not here, obviously.” She gestured to the papers still clutched in Marcus’s hand. “But she’s made her wishes perfectly clear, hasn’t she?”
“Wishes?” His voice was low, dangerous. “She didn’t even tell me—”
“She doesn’t owe you an explanation.” Margaret’s tone turned icy. “You’ve had your chance, Marcus. Frankly, I’m amazed she put up with you for this long.”
Marcus’s hands clenched into fists at his sides. He took a step forward, his voice steady but simmering with anger. “Where is she?”
Margaret’s smirk widened. “Out. With someone who actually deserves her. You should be grateful, honestly. She’s finally moving on from—” she paused, her eyes flicking over him with disdain, “—this.”
Before Marcus could respond, another voice cut through the tension.
“Mom, don’t waste your breath on him.”
Marcus turned to see Evelyn’s younger brother, Oliver, saunter into the room. He was dressed casually, a phone in one hand and a sneer on his face. “He’s not worth it.”
Oliver’s words hit Marcus like a slap. He straightened, his gaze hardening. “I’m not here to fight with you,” he said, his voice measured. “I just want to talk to my wife.”
Oliver let out a sharp laugh, shaking his head. “Wife? You mean ex-wife. She’s done with you, Marcus. She’s moved on. You should, too.”
The knot in Marcus’s chest tightened further, but he refused to let them see the cracks in his composure. “I’ll hear that from her,” he said firmly. “Not from you.”
Margaret rolled her eyes, letting out an exaggerated sigh. “Honestly, Marcus, why are you making this so difficult? Evelyn has made her decision. Just sign the damn papers and move on with your life.”
Marcus stared at her, his mind reeling. The woman standing before him—the woman who had once welcomed him into her family with open arms—was now treating him like he was nothing.
But it wasn’t her words that hurt the most. It was the realization that Evelyn wasn’t coming back.
---
Marcus stormed out of the house, his breath coming in short, sharp bursts. The crisp night air stung his skin, but it didn’t clear his head. He pulled out his phone, his fingers trembling slightly as he scrolled to Evelyn’s number and hit call.
The line rang once. Twice. Then—
“Hello?”
Her voice was soft, familiar… and yet, distant.
“Evelyn,” Marcus said, his voice tight with emotion. “We need to talk.”
There was a pause. Then, in the background, he heard it—a low, masculine laugh.
He froze, his grip on the phone tightening. “Who’s with you?”
Another pause. When Evelyn spoke again, her tone was clipped, almost irritated. “Marcus, this isn’t a good time.”
“Who’s with you?” he repeated, his voice rising.
“None of your business,” she snapped.
Marcus felt something inside him crack, a raw, searing pain that he couldn’t ignore. “Evelyn, please,” he said, his voice softer now, almost pleading. “Just tell me where you are. I need to see you.”
There was another laugh in the background, louder this time. Marcus’s jaw tightened as an icy wave of anger washed over him.
“Evelyn,” he said again, his voice firmer now. “Tell me where you are.”
For a moment, there was silence. Then, with a sigh, Evelyn relented. “Fine. I’m at the Prescott Hotel. But, Marcus—”
He didn’t wait for her to finish. He hung up, his mind already racing.
---
As Marcus drove through the city, the bouquet of lilies still sitting in the passenger seat, his thoughts churned violently. The sound of that man’s laugh echoed in his mind, taunting him, fueling the fire in his chest.
He gripped the steering wheel tightly, his knuckles white. Evelyn had been everything to him. She was the reason he worked late, the reason he pushed himself to be better. And now, she was slipping through his fingers, her laughter stolen by someone else.
But not tonight.
Tonight, he would face her. Tonight, he would get answers.
---
The Prescott Hotel loomed ahead, its sleek, modern façade glowing against the night sky. Marcus parked the car and stepped out, his heart pounding as he approached the entrance. The doorman gave him a polite nod, but Marcus barely noticed.
Inside, the lobby was bustling with life—couples laughing, businessmen rushing past—but Marcus felt like he was moving through a fog. He made his way to the front desk, his voice calm but firm as he spoke.
“I’m looking for Evelyn Moore,” he said.
The receptionist hesitated, her eyes flicking over him with mild curiosity. “I’m sorry, sir, but we can’t give out—”
“It’s urgent,” Marcus interrupted, his tone sharp. “Just tell me the room number.”
The receptionist glanced at him again, then at her computer screen. Finally, she relented. “Room 1408.”
Marcus nodded and turned toward the elevator, his steps quick and purposeful. As the elevator doors closed behind him, he took a deep breath, trying to steady himself.
But his mind was racing.
What would he find behind that door? Would Evelyn even talk to him? Or would he be met with more laughter, more betrayal?
The elevator dinged softly as it reached the fourteenth floor. Marcus stepped out, his heart hammering in his chest as he made his way down the hall.
Room 1408.
He stopped in front of the door, his hand hovering over the doorknob. For a moment, he hesitated. Then, with a deep breath, he knocked.
The sound echoed through the hallway, and for a few seconds, nothing happened. Then, slowly, the door began to open.
And Marcus’s world tilted on its axis.
Previous Chapter
Related Chapters
Poor Son-in-law 2
The restaurant was perfect—modern yet intimate, with soft amber lights casting a warm glow over every polished surface. The kind of place where the waiters wore sharp suits, the cutlery gleamed like silver mirrors, and the wine list was thicker than the menu. Evelyn ran her fingers over the rim of her wine glass, letting the faint hum of conversation around her settle like a comforting backdrop.Daniel sat across from her, his presence as commanding as ever. His tailored navy-blue suit hugged his broad shoulders perfectly, and his sharp jawline tensed slightly as he inspected the wine in his glass. He exuded confidence, the kind of man who knew he was the center of attention without even trying. Evelyn hated how much she craved that confidence. It wasn’t love, not really, but Daniel filled a void she couldn’t bear to face. After all, it was easier to drown in someone else’s ambition than to confront the ruins of her own choices.“Evelyn.” His voice cut through her thoughts, smooth bu
Poor Son-in-law 3
The door creaked open as Marcus stepped into the house that no longer felt like home. The weight of the evening clung to his shoulders, heavier than the coat he had draped over his arm. The faint scent of Evelyn’s expensive perfume lingered in the air, a sharp reminder of the life he was about to leave behind. The living room was dimly lit, shadows stretching across the walls, but the silence was deafening.He exhaled slowly, taking in the surroundings. The place was spotless, as always, every cushion perfectly arranged, every trinket in its place. Evelyn had always been meticulous about appearances. But to Marcus, it all felt hollow now.He walked toward the staircase, his footsteps muffled by the thick carpet, and paused at the base. For the first time in years, he felt like a stranger in his own house. The memories came flooding back—laughter, arguments, stolen moments of tenderness—but those felt like they belonged to someone else, someone he no longer recognized.He clenched his
Poor Son-in-law 4
The morning air was crisp, carrying with it a faint scent of rain from the night before. Marcus stood at the edge of the curb, his suitcase by his side, watching the empty road in front of him. The house behind him still loomed, its cold, pristine walls a reminder of everything he had just walked away from. He exhaled slowly, his breath visible in the chilly air, and glanced down at his phone.The call with his uncle from the night before still rang in his ears. "Tell me everything," Richard had said, his voice laced with both concern and authority. And Marcus had told him—everything about Evelyn, the betrayal, the humiliation. He had laid it bare, and Richard had listened in silence, only speaking at the end to say, "I'll take care of it. Be ready in the morning."Marcus didn't know what "take care of it" meant, but he trusted his uncle. Richard Carter was a man of his word. A man of power. And as much as Marcus had tried to distance himself from the Carter family over the years, dee
Poor Son-in-law 5
The driveway leading up to the Carter estate was a long stretch of cobblestone surrounded by towering oaks. The winter air was crisp, and the faint gray clouds above hinted at an oncoming storm. Marcus slowed the car as the grand, Victorian-style mansion came into view. It had been years since he’d last set foot here, and yet the sight of it still stirred something in him—nostalgia? Bitterness? He wasn’t sure.He parked near the front steps, taking a moment to steady himself. The past few months had been nothing short of chaos, and now, standing here again, he felt like a man teetering on the edge of two worlds. One was his past—the ghost of the man he used to be, broken and humiliated. The other was his future, the man he was becoming: calculated, focused, and unrelenting.As he stepped out of the car, the front door opened. Richard Carter, his uncle, stood tall in the doorway, his sharp features softened slightly by a welcoming smile.“Marcus,” Richard greeted, his voice firm but wa
Poor Son-in-law 6
The office building of Prescott Industries loomed in front of him like a fortress. Its sleek glass facade reflected the pale morning light, sharp and unyielding, much like the people who worked inside. Marcus stood across the street, his hands buried in the pockets of his tailored coat, observing the flow of employees filing into the building. He took a deep breath, steadying himself.This was it. The first step.He adjusted the tie around his neck, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. It had taken months of planning, connections, and careful maneuvering, but he was finally here. Not as Marcus Carter, the man Evelyn had cast aside, but as someone entirely new.Inside that building, they wouldn’t see the broken man they thought they’d destroyed. They’d see someone confident, capable, and untouchable. They’d see someone they underestimated—and that was exactly what he wanted.Marcus walked through the revolving doors, his polished shoes clicking against the pristine marble f
Poor Son-in-law 7
Marcus adjusted the cuffs of his tailored suit as he stepped into the large conference room. The air was crisp with the faint smell of coffee and fresh paper, and the hum of muffled conversations filled the space. He scanned the room with calm precision, his eyes landing on her. Evelyn.She was seated near the far end of the long mahogany table, her posture as poised as ever, one manicured hand resting on the armrest of her chair. Her expression was unreadable, but Marcus caught the slightest twitch of her lips when their eyes met. She didn’t smile. Neither did he.Instead, he moved with deliberate steps toward his seat, directly across from her. His confidence wasn’t forced anymore—it came naturally now, as if he had been born for moments like this. Evelyn could feel it. The Marcus she had once known—the quiet, soft-spoken man who avoided confrontation—was gone. Replaced by someone sharper. Someone unpredictable.“Morning,” Marcus said casually as he pulled out his chair, his voice s
Poor Son-in-law 8
The announcement came during the morning meeting. Marcus walked into the conference room with the same measured stride he always carried, his confidence unshaken. But this time, the air around him felt heavier. Charged. Anticipatory.The director waited until everyone was seated before clearing his throat, commanding silence. Evelyn sat two seats away from Marcus, her fingers nervously tapping the armrest of her chair. She’d barely slept the night before, her thoughts consumed by the strange shift in Marcus’s demeanor and the director’s cryptic hints about “a new opportunity.” Now, her stomach churned with unease.“I have some exciting news to share,” the director began, his voice calm but firm. “As you all know, we’re restructuring to better align with the company’s growth. And with that comes new leadership opportunities.”Evelyn’s heart sank. She already knew where this was going.The director turned to Marcus, smiling warmly. “I’m pleased to announce that Marcus Carter has been ch
Poor Son-in-law 9
Marcus walked slowly toward the marble staircase, feeling each step echo in the quiet night. Around the mansion, old trees towered high, their branches dancing in the wind, as if holding deep secrets. The atmosphere grew tenser as they approached the main door, made of dark wood with intricate carvings.When Marcus knocked, the sound resonated throughout the area, adding to the palpable tension. A few seconds later, the door creaked open, revealing an elderly woman with white hair standing in the doorway. Her face showed surprise and a hint of fear upon seeing the two men before her. However, she quickly welcomed them inside, giving a brief glimpse into the dark, cold room.Inside, the ambiance changed drastically. Flickering lights on the ceiling created moving shadows on the walls. Antique furniture cluttered the room, every corner filled with items that seemed like buried memories. Marcus and Richard exchanged glances, sensing the unspoken tension between them.As they explored the
Latest Chapter
13
If Prescott was here, it meant there was a deeper agenda, and he had to be ready to protect his team and the project that was so important to them.With every step he took, Marcus tried to ease the tension within himself. He knew this was the moment he had to show strength and leadership. In his heart, he was determined not to let Prescott dominate the situation. He would fight, no matter how difficult it was.“Is there anything else?” Marcus asked, his tone calm but sharp, creating an atmosphere of attentiveness in the meeting room.Claire hesitated for a moment, choosing her words carefully. “Just… be careful, Mr. Carter. Something feels off.” Her voice carried genuine concern, reflecting her sharp instincts.Marcus glanced at her sharply, feeling the tension flowing between them. His lips curved into a small knowing smile, as if he realized that this uncertainty was
12
Marcus's gaze hardened, signaling an unwavering resolve. His voice was calm yet firm, cutting through the tension that enveloped the room.“He will regret ever crossing me.”His words echoed around the table laden with food, serving as a warning to all who heard them. There was no room left for lies or pretense; tonight was about facing the truth.Behind them, the sound of the front door slamming reverberated through the night, intensifying the situation. Evelyn's voice called out, filled with desperation and tremors.“Marcus, wait!”There was a mix of worry and hope in her tone, as if she were struggling to pull him back from a deep abyss. But Marcus did not stop. He didn’t even glance back, as if each step was a march toward freedom from the chains that had bound him for so long.With each steady stride, Marcus felt a weight lift.
11
The dishes on the table, which were supposed to be the center of attention, seemed increasingly meaningless. All the luxury and beauty of the food ceased to matter when faced with the arrogance and pretense surrounding them. Marcus felt more and more alienated, trapped in a game he did not want to play, but he knew that tonight was an opportunity to change everything.Marcus took a deliberate sip of his wine. “Business is thriving, thanks for asking. Although I hear you've experienced some… setbacks recently.”Daniel's smile dimmed for a moment, but he quickly recovered. “Setbacks are part of the game, Carter. Something you’d know if you played at my level.”“Oh, I’m playing,” Marcus replied smoothly. “I just don’t think we’re still in the same league.”The tension in the room escalated, creating an atmosphere that became
10
Evelyn, on the other hand, seemed trapped in tension. Her fingers tightly clutched the edge of her napkin, and Marcus could see she was struggling with swirling emotions. Although she avoided Marcus's gaze, there was something in her expression that couldn't be hidden. Regret? Guilt? Those questions spun in Marcus's mind, but he didn't want to get caught in doubt.Daniel Prescott, sitting at the head of the table, leaned back casually, a cynical smile gracing his face. In the tense atmosphere, his comments only fueled the fire of discomfort."How bold of you to come, Carter. But I suppose you've always had a flair for the dramatic," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.Marcus wasn't surprised by the jab; he had faced Daniel many times before. Instead, he stepped forward, asserting his presence in the uncomfortable dining room. His gaze locked onto Daniel's, challenging and confident."And you, P
9
Marcus walked slowly toward the marble staircase, feeling each step echo in the quiet night. Around the mansion, old trees towered high, their branches dancing in the wind, as if holding deep secrets. The atmosphere grew tenser as they approached the main door, made of dark wood with intricate carvings.When Marcus knocked, the sound resonated throughout the area, adding to the palpable tension. A few seconds later, the door creaked open, revealing an elderly woman with white hair standing in the doorway. Her face showed surprise and a hint of fear upon seeing the two men before her. However, she quickly welcomed them inside, giving a brief glimpse into the dark, cold room.Inside, the ambiance changed drastically. Flickering lights on the ceiling created moving shadows on the walls. Antique furniture cluttered the room, every corner filled with items that seemed like buried memories. Marcus and Richard exchanged glances, sensing the unspoken tension between them.As they explored the
8
The announcement came during the morning meeting. Marcus walked into the conference room with the same measured stride he always carried, his confidence unshaken. But this time, the air around him felt heavier. Charged. Anticipatory.The director waited until everyone was seated before clearing his throat, commanding silence. Evelyn sat two seats away from Marcus, her fingers nervously tapping the armrest of her chair. She’d barely slept the night before, her thoughts consumed by the strange shift in Marcus’s demeanor and the director’s cryptic hints about “a new opportunity.” Now, her stomach churned with unease.“I have some exciting news to share,” the director began, his voice calm but firm. “As you all know, we’re restructuring to better align with the company’s growth. And with that comes new leadership opportunities.”Evelyn’s heart sank. She already knew where this was going.The director turned to Marcus, smiling warmly. “I’m pleased to announce that Marcus Carter has been ch
7
Marcus adjusted the cuffs of his tailored suit as he stepped into the large conference room. The air was crisp with the faint smell of coffee and fresh paper, and the hum of muffled conversations filled the space. He scanned the room with calm precision, his eyes landing on her. Evelyn.She was seated near the far end of the long mahogany table, her posture as poised as ever, one manicured hand resting on the armrest of her chair. Her expression was unreadable, but Marcus caught the slightest twitch of her lips when their eyes met. She didn’t smile. Neither did he.Instead, he moved with deliberate steps toward his seat, directly across from her. His confidence wasn’t forced anymore—it came naturally now, as if he had been born for moments like this. Evelyn could feel it. The Marcus she had once known—the quiet, soft-spoken man who avoided confrontation—was gone. Replaced by someone sharper. Someone unpredictable.“Morning,” Marcus said casually as he pulled out his chair, his voice s
6
The office building of Prescott Industries loomed in front of him like a fortress. Its sleek glass facade reflected the pale morning light, sharp and unyielding, much like the people who worked inside. Marcus stood across the street, his hands buried in the pockets of his tailored coat, observing the flow of employees filing into the building. He took a deep breath, steadying himself.This was it. The first step.He adjusted the tie around his neck, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. It had taken months of planning, connections, and careful maneuvering, but he was finally here. Not as Marcus Carter, the man Evelyn had cast aside, but as someone entirely new.Inside that building, they wouldn’t see the broken man they thought they’d destroyed. They’d see someone confident, capable, and untouchable. They’d see someone they underestimated—and that was exactly what he wanted.Marcus walked through the revolving doors, his polished shoes clicking against the pristine marble f
5
The driveway leading up to the Carter estate was a long stretch of cobblestone surrounded by towering oaks. The winter air was crisp, and the faint gray clouds above hinted at an oncoming storm. Marcus slowed the car as the grand, Victorian-style mansion came into view. It had been years since he’d last set foot here, and yet the sight of it still stirred something in him—nostalgia? Bitterness? He wasn’t sure.He parked near the front steps, taking a moment to steady himself. The past few months had been nothing short of chaos, and now, standing here again, he felt like a man teetering on the edge of two worlds. One was his past—the ghost of the man he used to be, broken and humiliated. The other was his future, the man he was becoming: calculated, focused, and unrelenting.As he stepped out of the car, the front door opened. Richard Carter, his uncle, stood tall in the doorway, his sharp features softened slightly by a welcoming smile.“Marcus,” Richard greeted, his voice firm but wa
