The Betrayed Son in Law Rise to Influence

Chapter 3

Ash’s voice rose in pitch, sharp with urgency. “You don’t need to worry about that, Simon. My grandmother will handle everything.”

Simon’s brows furrowed. “How?”

“ She will offer you a high-paying job in one of our family’s companies. She’ll even take care of your foster mother—improve her living conditions, cover her medical bills. Whatever you need. Just please, Simon. Do this for me—for us.”

Her tone softened, pleading. But Simon knew Ash too well. The sudden shift in her demeanor—her rare vulnerability—felt calculated. Yet, as she spoke about her brother, he felt the familiar pull of wanting to believe her. Maybe this time it was different. Maybe this time she really meant it.

And his foster mother—her well-being was very important to him. Hundred thousand dollars was an impossible dream, but if the Katherine family stepped in...

He took a shaky breath. Ash leaned closer, her voice barely above a whisper, sweet yet insistent. “This won’t last forever, Simon. The lawyers will smooth everything over. When it’s all done, the Katherine family will be indebted to you, that way no one will ever ridicule at any events but instead you would be highly respected. You’re not just doing this for me. You’re securing a future for both of us.”

Simon’s resolve faltered. The idea of a better life for his mother and the Katherine family finally respecting me — was irresistible. He nodded slowly, almost reluctantly, the words slipping out before he could stop them. “I’m in.”

Ash’s face lit up, a broad smile spreading across her face as she threw her arms around him. “Thank you, Simon,” she whispered, planting a soft kiss on his cheek.

Despite the warmth of her embrace, Simon felt a cold feeling deep in his chest.

That night, as Simon lay awake in bed, doubts gnawed at him. What had he done? Agreeing to take the fall for a crime he didn’t commit—it felt reckless, wrong. But the thought of his foster mother, weak and bedridden, pushed those doubts aside. He had to do this, for her.

The next morning, the smell of cinnamon rolls and freshly brewed coffee spread through the house, pulling Ash from her bed. She quickly freshened up and made her way downstairs, where Simon stood in the kitchen, a bright smile on his face as he served breakfast.

“Good morning,” Simon greeted her cheerily.

“Morning,” Ash replied, her voice curt, her mind already on the day ahead. She finished her meal in silence, then stood up abruptly. “We’re meeting the lawyer today to rehearse your statement. After that, we are headed to the police station. Are you ready?”

Simon simply nodded, his heart pounding in his chest. The weight of what he was about to do settled on his shoulders, making it hard to breathe.

The lawyer’s office was sleek and cold, all polished surfaces and sharp lines. Simon felt out of place, like an intruder in a world that wasn’t his. The receptionist, a woman in her thirties with a tight bun and an air of efficiency, ushered them into a plush waiting room. “Mr. Henderson will be with you shortly,” she said.

Simon’s leg bounced nervously as they waited, the ticking of the wall clock amplifying his anxiety. When Mr. Henderson finally called them into his office, the lawyer wasted no time.

“Good morning, Miss Katherine, Mr. Simon,” he said, adjusting his glasses as he scanned a document in front of him. “Let’s get straight to business.”

Simon swallowed hard as the lawyer’s gaze landed on him, serious and unwavering. “Mr. Simon, are you absolutely sure about this? Once you give your statement, there’s no going back.”

Simon forced a grin, trying to mask his fear with humor. “Don’t worry about me, Mr. Henderson. Just make sure your hairline doesn’t stress too much.”

Henderson chuckled softly, but the tension in the room remained. “Alright, let’s rehearse. Your statement will be: ‘I, Simon, was responsible for the accident on June 12, 2023, which resulted in the death of Ms. Xerox. I was driving under the influence.’”

Simon nodded as Henderson made him repeat the statement three times.

The lawyer’s voice was now in the background as Simon’s mind drifted. Was this really happening? Was he really about to confess to something he didn’t do?

After leaving the lawyer’s office, Ash and Simon parted ways. She gave him a brief hug, her arms tight around him. “Thank you, Simon. I won’t forget this.”

Simon didn’t respond. He couldn’t. The weight of his decision was too much. He boarded a cab and headed straight for the police station.

As he stood in front of the station, his feet felt like lead. His mind screamed at him to turn back, to walk away from this madness. But he couldn’t. His foster mother’s face flashed before his eyes, frail and tired, and he prepared himself.

Inside, Simon asked the front desk officer where the inspector office was.

Do you have an appointment with the inspector- the front desk officer asked.

Simon nodded.

The front desk officer glanced at him. “Inspector’s office is down the hall,” he said, pointing.

Simon’s heart pounded in his ears as he entered the inspector’s office and began reciting the rehearsed confession. Every word felt like a betrayal—to himself, to his morals. But it was too late. The inspector listened, then nodded to an officer nearby. “Lock him up. He’ll be in court in three days.”

Simon barely heard the cold click of the cell door behind him.

Three days passed in a blur, and before Simon knew it, he was standing in a courtroom, his hands shaking as the judge called the case to order. The sound of the gavel echoed through the room, making his stomach churn.

“We are now hearing the case of Mr. Simon versus the state regarding the drunk driving incident on June 12, 2023, which resulted in the death of Ms. Xerox.”

Simon’s heart sank as the reality of the situation hit him all over again.