The Unappreciated Son-In-Law

Chapter 3

After the party was over, along with her parents, returned home feeling ashamed due to what had transpired with the Franks. During their journey back, Maddy had the urge to call and check on Louis, but her mother noticed and started scolding her: "You must not call him." 

"Mum, he's still my husband after all. He didn't do anything wrong to our family," Maddy insisted. Despite her sometimes harsh words, she still cared for Louis. They had been living together for three years, Maddy still harbored feelings for him.

But not everyone shared the same feelings as Maddy.

Maddy's mother, Ella John, expressed her disdain: "What's the point in calling him? A feeble person like him has nothing to worry about. I wish he were dead so that our family wouldn't have to suffer anymore. You should marry someone else.

"Ella, what are you saying? How could you speak such nonsense? Louis was chosen by his father; you should refrain from uttering such offensive things," Maddy's father, Rod Frank, spoke up with displeasure while driving.

Ella John fumed at her husband, Rod: "How dare you say that? The Franks have two other nieces, why didn't your father choose Maddy?"

"When I married you, I thought we would lead a happy life. But instead, you turned out to be useless. You've been an employee of the Frank family company for over twenty years and only earn a meager salary," Ella complained bitterly.

"Look at others - they all live in grand mansions. Only we are left living in a rented inn owned by a company," she continued, raising her voice as her frustration mounted.

Rod Frank remained silent, afraid to respond.

Despite Ella John's outburst, Maddy sat in silence as she reflected on what had just transpired. Her opinion of Fidelia Neil had changed somewhat. Although her grandmother had believed that Louis' necklace was a fake, Maddy had lived with him for 3 years and had never seen Louis display any deceitful behavior. In her mind, although her husband may not have much money, he possessed a strong will.

However, this time was different. Maddy felt utterly let down and disillusioned. Regardless of how hard she worked, she would never receive the same level of recognition as the male members of the Frank family. Edward Frank was slated to inherit the company, leaving Maddy with no choice but to work for the family business.

Maddy vowed to leave the Frank family one day, driven by the desire to make them rue their unfair treatment of her family. She yearned to prove herself independently and without relying on the Frank surname.

On the other hand, Ella couldn't accept Maddy's decision to stay married to Louis and continued to push for their divorce.

"Have you said enough? I'm tired of listening," Maddy said, trying to put an end to the discussion.

"Maddy, are you crazy? Do you want to ruin your life?" Ella asked, her frustration evident.

"Mom, I'm not crazy," Maddy replied firmly.

Ella shook her head, "I just don't understand why you're so stubborn about this. Louis is a failed and crippled human being. You deserve better."

Despite this, Maddy remained resolute in her decision. "We've been together for three years, and I have feelings for him. Plus, I promised Grandpa that I wouldn't divorce him."

"As long as I'm alive, I won't divorce. I will take care of him!" Maddy declared, determined to stick to her word.

“My daughter...”

Ella looked helplessly at Maddy.

The three walked back into the inn, noticing Louis sitting in the living room. Ella's eyes glared, and she taunted him, "So, you're still here. It's because of you that our family was embarrassed in front of so many people."

Louis didn't respond; he was used to her constant criticisms.

After being kicked out of the hotel, Louis had returned home. As they walked in, Maddy's voice rang out, and Louis heard her words. He couldn't help but laugh. After three years, he knew Maddy was a good girl, but he never expected her to be a responsible wife. Despite everything, Louis was still moved that Maddy would stand by him, even though she didn't love him.

Maddy had always been patient and accepting of Louis. He truly loved her.

"Maddy," Louis spoke up, looking straight at her. 

"I need some space," Maddy said, biting her lip to control her emotions. 

 After her beloved grandfather passed away, Maddy's mind was in a constant state of turmoil. She couldn't help but think about her future and the possibility of marriage with Louis constantly on her mind. Despite this, she had kept these thoughts to herself for three long years, even subjecting Louis to sleeping on a cold floor.

But today, when her mother suggested she divorce Louis, Maddy was filled with an overwhelming sense of fear. The thought of being separated from him was unbearable. 

Is this love? Could she already be in love with him?

As they all retreated to their separate rooms, Louis stood alone in his own. He gazed bewilderedly at Maddy's door, his thoughts consumed by her words. The intensity of his feelings for her threatened to overwhelm him as he wondered if she could possibly love him as much as he loved her.

- 'As long as I'm alive, I won't divorce. I will take care of him!'

Louis' lips parted into a smile, and a glint of determination sharpened his previously gloomy eyes.

“It's time to change.”

Louis' phone, long neglected and untouched, suddenly sprang to life as a message from the bank illuminated its screen.

 

[ Dear customer, your bank account 101874031XXX has received 10 million dollars. ]