Chapter 2 You're not worth anything

The road was quiet as Jesse drove, the early morning sun just beginning to rise over the city skyline. He gripped the steering wheel tightly, his mind spinning with questions.

What happened? Was Rachel hurt? Was it Jordan?

But Rachel had said it was her grandmother. What could be wrong with her?

And why had she sounded so angry?

He sped through the near-empty streets, his thoughts not giving him peace. Guilt crawled up his chest. He should have answered her calls. Ten missed calls from your wife wasn't a joke, no matter what was going on.

When he finally pulled into the hospital parking lot, he stepped out and hurried inside. The lobby was buzzing with nurses and patients, but his eyes caught her instantly-Rachel.

She was pacing the floor with her arms folded, brows furrowed, and her phone clutched tightly in one hand.

"Rachel!" he called, jogging to her.

She turned sharply, her face a mix of worry and fury.

"What took you so long?" she snapped.

"I- I came as fast as I could," Jesse replied gently. "Are you okay? What's going on?"

"You're asking me that now? After ignoring all my calls?" she said, voice rising. "You can't even do the simplest things right. If anything happens to my grandmother-anything-you'll be held responsible."

Jesse sighed. He could feel the sting of her words, but he swallowed the pain. She was angry. She was hurting. Maybe she didn't mean it.

"I'm sorry," he said softly. "You were scared. I get it."

He stepped closer, trying to pull her into a comforting hug. She shoved him back.

"Don't touch me," she snapped. "Just don't."

Jesse blinked, his hands still midair, before letting them fall slowly to his side.

Rachel picked up a large gift basket from the seat nearby and shoved it into his arms. "Come with me. We're going to see Grandma. Everyone's here. Don't say anything. Don't embarrass me. Just keep your mouth shut."

He nodded. "Alright."

As they walked through the white hospital corridors, Jesse's mind drifted back to how they even ended up together. Their marriage had never been about love. Rachel's grandfather had once been in danger-a medical emergency Jesse had helped treat when no one else could. The old man had survived, grateful beyond words. In a strange twist of tradition and honor, he offered Jesse his granddaughter's hand in marriage.

Rachel had never forgiven him for accepting it.

Her family-wealthy, proud, educated-had viewed Jesse as nothing more than a burden. He was poor, unemployed at the time, and always seen as not good enough. Even though he had spent years studying medicine and mastering martial arts in secret, none of it seemed to matter to her.

She was ashamed of him.

They reached the waiting room, and Jesse paused. His eyes scanned the space.

She hadn't been lying.

Everyone was there.

Aunts, uncles, cousins, siblings. Some were seated, some standing, all with expressions of concern and whispered conversation.

Then he noticed someone else.

A man. Tall. Clean-shaven. Broad shoulders. Dressed in an expensive suit that looked like it had never known a wrinkle. He was standing near the window but turned the moment Rachel walked in.

His name was Raymond.

Raymond's face lit up as he saw her. He walked straight to her and pulled her into a warm, comforting hug.

"Hey, Rach," he said, his voice low and gentle. "It's going to be okay. Your grandma's a fighter."

Rachel nodded into his chest, then pulled away slightly and gave a small, tired smile. "Thanks, Ray."

Jesse watched the moment quietly. He didn't need anyone to tell him-he knew what this was. Raymond had always been around, waiting in the shadows, always the one everyone preferred for Rachel. He was the perfect son-in-law. The kind who made money, wore suits, and said the right things.

Rachel turned and walked into her grandmother's room, leaving Jesse standing near the entrance.

Raymond took a few steps toward him, hands in his pockets.

"Well, look who decided to show up," Raymond said, his voice laced with sarcasm.

"I came because she called me," Jesse replied calmly.

"Yeah, and look how useful that was," Raymond said with a smirk. "Let's be honest, Jesse. You're a joke. Always have been. You married into this family like a beggar who found a crown, and you've done nothing but drag her down since."

Jesse clenched his jaw. "You don't know anything about me."

"Oh, I know enough," Raymond said. "You're a burden. No job. No place in the family. You think a few books and martial arts tricks make you a man? You're embarrassing."

Jesse's fists tightened at his sides. He looked around, hoping someone might speak up. Defend him. But the faces around him told him everything he needed to know.

They agreed with Raymond.

"You shouldn't even be here," Rachel's brother, Victor, said as he entered the room. His voice was loud, firm. "What are you doing here?"

"Rachel called me," Jesse said, trying to stay calm.

"Well, you won't be here for long," Victor replied. "Raymond's here now. A real man. And soon, he'll take your place. Everyone knows it's just a matter of time."

Others joined in with muttered insults.

"Should've stayed home."

"He's always been useless."

"Rachel deserves better."

Jesse's chest tightened. He didn't have words to fight them. They'd always believed he was unworthy.

He stepped forward, brushing past Raymond, and made his way to the hospital room door. Rachel was standing beside her grandmother's bed, gently holding the old woman's hand.

"Rachel," Jesse said softly, "how's she doing?"

She turned to him sharply. "Why are you still here?"

"I just... I wanted to check on her. Maybe I can help. I studied medicine, remember?"

She gave a short, bitter laugh. "Help? You? You think I'd let you touch her?"

Jesse stood still, stung. "I only meant-"

"Just stop, Jesse," she snapped. "You've done enough."

The room fell silent as the tension thickened in the air.

Then Raymond walked in with a smug look. "Doctor's here," he announced, as if he were the hero of the moment.

Everyone began to move toward the door, giving space to the doctor coming in.

Jesse stood there, still holding the gift basket, as if frozen in time. Around him, the world moved on. No one looked at him. No one cared. He was invisible.

And deep inside, something stirred again. The same feeling from the night before. A flicker. A spark. It was faint, but it was there-waiting.

But Jesse said nothing.

He simply turned away and walked out.