Chapter 1 Treated Like Trash!

"Jackson! Jackson!!"

Every day that shout always thundered throughout the luxurious residence.

"Yes, Ma'am!"

Jackson quickly answered the voice calling him, which belonged to no one other than his mother-in-law, Madam Ester.

"What are you doing?! Can't you see the sky is cloudy and it's about to rain?! You worthless beggar! Have your ears and eyes stopped working already?! Hurry up and bring in the laundry!"

"Yes, Ma'am."

Not a single word of protest escaped his lips. Indeed, nothing that ever came out of Madam Ester's mouth was met with rejection. More precisely, Jackson never dared to object.

With his long strides, Jackson immediately went out the back door to collect the laundry he had hung out earlier that morning.

"Let me help Brother-in-law bring in the laundry, Mother."

From the side, Jenny-short for Jennyfer Esterandes, Madam Ester's youngest daughter-hurriedly came out, rushing to follow Jackson, who was already outside.

"No need! Just continue your work. Have you already finished sewing your sister's dress?!" Madam Ester snapped quickly.

"N-not yet, Mother. Almost done," Jenny answered and instantly fell silent where she stood.

"Remember! That dress must be finished the day after tomorrow because Brielle will wear it for her graduation!" Madam Ester said firmly in her harsh tone.

"Yes, Mother."

After finishing with the laundry, Jackson quickly returned to the kitchen to complete the work that had been interrupted earlier.

He sped up his pace grinding chilies that Jenny, his sister-in-law, would use for cooking later. Evening approached, and the sky grew darker as heavy clouds hung over the horizon.

After finishing with the chilies, Jackson promptly washed the stone grinder so as not to burden his sister-in-law, who didn't have the strength to clean such a heavy tool, though she had never once complained or asked for his help.

That day, Jackson had woken earlier than usual so he could finish his chores quickly and join his wife's graduation ceremony.

"What are you doing?! Get back inside! We're leaving now, or Brielle's ceremony will already start."

Madam Ester's voice thundered when she saw her son-in-law walking with them toward the car parked out front.

"Jackson wants to attend Brielle's graduation, Ma'am. Isn't there supposed to be a family photo session later?" Jackson asked bravely.

"No need! Look at your clothes! A worthless beggar like you has no place at such a prestigious event. You'll only humiliate me and Brielle there!"

Jackson looked down at the soft Munich shirt he was wearing. It was the best one he had, neatly ironed last night after he had finished ironing his wife's and mother-in-law's clothes.

"These clothes are already fine and neat, Mother."

"How many times must I tell you?! A beggar like you has no right to attend an important event like today!" Madam Ester scolded authoritatively.

Suddenly, the car window rolled down, and a handsome face appeared from behind the wheel.

"What's taking so long? We don't need a driver! I'll drive myself, Aunt. Besides, if the driver is dressed like this beggar, our reputation will sink!"

A sarcastic voice came from inside, and the man stared at Jackson with mocking eyes.

Jackson fell silent. His gaze shifted back to the shiny car, his thoughts wandering. Something stirred in his mind at that moment.

"Dear, just stay home, alright? When we come back later, we can take pictures together," Brielle tried to smooth things over.

"Alright then. Take care, my love."

"Hmm."

The shiny car sped off quickly after Brielle and Madam Ester got in.

Jackson's mind drifted again as he saw his wife sitting beside the unfamiliar man in front, while his mother-in-law sat alone in the back seat.

At last, Jackson went back inside with his tangled thoughts, quickly changing his clothes to resume his daily chores in the luxurious house. He picked up a broom and a mop to clean the floors, determined to avoid another outburst and punishment from his mother-in-law when she returned later.

Several days passed, and that night Madam Ester hosted a party at her residence to celebrate her beloved eldest daughter's completion of her Master's degree.

As night fell, Madam Ester's friends and business associates began filling the grand living room, with even the side terrace crowded with guests.

"Jackson! Jackson!!"

Noticing that the canned drinks of various brands were running low and hadn't been replenished, Madam Ester's fury boiled over.

"Yes, Ma'am."

"The drinks are almost gone! Why haven't you restocked them from the fridge?! Useless beggar. You should know better without being told!"

Guests and Brielle's friends filled the living room, watching the scene unfold. Some smirked cynically, some pitied him, and some burst out laughing. The one who laughed the loudest was Jacob Wagendez, the man who had picked up Jackson's wife and mother-in-law for the graduation the other day.

"Yes, Ma'am. I'll get them right away."

Jackson quickly headed toward the dining area to fetch several cans he had already placed in the cooler.

His strong chest, which had always endured patiently, felt as though it could no longer withstand his mother-in-law's ridicule and mockery-especially now that she was humiliating him in front of everyone. His heart pounded furiously, struggling to contain the anger that had long been buried inside.

"Here, let me help you, Brother-in-law."

Jackson was startled by the soft voice, one that rarely spoke unless necessary.

Snapped out of his daze in front of the cooler, Jackson immediately opened the fridge door before him.

"Mother's always like that. Don't take it to heart. You're already used to hearing it, aren't you, Brother-in-law?" Jenny comforted, fully aware of how painful it was to be humiliated like that in front of many people.

"Oh, y-yes. I'm fine," Jackson replied, forcing a smile, because he too had often seen his mother-in-law treat her youngest daughter heartlessly-though only behind closed doors.

"Good then. Let's bring the drinks quickly, or else another Katrina Strom will strike."

Jackson smiled at his sister-in-law's words, knowing she was trying to cheer and strengthen him, just as she had always done.

"Let's go."

After arranging the cans of drinks on the table, Jackson immediately poured them into the clean glasses Jenny had prepared earlier. He then walked over to his wife, who was laughing and joking with her college friends.

"Darling. Here's a drink for you."

Jackson handed her a glass of sweet soda, the kind she usually liked.

"I already have a drink, Dear," Brielle replied softly, as if afraid her voice would be heard by her friends.

"Oh, come on. This beggar doesn't even know you prefer this kind of drink. Listen here, you ugly beggar, Brielle likes alcoholic drinks more than this!" Jacob, who had been beside Brielle the whole time, mocked.

Jackson fell silent. His chest rose and fell heavily as he saw how his wife's friend treated him, and even more painful was the fact that his wife remained silent, not defending him at all.

"Here, take the drink yourself. A beggar like you doesn't belong here. Get lost!"

Jacob shoved Jackson hard, who was still standing behind his wife.

Thud!

Clang!