The Forsaken Man Who Shook The World

"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!

Jackson, caught off guard by Jacob's push in front of everyone, fell to the floor. The glass of sweet soda spilled and shattered mercilessly.

"Hahaha! Didn't I tell you? A beggar like you doesn't deserve to stand here! Look at him, so pathetic. Hahaha!"

Jacob laughed loudly, joined by the mocking voices of his friends, turning the whole room into chaos.

Jackson lifted his face and glared at Jacob, who was still laughing at him. His thick black brows nearly joined together, his strong jaw tightened in anger. Both his fists were clenched so tightly that his veins bulged as his whole body trembled with restrained fury.

"What is going on here?! How could this happen?!"

Madam Ester's voice instantly silenced the room.

"Auntie, look at your beggar chauffeur. Not only is he uneducated, but he's also weak. This beggar isn't even worthy of being your driver," Jacob said, as if giving his opinion.

Jackson turned his gaze to his wife. Her expression was blank, completely unbothered.

Confusion and disbelief swirled in his chest as he wondered why his wife remained silent while others insulted him as nothing more than a chauffeur, calling him a beggar.

"Oh my God! My expensive glass! Jackson, you're really too much! Worthless beggar! Clean up this mess right now!"

"Hahaha! Worthless beggar?! Hahaha!"

The mocking laughter roared again throughout the spacious room.

"Auntie, look, my shiny shoes are stained with the soda spilled by that beggar! These shoes cost nearly a hundred million, Auntie."

Jacob folded his arms and pushed one foot forward, almost touching Jackson's face as he sat on the floor.

"Oh my God, Jackson! How dare you stain Jacob's shoes, worth more than your life?! If the color fades, how could you ever pay for them?!"

"There's no way this beggar could afford them, even if I gave him a fifty percent discount, Auntie. Even if he sold his clothes and pants, they wouldn't fetch ten million!"

"Hahaha!"

Jacob's arrogant words were met with another roar of laughter filling the room.

Jackson remained silent, suppressing the storm of rage burning inside him.

As if original leather shoes could fade just from soda water! he growled inwardly.

"You hear that?! You're nothing but a shameless beggar!"

Madam Ester snapped, stomping her foot in anger.

"No need to get angry, Auntie, you'll raise your blood pressure again. There's another solution, Auntie. He doesn't have to pay with money he'll never have."

"What is it? Tell me, Jacob."

"He has to lick my shoes clean!"

"Go on, do it!" Madam Ester ordered coldly, folding her arms across her chest. Her firm stance only fueled Jacob's excitement.

Jacob smirked as he shoved his foot closer, almost touching the tip of Jackson's sharp, sweating nose.

"Brother Jacob?! Please don't do this. He'll pay for it later."

Jennyfer, who had just come from the kitchen, rushed forward when she saw her brother-in-law being humiliated this way. She quickly pulled his shoulders back, preventing Jacob's shoe from pressing against his face.

Madam Ester froze for a moment when she heard her youngest daughter speak up. She bit back the anger that threatened to burst out.

"Does this beggar even have fifty million to pay?!" Jacob's voice boomed.

"He does. Brother Jacob, don't worry, the money will be transferred later."

Jackson, now standing, stared at his sister-in-law in shock. How could he not be? He didn't even have five million, let alone fifty!

"Clean up this mess!" Madam Ester barked, releasing some of the fury she held back, though she clearly hid something from the guests.

Without another word, Jackson quickly took some tissues and began picking up the shards of glass.

As the night wore on, one by one the guests left the luxurious mansion.

Jackson was now mopping the wide living room floor after sweeping it earlier. Meanwhile, Jennyfer had finished washing the glasses and tidying up the kitchen so she wouldn't be late preparing breakfast the next morning.

"Jenny. How are we supposed to pay that amount you just promised him? Why did you agree to that?"

Jackson, done with his chores, walked to the kitchen to speak with his sister-in-law.

"If I didn't say that, Brother-in-law, his shoe would have been shoved into your mouth! How could I let that happen?!" Jennyfer replied, frowning while wiping the wet sink.

"But I don't have that much money, Jenny. How can I pay it back?"

"It's okay, Brother. I have some savings. Just ask Jacob or Sis Brielle for the account number, I'll transfer the money to that arrogant man. So annoying. If his shoes are really original leather, how could the color fade?! Such a liar! And arrogant on top of it!"

Jackson was a little surprised to hear his usually quiet sister-in-law complaining like this. After almost two years living there, he had never once seen her protest, let alone rant this way.

"No. That's not right, Jenny. You shouldn't waste your money. No, no, don't. I'll figure something out myself. Thank you for your kindness. I'll head to my room now."

Jennyfer said nothing more, and Jackson walked away to his room.

The next morning, after sweeping and mopping the floors of the massive mansion, as usual Jackson walked to his in-laws' oil palm plantation a short distance away. Thirty minutes later, he arrived at the plantation and got straight to work, tending to the palm trees one by one.

By the time the sun was directly overhead, Jackson stopped and prepared to head home for lunch.

Just as he stepped onto the main road, a luxury car pulled up beside him.

Two men in black suits and sunglasses stepped out.

"Mr. President Director."

Two men in black suits and dark sunglasses walked straight toward Jackson and bowed respectfully before the young man in shabby clothes.

Instantly, Jackson glanced left, right, and behind him-checking if anyone else was watching what was happening.

"What are you doing here?!"

Jackson knew these men must have been sent by his father. He knew for certain that his father would never stop looking for him.

"We bring a letter from the Master for you, Young President," one of the men said as he extended an envelope toward Jackson, still bowing respectfully.

Jackson quickly turned away and walked past them. But before he could go far, one of the men slipped the letter into his pocket. In the blink of an eye, both of them rushed back into the luxury car, and the vehicle sped away.

"Damn it! I told you I don't want to see this letter!"

Jackson shouted in frustration, throwing a punch into the air to release his anger at their audacity for leaving the envelope in his pocket so boldly.

After returning from his father-in-law's oil palm plantation, Jackson went to help Jennyfer gather the laundry at the back of the house, just as he did every day.

Usually, his wife would be coming home from campus around this time. Even though her studies were finished, Brielle had still been going there daily to take care of administrative matters related to her degree.

Jackson hurried through his chores so he could finish early and clean himself up after a long, sweaty day of work. But since there was too much to do, he hadn't managed to wash up yet. So, when he saw his wife walk through the door, he immediately went to greet her.

"Darling, you're home. Let me carry your bag for you."

"You haven't showered yet?! Ugh, you reek of sweat. Don't touch it, I don't want my bag smelling like you. Go wash up first," Brielle said, unwilling to get too close to her husband.

"Alright. You should wash up too, Darling, so you won't feel so tired. After that, I'll make a special dinner just for you."

"Hmm."

"Or... why don't we take a shower together, Darling?" Jackson whispered with a grin, gazing at his beautiful wife, whose face was always polished with makeup, making her look even more dazzling.

"Jackson! What did you just say?!"

A shrill voice suddenly cut through the air. Jackson flinched as Madam Ester, who had been standing nearby, grabbed his ear and twisted it painfully.

"Uh?! I-It's not what you think, Ma'am, I-I was just-" Jackson stammered, his words cut off by the searing pain shooting through his ear.

"Go to your room at the back! Now!"

"Y-Yes, Ma'am."

Like a scolded child caught stealing, Jackson could only obey, enduring the humiliation as always. Madam Ester had never allowed him to be close to Brielle-even though Brielle was his lawful wife.

"Hahaaa!"

A mocking laugh rang out from the front of the house.

Jackson froze when he saw the same man who had humiliated him yesterday-Jacob-standing there, smirking.

"Jacob? You didn't go home yet?" Brielle asked in mild surprise.

"I couldn't leave without greeting my future mother-in-law, Darling. Hehee. How are you, Auntie?"

Jacob strode confidently toward Madam Ester and extended his hand.

"Oh, so you're the one who brought Brielle home. I've been wanting to meet you, Jacob. Ckckck... rich and handsome. Today you look especially striking," Madam Ester praised, already enamored with the idea of having a wealthy son-in-law like Jacob.

Jackson's chest burned hot as he listened, his heart pounding heavily.

"You flatter me, Auntie. Hehee."

Jacob, dressed in the latest stylish fashion, ran his hand through his slicked-back hair, exuding charm for everyone in the room. Jackson silently clenched his jaw.

"Come, come inside. Brielle, take our special guest to the living room."

"Yes, Mother. Jacob, this way."

"Hey! What are you still standing here for?!" Madam Ester snapped at Jackson, furious to see him lingering.

"Uh? O-of course, Ma'am," Jackson muttered nervously, turning away, though his chest burned even hotter.

"Wait! Make a drink for our guest!"

Jackson turned back, stunned, pointing at himself. "M-Me, Ma'am?"

"Yes, you! Who else? Make Jacob a hot coffee with milk. And don't take too long!"

"... Y-Yes, Ma'am."

"Does that man even know how to make a drink for me, Auntie?" Jacob asked loudly, his face full of disdain.

"Of course, he does. He's the house servant, after all."

"Oh, having a male servant isn't bad at all, Auntie," Jacob said mockingly.

Helpless, Jackson did as he was told. His chest was shaking with anger, but as always, he stayed silent. Madam Ester and her family treated him however they pleased.

The truth was, Brielle had only married him because her grandfather, Jakara, had insisted. He had plucked Jackson, a poor street orphan, and demanded that Brielle marry him.

After hearing Jakara's condition, Brielle's parents had no choice but to agree-for if they complied, they would inherit ten percent of the old man's wealth.

And so it happened. Jackson had been married to Brielle for nearly two years, but the two of them had never shared the same room. The excuse was always the same: Brielle needed to focus on her studies and couldn't risk getting pregnant.

It was an utterly absurd reason. But what could Jackson do? With no wealth, no career, and no background beyond the streets, he had nothing to his name except his looks.

Yes, even in worn-out clothes, his handsome face was undeniable. Yet that was the only thing he could claim as his own.

He obeyed. Always. And he wasn't allowed to complain.

Sometimes, Madam Ester even punished him by refusing him dinner-just because he hadn't finished cleaning the countless glass doors in the mansion, having been too busy working on the plantation.

But in truth, that wasn't the real reason.

The real secret... was something only Madam Ester and her eldest daughter, Brielle, knew.

-

"Jackson! Jackson!!"

Just as Jackson finished cleaning himself, suddenly his name was shouted out loudly once again. Without a second thought, Jackson jogged toward the dining room, since that was where his mother-in-law's voice had come from.

"Yes, Ma'am?"

"What on earth were you doing?! Why does it take you so long to bathe? Hurry up and help Jenny bring the rice and set the dinner table!"

Jackson was a little startled to see that not only Jacob was there, but also the dining room was now crowded with relatives from his mother-in-law's side: the Samuel family and the Firdaus family.

"Oh, yes Ma'am."

There were also three young women present. They were Brielle's and Jennyfer's cousins. Samuel, who was Madam Ester's older brother, was a widower with two daughters, and tonight he had brought them along-Dinda and Kanya. Meanwhile, Firdaus, Madam Ester's younger brother, had come with his wife Fitri and their only daughter, Fernita.

"Jacob, you don't have a girlfriend yet, do you? How about becoming my son-in-law?" Fitri, the wife of Firdaus, asked with a smile, glancing at Jacob who was now seated between Madam Ester and Brielle.

"Well, not yet, hehee. Sure, why not, Auntie. But you see, Jacob isn't arrogant or anything, but whoever wants to be with me has to be patient. I mean, besides being this handsome, Jacob is also well-off. So yeah, naturally, there are plenty of women lining up."

Jacob spoke casually, though his eyes occasionally flickered toward Jackson, who at that moment was busy helping Jennyfer place plates of rice on the table. His words were clearly meant as a jab at Jackson, who was never admired, praised, or even wanted by anyone.

"You're absolutely right, Jacob. I'm standing in that line too," Madam Ester said with a laugh.

"Hahaa! You want to give a dream son-in-law like Jacob to Jenny?! That naïve youngest daughter of yours?" Fitri asked her sister-in-law in a serious tone.

"Not naïve, Ma'am, but stupid," Fernita, Firdaus and Fitri's daughter, cut in mockingly.

"Hahaaa!"

The room erupted with laughter. Everyone laughed heartily except for Jackson and Jennyfer.

"Yes, that wouldn't be a match at all. Better let Jacob be my son-in-law. He can choose between Dinda or Kanya, whichever he prefers. Both of Uncle Sam's daughters are young, educated, and highly accomplished. There's no doubt about their quality."

Jacob smiled proudly, brimming with arrogance as everyone competed to praise him and even fight over the chance to have him as a son-in-law. It was a moment that made him feel utterly superior.

"Oh please, don't fight over him. Of course I wouldn't give my stupid daughter away. Naturally, I'll match Jacob with my most precious, educated daughter. You're all misunderstanding," Fitri declared.

"Exactly. I think you should throw away this useless son-in-law of yours. He's completely worthless!" Samuel added, casting a sharp, disdainful look at Jackson.

"Sure, he's got a decent face. But look at him-even after a bath, his beggar's face still shows. Haizzz!" Fitri sneered again.

"You're not deaf, are you?! Didn't you hear what they said? If you're done helping, get out of this dining room! Don't ruin our appetite!" Madam Ester barked at Jackson, who could hardly believe that even when he had done nothing wrong, he was still scolded and insulted like that. After all, he had only come because she had called for him.

"Mother, Aunt, Uncle-please don't say that. No matter what, Brother-in-law is Sister Brielle's husband. He is your son-in-law," Jennyfer finally spoke up, unable to hold it in any longer. All this time, she herself had been scorned and marginalized, and she had endured it silently. But Jackson? He was just an outsider, their son-in-law, and Jennyfer couldn't bear to see him constantly humiliated like that-especially by his own wife's family.

"You stupid child! How dare you?!"

Madam Ester exploded in anger upon hearing her youngest daughter's defense of Jackson. The middle-aged woman rose from her chair, glaring furiously at Jennyfer.

"Your youngest daughter isn't just stupid, Ester-she's got too much guts as well. You should've married her off to that worthless son-in-law of yours instead of Brielle. That way, the two fools could live like beggars together. Isn't that a perfect match?!" Fitri chimed in, fanning the flames.

"Hahaaa! Now that's more like it. I totally agree with Aunt Ester," Jacob added smugly, backing Fitri's words with a mocking grin.

Jackson froze when he saw Brielle remain silent, even smiling, as Jacob wrapped his arm around her shoulder and pulled her close.

Thump. Thump. Thump.

Jackson's fists itched to smash Jacob's smug face for his arrogance and audacity. But his reason still held him back. How could he lash out at that scoundrel when his own wife accepted it so passively, even smiling?

"You insolent child!"

Fueled by provocation, Madam Ester strode furiously toward Jennyfer, who was now standing right in front of Jackson.

Her hand shot up, swinging hard-but in a flash, Jackson caught her palm before it could land on Jennyfer's delicate cheek.

"Please don't hit Jenny, Ma'am. It's my fault. I'll leave right now."