The Trash Son-in-law is a general

At the entrance of an apartment complex, a woman glanced at her wristwatch for what felt like the thirtieth time in the past two minutes.

"Come on, Kim, we need to go. We're already running late, and you know how much Mom hates it when anyone's late to her events."

From the driver's seat of the car, Albert, Kim's father, drummed impatiently on the steering wheel.

"One more minute, Dad. Ryan will be here soon," Kim responded quickly, her eyes darting to her watch once more.

"You've been saying that for the past ten minutes. If we leave now, it'll save us all from the embarrassment of showing up with that loser".

Catherine snapped from the front seat, her tone sharp. She was Kim's mother and never shied away from voicing her opinions, especially when it involved Ryan.

"I don't know why you keep insisting he comes. He's just going to make a fool of himself again," Sydney, Kim's younger sister, chimed in from the backseat, crossing her arms in disdain.

Ryan was Kim's husband and the three people in the car that despised him so much were his in-laws.

At that moment, a man emerged from the night, hurrying towards them.

"Oh look, it's Ryan," Kim sighed. "What took you so long?"

"Sorry, Kim. I wanted to look good for the event, so I had to branch out and grab this suit," Ryan said, gesturing awkwardly to his outfit.

Sydney leaned out the window, squinting as if she couldn't believe her eyes, then burst out laughing. "Did you pick that from a trash bin, or did you actually pay for it?" she sneered.

Ryan smiled sheepishly. "I paid for it".

Though Ryan had paid for it, the suit was a joke! He didn't have enough money for a better one, so he grabbed this old thing for fifteen bucks at the flea market.

Sydney's eyes slid down to Ryan's shoes, her lip curling into a sneer. "Those shoes... where did you even find them? It's like you're trying to stand out, and not in a good way."

Kim shot Sydney a warning glance. "Enough, Sydney. The outfit looks just fine," she said defensively.

But even as she spoke, she knew she was lying.

"You make me sick, Ryan," Catherine complained. "Why don't you just stay at home? Look at what you are wearing- things like these weren't even worn in the fifteenth century".

Ryan glanced down at his outfit, awkwardly brushing a hand over his jacket. He didn't think it looked that bad, but in their eyes, he might as well have been wearing rags.

"How could my daughter be this unlucky? Why don't you just collapse and die, maybe she could find herself a real husband," Albert spat annoyingly.

"How can a man live off his wife like a parasite? It's embarrassing to even call you family," he added.

Ryan was no stranger to these contemptuous words, he had heard worse. The insults were beginning to sound like greetings to him.

"Come on everyone, we should get going. The event might've already started," Kim said grabbing the car door so that she and Ryan got in.

Albert started the car and drove to the Kardashian villa, nestled in the 's upscale district

A large, elegant banner stretched across the front of the house, proudly announcing '70th Birthday Celebration'.

It was a momentous day for the entire Kardashian family, especially Grandma Hannah as she celebrated her platinum birthday.

As they were about to enter, Albert seized Ryan's hand roughly. "Don't do anything to damage our reputation further. Blend in-be invisible if you have to," he warned sternly.

"Yes..." Ryan nodded instantly.

As soon as they stepped into the bustling hall, a couple approached them, as if they had been eagerly awaiting for their arrival.

"Ah, here comes my younger brother and his family! And, of course, their wonderful son-in-law," the man remarked sarcastically, raising his glass in mock celebration.

It was Albert's elder brother, Kingsley, accompanied by his wife, Natasha. Kingsley was more successful than his brother and never hesitated to mock him whenever the chance presented itself.

Albert's face tightened; he could already see their intentions in their eyes. And, as expected, they didn't disappoint.

"You're late, brother," Kingsley sneered, pointing his glass toward the clock. "I mean, I can clearly understand that your house is a bit far from here since you couldn't afford a house here in the upscale district," he smiled derisively.

"But don't worry, the celebration hasn't started yet. We're waiting for an important guest," Kingsley added, casting a sly glance in Kim's direction.

Albert read his brother like an open book. He was clearly up to something and it was no good.

"Sydney, darling, come over here and give your aunt a hug," Natasha cooed, beckoning to Kim's younger sister.

She pulled Sydney close, eyes gleaming with mischief. "Look at you-more beautiful by the day," she purred, holding Sydney's arms tightly. "Just don't make the mistake your sister did. The prettiest Kardashian granddaughter, married to a... well, a piece of trash."

Kim's brows furrowed, but she didn't speak.

"When you finish college, let me find you a real match," Natasha continued, her voice dripping with disdain. "Clearly, your parents have no taste in choosing sons-in-law. You wouldn't want to marry a loser, would you?"

"No, Auntie," Sydney shook her head quickly, her voice small.

"Good girl."

Catherine's chin fell with embarrassment, her husband equally mortified. Both of them glared at Ryan, their eyes filled with hatred.

"If only my daughter had married someone of status," Catherine thought bitterly. "Someone wealthy, with real standing in society. Then I wouldn't have to endure this humiliation."

Three years ago, Kim's grandfather, Kai Kardashian, had returned from a business trip with Ryan in tow and insisted on the marriage. A week after the wedding, Kai died in a car accident. Since then, Ryan had become the family's scapegoat, enduring their constant scorn. Even Grandma Hannah, his grandmother-in-law, treated him like an outcast. To them, he was trash.

But Ryan wasn't always this way. Just five years ago, he had been a man of honor, a Lieutenant General commanding thousands of soldiers in war. Before a series of mishaps brought him to this stage where he was considered nothing more than a piece of trash by in-laws.

Kingsley and Natasha exchanged a satisfied look, then turned to walk away. As if suddenly remembering something, Kingsley turned three-sixty with a smug grin.

"Oh, and Albert," he said, his tone deceptively casual. "It's Mother's platinum birthday today. She'll be expecting gifts from everyone. I trust your son-in-law has something special prepared?" He chuckled, his laughter lingering as they walked away.

Albert blinked, his glare fixated on Ryan. He wished the ground would open up and swallow this embarrassment of a man.

Ryan stood there, hands full of gifts for Grandma Hannah-none of which were his own.

If it hadn't been for his father, Kai, pushing for this marriage, Albert would have never allowed his daughter to marry Ryan. The humiliation of having him as a son-in-law was almost unbearable.

"Dad, let's just go say hello to Grandma," Kim suggested gently, hoping to ease the tension. "At least let her know we're not that late."

Albert scowled at Ryan again, the disgust etched clearly across his face, before finally turning and leading them toward the front of the hall, where Grandma Hannah sat regally.

The celebration began soon after, with Grandma Hannah seated at the head of the hall, receiving gifts from the family one by one.

Kingsley and Natasha were the first to present their gift. "Mother, my wife and I know how much you adore Caribbean culture and cuisine. So, we've acquired a mansion for you on a Caribbean island, worth $2 million," Kingsley announced, handing her a stack of documents.

Hannah's eyes lit up as she flipped through the papers. "Thank you, Kingsley. This is truly thoughtful of you both."

The room erupted in applause.

Next, she turned to her other son. "Your turn, Albert. What did you get for me?" she asked, gesturing for him to step forward.

Albert approached with his gift in hand. "Mom, I've brought you something special-Japanese matcha tea. It's said to add two years to your lifespan. It's valued at $800,000."

Grandma Hannah's smile widened. She'd heard of the tea but knew how rare it was to find. Though not as extravagant as Kingsley's gift, it was more personal.

Seeing her satisfaction, Kingsley couldn't resist stepping forward once more.

"Mother, Albert, and I have given you wonderful gifts. I think it's only fair that we let our children present theirs now," Kingsley said with a sly smile. "Let's start with Albert's son-in-law."

Albert's face darkened. He knew exactly what his brother was up to-setting the stage to humiliate him by singling out Ryan, knowing full well that Ryan couldn't afford a lavish gift. Albert regretted bringing him along. Ryan should've just stayed home.

"I agree," Grandma Hannah chimed in, her voice sharp. "Where is your useless son-in-law, Albert? Let's see what he's brought me. If he's even brought anything," she added with contempt.

"I'm here, Grandma," Ryan said, stepping forward.

"I have a gift for you," he continued, holding up a small box. "It's a symbol of my constant prayers for your good health." He handed the box to her, his expression humble.

Even Kim was stunned. She hadn't expected Ryan to be able to afford a gift for Grandma, so she hadn't bothered asking him. But Ryan had been saving up for months just to buy something for the occasion.

"What's this? A pearl necklace?" Kingsley snorted as Grandma Hannah pulled the necklace from the box.

"How dare you try to give Mom this dusty relic? Who even wears these anymore?" he mocked, his words drawing giggles from the guests.

Albert and Catherine lowered their heads in embarrassment. One glance at the necklace told them it wasn't worth more than a couple of hundred dollars. If they'd known Ryan had bought something like that, they would have stopped him from presenting it.

"This isn't just any pearl necklace, Uncle, it was specially blessed by a priest to give Grandma good health."

"Good health?" Kingsley scoffed. "The smell alone is enough to make her sick. Is that what you mean by good health?" he added, provoking more laughter from the room.

Though Hannah wasn't pleased with Ryan's gift, it was not in her nature to turn down gifts.

"I'll accept the necklace, but I'll give it to one of my servants. I won't be wearing something so outdated."

Almost immediately, the door swung open, revealing a man wearing an expensive suit, followed by three male servants, their hands filled with gifts.

"Happy birthday, Grandma Hannah! Indeed you've aged like a fine wine."

The person who spoke was Barnes, the eldest son and heir of the Dominic's family. He has been schooling abroad for some years now, so he would take over his father's company and he'd just returned today.

"Oh Barnes my boy, you've grown taller and more handsome than the last time I saw you- you take your looks from your grandfather. Come over here," Hannah exclaimed enthusiastically.

Everyone stared at Barnes with admiration, his attire exuded wealth.

"How was your trip? You arrived faster than I expected," Hannah said, raising an eyebrow.

Barnes flashed a smug grin. "It was amazing, Grandma-first class, literally. My father's private jet. You wouldn't believe how fast that thing flies." He leaned back, clearly relishing the attention, his smile widening. "That's how fast a half-billion-dollar jet flies."

Of course, Barnes was from a wealthy family and he never missed the opportunity to brag about it.

"Like I told you and Uncle Kingsley over the phone, I've heard the Kardashian granddaughters are the most stunning women in the city. Naturally, it only makes sense for me to find a wife of such beauty, especially from a family as esteemed as yours," Barnes revealed with a confident air, his eyes gleaming with ambition. "That's precisely why I'm here."

Hannah looked at him and smiled warmly, "It'll be such a wonderful thing to have you as a grandson-in-law, Barnes. I have five beautiful granddaughters, come on, go ahead and make your choice".

Albert looked at his brother and winked, now he clearly understood the special guest Kingsley mentioned earlier.

"Before I go on, Grandma, I brought gifts for three special people," Barnes said, gesturing toward the men behind him. "One is for you, of course, and the others are for whoever I choose as my wife-and her immediate parents."

"Oh really?" Hannah exclaimed, her eyes beaming with curiosity.

Barnes handed the gifts to Hannah. "I brought three gifts for you. First, an Italian scarf with your name, worth $1 million." Before she could react, he presented the next. "A jewelry package, valued at $5 million." Finally, he revealed the third gift. "And here, grandma-a bag containing $10 million in cash."

Hannah was dumbfounded, Barnes just gave her gifts worth half her company's annual earnings like it was nothing. The Dominic's must be far wealthier than they appeared.

"And Grandma Hannah, I've already made up my mind about which of your granddaughters I'll marry. They're all stunning, of course, but one of them stands out above the rest," he said with a sly grin.

"Go on, Barnes tell me. Who among them?" Hannah intrigued.

"Grandma, I'd like to marry Kim Kardashian!"

Ryan froze. His mind struggled to catch up with what he'd just heard. Kim-his wife-stood right beside him, yet this guy had the nerve to declare he wanted to marry her.

Without missing a beat, Ryan took Kim's hand and forced a smile. "I'm sorry, man, just in case you don't know, Kim is already married to me".

Barnes shot him a cold, dismissive glance, then scoffed. "So, you're the joke I heard about. How does a woman like Kim end up with someone like you? You appear more disheartening in person than my friends described over the phone."

Ryan's jaw tightened, but he said nothing, his hand still gripping Kim's. The guy knew she was married, yet, he acted as if her husband didn't even exist. Unbelievable!

Barnes sneered and turned back to Hannah. "Grandma, I've heard how hard your company has been trying to secure an Investment deal with Pinnacle Investment Company. My dad's friends with the owner," he said casually.

"If Kim agrees to marry me, one phone call and the deal could be done by tomorrow morning."

Hannah gasped. For over five years, the Kardashians' KK Enterprise had been chasing an investment deal with Pinnacle Investment. But compared to Pinnacle, KK was a small player, hardly worth their time.

Now, Barnes was offering her a shot at the deal she'd long coveted.

Hannah shot a serious glance at Kim. "What are you waiting for, you foolish girl?" she demanded. "Just say yes to him! Declare before everyone here that you love him! If you have to, kiss him right now!"

"Huh!" Kim gasped, disbelief flooding her. How could Grandma say that, knowing she was married and that her husband was right there, holding her hand?

"But Grandma, I'm married to Ryan!" she protested, her voice trembling.

"Yes, Grandma," Ryan added quickly, a mixture of shock and anger in his tone. "Kim and I are a couple. How could you say something so absurd? She's my wife! Have you forgotten?"

Hannah's face turned pale with fury as she raised to her feet. "How dare you challenge me, you worthless wretch?" she growled, her voice trembling with anger.

"My husband was perfect until he brought a pervert like you into this family. But don't worry; as his wife, I know how to correct his mistake."

With that, she gestured to the family lawyer among the guests. "I hope you brought the documents I requested."

The lawyer nodded and stepped forward, handing her a stack of papers.

Hannah snatched them and flung them at Ryan. "Sign these divorce papers and leave my granddaughter alone!"

Ryan's jaw dropped as he stared at the papers "What? No, Grandma! I can't divorce Kim. It's not happening!"

Catherine was angered as Ryan refused to sign the papers. If he divorced her daughter, Kim could marry Barnes, and all the shame and embarrassment of having a trashy son-in-law would finally end.

She then whispered something into her husband's ear. Albert frowned, walked to where Ryan stood, and slapped his face twice.

"You good for nothing son-in-law! How dare you talk back to mother?" Albert barked, provoked. "What are you waiting for? Go ahead, sign the divorce papers, and leave this family."

Ryan was such a strong guy that the slaps felt like pats on his chin. But asking him to divorce Kim was what actually hurt him.

"No Dad, I won't divorce Kim unless she wants to divorce me, willingly," he retorted firmly.

Albert was exasperated, he gripped Ryan's collar, yanked him closer, and slapped his face two more times. This time even harder.

"Stop it, dad, you-"

"Shut up, Kim!" Albert cut her off before she could even speak further. He was so furious that Kim had to retreat or she might also get a taste of his anger.

He shifted back his enraged glare to Ryan and continued. "Who do you think you are, huh? You are just a slump rat leaching off my family! You don't deserve to be with my daughter. Sign the papers and let her move on with someone deserving, you parasite!"

But Ryan was adamant, he wouldn't sign the divorce papers no matter how many times Albert slapped him.

"It's okay uncle," Barnes chuckled stepping closer "I know what less privileged people like him are after".

He smirked as he reached into his jacket and retrieved a checkbook. He signed, tore a sheet, and pointed it toward Ryan.

"Here you go, slump rat. I'm offering you a check of $ 1 million; take this and sign the divorce papers".

Everyone was stunned when Barnes presented the check. Ryan barely made $20,000 a year working as a security guard at a small restaurant. A million dollars was a huge amount to him. Why would he refuse?

Just as everyone expected, Ryan took the check.

Barnes smirked. "I knew you couldn't resist-guys like you can't say no to money. Now hurry up, sign the papers, and get out of here."

But as soon as he finished speaking, Ryan tore the check in half, crumpled the pieces, and tossed them right back in Barnes's face.

What did you think? That I'd take your money and hand over my wife?" Ryan scoffed. "Get this straight-Kim's not some property you can buy off me."

Barnes's eyes reddened with rage, insulted by Ryan's defiance.

"Damn you bastard!" he cursed and swung a punch at him.

Ryan didn't flinch. With a swift, calculated move, he caught Barnes's fist mid-air, twisted it effortlessly, and sent him stumbling backward.

At that moment, Kingsley who had been quietly watching the drama stepped forward.

"Come on Barnes, there is no need for all this drama. I mean, it's not like Kim is the only pretty lady in the Kardashian family," he said cunningly.

He then threw his arm around Barnes's neck and said, "Look, here are my three beautiful daughters. You can choose any of them you like. I don't even mind if you marry all three of them if that's what you want- just give me the gifts".

Barnes stared at the three ladies and they blushed coolly. They were truly captivating, but Kim was well out of their leagues. If beauty is a crime, then Kim would be facing a life sentence!

"I'm sorry but no, uncle" Barnes retorted raising Kingsley's hand off his shoulders. "It is Kim I want, and I'll only marry Kim, not anyone else," his voice echoing determination.

Kingsley and his daughters frowned, they glared at Kim menacingly, their eyes a mixture of jealousy and envy.

Barnes then shifted his gaze toward Kim, his expression softening as he spoke. "Kim, darling," he began, his voice calm yet brimming with confidence. "Why don't you leave this man behind and marry me instead? I can offer you a life of true luxury and wealth-the kind you deserve. This man," he gestured dismissively toward Ryan, "could never provide for you like I can. All you have to do is say yes."

Kim met his gaze, and her brows furrowed. "No, Barnes. I can't." She shook her head firmly. Grandfather made me promise on his deathbed that Ryan and I would stay together, no matter what."

Barnes was angered, he scowled at Ryan as he leaned back and retreated to where Hannah was seated.

"Grandma Hannah," Barnes said, his tone hardening. "Since Kim won't marry me, I'm taking back the other gifts. Until she agrees, I want nothing to do with this family."

He spat the words, turning to leave with his men, but paused after a few steps. "One more thing, Grandma," he said, glancing back. "If Kim doesn't come to me in the next 36 hours, you should forget about the Pinnacle deal. I'll personally make sure it never happens." With a cold sneer, Barnes walked out.

Hannah's face flushed, her body barely containing her rage. "Kim, you... you foolish girl!" she growled, her voice trembling with fury. "Do you realize what your stubbornness has caused? All you had to do was say yes-just one simple word: y-e-s!" She spelled it out, her anger building with each letter. "But no, you couldn't do it. And now, our company won't be getting the deal. We're finished!"

Kim's heart raced. She had never seen her grandmother this furious. "G-grandma, I-I-" she stammered.

"Be quiet!" Hannah snapped. "You reckless, stubborn girl!" Her eyes blazed with fury, and for a moment, it seemed they might burst from their sockets.

"Mother, why are you angry with Kim?" Kingsley stepped forward, his tone calm and measured, catching everyone off guard, even Kim. Was her uncle actually coming to her defense?

Of course not.

"A father bears responsibility for his daughter's actions," he said slyly, his gaze sliding over to Albert. "This is Albert's failure. He should have convinced Kim to marry Barnes, but he couldn't. Your anger at Kim should really be directed at him." Kingsley pointed an accusing finger at his brother.

Kingsley quickly took advantage of the moment to turn their mother's anger toward Albert.

"You're right, Kingsley," Hannah snapped, her eyes narrowing on Albert. "If only you'd taught your daughter better-she wouldn't have defied me."

Her voice grew icy. "As of now, you're no longer my son. Until Kim marries Barnes and secures that investment, you and your family are cut off from the Kardashians."

Albert's jaw dropped, eyes wide in disbelief. Had his mother just disowned him and his family? Everyone in the hall was equally shocked.

"Mom? Did you just..."

"Don't call me Mom-we're no longer related," Hannah cut him off coldly. "Until you secure the investment deal, I don't want to see any of you here."

"Guards!" she called. In seconds, four men appeared at her command. "Throw them out of my house!" she ordered firmly.

"Huh!"

Even the guards hesitated, stunned by the idea of evicting her own son and his family. But the fury in her eyes left no room for defiance.

Kingsley and Natasha smirked in satisfaction as Albert and his family were unceremoniously thrown out of the hall, humiliated before all.

Outside the villa, Catherine's hand swung sharply across Ryan's face, delivering a stinging slap.

"This is all your fault, you filthy swine!" she hissed. "Why won't you just sign the divorce papers and end this miserable marriage? Because of you, we were humiliated in front of everyone-and now we've been cut off from the family!" she spat, her voice dripping with venom.

"Mom?" Kim protested, stepping between them. "How is any of this Ryan's fault?"

"When will you stop taking his side, sis?" Sydney snapped. "If he'd just signed the divorce papers, you'd be free of this loser and married to Barnes. He wouldn't even take the million dollars Barnes offered," she said, her frustration evident.

She turned to Ryan with a frown, her face twisted as if she'd tasted something bitter.

"If you really care about my sister as you claim, then sign the divorce papers. Let her marry someone who can actually take care of her and give her what she deserves-not a bum like you."

Though the insults and blame from both women stung, Ryan held his tongue, refusing to respond.

"Dad, please say something-make them understand this isn't Ryan's fault," Kim pleaded, her desperation growing.

Albert, leaning against the car, had barely spoken since they were thrown out.

"Damn it!" he finally exclaimed, delivering a frustrated kick to his car, hard enough to risk breaking either his leg or the car itself.

He then turned to face Ryan "You are the worst thing that's ever happened to this family! My mother cut ties with us today because of you," he blamed looking at him dangerously.

"That's not fair, Dad," Kim protested.

"Shut up, Kim!" Albert snapped, his tone harsh. "Not another word defending this lowlife. You should be focused on accepting Barnes' proposal and securing the investment deal for Grandma!"

"No Dad, I'll never marry Barnes!"

Albert's eyes flared with rage as he stormed toward Kim, his hand lifting, ready to strike her for her defiance. But just as he was about to bring it down, his arm froze in place.

Ryan had caught him mid-swing. "You bastard, let go of me!" Albert barked, struggling to free his arm. But it wouldn't budge, as if he were trying to pull a tree root from solid ground.

"Please, Dad, don't hit Kim," Ryan said calmly, his grip firm on Albert's wrist.

Albert's eyes narrowed. "If you want to stop me, then sign the divorce papers. Let her take Barnes' proposal and secure the deal for Mother!"

Ryan looked over at his wife, who had her hands covering her mouth in alarm as her father's hand remained frozen mid-air. Ryan's gaze then shifted steadily back to his father-in-law.

"What if I promise you that Kim would secure the investment deal for Grandma before the 36 hours, is that enough to stop you from hitting her?"

Albert's countenance softened a bit. Was this another way of Ryan saying that he would leave his daughter for Barnes within 36 hours?

"No, Ryan," Kim shook her head frustratingly. "What are you saying? Grandpa said we should stay together till the end. Are you really going to sign the divorce papers and end our marriage?"

Ryan turned towards his wife and his eyes gleamed with assurance. "Please trust me, Kim, I know what I'm doing."

Turning to Albert, he promised, "Dad, Kim will get the deal for Grandma and you will be accepted back into the family before the next 36 hours."

Sydney's eyes lit up with excitement. "Are you really going to divorce Kim?" she asked, her voice heavy with amusement. "I knew it! You were just pretending. You want that million from Barnes, don't you?"

Catherine sneered, "I'm delighted you're leaving my daughter, shameless as you are."

Ryan stared at the two of them and blinked without uttering a word.

Albert's anger faded as he lowered his arm. He sighed deeply, the weight of the day settling in. Without another word, he opened the car door, signaling it was time to leave.

As everyone climbed in, he shot a cold glare at Ryan and stepped back, blocking the door.

"You're not getting in. Not after everything that's happened."

Kim wasn't happy, she wanted to intervene but her father threatened to disown her that very instant if she did.

"Don't worry Kim, I'll be fine. I know a few shortcuts, I will reach home before you know it".

Ryan assured her before Albert started the car and drove off, disappearing into the night.

He then sighed, even if he took the shortcuts like he had told Kim, he was covering nothing less than twenty miles in the cold night by foot.

But he wasn't going to cover twenty miles by just staring down the street, so he started to trek. He had barely walked off the Kardashian's premises when a sleek black SUV pulled up beside him.