Tyler, a live-in son-in-law was subjected to constant tormenting by his mother in-law so much so that he'd imagine committing suicide. The fact that his wife was just as cruel didn't make things any easier for him. But, when fate smiled upon Tyler, he amassed an abundance of wealth and riches. Now it's his turn to return the favour. Tyler swore he'd make his mother in-law and her cruel daughter beg him on their knees.
Chapter 1 The Birthday Bargain
The Villa Vega in Los Angeles sparkled under the night sky, its lights casting a warm glow over the bustling crowd. Elder Vega's seventieth birthday party was in full swing. Guests filled every corner, their laughter and chatter creating a lively atmosphere.
"Elder Vega, you look incredible!" exclaimed Sophia, his youngest granddaughter. She handed him a beautifully wrapped gift. "Happy birthday!"
"Thank you, Sophia," Elder Vega replied, his eyes twinkling with delight as he accepted the present. "What can I do for you this year?"
Sophia's face lit up. "I've always dreamed of having my own apartment in the city. Do you think-"
"Consider it done," Elder Vega interrupted with a smile. "You'll have the keys by next week."
Nearby, his son, Marco, approached with a grin. "Dad, I hate to ask, but could I get one of those luxury bags I've been eyeing? The one from the new collection?"
"Marco, my boy," Elder Vega chuckled. "Anything for you. I'll make sure it's delivered to your office tomorrow."
Across the room, his eldest grandson, Alex, joined the conversation. "Grandpa, can I have a new sports car? The one I've been talking about for months?"
Elder Vega raised an eyebrow in mock surprise. "A sports car? How about I get you two? One for each day of the week?"
Alex's eyes widened. "Are you serious, Grandpa?"
"Absolutely," Elder Vega said, patting Alex on the back. "You deserve it."
From a distance, his daughter, Elena, watched with a knowing smile. She made her way to her father, holding a sparkling bottle of champagne. "Dad, I think you're spoiling us all rotten," she teased.
"Ah, but it's my seventieth!" Elder Vega replied, accepting the champagne with a grin. "I wouldn't miss this chance to make everyone happy."
The room buzzed with excitement as more guests came forward with their wishes. Elder Vega listened attentively, his promise never faltering.
"How about a Rolex watch, Dad?" his son-in-law, Greg, asked.
"Of course, Greg," Elder Vega said, his tone earnest. "Which model do you want?"
"One of the limited editions," Greg answered.
"Done," Elder Vega affirmed with a nod. "I'll make sure it's on your wrist soon."
As the night progressed, the villa was alive with joy and celebration. Elder Vega's promises flowed as freely as the champagne, each wish granted with the same enthusiasm he showed at the start of the evening.
The laughter, the gifts, and the heartfelt promises continued creating a blissful atmosphere.
The party was in full swing, with laughter and chatter filling the air. Tyler Tonga, feeling the weight of the crowd's eyes, finally mustered the courage to speak up.
"Um, I was wondering if I could get a scooter," Tyler said, his voice almost lost in the clamor.
The room fell silent for a moment before laughter erupted. "A scooter?" Aunt Helen exclaimed, shaking her head. "Are you serious?"
"After all these years, he wants a scooter?" Uncle Joe snorted. "That's rich."
Tyler shifted uncomfortably, his face reddening. "I just thought it would help with getting around. I've been walking everywhere."
Grandma Vega's death had come three years ago, and Tyler had been a part of the family only because of her decision. Since then, he had been the butt of jokes and had been assigned menial tasks, all without a word of protest.
"Maybe if you'd done something useful, you'd get more respect," Helen continued. "But asking for a scooter? Really?"
Tyler lowered his gaze. "I thought it would be a practical gift."
The laughter and whispers around him grew louder. Tyler sighed and took a step back, resigning himself to the familiar role he had come to accept.
As the laughter continued, Elder Vega's face darkened. His patience finally snapped.
"Why would you ask for a scooter?" he roared. "Are you mocking us?"
Hailey, Tyler's wife, hurried over to her grandfather. "Grandpa, please, it's just a small request. It's not worth getting upset over."
But Elder Vega's anger did not abate. "A small request? After all the trouble you've caused, this is your grand plan?"
The room's ridicule grew louder, each comment stinging Tyler more deeply. Hailey's attempts to calm the situation only seemed to fuel the family's amusement.
Just then, the doors swung open, and Quest Chester, a distinguished manager from the Tonga Enterprise, entered. He held a grand gift wrapped in gold paper.
"Happy Birthday!" Quest announced with a wide grin. "And I have something special for Hailey too."
The room fell silent, eyes turning toward the new arrival. Tyler watched as Quest stepped confidently to Hailey, completely ignoring him.
"I've been meaning to ask you," Quest began, "would you marry me, Hailey?"
The family gasped in shock. Hailey stood frozen, her eyes darting between Quest and Tyler.
Tyler's heart sank as the room buzzed with excitement and whispers. He was left standing in the middle of the laughter and derision, overshadowed by the grandeur of the unexpected proposal.
The room erupted in chaos as Quest's proposal hung in the air.
"Wow, this is something!" Aunt Linda said, her eyes sparkling. "Hailey could do so much better!"
"Seriously," Uncle Joe chimed in, "Tyler's just a laughingstock. This could be her chance to shine."
Hailey's face flushed with panic. "I need to think about this," she said, her voice trembling.
Serenity, Hailey's younger sister, stepped forward. "I'll buy you a scooter, Tyler," she offered, "if you agree to divorce Hailey."
Tyler's eyes widened. "What? No, I'm not going to do that."
Elder Vega, frowning deeply, leaned in. "Tyler, if you divorce her, I'll give you a million dollars."
Tyler shook his head firmly. "I'm not doing it. I'm committed to Hailey."
The debate grew heated. "Why stick around for someone who's clearly not wanted?" Linda shouted.
"Yeah, Tyler, why not take the money and run?" Joe added.
Tyler stood tall despite the ridicule. "My commitment to Hailey is not for sale. I'm not going anywhere."
The arguments continued to fly, each side passionately defending their stance. Hailey, caught in the middle, felt overwhelmed as the family's opinions clashed around her. Tyler's resolve was clear, even as the room buzzed with heated exchanges and harsh judgments.