The Unfortunate Wife

The In-Laws

CAMERON’S POV

“Good evening, sir.” I smiled when I entered the minister of defence’s office.

“Cameron! What a pleasant surprise. Come in, come in-it's the least I can do for you after what happened at the country club. I apologised for my soldiers' rudeness to you. I never thought that the general’s eldest son to be bold.” The minister shakes his head as he offers me a seat.

“I hope your wife is well, Cameron?” I nodded.

“Jasmine is fine. But what the general’s daughter in law did to her is unforgivable. I have no choice but to seek your help, sir.” The minister waved his hand.

“Don’t mention it. Your contribution to the military is far beyond my help. You’re a wise businessman, Cameron. If only most business owners or politicians act as well as you did, this country will be even better than it is now.” I smiled since that is one heavy praise to bear.

“I’m only doing what I am capable of doing, sir. Anyway, I am here because the general wish to see me. May I know why does the general want to see me?” The minister sighed.

“It’s a long story. But to make it short, the general wish to reinstate his son to his former position. But to do that, he needs to meet the one who suggested that his son be dismissed from the army.” I see. Well, luckily, my schedule today isn’t packed.

“It’s been a few minutes since I arrived. Where is this general? Do I have to wait for him? I am a busy person, sir.” The minister chuckled as he offered me a glass of water. And to think that the minister is pouring me a glass of water is laughable, in my opinion.

“I have asked my secretary to inform the general that you’re here. Also, I wish to discuss a new project between the ministry of defence and the Viceroy after this. Is that possible, Cameron?” I should’ve known.

“Make an appointment with my secretary. I am, after all, a busy person. My secretary is the only one who knows my schedule. Let him handle the appointment date.” The minister smiled, satisfied with my answer.

“Splendid! And it sees the general is here now.” I turned my attention to the door.

“General! This man is Cameron Viceroy.” I can see the expression on the general’s face changes.

“Cameron Viceroy? From Viceroy conglomerate?” I finally stood up from my seat and offered my hand for the general to shake.

“Nice meeting you, sir. Please, have a seat. We shall discuss this matter thoroughly.” I smiled. As time goes by, I waited for the general to say something, but it seems the cat got his tongue after knowing my identity.

“General, it’s rude to keep a busy man idly like this. If you have something to discuss, it’s better to do it now than never. Mr Viceroy does not have the time to entertain such insolent.” The minister is putting pressure on this man for my sake. Good! Let’s see where this general will do.

“Young master, I apologised for my son and daughter in law rudeness towards you and your wife. But, my son needs to feed his family, so dismissing him from his position will not be a good way for his family to survive. Since he was forced to quit his position, I’m sure no company will ever take him as its worker.” I watched as the general took out a couple of little kids pictures.

“Look at their faces, young master- do you have the heart to see them suffer because of what their parents did?” I placed my cup down.

“Well, why don’t you, as their grandfather, take them in and live with you and your wife, general? Ignore your son and his wife; let them live in poverty. Your son even dares to freely mention your name as he was making trouble for himself. You don’t deserve to have such a son in your family.” I was not fazed when the general suddenly stood up from his seat and kowtowed in front of me.

“Please, young master. I need my eldest son to succeed in my family properly. If he is dismissed from the military, my ancestor will not be happy knowing that no good son of mine destroys the family tradition.” I find it amusing to see this old man begging for his son sake.

I guess some parents aren’t as bad as mine.

“Which family is your daughter in law from?” I asked. The man looked up and said,

“My daughter is from the Ming family of XXX city. From what I heard, my eldest met his wife when he was vacationing. That is how they developed their feelings and decided to get married.” The Ming family, huh.

“The same Ming family who dominated the automobile franchise? That Ming family? Interesting.” The general seems confused for a moment.

“There is no need for you to kowtow in front of me, general. What will your subordinate say if they saw their esteemed general put his head down for someone much younger than he is? It is your son and his wife that suppose to kowtow in your place because they were the ones who made things worse. Tell your son and daughter in law to come to my office this coming Friday. I will take care of them. Also, keep your grandchildren pictures. Don’t worry; I won’t make them suffer for their parent's mistake.” The general nodded, please, with my words.

“Now that we’ve discussed such displeasing matter, why don’t you join us for a cup of tea?” The general gets up from the floor, bowing his head before sitting on the couch.

“Thank you, young master. This favour, I won’t forget till the day I die. If you need any help from me, please give me a call.” I smiled. Well, this incident turns out to be in my favour. Even though his son is a waste, the general does have his use in my plan.

To be the true leader and head of the Viceroy Conglomerate, I need to find powerful allies who will stand behind me for the worse. My cousins won’t let this slide. I may have the company’s chairman seat, but being the family head is a whole different story.

I need a lot of backers and supporters.

***

“Ugh, why do we have to be here? I’m married, and I thought I only have to visit my parents for the holidays, and that’s it. Why do we have to be here now?” Jasmine sighed before getting herself out of the car.

From what I heard, Jasmine is not on good terms with her parents because of what she had done to her family before marriage. Although Mr and Mrs Bridget love their daughter, sometimes they need to be firm, especially if their daughter made a mistake. Isn’t that normal?

Unlike my parents, who only think about themselves, I think Mr and Mrs Bridget is quite supportive parents for their children.

“Sister, brother in law!” Jasmine ran towards her little sister before hugging her as tight as she could.

“Lucia! When did you come out of the hospital? Why didn’t you tell me? How are you? Is it okay for you to be out of the hospital?” I smiled when Lucia waved her hands at me. This is my second time meeting Lucia Bridget. Because of her weak body since birth, Lucia spent most of her time in the hospital.

Jasmine would visit her often, but because of the recent changes, Jasmine felt apologetic towards her little sister.

“Lucia, I’m sorry for not be able to visit you like I used to. I-,” Lucia giggled.

“Jasmine, you’re not the type to apologise for anything you do. Did brother in law taught you how to be apologetic?” Lucia teased us by wiggling her eyebrows.

“You’re a child! Do not spout nonsense.” Jasmine blushed in a deep shade of red.

“Excuse me? I am fifteen years old. I am an adult. In some country, I would be wed by now. Am I right, brother in law?” Lucia smiled. I am an only child in the family. So I have never felt like having any siblings. Sure, I have little cousins, but most of them decided to be my enemy because of the inheritance.

“That is true. But it would be better for your sister if you act like a child for just a few more years.” I messed up the child’s hair. Lucia sighed.

“Brother in law- do you know how hard it was for me to tell the servant to put my hair like this? You ruined it!” I smiled.

“Would you look at that- Jasmine decided to come home with her husband. Did mommy called?” Jasmine turned and faced her brother, Jacob.

“Jacob? I didn't know you're here as well. I thought you’re away for work. Did you manage to visit Marcia in Switzerland?” Jacob shakes his head no.

“It was exam week, so Marcia forbid me from visiting her. And since I have little time for leisure, I decided to give her money and then leave.” I wonder why Jasmine is worried for Marcia, who is an adult. If I recall correctly, Marcia should be twenty years old.

“Jacob, I told you to check up on her. That girl-,” Lucia suddenly grabbed hold of Jasmine’s hand when Mr and Mrs Bridget walked down the stairs.

“Jasmine? You’re finally here. And, hello, Cameron. You must be busy with your packed schedule. We have a lot to talk about.” Somehow I don’t feel at ease knowing that this couple of having to say to me.

“I heard that you’re planning to spread your wings to another country, Cameron. Aren’t you too bold for someone who just sat on the CEO seat?” My father in law knows how to start a conversation.

“Since my grandfather approves of my proposal, it doesn’t seem like a bad idea. Besides, this project will benefit both of our family in the long run.” My father in law laughed while hitting my shoulder, telling me that I am such a good son in law.

“Good! As expected from the Viceroy!” My father in law continues to laugh. When we arrived at the dining hall, I decided to pull a chair for my wife to sit on.

“Thank you.” Jasmine’s thanked me before I took a seat next to hers.

“It’s rare to see a man pulling a chair for his wife. I, for one, have never seen my husband doing it for me.” My mother in law suddenly said.

“I’ve pulled enough chair for you since the moment I take you as my wife. Besides, we’re old now. Why would I continue to do such a thing? Aren’t you embarrassed?” I noticed how my mother in law sigh before indulges herself with her food. Mr Bridget should be more attentive when it comes to his wife, though.

“Brother in law, is it okay for me to sit next to you?” Lucia smiled at me.

“Of course, beautiful.” I stood up from my seat and pulled the chair before pushing it in as she sat.

“Sister, you’re one lucky woman. I mean, brother in law is quite the eye-catcher.” Mrs Bridget suddenly clears her throat.

“Lucia- you’re too young for this. But since we’re talking about it, just like Lucia said earlier, Cameron is quite an eye-catcher. Don’t you two have any plans on giving me the joy of being a grandmother? When will you give me big fat grandchildren?” My mother in law smiled at both Jasmine and me.

“It’s only been six months, mother.” It’s getting awkward now.

“Your father and I were only married for four months when I was pregnant with you! Don’t tell me that you’re one of those couples who on birth control. Jasmine, your father and I are getting older as the day goes by. Cameron, I’m sure your parents would like it if you give them an heir.” I take a few sips of my drink before smiling at my in-laws.

“I understand, mother, father. But just like Jasmine mentioned before, we knew each other for six months. And most of the time, I am working at the office. The only time we have together is when we go to bed. But by that time, both of us is too tired to do anything.” My mother in law sighed.

“Perhaps you should go for a honeymoon?” My father in law suddenly suggested.

“Or, if you don’t have the time, why not go for a short vacation? For example, one of Viceroy’s famous business venture would be the cruise liners. Why not enjoy yourself on a cruise? You can work and have fun at the same time!” Father in law, you’re one slick man.

“Make some time for your wife, Cameron. Sure, work is important because I know my daughter is the type to spent money like it’s nothing. But I also know that my daughter is the type to yearn for love.” Does she?

Perhaps I have never seen that side of her that I am a bit sceptical.

“I will find a time in my busy schedule to bring Jasmine on a honeymoon. Don’t worry, mother, father. We will try our hardest to give you a grandchild.” Jasmine suddenly stepped on my foot as I hide the pain from her parents.

I know what I’m saying right now is unorthodox, but I have to! It’s hard to make a point to two bulldozers in front of us.

“Good! You must be a good husband to your wife, Cameron. I’m sure your father told you how to be a man, correct?” I smiled. No, he didn’t. He told me to build my muscle and use the dildo pants my mother prepared for me.

“Of course, father.” I continue to eat my food while Jasmine and her parents talk about how her life is after moving in with me.

“Brother in law-,” I look up to Jacob, who called out my name.

“Do you have a moment to spare after this? I would like to discuss a possible business venture with you. That is if you willing to hear me out.” Hmmm. Jacob Bridget is known for being a genius. But- since he trains under his father, he has never made any good business decision at all. And I know my father in law is not happy at all.

“Don’t waste your time with him, Cameron. He has never made himself worthy of being part of the Bridget family. All he did was spending the funding he manage to get!” Jasmine suddenly grabbed hold of my hand.

“But father, I’m positive that this project will make me shine as your son and also the future heir of this family. Please trust me. Brother in law will help, right?” How did I end up in this situation?

“No! Your brother in law has many more things to do than babysitting a child!” I raised my hand.

“It’s okay, father. I will help him.” I turned to Jacob, who smiled at me.

“Thank you! You won’t regret it at all!” I smiled at Jacob.

“You’re spending your precious time with a waste, Cameron. I was planning to make my nephew the successor since Jacob doesn’t have what it take. Viceroy is lucky to have you. My son may be a genius, but he doesn’t know how to do good business at all.” My father in law sigh in disappointment.

“Father!” Jacob stood up from her seat.

“I’m trying as hard as I could, so please, give me one more chance. Please, give me one last chance to prove myself!” Once again, Jasmine squeezes my hand. Is she trying to tell me something?

Is Jasmine trying to tell me that I should help Jacob? Well, if that’s what my wife wants, that precisely what I should do.