The amazing son in law

Charlie Wade woke up to the sound of his wife’s voice, sharp and impatient, calling from the kitchen. “Charlie, get up! We’re late!” His eyes fluttered open, and for a brief moment, he allowed himself to forget. Forget the ridicule, the scorn, the life that was a far cry from the one he once knew. But reality had a way of rushing back in. He rose from the small, creaky bed in the dimly lit room. The morning light struggled to seep through the thin curtains, casting a dull glow on the shabby furniture. Charlie sighed and quickly dressed, pulling on his worn-out clothes. He couldn’t afford to keep Claire waiting. Claire, his wife of three years, stood in the tiny kitchen, her frustration palpable. “You know how important today is, don’t you? My parents are already furious about the last meeting. We can’t be late again!” Charlie nodded, swallowing his retort. Claire’s family had never accepted him. To them, he was nothing more than a burden, a live-in son-in-law who didn’t deserve their daughter. They had no idea who he truly was, and he had no intention of revealing it. Not yet, anyway. “Sorry, Claire,” he mumbled. “I’ll be ready in a minute.” They left their small apartment and walked to the subway station. The ride to the Wilson family’s company was quiet, tense. Claire’s parents, especially her mother, Elaine, never missed an opportunity to remind Charlie of his lowly status. Today would be no different. As they entered the building, the receptionist gave Charlie a once-over, her eyes filled with disdain. It was a look he had grown accustomed to. They made their way to the boardroom where Claire’s parents, Elaine and Jacob, waited with her cousin Harold and a few other relatives. The meeting was about the new project that the Wilson family was planning, and Claire’s role in it. Elaine’s eyes narrowed as soon as Charlie entered the room. “You’re late, again,” she snapped. “How typical.” Jacob, more reserved but equally dismissive, nodded. “We don’t have time for your excuses, Charlie. Sit down and keep quiet.” Charlie bit back his anger and took a seat at the far end of the table. The meeting dragged on, with Elaine and Harold dominating the conversation. They made it clear that Claire’s position was tentative, dependent on her ability to prove herself. And, as always, Charlie’s presence was an inconvenience they barely tolerated. Suddenly, the door to the boardroom burst open. A man in an expensive suit, exuding authority, strode in. His presence demanded attention, and the room fell silent. Charlie’s heart skipped a beat. He recognized the man – Stephen Thompson, a high-ranking executive in the Wade family’s vast business empire. Stephen’s eyes scanned the room and settled on Charlie. A flicker of recognition passed between them. Charlie’s mind raced. Why was Stephen here? Had something happened? “Mr. Wade,” Stephen said, his voice calm yet firm, “I’m here to take you home.” The room erupted in murmurs. Elaine’s face turned pale, and Jacob looked bewildered. Claire’s eyes widened in shock. “What is this?” Elaine demanded. “Who are you?” Stephen ignored her, focusing solely on Charlie. “It’s time, Mr. Wade. Your grandfather has decided it’s time for you to reclaim your place in the family.” Charlie stood, his heart pounding. He had been waiting for this moment, dreading it and longing for it in equal measure. He turned to Claire, who looked torn between disbelief and confusion. “I’ll explain everything later,” he said softly. “But I have to go.” As Stephen led him out of the boardroom, the stunned silence gave way to a flurry of questions and accusations. Elaine’s voice rose above the rest, a mix of anger and fear. “What’s going on? What does he mean by ‘reclaim your place’?” Stephen paused at the door and turned to face her. “Mr. Wade is the heir to the Wade family fortune. He’s worth more than you can imagine. I suggest you show him the respect he deserves.” With that, he closed the door, leaving the Wilson family in a state of shock. Charlie followed Stephen to a waiting car, his mind spinning. The drive to the Wade family mansion was long and silent, giving Charlie time to process what had just happened. When they arrived, Charlie stepped out of the car and looked up at the imposing mansion. Memories flooded back – his childhood, his parents, the life he had left behind. He had been sent away to protect him from the enemies of the Wade family, but now, it seemed, his time in obscurity was over. Inside, his grandfather, Lord Wade, waited. The old man’s eyes softened when he saw Charlie. “Welcome home, Charlie. It’s time for you to take your rightful place.” Charlie took a deep breath. He knew that this moment would change everything. His life with the Wilsons, his relationship with Claire – nothing would ever be the same. But he also knew that he could no longer hide. It was time to embrace his destiny.