Episode 1

"Richard! Why is the living room still so dusty? And all this clutter is not put away properly!" Sabrina's shout thundered throughout the house.

The tall, well-built man hustled out of his room. His breathing was ragged as he made his way to his mother-in-law, who was inspecting the dust on the furniture.

"I'm sorry, Ma. I had to get Velyn's things ready before heading to work," Richard said in a subdued tone.

"I don't care! I expect to relax anywhere in a clean, dust-free space!" Sabrina retorted, glaring sharply at her new son-in-law.

Richard sighed deeply, "Alright. I'll take care of it right away, Ma," he said, as he moved to get the cleaning supplies.

"What's with you, Ma! Creating such a fuss first thing in the morning. It's giving me a headache!" Velyn complained as she descended the stairs gracefully.

Adorned in a knee-length dress and a blazer that fit her tall frame perfectly, paired with high heels, it was clear she was ready for another day at the office.

"Look at your husband. What's he been doing all morning? It's this late, and the housework is still not done!" Sabrina scorned, dismissing her son-in-law.

Unfazed, Richard tirelessly wiped the dust off tables, sofas, and around the living room.

"Iron my shirt, Ma. And really, Mama, why did you fire our two maids?" Velyn moved on to the dining table to have breakfast as usual.

"What's the use of your husband, Vel? Rather than being a bartender, he might as well clean our house. It'll help cut the monthly budget!" Sabrina scoffed, rolling her eyes dismissively.

Without much concern, Velyn took her seat. She didn't particularly care for her husband's well-being. His presence had caused the collapse of her marriage to her beloved.

A short while later, everyone gathered at the breakfast table. Richard hurriedly washed his hands, then swiftly joined them, before his mother-in-law could find another reason to ignite her fury.

One by one, he served them, fetching food for his in-laws, his sister-in-law, and eventually his wife. Only then was he able to sit down at the table.

"Big sis Velyn, can I get a ride to college with you? My car's still at the mechanic’s!" Debora—Velyn's sister—asked.

"Hmm!" was all Velyn responded. She ate quickly, disgusted with having to be in the house and see her husband. Despite his handsome looks, Velyn's hatred for him ran deep.

...

Velyn and Debora left after finishing their breakfast, bidding farewell only to their parents, ignoring Richard.

The man grumbled, having been part of the Narendra family for a week but still receiving no respect from any of them, including his wife.

"Aduh! My back suddenly hurts so much, Ma!" Narendra complained, struggling to rise from his chair.

"Hey, what's wrong, Pa? Weren't you fine just now?" Sabrina inquired, furrowing her brows.

"I don't know, Ma. It hurts too much even to move!" Narendra added, grimacing and clutching his lower back.

Richard approached quickly, "Let's move you to the living room, Pa. Let me help!" he offered.

Reluctant and distrustful, Narendra reluctantly accepted the assistance from the son-in-law he regarded as worthless.

Richard gently supported Narendra's frame, helping him to sit on the long sofa.

"Where does it hurt, Pa?" Richard asked, kneeling down.

Narendra moaned and applied pressure to his lower back, reluctant to answer since he thought it pointless.

Without waiting for a reply, Richard began massaging the nerve points on Narendra's feet.

"Aaarggh! You damned son-in-law! What are you doing? Are you trying to kill me?" Narendra lashed out with a kick that sent Richard sprawling, feeling greater pain.

Momentarily silent, Richard observed his father-in-law's ashen face, noting the cold sweat on his brow. From the complaints and his knowledge of acupuncture points, Richard deduced the issue.

"I'm sorry, Pa, but for the past five years, I've practiced traditional massage. I can tell that your kidneys are troubled. Please reduce your salt intake and drink more water," Richard explained.

"Psh, what do you know about medicine?" Sabrina sneered, shoving Richard's shoulder. "Just you wait, if anything happens to my husband, I could have you jailed!" she said, glaring intensely.

"Up to you, Ma. If you don't believe it, you can go check at the hospital right now. Let me drive you," Richard shrugged, then got up and walked out to prepare the car.

He ran back in and helped his father-in-law into the vehicle.

...====ooo====

...

At the hospital, the doctor's diagnosis confirmed Richard's suspicions. For now, Narendra could be treated as an outpatient.

Richard drove slowly as Narendra continued to groan in pain.

"The doctor's diagnosis is similar to mine, right, Pa? Apart from medical drugs, I will also assist with traditional massage therapy to help reduce the pain," Richard said, glancing at the rearview mirror.

"It's probably just a fluke!" Sabrina sneered contemptuously.

"It's up to Mama. I just want to help. It’s not in my interest to hurt my father-in-law," Richard replied calmly.

"Just get on with it! But you'll hear from me if there’s no improvement within a week!" Narendra ordered, resting his head and closing his eyes. Richard responded with a smile and a nod.

After ensuring his in-laws were comfortably settled in their room, Richard received orders to pick up Debora from college, since her car was still at the garage.

...

Wearing simple attire, a white T-shirt and jeans, Richard leaned against his car parked outside Debora's college campus.

Students began streaming out as lectures ended. Richard kept a watchful eye, not wanting his sister-in-law to wait too long.

Shortly, Debora’s eyes widened in surprise upon spotting her brother-in-law. She hurriedly bid farewell to her friends and rushed over, embarrassed that they knew Richard as a bartender from their frequent visits to the bar where he worked. She feared her friends might recognize him as her brother-in-law.

"Why are you here? Where's Papa?" Debora demanded, peering into the car.

"I came to pick you up. Papa is unwell," Richard replied casually, opening the door for her.

THUD!

Debora’s bag hit Richard squarely in the chest, which he managed to catch. "Let's go! Don't let my friends see who you are!" she moaned, slumping into the passenger seat.

Richard exhaled deeply to maintain his composure. Then, taking his place behind the wheel, he started the car and smoothly drove away.

Just fifteen minutes after leaving the college, a vehicle appeared suddenly, blocking their path.

Forced to slam on the brakes, Richard stopped the car abruptly causing Debora to lurch forward.

"Hey! Can't you drive or what?" Debora’s shout stung his ears.

Silent, Richard paid no heed to her rant, his gaze steadily focused on the sharply dressed individuals approaching them.

To be continued~

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