The in laws

Alex stood in front of the mirror, adjusting his shirt. It was an older piece of clothing, one that had seen better days, but it was the best he had. Today, he was going back to the Smith family home for a gathering. He hadn't been there since moving out, and he knew exactly what to expect: ridicule and contempt.

He sighed, feeling the familiar knot of anxiety in his stomach. The Smith family had never respected him. They saw him as a burden, a nobody who had lucked his way into their lives. And now, with his wife's infidelity out in the open, their disdain would only be magnified.

"Focus, Alex," he told himself. "This is just a step. You'll get through this."

He grabbed the car keys—still his wife's old car—and headed out. The drive to the Smith estate was filled with a mix of apprehension and simmering anger. He thought about the past, about how they had treated him, and how powerless he had felt. But things were changing. He had the Omni-Money System now, and it was only a matter of time before he turned his life around.

As he pulled up to the sprawling estate, memories of his life there flooded back. The grand house, the manicured lawns, the constant feeling of being out of place. He parked the car and took a deep breath before stepping out.

The front door opened, and his wife, Clara, stepped out. She was dressed impeccably, her expression a mixture of annoyance and disdain.

"You're late," she said coldly.

"I had some things to take care of," Alex replied, trying to keep his voice steady.

"Well, hurry up. Everyone's waiting," Clara snapped, turning on her heel and walking back inside.

Alex followed her into the house, the familiar opulence of the Smith home surrounding him. The gathering was already in full swing, with family members and friends mingling in the large living room. As soon as he entered, all eyes turned to him, and the room fell silent for a moment before conversations resumed, now filled with hushed whispers and pointed glances.

"Ah, if it isn't the prodigal son-in-law," a voice boomed. It was Clara's father, Richard Smith, a tall, imposing man with a commanding presence. He approached Alex, a smirk on his face. "How's life treating you, Alex?"

Alex forced a smile. "I'm managing, sir."

Richard laughed, a sound devoid of any warmth. "Managing, huh? Well, I suppose that's the best someone like you can do."

A chorus of laughter erupted from the room, and Alex's cheeks burned with humiliation. He glanced around, seeing the mocking expressions on the faces of Clara's family and friends. They enjoyed seeing him squirm.

"Come on, Richard, give the boy a break," Clara's brother, Mark, chimed in, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "He's doing his best. It's not his fault he's... well, you know."

"Enough," Clara's mother, Evelyn, interjected, her tone icy. "Let's not embarrass him any further. He knows his place."

The words stung, but Alex remained silent. What could he say? Anything he tried would only make things worse. He had no power here, no respect. He was a nobody in their eyes.

Dinner was a torturous affair. Alex was seated at the far end of the table, as if to emphasize his insignificance. The conversations flowed around him, filled with talk of business ventures, expensive vacations, and the latest social events. No one spoke to him directly, and when they did, it was only to make a cutting remark or a pointed joke at his expense.

"So, Alex," Richard said loudly, drawing everyone's attention. "What are your plans now? Still delivering food, I assume?"

A few snickers echoed around the table. Alex clenched his fists under the table, forcing a neutral expression. "I'm exploring some new opportunities," he said evenly.

"New opportunities?" Clara sneered. "Like what? More dead-end jobs?"

The laughter was cruel, and Alex felt a wave of anger wash over him. But he kept his composure, knowing that any outburst would only confirm their low opinion of him.

"Actually, I've been learning some new skills," he said, his voice steady. "Carpentry, plumbing, electrical work. I've been fixing up my place."

Evelyn sniffed disdainfully. "Manual labor. How fitting."

"Well, at least he's doing something," Mark said with mock encouragement. "Maybe you'll be able to afford a real job one day."

Alex's mind raced with thoughts of revenge. He imagined showing them all, proving them wrong in a spectacular fashion. But for now, he was powerless, and he had to endure their ridicule in silence.

As dinner ended, Alex excused himself and stepped outside for some fresh air. He needed a moment to collect himself, to push back the anger and humiliation. The cool night air helped, but his mind was still a storm of emotions.

"One day," he whispered to himself, staring up at the stars. "One day, I'll show them all."

He returned to the house, finding Clara in the hallway. She looked at him with a mixture of annoyance and contempt.

"What are you doing out here?" she demanded.

"Just needed some air," Alex replied.

"Well, hurry up. We're leaving soon. I don't want to stay here any longer than necessary with you."

Her words were like a knife to his heart, but he nodded and followed her back inside. The rest of the evening passed in a blur of forced smiles and biting comments. He endured it all, his mind focused on the future.

Finally, it was time to leave. As they walked to the car, Richard called out to him one last time.

"Good luck, Alex. You're going to need it."

The mocking laughter followed him out the door, but Alex didn't look back. He got into the car and started the engine, driving away from the Smith estate with a sense of grim determination.

As they drove back to their home, Clara was silent, her expression distant. Alex didn't try to engage her in conversation. His mind was already working on his next steps, planning how he would rise above this, how he would prove them all wrong.

When they arrived home, Clara went straight to the bedroom without a word. Alex stood in the living room for a moment, taking a deep breath. He felt a notification from the system.

{Daily Tasks complete. Bonus reward: $100. Current balance: $675.}

It wasn't much, but it was a start. He knew he had a long way to go, but the Omni-Money System was his ticket out of this life of ridicule and contempt. With each passing day, he would grow stronger, more skilled, and more successful.

He sat down at the small kitchen table, opening the system store once more. He needed to make strategic investments, to build his skills and resources. He browsed the available options, considering his next moves carefully.

- **Advanced Carpentry Skill**: $2,000

- **Basic Business Management Skill**: $1,500

- **Enhanced Charisma (Level 1)**: $1,000

He didn't have enough for any of the major upgrades yet, but he could save up. In the meantime, he focused on smaller, more affordable enhancements.

- **Basic Cooking Skill**: $300

- **Basic Repair Skill**: $200

He purchased the basic cooking and repair skills, leaving him with $175. It wasn't much, but every little bit helped.

{Purchases complete. Skills will be integrated immediately.}

A wave of information flooded his mind once more, and he felt a surge of confidence. He could do this. He would rise above his current circumstances, proving himself to everyone who doubted him.

As he lay in bed that night, his mind raced with plans and ideas. He thought about the Smith family, their mocking faces, and the way they looked down on him. One day, he would make them eat their words. He would show them all what he was capable of.

With the Omni-Money System at his side, Alex knew that anything was possible. It was only a matter of time before he turned his life around, achieving success and respect beyond their wildest imaginations. For now, he would endure their ridicule and contempt, but soon, he would have his revenge.