“Well, well,” she sneered, “if it isn’t my dear
brother–in–law. Couldn’t you have made a
little more effort? Look at you! And did you
actually come empty–handed? It’s my sister’s
birthday!”
I ignored her and stepped into the elevator.
She didn’t follow. As the doors closed, I saw
Ethan stroll into the lobby and Melanie rush to
him, clinging to his arm like a lovesick puppy.
It all made sense now.
We arrived at the penthouse separately. The
dining table was crowded with family and
friends. Melanie dragged Ethan to seats
flanking Sarah, then pointed to the end of the
table, near the service door. “There’s your
spot, Mark.”
My father–in–law slammed his fist on the
table. “Mark, look at you! Do you even realize
<
how embarrassing you are? If you keep
humiliating Sarah like this, this marriage is
over!”
Sarah frowned, about to speak, but I beat her
to it. “Actually, Dad, that’s what I came to
talk about. It’s the last time I’ll call you that.
This marriage is over. Sarah and I are getting
divorced.”
He blinked. “How did you know I just
transferred ten properties to Sarah’s name?”
Melanie shrieked. “Dad! That’s not fair! I only
got one! And Mark, you’re so transparent!
Trying to get your hands on our money? You
think our lawyers are idiots?”
Ethan added smoothly, “Some people have
such limited vision. Lack of education, I
<
suppose. So naive.‘
I looked at each of them, their sneering faces,
and said calmly, “I don’t care about the
houses. I’ll leave with nothing. I just want this
divorce.” I pulled out a signed divorce
agreement and a pen, sliding them across the
table to Sarah. “Just sign. It’s over.”
Melanie shoved the pen into Sarah’s hand.
“Sign it, sis! Don’t miss this chance!”
Sarah stared at the agreement, then at me.
She didn’t sign.
Her father swatted Melanie’s hand away.
“Melanie! Are you happy about this?”
“Dad, are you senile?” Melanie pointed to
Ethan. “Ethan’s right here! He’s not her real
<
brother! You adore him! If loser Mark steps
aside, Sarah can marry Ethan! They’re perfect
for each other! Not like…some people…who
don’t know their place and try to use a good
deed as leverage. He should look in the
mirror!”
Her father patted her hand. “Melanie, that’s
crude. But you have a point. This marriage
needs to end.”
Melanie jumped up, ecstatic, bumping my
injured arm as she passed, then clung to
Ethan’s arm, beaming as if she were the one
marrying him. I bit back a cry of pain.
“Melanie! Stop it!” Sarah stood up and turned
to me. “Mark, is your arm alright?”
I shook off her hand. “I’m fine. Just sign the
く
Sarah shook her head, her voice firm. “I’m not
signing this.”
