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315words
I knew why.
During dating,he had shared things about his family with me.
His parents were strict with him,preaching independence,saying boys needed to take on responsibility.
He thought they were thinking for his future,not that they funneled his wages to his sister.
He roared at his father,"That's my money!Mom's sick—how canwe pay now?"
His sister arrived late,unbothered."Earn more.Or ask your wife.Her salary's high,right?"
James glared,eyes bloodshot."Mom and Dad spoiled you forever.Mom's dying,and you won't pay a cent?"
Before she answered,his father shoved him."Don't yell at her!Pay up if you want,or you’re no longer our son!"
James was floored.
A neighbor told me what happened afterwards.
Apparently when James returned home,he was like a souless shell.
I smirked,feeling no pity for his mother.
During my pregnancy,she'd pushed James to make my parents care for me postpartum.
She never visited her grandson,treating us like complete strangers.
I knew James would soon come begging me for money.
Sure enough,one evening,all lights in the house was on.
James,usually late from"working overtime,"was sitting in the living room.
Seeing me,he fawned,"Lily...let's talk."
I waved him off."I know about your mom.My message is clear:I won't lend you any money.We split costs.She's your mom—take care of her yourself."
He gaped."Lily,are you crazy?I have no money.Without surgery,she'll die!"
Unmoved,I said,"Oh?And why’s hat my business?"
My coldness enraged him.He pointed,yelling,"You're a heartless creature!You're willing to watch my mom die?We're family!If you won't help,let's get a divorce!Split the assets!"
His hysterics didn't hurt.
I was relieved he had finally suggested what I wanted.
Smiling,I nodded."Fine,let's get a divorce.But splitting assets?No way.You want money,we’ll go to court.Can your mom wait?"
He'd only meant to scare me,so when I agreed without hesitation he was shocked.
Speechless,he froze.
Becoming impatient,I headed to the bedroom.
Before closing the door,I added,"Decide soon.We'll get lawyers for the divorce.Your mom's condition seems...urgent,don’t you think?"
I shut the door,ignoring his reaction.
