Chapter 7
491words
O Unexpectedly, when I opened the door, I saw Nathan,who shoved past me,sprawling on my couch.
Behind him trailed his parents,Chloe,and a gaggle of relatives—seven or eight people crowding my living room,all berating me:
“Nathan’s wife,you’ve gone too far!Kicking out your husband and in-laws on Christmas?Have you no conscience?”
“What kind of daughter-in-law does this?Can’t talk it out instead of stressing the elderly?”
“Your parents raised you up, and in the end, they have to endure your temper. Is there any justice left?”
It turned out that Nathan’s crew hadn’t shelled out for a hotel,crashing at relatives’instead.
He’d spun a vile tale about me,rallying their support for this ambush to put me in my place.
Nathan lounged,cracking sunflower seeds,spitting shells on my floor:
“Olivia,you crossed a line.But I’m reasonable.Family drama stays private.Apologize sincerely to my Mom,Dad,and Chloe,give them each$5,000 for emotional distress,and toss the relatives some cash for their trouble.We’ll call it even. I’ll still live a good life with you.”
I stared at the cocky freeloader defiling my couch.
Miss me?No—you miss my money.
Since we got together,the Carters’lifestyle had skyrocketed on my dime.
Everyone waited for my”yes.”
I just stared coldly.
Shadow growled at Nathan,barking twice.
Nathan’s face darkened,lunging for the dog:
“If I hadn’t saved you,you’d be dead in the sticks! Now you turn on me?I’ll skin you!”
Shadow cowered behind me,still barking.
I laughed at the morning debt collectors:”I took in this dog,and it knows gratitude. I supported you for three years, but you don’t.”
Before Nathan could retort,I faced the indignant relatives:
“I’m already planning to divorce Nathan.”
“The reason is that he cheated.”
Clearly, Nathan hadn’t told the truth.
The relatives blinked,glancing at him.
I didn’t give them time to process:”As for his mistress,you met her last night.”
I nodded at Chloe.
“Didn’t expect mistresses to be so bold these days.Maybe she even crashed at one of your houses.”
“Spending Christmas glued to a married man instead of her family?Disgusting.”
The relatives’faces shifted.
Chloe snapped:”You’re lying!”
Nathan stepped in front:”You’re the one who screwed up—why drag Chloe down?”
Only then did the relatives understand what was going on, and they quickly made an excuse to leave:
“Nathan,this is family drama.We’re out.”
“My grandson’s waiting for breakfast.Talk it out.”
In five minutes,they were gone.
Nathan cursed under his breath:”Spineless idiots.”
I rolled my eyes speechlessly. I really was blind to have fallen for his good looks before.
I was too lazy to argue with him and directly made a “please leave” gesture.
But Nathan played dirty:”This is my home.We’re married.”
“Until we divorce,your money’s mine,your house is mine.”
“Even the cops can’t drive me away.”
He grinned,thinking he’d won.
“You sure you’re staying?”
“Not going anywhere.”
Fine.Don’t blame me for what’s next.
I grabbed a coat,scooped up Shadow,and left the house.
