CHAPTER 3 – The Suitcases by the Door
CHAPTER 3 – The Suitcases by the Door
Carol stood abruptly.
"Don't you dare speak to me like that."
"I raised you."
"You did," Ethan replied calmly.
"And I'm grateful."
"But gratitude doesn't require me to ignore cruelty."
His cousin laughed nervously.
"Come on, it's just dishes."
Ethan walked back into the kitchen.
Seconds later, he returned carrying three suitcases.
He placed them beside the front door.
Carol frowned.
"What is this?"
"You've all been staying here for three weeks."
"I paid every bill."
"My wife cooked every meal."
"She washed every plate."
"She cleaned every room."
"While being eight months pregnant."
He opened the front door.
"You have one hour to pack."
Carol's face turned red.
"You'd throw your own family out?"
"No."
"I'd remove anyone who treats my wife like unpaid help."
Lena quietly stepped into the hallway.
"Ethan... please."
He took her hand.
"I promised to protect you."
"I should have done it sooner."
One by one, the relatives realized he wasn't bluffing.
Without another argument, they began gathering their belongings.
Carol was the last to leave.
She stopped at the doorway.
"You'll regret choosing her over your family."
Ethan smiled sadly.
"I didn't choose between my family and my wife."
"I chose my family."
"My wife and our child are my family."
May you like
Carol had no reply.
She walked out into the night.
