She Asked For A Divorce, He Panicked

09

Bernice jumped to Ian’s defense as soon as the astonishment wore off. "He's just a child! Do you think he knows anything about money laundering and other financial crimes? He probably merely spotted some messages on Remi’s phone and believed he was helping her out at work.”

She gently ruffled Ian’s hair and said, "That's it, right sweetie?" Her sweet words were like a lighted match in a powder keg for Ian, and they set off his pent-up sentiments.

Ian started to cry and scream, "Yeah, that's it! I wasn't trying to be bad; I only wanted to help Mom. I don't even know what "dirty money" means.”

Lacy’s anger melted a little, but he wasn't about to back down. "Why didn't you tell her later if you were simply trying to help? You let that mess explode up in her face before she even knew it was coming.”

Ian was completely speechless and caught with his pants down. Bernice gave Lacy the "watch yourself" look and said, "Chill. He's just a kid, not a genius at remembering things. Why are you putting him on the spot like this? You can't go after your son just because his mom isn't here.”

Lacy’s eyes turned deadly the moment Remi’s name came up.

"You are too soft. It's fine to stand up for Ian, but are you also standing up for Remi? Do you really think she still cares for her kid?” Bernice attempted to be calm.

"She was simply feeling things. If she cares about you. There's no way she's really going to leave you or get a divorce. Hey, I'm already in the middle of this. People are going to say I'm your side piece.” Bernice said, tears falling her eyes making her look pitiful.

Ian felt it in his heart and hugged her, massaging her back like a little therapist. "Everything is okay, Ms. Green You're very much my mom anyway. She doesn't even deserve to be called my mom!"

Lacy’s face got black, and you could see he was angry. But when he saw Bernice so upset, he held back what he was going to say. She quickly brushed away her tears and got herself together.

"Lacy, I picked Ian up early because he was having a hard time at his lesson. He wants my food, so I cooked more. Want to eat with us? I won't make things awkward for you and Remi; I'll go after he's done.”

"Thanks, but I have to work. Help yourself and take care of him," Lacy murmured as he turned to leave.

Bernice’s voice was unsteady. "Do you remember the first time you ate my food? I was 16, and my brother was 19. You came over for his birthday and even gave him a watch as a birthday present. People enjoyed my cooking back then. Just plain good times.”

Lacy felt like he had been hit by a truck. Memories of all the happy moments he had with his now-dead friend came rushing back. And just like that, he hated Remi more than ever. He spoke in a softer tone. "Okay, fine. I’ll stay for dinner.”

Bernice nodded and immediately got herself back together. Then she took Ian’s hand and led him to the table where they were going to eat. Dinner was nice since Ian kept the peace. Then the door beeped, which meant that someone was coming in.

Lacy didn't even look up, but his fork stopped moving like someone hit pause. Remi pushed the door open and walked in a moment later.

"Who let you in? You said you were done with Dad and me? This isn't your home anymore!" Ian yelled at Remi.

Bernice came in with that bogus nice words. "Ian, don't talk to your mother that way."

Remi stood in the doorway, her eyes dead, and watched them have their little joyful family moment. What a stomach punch. That would be a great family dinner. So why is Lacy fighting this divorce so hard? This setting is just what he wants. What a stupid joke.

"And who told you I came back to stay?” Remi shot back with a cold response. “I only pay my rent by babysitting. I'm pretty sure that debt is paid off by now.”

Lacy’s face turned frigid. "Talking awful about yourself isn't going to make me feel bad. You're just sad!"

Bernice sought to be the peacemaker. "Why do you say that, Remi? People know you two are married. This babysitting conversation isn't what it is.”

"Oh, now you want to talk about my marriage? So why are you in my seat playing mom with my kid? Are you here to take over babysitting? If you want to fight for that part, at least do it well and not with that poor kickback setup. Your slander campaign is just plain bad. Do you need some help from a pro?”

‘What is wrong with her? I didn't really want to marry her, but I've always been honest with her and called her Mrs. Web in public. Isn't that enough?’ Lacy thought.

"Stop this drama. Don't bring Bernice into our problem," Lacy said angrily.

"Do you think I want to get her involved? She's always here with her fake fainting and self-harm to get attention,” Remi sneered, "I was praying she'd go away. I just didn't know she was dumb enough to cause even bigger problems. So tell me Ms. saint Green, did you or did you not ask Ian to accept the fraud money?”

Bernice’s jaw fell, and Lacy looked at her with a sideways glance, not believing Remi’s narrative for a second.

"Stop it; ms. Bernice isn't like that. She’ll never do something like that.” Lacy defended Bernice.

"Check your head the next time you take her to the hospital. You are tripping. Look at this video with your own eyes. I'll accept the blame if I'm lying.” Remi dug through her bag, brought out her iPad, and opened the footage of the surveillance.