Chapter 4 The Breaking Point
567 Words
"Katherine, are you seriously trying to threaten me?
"Divorce? At your age, aren't you embarrassed to even mention it? You want out? Fine, pack your things and leave now!
"Let's see who can't live without the other!"
His blow was so forceful it sent me sprawling to the ground, my body hitting the floor with a painful thud.
My cheek stung fiercely, and I tasted blood in my mouth almost instantly.
The tears I had been fighting back finally burst forth, beyond my control.
Through blurred vision, I caught sight of Leo, standing like an ice statue next to his father, utterly unbothered.
"Mom, you really need to change your ways!
"You drove Grandma to a tragic end. Now you're trying the same with Cici, pushing her to postpartum depression. Is that the plan?
"I'm going to tell Cici everything that happened today. You don't support her or lift a finger, yet you expect a dutiful daughter-in-law? Keep dreaming!"
His words dripped with menace.
After finishing, Leo stood with arms crossed, staring at me with a smug satisfaction.
I could sense him waiting anxiously for me to surrender, anticipating I would hand over the cash without a fuss. Yet I simply met his gaze with an icy stare, swallowing the bitter lump in my throat as I pushed myself off the floor.
Heading back to the bedroom, I found an old suitcase and began packing my things in silence. The room descended into a strange, tense silence, broken only by the faint rustle of me organizing my clothes. I didn't have much, so it wasn't long before the small case was filled to the brim.
Inside, Caleb and his father exchanged dumbfounded looks, their faces etched with disbelief. It wasn't until I started toward the door with my suitcase in tow that Caleb, realizing I was serious, looked genuinely troubled. Grabbing my arm, he sneered, "Running away, Katherine? You'll be back soon enough, crying for forgiveness!"
I paused, shook off his grip with composure, and replied steadily, "I've made up my mind."
As I tried to leave, Caleb snatched the suitcase, opening it violently, and spewed venomous words, "You came to me with nothing but the clothes on your back. If you're leaving, leave with some self-respect. You won't take anything from the Scott family!"
From the sidelines, Leo interjected sarcastically, "Mom, what's the gain in clinging to all of this? Every argument leads to drama?"
The humiliation burned inside me as Caleb rifled through my belongings, his actions hitting me like a thief's robbery. He seized the valuable jewelry and cash, leaving behind a scattered mess.
Finally, Caleb hurled the remaining pile of clothes at me and coldly spat, "We'll see who's really dependent here. Take your junk and disappear!"
Fighting back a grim smile, I looked at the disarray without any will to gather it. Without glancing at father and son, I turned and left.
As I stepped down the stairs, Leo's anxious voice trailed behind, "Dad, what if she's serious about the divorce?"
Caleb chuckled derisively, shrugging it off. "She'll come crawling back. You'll see, sooner or later, she'll return. Hand over whatever I ask? Of course!"
After parting ways with Leo and Caleb, I found solace in a nearby hotel.
Scrolling through my phone, I saw a picture Cecilia posted, showing her with a baby, sharing a smile over a slice of bread.
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