5
The moment I stepped into the house, I knew
it would be a battle.
My mother–in–law, usually a fixture in the
neighborhood square dance group, was
surprisingly home.
Upon seeing me, she started complaining
loudly.
“What? You’re quitting over a little thing?
Jason and I don’t eat?”
Jason nonchalantly replied, “If she doesn’t
want to do it, then fine. Grandma, the takeout
lately has been amazing! Especially the fried
chicken!”
My mother–in–law choked, her face
contorting in anger.
Looking at Jason’s pus–filled acne, I felt
nothing.
The kitchen sink reeked, and the trash cans
were overflowing.
Ignoring the mess, I wiped down a chair and
sat down, teasing,
“Mom, save your energy for your new
daughter–in–law.
You made me cook for you for over a decade,
and you still can’t let go on the day of the
divorce?”
My mother–in–law threw down her dishrag,
pointing at me,
“Nina! No wonder Jason doesn’t want to be
with you! You’re so petty and negative!”
I calmly stated, “I never wanted custody.
Jason’s dad cheated. Should I have let him
and his mistress have a carefree life with
Jason? I’m not that stupid.”
Seeing her mother–in–law’s face turning
purple, I continued, “I’m happy to leave Jason
there to make things difficult for them.”
“You–you!”
く
She sputtered, unable to articulate a coherent
response. Finally she pounded her chest and
yelled,
“This is unforgivable! Nina, you’re taking it
out on him! Jason is innocent.
Aren’t you afraid he won’t acknowledge you
or take care of you when you’re old?!”
He threw my ashes away; what’s not
acknowledging me or taking care of me in old
age compared to that?
My heart turned cold; I calmly retorted, “Mom,
thank you for all these years of slandering
and belittling me in front of him. You’re all
good people; I’m the only bad one.
I’ve decided to be alone.”
This ungrateful brat, I’m giving him away!
No thanks!
Then I called out to the bedroom, “Jason, you
called me back for the divorce? What are you
hiding?”
<
After a long pause, the bedroom door slowly
opened.
Jason’s father emerged, supporting Donna,
who wasn’t yet showing.
My mother–in–law rushed to them, fretting,
“Oh, be careful, my dear grandchild, don’t
have any more accidents.”
Jason disliked his grandmother’s
attentiveness and threw his phone down in
frustration.
“Grandma! You already have grandchildren!
Besides, it’s so early, who knows if it’s a boy
or a girl!”
Donna softly smiled and said, “Jason, I had a
blood test in Hong Kong, it’s a boy.”
Jason’s father reprimanded, “Don’t talk to
Donna like that. Don’t be so reckless.”
My mother–in–law chimed in, “Jason, be nice
to your little brother. Quickly, pick up these
things.”
<
Jason kicked the coffee table and stormed
off.
“Who cares? Spoiled brat!”
He slammed his bedroom door shut.
Jason’s father was furious, his eyes showing
disappointment.
My mother–in–law quickly appeased Donna,
“He’s still a child. I’ll talk to him later. He just
can’t accept it immediately. Your relationship
is good; he’ll understand.”
Donna’s eyes welled up; she sat down,
looking wronged.
But only I saw Jason’s jealous, hateful glance
at Donna’s belly as he turned away.
In my previous life, I left with Jason before
Donna knew the sex of the baby.
I was afraid he would see his father and
grandmother’s faces, full of joy for a new
child.
I knew Jason was arrogant, selfish, and self-
centered; he wouldn’t accept a sibling
competing for attention.
When we divorced, I considered his age and
didn’t want to burst his bubble.
After all, I carried the burdens of the family.
In his eyes, his grandmother was a stylish,
cool grandma who performed with a senior
dance troupe.
His father was refined, easy–going, and
successful, fulfilling his every whim.
Now?
Let’s have a showdown!
If it’s going to be ugly, let’s make it
spectacularly ugly.
Why should I shoulder all the and pain?
