Chapter 98
“You need to learn to prioritize,” Bruno snapped. “Nelly took us overseas. As a member of this family, what you should be doing is thanking her–being grateful. Not throwing tantrums like a child.”
“I never thought you’d stoop so low. Selling the house? Are you trying to destroy the peace in this family? Michelle, I’m warning you–don’t do something you’ll regret.“N
I turned those words over in my head, but I couldn’t, for the life of me, figure out what I was supposed to regret.
So I responded calmly. “Well, let me show even more gratitude then. Why don’t you all just go live at Nelly’s place from now on? Stay out of my life. For that, I could be grateful to her for years.“N
“And for the record, I’ve already handed the divorce papers to my lawyer. After all these decades of you not holding a steady job, with the whole family living off the money I saved when I was running my shop–turns out I raised a bunch of freeloaders.“M
“I’ve made up my mind. If I’m going to spend money, I’d rather spend it on me. I’m not getting any younger. Life’s short. If I don’t start enjoying it now, when will 1?“S
That sent Bruno into a rage. “Michelle! You might not care about me, fine–but what about your son? Your grandson? How can you be so selfish as a mother–as a grandmother?“N
I laughed, bitterly. “As a mother and grandmother, I passed out cold at the airport and not a single one of you came to help. What about my son and grandson? How dare you ask me that? You all should be ashamed.“N
There was a pause on the other end of the line and then Nelly’s voice came through, syrupy sweet as always.
年
“Michelle, I know you’re upset, but come on–we all go through tough times. You can’t just throw away your family over something like this.“N
“I’ll talk to them, really. But you weren’t exactly right either. If you had something on your mind, you should’ve brought it up. Selling the house without a word? That’s not fair. Now your family’s practically homeless.“N
Tel
“Let’s just all take a step back, okay? The kids can apologize, you can stop being stubborn and once you come back and settle the house stuff, life can go on. We’re family–what’s a little argument, right?“N
What a clever pitch.
Just one quick apology and somehow that would magically erase decades of sacrifice. That was supposed to be enough to penny I’d ever scraped together with blood, sweat and sleepless nights.
reclaim every
Too bad I wasn’t the fool I used to be.N
“Oh Nelly,” I said with a sigh. “Aren’t you always the one preaching about being generous and selfless? Well then–do me a favor. I’m tied up at the moment, so how about you take them in for a while? Just till they get on their feet.”
“And hey, don’t be stingy. They’re your family too, right? Help them out. I’m sure they’ll be so grateful. And don’t worry–I’ll remember kindness forever.”
This time, it was Nelly’s turn to fall silent.
I ended the call before she could find her words, then closed my eyes and slept longer–and better–than I had in years. When the trip ended and I flew back home, I went straight to the real estate office to finalize the sale.N
I hadn’t expected Bruno to be waiting for me there.N
a bit
your
He looked like he hadn’t slept in days–dark circles under his eyes, hair a mess. He stood there, worn and frayed, the complete opposite of me–calm, put–together, finally at peace.N
The moment he saw me, his brows furrowed, almost involuntarily. But then, like he remembered something, he took a deep breath and softened his tone,&
“Michelle can we stop fighting? Please?” His voice was hoarse, almost pleading. “These past few days have been hell for me. I didn’t realize until now–I really can’t do this without you.”W
“I’ve gone crazy not seeing you. When you blocked me, when you disappeared, I didn’t know what to do. So I came here. It was the only place I thought I might find you.“}
“I know I messed up. I’ve been doing a lot of thinking and I hate what I see in myself. I regret everything–truly. Michelle… can we try again? Just give me one more chance.“N
He reached out, grabbing my hand. His fingers trembled slightly, his eyes glassy with tears that never quite fell.
“After thirty years together… I don’t know how to live without you.”
