After We Left, My Husband and Father Went Insane

After I recovered, I returned home with my mother. As for Cooper, I had Ava keep an eye on him for me. Having grown up by my side, Ava didn’t even hesitate.

“Don’t worry,” she said with quiet confidence. “Since Cooper was heartless first, he can’t blame me for using drastic measures.”

But when we stepped into the house, I froze. The entire place had been turned upside down. The living room was in shambles, our family portrait shattered, the paintings of my mother and me ripped apart, and our clothes strewn all across the floor.

Standing in the center of the chaos, dressed in something skimpy and loud, was a woman I immediately recognized as Demi. She nestled in my father’s arms, her voice sweet as poison, fingers toying with what used to be my diamond ring and my mother’s necklace.

“This is lovely,” she cooed with a satisfied smile. “My daughter will look so pretty wearing it.”

“Don’t think about your daughter, you’ll look even better wearing it, Demi. At a recent auction in the capital, there was a set of emerald-green jewelry. I think it would look perfect on you.”

“After Dixie’s wedding, when we have ours, I’ll get it for you as your wedding gift,” my father said, tapping Demi’s nose with affection.

My mother stood frozen beside me, the already-signed divorce papers trembling in her hand. Anger and heartbreak made her shake.

When she married him, she didn’t even receive a diamond ring. My grandmother had only agreed to the marriage because she believed he had good character and the will to work hard.

“Annie, don’t worry. Once I have money, I’ll make it up to you with a diamond ring!” he had once promised, kneeling on one knee before her, his voice full of solemn sincerity.

But the truth was, my mother’s family had never cared about the cost of a ring; she only wanted honesty and love.

All these years, that promised ring never touched her finger.

Yet now, for Demi, my father was willing to spend without hesitation.

I couldn’t hold back my anger any longer and stepped forward to snatch the necklace back. Demi finally noticed me, and instead of being upset, she seemed delighted by my outburst. Pretending to be startled, she shrank behind Gaten.

“Give the necklace back to my mother!” I shouted.

Demi clung to Gaten with a pitiful expression, clutching her belly as if I had frightened her.

“Gaten, it seems they don’t welcome me or the child. I’ll just return the necklace and leave.”

My father, looking distressed, held her protectively. “Sabrina, go back. This is an adult matter.”

I refused to retreat, but he stepped in front of me again, shielding her.

“Is that how you speak to your elders? You’re married now, stop meddling in family affairs.”

Just then, a ringing phone cut through the tension. It was Dixie calling.

“Good daughter, don’t worry. I’ve already prepared everything. Just focus on your wedding with Cooper,” Demi said sweetly before hanging up, her gaze landing on my mother and me with a triumphant smile.

"Your daughter is about to get married, and you're still holding on to someone else's jewelry? That's pathetic," I said coldly.

Demi’s face turned red with anger, but she quickly looked at Gaten with a fake, sad expression.

He was already furious. Ever since he married my mom, people had said he was just a poor man living off her money.

Suddenly, my dad slapped me hard.

"How dare you talk to Demi like that! Her daughter’s getting married and I’ll be there with her!"

I looked at him in shock. The slap knocked me down, and I felt blood at the corner of my mouth. My mom rushed over and held me, her face full of pain.

Then, with shaking hands, she threw the divorce papers on the floor.

"Happy now? Gaten, I’m divorcing you!"

My mother had long seen through Demi’s act, playing the victim just to win my father’s sympathy. She let out a cold, bitter laugh.

My father picked up the divorce papers, gave a satisfied nod, and exchanged a knowing smile with Demi.

In an instant, Demi’s tone turned sharp. “Now that you’re divorced, pack up your things and get out. Don’t interfere with me and Gaten again.”

She made sure to tilt her head slightly, revealing the hickey on her neck like a badge of pride. My mother’s breath caught in her throat. That’s when she noticed the oil paintings, freshly hung, every one painted by my father for Demi, replacing the family portrait and wedding photos that once defined their life together.

Her asthma flared again. She fumbled for the inhaler in her bag, took the medicine, and swallowed it quickly.

Once she steadied herself, she gently wiped the blood from the corner of my mouth and tried to help me up so we could leave.

My eyes burned with refusal, my heart unwilling to let go. But for my sake, my mother still chose to walk away.

“It’s alright. It’s just a necklace. Having you is enough for me.”