No Home Tonight

However, Suzy slammed her utensils down. "Henry, is this really how your family treats me? I'd be better off going home for the holidays."

My brother was quick to smooth things over. "Suzy, it's pitch-black outside, where could you possibly go?"

Mom chimed in quickly, "Yeah, Suzy, don't pick a fight with her. She hardly ever comes home, just for New Year's. They can crash in the guest room, and you guys take the master."

Our place did not have any fancy floor heating, and out of all three rooms, the guest room was the only one without a heater.

With the mercury dipping below freezing, how could Mom stand for that?

Suzy snorted, "Doesn't she have her own place? Dragging her kid back to her parents' for the holidays, isn't she worried about the gossip?"

I shot up from my seat, fuming, "Since when do I need your okay to come back to my own house?"

I had poured everything into this house. Ever since I graduated, Mom and Dad had not worked a day. I spent my paychecks and savings to give this place a makeover. The furniture, the AC, the couch, even the silverware—all of it was on my dime.

She thought she could just kick me to the curb?

Seeing me berating Suzy, my brother lost it and shoved me.

"Amy, what's with the attitude toward Suzy? This is my place, and it's Suzy's too. Let's face it, you're the one who left the nest. Suzy's not wrong!"

Mom was quick to back him up, "That's right, Amy. How can you even start to compare with Suzy? Better call your hubby to come get you.

"Coming back to your parents' place for New Year's, aren't you scared of what your in-laws might say?"

I chuckled bitterly. "Can't go back. We're divorced now."

"What?!"

Dad's eyes nearly popped out of his head, "When did you guys split? Why didn't I know?"

Marrying into a family with clout and cash had given Dad a reason to strut around the village. However, my ex was living a life of chaos, and I just could not take it anymore. That was why I called it quits.

Mom was right on my heels, gripping my sleeve. "Is this for real? You got divorced without even telling us about it?"

I wrinkled my brow and shrugged her off. "It's done. I'm out of that marriage. Is that a problem?"

Before I knew it, I felt a stinging slap across my face.

I clutched my cheek, staring at Dad in disbelief.

He was fuming, his face beet red as he jabbed a finger at me. "Who said you could end your marriage? What's going to happen to your brother now? I was counting on your husband to help him get a place in the city!"

I could not help but snicker. "Isn't my brother dating Miss Moneybags? He can just move in with her family. Her Highness wouldn't say no, would she?"

Panic flickered in Suzy's eyes as she snapped, "I never wanted Henry to be the one moving in. If he can't even buy a house, how is he supposed to make me feel safe and secure, let alone our future kid?"

"You're expecting?" Mom gasped, thrilled, reaching out to touch her belly.

Suzy huffed. "I came back to see if you people were serious. You're broke and rude. Maybe I should just forget the whole pregnancy!"

She spun on her heel to leave.

My brother blocked her path. "Suzy, don't be mad. It's all my sister's fault. I'll get her to say sorry, okay?"

Suzy let out a cold laugh. "She'll apologize to me? She probably wants me gone!"

Mom clutched at my arm. "Didn't you hear her? Say you're sorry to your sister-in-law. What if you upset your nephew? Could you live with that?"

Her nails dug into my skin, sending a jolt of pain that made me wince.

Dad was puffing on his cigarette with a scowl, not bothering to stick up for me.

I felt a chill settle in my heart.

Dad did not really love me after all, it seemed. I guess I was only ever valuable to him because I was useful.

I had planned to reassure them that even with the divorce, the hefty sum I got would be more than enough to take care of them.

However, after all this, what was the point?

"Why do I need to apologize? What did I do wrong? You're all so eager to kick me out, and she hasn't even officially joined the family yet!"