The Borders of Love

Right after I opened the door, I saw my mother eating biscuits and gravy. I felt my heart jump to my throat.

“Mom, didn’t I give you money? Why are you still eating these things? They’re not nutritious at all!”

Since my mother was not expecting my return, she was delighted. “Why the sudden visit, Naomi? Where’s Liam?”

As I stared at her graying temples, my nose burned.

Over the years, I had been busy earning money and getting into Liam’s good graces. But I neglected the woman who had given birth to me and brought me up.

So, I made up my mind: once I filed for divorce with Liam, I would have my mother move in with me to take care of her.

“I haven’t eaten anything yet. Why don’t we eat out?”

My mother shook her head at that idea. “That’s such a waste of money. Wait here. I’ll cook something for you.”

She then hurried into the kitchen. But when she opened the fridge, all she found were pickles and some wilting vegetables.

“Yeah, we should go out.”

This time, I did not give her the chance to object and just brought her out.

Once we were done, we visited the supermarket and bought some groceries before going home.

However, just as we arrived at our doorstep, we found that someone had already opened our door.

My mother thought that someone had broken in. She ran in to check, only to find Liam speaking haughtily inside.

“Why did you run out instead of staying inside? My relatives are coming over later. You have to move out for the next few days!”

Rage burned in me, and I walked in. “Who are you asking to move out, Liam?”

When he saw me, Liam was shocked. “Why are you here, Naomi?”

“This is my house? Where else am I supposed to go?”

He just huffed in response and did not seem too bothered by what I said. “Heather wants to borrow this place for a few days, and I’ve agreed to it. Since you’re here, get your mother to move out for the duration.”

He spoke so matter-of-factly…

To him, this was his house, and he was the real owner.

Heather immediately corroborated what he said. “Naomi, I just want to borrow this place for a while. If you don’t find it agreeable, I can pay you rent.”

I cast a glance at her annoying antics.

Before I could say anything, Liam snorted. “Why give her any money? It’s not as if it’s easy for you to earn it. In any case, the place is big, and it’s a waste for Naomi’s mother to live here alone. Your relatives should enjoy living here instead.

“Besides, I own the place too. She has no right to chase you out!”

My blood boiled, but before I could yell at him and say no, I heard loud chatter outside.

Mia then entered excitedly with a large group of people.

Her cheeks had a healthy, red glow. She did not look sick at all.

“This is the manor my son-in-law bought for me. Look. It’s so grand. My daughter’s great, isn’t she? She got herself such a good husband.

“Stay here over the course of the wedding. I’ve made all the arrangements.”

Then, she saw my mother standing at the door uneasily.

She scowled, and there was clear scorn in her eyes.

“Who are you, and why are you here?

“What’s with the security guards? How could they let a beggar in?!

“Oh, I get it. You must be the nanny my son-in-law hired.

“Why are you still standing there? Don’t you see the guests? Make them tea, or I’m firing you!”

My mother still had not made sense of the situation and gave me a puzzled look.

However, before she could say anything, Mia had rushed over to slap her. “I’m talking to you! Are you deaf?!

“Look at you. You’re dressed like a beggar. My son-in-law already pitied you by hiring you as a nanny, and you’re not listening to me?!”