Turn Around and Start Anew

Linda lunged at me, ready to hit.

Just then, Jake walked in.

Linda wailed, "Thank God you're back. Johanna won't admit what she did and claims you're framing her."

Jake glanced at me, annoyed. "Enough drama!"

I rushed up to him. "I signed the divorce papers. Why are you doing this to me?"

He snorted, "Compared to what Sarah's been through, you're lucky. Stop acting entitled."

My heart sank. I always knew that he only cared about Sarah and that my pain meant nothing to him. Still, my chest ached like it was stabbed.

Done with this mess, I grabbed my stuff and went to the study for my heirloom.

It was a bracelet, passed from my grandma to my mom, then to me. It was my most precious possession.

As I picked up the box to leave, Jake grabbed my arm.

"You don't get to take anything from this house," he scowled.

...

He thought for a moment and added, "Unless you help Sarah. She can't move easily."

I was stunned, but he kept going. "You love kids, right? You're all torn up about losing yours. Here's your chance. Sarah's kids are barely a year old. They need someone. Plus, you got all those baby clothes and toys ready, didn't you? Go to the nursery, pack them up, and send them to Sarah."

"No way. Those were for my baby," I protested.

He snatched the bracelet box. "Want this back? Do what I say, or I'll smash it."

I was furious but helpless. For the bracelet, I gave in.

The maids quickly packed up the nursing goods. Linda grabbed my arm, dragging me out.

"Quit stalling," she urged. "Go take care of Sarah and her kids. Mess up, and you're done."

Her grip hurt, and my belly throbbed from the surgery. I protested, "I just had an operation. I'm weak. Can I rest first?"

Unbothered, Jake yanked me outside. "Stop faking. You're not that fragile. Go now. They are waiting."

Then I ended up in Sarah's apartment.

She was propped up in bed, surrounded by expensive supplements. Her kids were in cribs nearby.

Seeing me, she tried to sit up. "I heard you just had surgery. Jake shouldn't have made you come."

He eased her back down. "She's fine. It's just a minor procedure."

He shot me a look and said, "Take good care of them. There are rewards."

"I don't want rewards," I said. "I just want my bracelet back."

Sarah tugged at his sleeve. "It's fine. If she doesn't want to help, don't force her."

Jake patted her hand, glaring at me. "Look at how considerate Sarah is. Then look at you, whining over a stupid bracelet like it's treasure."