Chapter 3 - The Morning After
At 2:15 AM, the front door unlocked.
Nathan stumbled into the foyer, smelling strongly of scotch and expensive cigars. He took off his jacket, tossed it onto the armchair, and walked into the kitchen, expecting to find me sleeping or crying in the bedroom.
Instead, I was sitting at the marble counter, fully dressed, drinking cold water.
“Caroline?” he blinked, swaying slightly. “Why are you still up? Look… about earlier… Mom was just stressed. You know how she gets when she wants things to be perfect.”
“Is that what it was?” I asked, my voice steady and level. “Stress?”
“Yes!” Nathan said, walking over to pour himself a glass of water. “She was nervous about seeing all those people. She didn't mean anything by what she said about the kids. It was just a joke.”
“A joke,” I repeated. “Calling my deceased husband’s children 'another man’s children' and calling them a burden in front of fifty people was a joke?”
Nathan set his glass down hard on the counter, his irritation flaring up through his alcohol haze.
“Don’t start with the dramatic act, Caroline! You completely embarrassed me by making a scene in the lobby! Do you have any idea how bad it looked for me to walk in alone after you stormed off?”
I looked at him, truly looking at him for the first time in three years. I saw a fragile, insecure man who lived in the shadow of his overbearing mother, using my money to play the role of a wealthy benefactor.
“Where is the tea set Caleb bought her?” Nathan asked, spotting the box on the table. He reached out to pick it up. “I’ll take it to her tomorrow. She’ll appreciate it once she’s rested.”
“Don’t touch that,” I said sharp as a razor.
Nathan pulled his hand back, startled. “What is wrong with you? It’s a gift for my mother!”
“Caleb bought it with his money,” I replied. “And he decided he doesn’t want her to have it. Neither do I.”
Nathan laughed bitterly. “Unbelievable. You’re teaching the kids to hold grudges now? Grow up, Caroline. By the way, my card got declined when I tried to close out the extra liquor tab at the bar tonight. Must be a glitch with the bank. Can you check the joint account?”
“It wasn’t a glitch, Nathan.”
He froze. “What do you mean?”
“I withdrew my money,” I said smoothly. “All of it. And I canceled the credit card authorization for Margaret’s dinner. The restaurant manager will be calling you first thing in the morning to collect the $17,000 balance.”
Nathan’s face turned bright red, the alcohol instantly draining from his system.
“You did what? Are you insane?! That card is under your name! They’re going to charge my mother!”
“No, Nathan,” I said, leaning forward. “They are going to charge you. You told your mother you were paying for everything. You told her you carry this family. So prove it.”
“Caroline, I don’t have seventeen grand sitting around in cash!” Nathan yelled, his voice rising in panic. “My savings are tied up in my business inventory!”
“Then I suggest you ask your mother for a loan,” I said, standing up. “Or maybe your brothers can chip in.”
“You can’t do this to me!” he roared, stepping toward me. “We are married!”
Before I could answer, the hallway door opened.
Sophie stood in the doorway, wearing her oversized pajamas. Her phone was raised in her hand, the red recording light blinking steadily.
“Step away from my mother, Nathan,” Sophie said calmly. “I’ve been recording this entire conversation since you walked through the door. Try shouting at her again.”
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Nathan looked at Sophie, then at the phone, and finally at me. He looked smaller than he ever had.
“Pack a bag, Nathan,” I said quietly. “You’re sleeping at your mother’s house tonight.”
