Alex stared at the papers, defeated. My father’s eyes bore into him. “A man who lets his mother control his marriage isn’t a man at all. And a man who tries to steal from his wife? He’s not just a fool… he’s a coward.”
That broke him. Alex stood, silent, and left with Barbara and Katie. The door shut with finality.
My mom leaned back. “Well, Mo,” she said, reaching for her wine. “That went well… Now, let’s have some cake.”
For the first time that evening, I smiled.
A Week Later
Alex asked to meet at a coffee shop. He sat by the window, eyes bloodshot, coffee untouched.
“Hey,” I said, sliding into the seat. “Thanks for coming, Mo,” he murmured.
The waiter appeared. “Sourdough breakfast sandwich, extra avocado. And an oat milk latte, please,” I ordered.
“I don’t want a divorce, Mo,” Alex said quickly. “I made a terrible mistake. But we can fix it. Therapy, counseling…” “You tried to give my home away, Alex. At a party. In front of our family.” “It wasn’t like that, Mo. Come on.” “It was exactly like that.”
He rubbed his hands together nervously. “I was just trying to help Katie. She’s struggling…” “Katie’s husband should’ve helped her. Not me. Not you. Not my parents.” “She’s my sister. What did you expect me to do?” “And I was your wife, Alex.”
He flinched. I looked out the window. “You embarrassed me. You betrayed me. Worst of all, you didn’t even ask. You assumed I’d roll over, just like you always do with your mother.” “I panicked. I didn’t think it would go that far.” “But it did.”
“I still love you, Mo,” he whispered.
My food arrived. I unwrapped the sandwich slowly. “I believe you,” I said. “But love doesn’t fix disrespect. And I’ll never forget the way you looked at me when you sided with them. Like I was just… a resource.”
“Please,” he begged.
“Goodbye, Alex. Don’t worry, I’ll pay.”
I picked up my coffee, took a sip, and let the bitterness cleanse me as Alex walked away.
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