All Too Late

Kathleen sat down after giving out the presents.

Scowling, Samuel stretched out his hand toward her.

Kathleen looked at him, baffled.

Samuel furrowed his brows. “Where’s mine?”

“I forgot about yours,” Kathleen replied nonchalantly.

Forgot?

Samuel snorted. He was certain that Kathleen had not forgotten; she had simply not gotten him a gift.

She had bought presents for everyone in the family except him.

Diana put on her glasses. “Katie has her principles. Whoever treats her well, she will also be nice to them.”

Both Calvin and Wynnie nodded approvingly.

Samuel scoffed at their response. Don’t I treat her well too? She eats and dresses well. I’ve never mistreated her.

“Where did you get the money from?” an irate Samuel asked.

“It’s a secret for now. Don’t worry; the money’s legit.” Kathleen was unwilling to tell Samuel the truth.

Samuel gave her a sullen glare.

“Samuel, do you still not trust Katie?” Diana was clearly annoyed.

“Let him be. It’s all right if he doesn’t trust her since they’re going to get a divorce soon anyway. He can ask all he wants to now. When they become siblings, he will no longer have the right to question her.” Wynnie took the opportunity to mock her son.

“Why can’t I question her as a sibling?” Samuel felt a flicker of irritation.

“You shouldn’t overstep your boundaries. There are some things you can ask and some things you can’t as an older brother. Besides, we are your elders. We are more entitled than you to receive the presents,” Wynnie replied unemotionally.

Scoffing, Samuel retorted, “Who says we are getting a divorce?”

“You don’t want a divorce? Well, too bad. Katie wants to divorce you,” Wynnie shot back.

“You can ask her yourself whether we’re getting a divorce.” Samuel turned to look at Kathleen.

Diana’s brows drew together in a frown. “Katie, what’s going on?”

“Grandma, I’ve discussed this with Samuel. We agreed to have a cooling period for a month. If we decide that we don’t want to stay together after one month is up, we’ll get a divorce,” Kathleen explained.

“You must have been too soft-hearted and agreed to whatever he wanted, didn’t you?” Diana guessed.

kept quiet, not knowing

have to spell

not say

whose side are you on? Am I even your

right then. Let’s go and eat,” Diana said

Kathleen had forgiven Samuel

on her, Kathleen hung her head guiltily

wondered if Diana meant that they should get a divorce

truly Diana’s wish, she would not hesitate to

stood up and walked toward the dining room, supported

for you very much. Even though Samuel is my

continue to

Kathleen was confused.

certain that we won’t get a

I’m still here,” Samuel reminded

him with disdain. “I’m treating you like you’re invisible. Samuel, remember that this is your only chance. You won’t get another opportunity if you miss this. If you continue to fool around and be an irresponsible man, I won’t be on your side if Katie really wants a divorce. In fact, I will pop

Samuel was speechless.

eat. Ignore him.” Wynnie led Kathleen to

left Samuel alone to frown and sulk. What’s wrong with this

topic of Frances’ birthday dinner, which was to be held the day

five of us will be attending the birthday dinner. I didn’t tell

that’s right.” Diana

coming too?” Samuel

know how to protect Katie better than you.

family was very

at Kathleen. “Are you sure you want

I not allowed to go?” Kathleen

call the shots in this family.” Diana took a piece of

fixed

heart sank. “Will Nicolette be

doesn’t want me

looked startled. How did she guess

expression, Kathleen was crestfallen. She knew she had hit the nail

felt a jolt of anger, and her

don’t want anyone to know about Katie’s identity because of your mistress. Now you’re refusing to let her attend the birthday dinner too? Who do you think we Macaris are? Since your grandfather’s time, the men in the Macari family have always been righteous, filial, and respectful to their

loved and spoiled her after they got

treated her kindly. Likewise, both she and Wynnie extended the same affection to their

passed down over the

respectful toward his wife. In the same way, a wife should

Macari family had always been an honorable and

had never even seen Calvin and Wynnie

that Samuel had gone too