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.

quiet, not

have to spell it

did not say

are you on?

go and

dissatisfied that Kathleen had forgiven Samuel

on her, Kathleen hung her head guiltily like she

meant that

truly Diana’s wish, she would

walked toward the

arm over the latter’s shoulder. “Mom cares for you very

continue to make things difficult

Kathleen was confused.

certain that we won’t

I’m still here,” Samuel reminded

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 a bottle of champagne and celebrate that Katie has finally escaped the clutches of

Samuel was speechless.

Ignore him.” Wynnie led Kathleen to the dining

and sulk.

of Frances’ birthday dinner, which was to

the Yoeger family that the five of us will be attending the birthday

that’s right.”

Kathleen coming too?” Samuel

how to protect Katie better

was very good at keeping

Kathleen. “Are you sure you want

go?” Kathleen

the shots in this family.” Diana took a piece of beef and gave

eyes were fixed impassively

“Will Nicolette be there

he doesn’t want me

startled. How did she guess

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

a jolt of anger, and her

are? Since your grandfather’s time, the men in the Macari

had always loved and spoiled

and Wynnie extended the same affection to

had been passed down over

In the same way, a wife should be understanding toward her

family had always been an honorable and

even seen Calvin

had gone