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

have to spell

not say a

on? Am I

go and

was clearly dissatisfied that Kathleen had forgiven

doted on her, Kathleen hung her head

wondered if Diana meant that they should get a divorce

Diana’s wish, she would not hesitate to

up and walked toward the dining room,

and placed her arm over the latter’s shoulder. “Mom cares for you very much. Even though Samuel is my son, I

that Samuel would continue

Kathleen was confused.

certain that we won’t get a divorce one

I’m still here,” Samuel reminded

“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

Samuel was speechless.

him.” Wynnie led Kathleen to

frown and sulk. What’s

the dining table, Wynnie brought up the topic of Frances’ birthday dinner, which

that the five of us will be attending the birthday dinner. I didn’t tell them Kathleen is

that’s right.”

coming too?”

wife. Why are you so flustered? We know how to protect Katie better than you.

was very good at

“Are you sure you

to go?” Kathleen felt

He doesn’t call the shots in this family.” Diana

were fixed impassively

“Will Nicolette

he doesn’t want me to be

looked startled. How did

crestfallen. She knew she had hit the nail on

and her face darkened. “Samuel, you’re too

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

loved and spoiled her

treated her kindly. Likewise, both she and Wynnie extended the

been passed down over the

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

had always been an

Samuel had never even seen

had gone