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 knowing how to

do you have to spell it

did not say

on? Am I even

right then. Let’s go and eat,” Diana

was clearly dissatisfied that Kathleen had

doted on her, Kathleen hung

meant that they should get a

wish, she would not hesitate to do so

up and walked toward

to Kathleen and placed her arm over the latter’s shoulder. “Mom cares for you very much. Even though Samuel is

would continue to make

Kathleen was confused.

they seem so certain that we won’t get

still here,” Samuel reminded

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

Samuel was speechless.

Ignore him.” Wynnie led Kathleen to the

to frown and sulk. What’s

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

the birthday dinner. I

right.”

Kathleen coming too?” Samuel

so flustered? We know how to protect Katie better than you. Otherwise, everyone

family was very good

coldly at Kathleen. “Are you

go?” Kathleen

He doesn’t call the shots in this family.” Diana took a piece of beef

were fixed impassively

heart sank. “Will Nicolette be

he doesn’t want me to be present at the birthday

How did she guess

was crestfallen. She knew she had hit the nail on

felt a jolt of anger, and her face darkened.

think we Macaris are? Since your grandfather’s time, the men in the Macari family have always been righteous,

always loved and spoiled her after

she and Wynnie extended the same affection to

been passed down over

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

been an honorable and peaceful

had never even seen Calvin

Diana felt that Samuel had