Before slamming the door, she shouted her final words, "You Jerk! In seven days, we'll expose you completely on our show. Get ready to leave with nothing!"
As the former director of a TV station and a retired chief editor of a famous media outlet, they certainly had the power to do it.
Outside, the sky was gray and a light rain drizzled down, reflecting my mood.
My parents immediately texted me.
[Have you lost your mind? Why ruin a good life? What the hell are you doing?]
[Apologize to Cynthia's family right now. If you don't, don't come home! We don't have a son like you!]
Realizing how angry they were, I could only smile bitterly. I didn't go to apologize. Instead, I walked through the rain to the hospital.
While the doctor was bandaging my wound, I finally got a call from my childhood friend, Sue Sylvester.
"I walked around the shop where Cynthia bought her croissants. It was pretty interesting," she reported on the other end.
I immediately felt better and replied, "The court hearing is in seven days. Thanks for all the hard work. I'll triple your fee."
"Hmph, do you think this detective is short of money? After I help you with this, all I ask is that you grant me one wish," Sue said with a laugh.
"Deal," I agreed without hesitation, since I trusted Sue's skills as a famous private investigator.
Seven days would be enough time for me to secure my position on the show.
The news that I was divorcing Cynthia spread fast among friends and family and soon everyone started criticizing me.
[You jerk! My cousin didn't even mind that you're a total hick, but you're making trouble instead. You're truly sick!]
[Divorcing over a box of croissants? Has greed blinded you? Or did you hit your head? Are you worthy of the Scotts' care all these years?]
[Don't let me see you, or I'll definitely punch you!]
[Jerk! Bastard! Shameless! Just die!]
Each word was more ruthless than the last. I just let those people bombard me with insults.
In the end, I ignored them. I spent the night in the small room at my chicken restaurant and got up the next morning to work as usual.
When my employees arrived, they looked at me with clear disdain. I pretended not to notice.
Not long after, Cynthia came with Jackson.
"Honey, how's the wound on your head? Does it still hurt? Jackson and I came to apologize. We even made your favorite crab soup."