Lucy even swung a mop and kicked me out. Finally, she threw one last line at me. "You jerk! In seven days, we'll expose you on our show. Let's see how you like losing everything!"

As a former TV station director and a retired chief editor of a major media outlet, they certainly had the power to do it.

Outside, the air was gloomy and a light rain began to fall, perfectly mirroring my mood.

Then my phone buzzed with messages from my parents.

[Have you lost your mind? Why ruin a good life for nonsense?]

[Apologize to Cindy's family immediately, or don't come back! We don't have a son like you!]

Seeing how angry they were, I could only give a bitter smile.

Instead of apologizing, I turned and walked into the rain, heading toward the hospital.

The doctor was bandaging my wounds when I finally received the call from my childhood friend, Sharon Salazar. "I visited the shop where Cindy bought the custard pie and it really is quite interesting."

My spirits lifted immediately, so I responded, "The court hearing is in seven days. Thanks for all the hard work. I'll triple your fee."

"Hmph, is this detective short on money? After I help you with this, all I need is for you to fulfill one wish of mine," Sharon said with a smile.

"Okay." I agreed right away, since I fully trust Sharon's professional skills as a well-known private detective.

With seven days ahead, that would be enough time for me to firmly establish myself on the show.

News of my decision to divorce Cindy soon spread among our family and friends and they all began to condemn me.

[You scumbag! My cousin didn't even look down on you for being a country bumpkin, but you're the one acting like a jerk now. Seriously, you're sick!]

[You're divorcing over a box of custard pie? Have you lost your mind? Or did someone slam your head into a door? How can you betray the Swansons' kindness all these years?]

[Don't let me catch you, or I'll punch you in the face!]

[Scum! Bastard! Shameless! Just die already!]

Each word was more ruthless than the last and I just let them bombard me with those insults.

Ignoring it all, I spent the night in the cramped back room of my restaurant, then got up the next morning to work as usual.

The looks my employees gave me when they entered the restaurant were clearly laced with a hint of disdain. I simply acted as if I hadn't noticed a thing.

But not long after, Cindy arrived with Joshua.