My parents sat awkwardly, ashamed and speechless.
My in-laws glowered in anger.
Finally, a knock at the door broke the tension.
Sophia arrived—but she wasn’t alone.
Behind her stood a broad-shouldered young man with a square face, introduced as her new boyfriend.
He was big enough to block the doorway.
Sophia stormed in, glaring at me.
“Daniel Carter, have you lost your damn mind?
I take Emily traveling to help her relax, and you get jealous?”
I didn’t argue. I just glanced at the big man behind her.
Then, out of nowhere, Sophia slapped me hard across the face.
“You’re the worst! Emily sacrificed so much for you, and you’re nothing but a worthless jerk!”
The slap was fierce, her sharp nails leaving scratches across my cheek.
Blood welled up in red streaks, making my mother gasp in distress.
My father kept a calm face and said,
“Serves you right. Maybe this will teach you a lesson.”
“Even your own uncle is siding with Emily, which shows just how low your character has sunk.”
Sophia Lewis raised her hand as if to strike again, but Emily Walker stopped her.
“Forget it, Sophia. Maybe I should just spend more time with him.”
“How could this possibly be your fault?” Sophia shot back.
“You developed postpartum depression after giving birth. You’re the one suffering—why should you care about this jerk’s feelings?”
Emily lowered her head, quietly sobbing.
Her voice wasn’t loud, but it echoed throughout the living room.
Even my parents couldn’t stand to watch anymore. They threatened to cut ties with me unless I apologized to Emily.
“You all want to know the reason?” I finally said. “Fine, I’ll tell you. Yes—I’m jealous. I can’t stand the two of them clinging to each other day after day.”
Both families had assumed I had some unspeakable reason.
But once I admitted the truth, my father’s eyes were filled with bitter disappointment.
He couldn’t understand how he’d raised a son like me.
Sophia immediately sneered:
“Jealous? Don’t make me laugh. Emily and I are both women—what the hell are you jealous of?”
“If you’ve got another woman out there, just say it. Why bother making up such a ridiculous excuse?”
Emily looked devastated.
“Daniel, do you really have another woman? Who is she? What’s her name? Is she your coworker?”
I already knew she would try to play the victim first.
So I told her bluntly: “I don’t have anyone else outside.”
Sophia let out a mocking laugh.