“If you want to leave, then leave clean. Even the clothes you’re wearing now—I bought them. Take them off before you go!”
Even Ethan stood at his father’s side, looking up at me with a face both innocent and cruel.
“Dad’s right! Mom, if you want to leave, you have to take off the clothes too!”
The world went black before my eyes, and I clutched the doorframe, my body trembling uncontrollably.
So this is what my blind gamble on love brought me. Giving up everything, marrying far from home… it was the most foolish decision of my life.
Seeing me frozen there, pale and shaken, a flash of triumph crossed Jason’s face. He thought he had me cornered.
He cleared his throat, softening his tone with false generosity.
“Alright, enough drama. Later, I’m taking Ethan and Ms. Emily to see the show. Afterward, I’ll invite her over for dinner.”
“You go to the kitchen and cook a few of your specialties. When she arrives, you’ll apologize properly, and then this will be over.”
The moment Ethan heard Emily was coming for dinner, he forgot all about the tension. He tugged eagerly at Jason’s sleeve.
“Dad, let’s go! We’re going to be late!”
“Mom, don’t forget to make Cola glazed chicken wings! That’s Ms. Emily’s favorite!”
Jason let himself be pulled toward the door. Turning to the screen, he spoke in that gentle, affectionate tone again,
“Emily, shall we come pick you up first?”
Then, as if remembering something, he turned back and ordered me,
“Oh, and Emily doesn’t eat spicy food. Make sure you don’t put in any chili.”
On the screen, Emily’s face lit up with delight, tinged with a coy blush as she teased,
“Oh my, Ethan’s dad, that was from our college days. You still remember I can’t eat spicy food? You’re so thoughtful.”
Even through the screen, I could feel the pride and provocation radiating off her.
And with that, the last thread inside me finally snapped.
I no longer spared a glance for my repulsive husband or Emily’s fake sweetness, nor for my eager son.
Instead, I stormed into the bedroom, yanked open the closet, and dragged out a large duffel bag.
I dumped out all the old clothes inside and frantically searched.
At last, I found the red dress.
Ten years ago, when I decided to follow Jason’s family, my mother had bought it for me with tears in her eyes.
She had said, “Rachel, if Jason ever makes you suffer, come back home. I’ll cook you your favorite BBQ ribs.”