With a look of disdain, she addressed me. "So, you’ve finally decided to come back? Where did you spend the night? Out with your son, playing the father's role? You’ve got no backbone, and neither does he. The top beam is crooked, and so is the bottom one."
"I know what you did," she continued, sneering. "You went to my dad’s to cause trouble again, making him deny his grandson and threatening me to keep Russell out."
"If that’s the case, take your things and go back to the old house to be the good son-in-law. Here, I only have Russell as my husband. Where’s Lester? Call him out to apologize to Russell. Don’t think you can escape responsibility by pretending to be sick."
Her words were venomous, and her cruelty knew no bounds.
Looking at her ugly face, the image of Lester struggling in the water haunted me. I felt a burning desire to let her drown in the pool.
Just as I was about to lunge at her, I heard my child’s voice from yesterday’s swimming pool echoing in my mind:
"Dad, Mom is the best swimming champion. I want to be a champion like her."
"Also, don’t be sad, Dad. Mom promised me that when I win the championship, she’ll help me with something. Then, I’ll let her spend every day with you to make you happy."
I bit my lip, trying to suppress the furious building inside me. I turned to leave, but Kendra grabbed my arm.
"What’s this now? Can’t even apologize for your mistakes? You’re angry with me? If you hadn’t conspired with my dad to push Russell away, how would the title of Glover’s son-in-law have fallen on you? An orphan like you, looking to get rich overnight by marrying into a family!"
"You’ve got your eyes on another richer woman, right? Trying to use your sob story to gain sympathy? It’s embarrassing for Lester to have a father like you!"
I stayed silent, resisting the urge to respond. But before I could, Kendra’s anger boiled over. She grabbed my wrist and forcefully threw me toward the edge of the pool.
With a splash, I hit the water.
"Just training the child. If you don’t accept it, I’ll train you too. Stop acting so noble!"
"My dad drank your potion and can’t see who you really are. Only I know you’re a gold-digging ‘Phoenix man.’ If you hadn’t stolen Russell’s credit and lied about the miracle doctor treating me because of you, I would never have married you!"