“Looks that way,” I replied.
He stepped aside without warmth. “Pack whatever you need. I don’t want this dragged out.”
I packed one small overnight bag. Twenty minutes later, I walked downstairs and said, “You can keep the house.” His face brightened instantly. Tiffany was already scanning the room as if planning where to hang new curtains.
“I left you a little parting gift upstairs too,” I added.
Gerald frowned. “What kind of gift?”
“Something you’ve been waiting for. The documents you’ll need.”
He and Tiffany hurried upstairs so quickly they nearly stumbled. By the time I reached the bedroom doorway, Gerald had already ripped open the package. Their smiles disappeared instantly. His hands trembled. “No.”
“Surprise,” I said.
And I wasn’t standing there alone. Behind me was Marlene, his mother. She had quietly returned from overseas and waited outside until I texted her to come in. The second she stepped into the room, fear spread across Gerald’s face.
“M-Mom?”
