Share

Chapter 4

Author: General of Ears
I shot a heated glare at Gloria, clenching my fists.

Gloria, however, seemed completely unbothered. "What's this about? Why are you standing? Are you trying to threaten me? Listen up, this is my place, and everyone here is a Cooper! Whatever Emily feels like eating, you're the one who has to make it.

"That's how things work around here. And what about your parents? What's the big deal if I mention them? I was just speaking the truth, wasn't I?"

I was so furious that I was gasping for air.

Wayne gently touched my arm and said, "Mel, babe, hold back a little and talk less."

I couldn't help but laugh. "Talk less? Are you deaf, Wayne? After all this time, you still don't get who needs to talk less, huh?"

"That's enough!" Wayne barked.

I froze in place.

"That's my mom. She's the one who raised me! So what if she says a thing or two? You've already cooked a bunch, so what's one more dish for Emily? You're her sister-in-law now. Why make a big deal out of it? You've never been like this!"

His words hit me like a slap, leaving me in shock. I couldn't fathom how the person who once treated me with respect and love could change so suddenly.

I yanked my hand away from his, knocking the plates before me. They crashed to the floor, shattering into a thousand pieces.

Michael, who had been quiet until now, finally spoke up. "Is this the woman you picked, Wayne? Getting worked up over something this small? How could you marry someone like her? Back in the day, someone like her wouldn't even have been let near the Coopers!"

He pointed a finger at me and angrily hurled his wineglass to the floor. It shattered, sending shards flying and cutting my hand. Tears rolled down my face.

It suddenly dawned on me that Mom's words were wrong. Some people just didn't deserve any kindness.

Wayne saw the blood on my hand and hesitated for a second.

But Gloria continued her tirade. "She's making a scene over something as simple as looking after her in-laws. Imagine if word of this gets out. Our entire family will be laughed at.

"Your dad and I put everything we had into getting you through college, and this is what you do in return? Marrying a woman with no sense of propriety? It's disgraceful!"

Michael and Gloria kept throwing insults my way. Wayne's expression grew colder. When he finally looked at me again, there was no trace of warmth left in his gaze.

He seized my wrist and snapped, "It's Christmas Eve, Melanie, and you've turned this whole thing into a disaster. You're being completely immature. Apologize to my parents and Emily, now!"

I stared at him in disbelief. A chill began to spread through me.

He hadn't noticed my injury, my tears, or how drained I was after cooking for the Coopers all by myself. He didn't see how they'd been picking on me—and even worse, he was siding with them.

"What did you say?" My voice was shaky.

"Apologize to my family!" Wayne growled, his jaw tight with anger.

I snorted in fury, yanked my wrist free, raised my other hand, and slapped him hard across the face. The sharp crack rang like a gunshot, and the room went eerily quiet.

"I'm not apologizing for a damn thing!" I yelled.

The silence stretched for a few seconds before someone broke it with a clap.

Lucy, who had remained silent up until now, got up and made her way over to me. She threw her arm around my shoulders, clearly excited and overjoyed.

"I thought you were just some pushover who'd let them walk all over you," she said. "But it looks like you've got some backbone after all. I like that."

Lucy cast a steely glance at the Coopers, her hands pressed flat against the edge of the table as she continued, "Gloria's right about one thing, Melanie. Everyone here is a Cooper, except for the two of us. Now, let's make this a Christmas Eve to remember for the Coopers!"

Related chapters

  • Here Comes the Bully   Chapter 5

    Before I could react, Lucy flipped the table, sending food flying in every direction. Gloria, Michael, Emily, and Wayne all shouted in shock.I looked over at Kyle, who had somehow managed to slip quietly to the door, shaking his head as though he'd already given up. I never imagined Lucy would go this far. I stood still beside her, utterly stunned.With food splattered all over him, Michael bellowed in fury, "This is absurd! This is absurd! I can't believe it!"Gloria and Emily huddled together, eyes wide with terror as they stared at Lucy.My face showed pure astonishment.Lucy casually wiped her hands and said, "How many years have we been at this, Michael? You never stop repeating yourself, and look at us—nothing has changed."Michael pointed accusingly at Kyle and roared, "Kyle! Are you seriously just going to stand there while she causes a scene in our house? Are you even a man? I raised you better than this. What's the use of you if you can't even handle your wife?"Lucy

  • Here Comes the Bully   Chapter 6

    I finally understood what made Lucy so formidable.A few years back, when she first became part of the Cooper family, she was just like me—believing that tolerating things would keep the peace. But the Coopers didn't see things the same way.They tried to take advantage of Lucy as they had with me. They thought Lucy would be an easy target, but she proved them wrong.She lost her parents as a teenager and never went to college. Even so, she had an incredible gift for business and made her first fortune with her sharp mind.Then, while taking tests to pursue further education, she met Kyle. It was love at first sight, and they quickly got married.Gloria looked down on Lucy's background and mocked her at every opportunity. Lucy, seasoned by life, rarely let it get to her.But everything changed one day when they had an argument. Gloria shoved Lucy down the stairs, causing her to lose her first child with Kyle.Lucy was devastated. She considered getting a divorce from Kyle.Fort

  • Here Comes the Bully   Chapter 7

    Kyle smacked Wayne on the back of his head. "Seriously, Wayne? You're saying that about Lucy?"Wayne yelped and roared, "Kyle! You're choosing her over your own family, after everything Mom and Dad have done for you?"Kyle sneered, twisting Wayne's arm even further until he doubled over in agony."Quit it with the guilt trip!" Kyle snapped. "Last year, when Mom and Dad renovated their place, Lucy gave them over 200 thousand dollars. The year before, when Dad needed surgery after injuring his leg, it was Lucy who stayed by his side and covered all the medical bills."She even brought in a nurse to help him for six months. So tell me, what exactly have you done for this family? And now you've got the nerve to lecture me?"Wayne was almost down on his knees from the weight of Kyle's grip but still held his ground."That's exactly why I wanted them to have a meek, considerate daughter-in-law—someone who wouldn't stir up trouble and care for them as they aged!" Wayne retorted. "Unlike

  • Here Comes the Bully   Chapter 8

    Kyle's unwavering stance struck deep within me. I saw the warmth in Lucy's eyes, and their love was clear in how they looked at one another.Kyle stepped in front of us, telling us to stay back. No sooner had he spoken, Gloria hurled a plate at him.Lucy frowned. She was about to step forward, but Kyle waved her back. A small stream of blood ran down his forehead.I hurried to grab a first-aid kit, but then I heard him say, "Melanie, I'm sorry this is how your first visit has gone. Wayne didn't tell you everything, and that's on me for not setting him straight. Honestly, the Coopers' life has always been a mess."Kyle straightened the overturned table and rearranged the chairs. It was only then I understood why he was so resolute in standing by Lucy, even if it meant confronting Gloria and Michael.As the oldest child in the Cooper family, he worked hard from a young age to ensure Wayne and Emily could go to college, giving every penny he'd earned to the family.Yet, when a car a

  • Here Comes the Bully   Chapter 9

    Lucy met my gaze and nodded. Though we were still strangers in many ways, I felt like she was the only one here who truly understood me.Ever since I was little, Mom and Dad had always told me to show kindness to others. But they also taught me not to be vulnerable, and to stay grounded in who I was.Our family had always believed that good actions would be rewarded, and today, it felt like that belief was proven true.If it hadn't been for Lucy, I could have easily been swayed by Wayne into becoming a "maid" for the Coopers, living a miserable life without even realizing it.I approached Wayne.He averted his gaze. "Mel, you—""Wayne, you don't actually love me, do you?" I asked.I might have been someone who got swept up in love, but still, I needed to know how much the man I thought I would be with forever truly cared about me.The love between Kyle and Lucy was clear, and it made whatever Wayne and I had seem like nothing in comparison.Wayne clearly wasn't ready for a que

  • Here Comes the Bully   Chapter 10

    Lucy patted my shoulder. "You know how things are with the Coopers. We only see them for holiday dinners, and after that, we're out the door."That's why I stayed out of it at first. If you hadn't come to your senses and misunderstood my intentions, I would've ended up being blamed for butting in. So, I held back at first."I nodded, indicating that I understood. Wayne and I had just gotten married, but Lucy managed to push us into a divorce. If the word spread, she'd be shredded by gossip.She smiled with relief. "Honestly, I was just waiting for you to figure things out. I know the Coopers better than anyone. Kyle didn't want me to speak up for you because he was worried I'd get an earful later. I couldn't forget seeing you with your parents on your wedding day, and it tugged at my heart."Lucy told me she was sitting in a corner during my wedding day, noticing everything that happened. Mom and Dad seemed joyful, but she noticed they were secretly wiping away tears. They loved

  • Here Comes the Bully   Chapter 1

    The moment my sister-in-law, Lucy Wren, finished speaking, my mother-in-law, Gloria Perkins, wore a look like a thunderstorm had just rolled in. I stood there, unsure what had just happened.The vibe got uncomfortable, but Lucy sipped her drink as if nothing had happened.Finally, my father-in-law, Michael Cooper, gave Gloria's sleeve a tug.Gloria pursed her lips and said, "Mel's from Hummingdale. She was talking about making some of her hometown dishes for us."I raised an eyebrow. My impression of Gloria took a dive. I hadn't said anything like that since I walked in.Wayne Cooper and I had just gotten married, and this was my first time celebrating the holidays at the Cooper residence.Mom always taught me to treat others how I wanted to be treated. Everyone said getting along with in-laws could be tricky, but I was willing to make the first move and show my sincerity for Wayne's sake.I thought that by being nice, the Coopers would show the same in return, so I offered to p

  • Here Comes the Bully   Chapter 2

    Kyle Cooper, Wayne's older brother, gently nudged Lucy's elbow, but she simply flicked him off with a glance and continued, "If you're not giving me a gift, just say so. Don't drag me into this."My heart dropped, and I couldn't bring myself to reach for the gift.Gloria slammed the gift down on the table. "What's your problem? Are you jealous now? Mel's thoughtful. She cares about Michael and me and actually does stuff to help us out."Of course, I'd get her something. But you? You come home just to eat and laze around. You honestly think I'd give you a gift?"Gloria was unraveling, and it was clear she had a deep-seated grudge against Lucy.Lucy shrugged nonchalantly and remained silent.I forced a smile. "There's no need for a gift, Gloria. You're Wayne's mom. It's only right that I help out."I noticed Lucy letting out a soft sigh out of the corner of my eye.Gloria broke into a hearty laugh, took my hand in hers, and praised me endlessly for being such a thoughtful daughte

Latest chapter

  • Here Comes the Bully   Chapter 10

    Lucy patted my shoulder. "You know how things are with the Coopers. We only see them for holiday dinners, and after that, we're out the door."That's why I stayed out of it at first. If you hadn't come to your senses and misunderstood my intentions, I would've ended up being blamed for butting in. So, I held back at first."I nodded, indicating that I understood. Wayne and I had just gotten married, but Lucy managed to push us into a divorce. If the word spread, she'd be shredded by gossip.She smiled with relief. "Honestly, I was just waiting for you to figure things out. I know the Coopers better than anyone. Kyle didn't want me to speak up for you because he was worried I'd get an earful later. I couldn't forget seeing you with your parents on your wedding day, and it tugged at my heart."Lucy told me she was sitting in a corner during my wedding day, noticing everything that happened. Mom and Dad seemed joyful, but she noticed they were secretly wiping away tears. They loved

  • Here Comes the Bully   Chapter 9

    Lucy met my gaze and nodded. Though we were still strangers in many ways, I felt like she was the only one here who truly understood me.Ever since I was little, Mom and Dad had always told me to show kindness to others. But they also taught me not to be vulnerable, and to stay grounded in who I was.Our family had always believed that good actions would be rewarded, and today, it felt like that belief was proven true.If it hadn't been for Lucy, I could have easily been swayed by Wayne into becoming a "maid" for the Coopers, living a miserable life without even realizing it.I approached Wayne.He averted his gaze. "Mel, you—""Wayne, you don't actually love me, do you?" I asked.I might have been someone who got swept up in love, but still, I needed to know how much the man I thought I would be with forever truly cared about me.The love between Kyle and Lucy was clear, and it made whatever Wayne and I had seem like nothing in comparison.Wayne clearly wasn't ready for a que

  • Here Comes the Bully   Chapter 8

    Kyle's unwavering stance struck deep within me. I saw the warmth in Lucy's eyes, and their love was clear in how they looked at one another.Kyle stepped in front of us, telling us to stay back. No sooner had he spoken, Gloria hurled a plate at him.Lucy frowned. She was about to step forward, but Kyle waved her back. A small stream of blood ran down his forehead.I hurried to grab a first-aid kit, but then I heard him say, "Melanie, I'm sorry this is how your first visit has gone. Wayne didn't tell you everything, and that's on me for not setting him straight. Honestly, the Coopers' life has always been a mess."Kyle straightened the overturned table and rearranged the chairs. It was only then I understood why he was so resolute in standing by Lucy, even if it meant confronting Gloria and Michael.As the oldest child in the Cooper family, he worked hard from a young age to ensure Wayne and Emily could go to college, giving every penny he'd earned to the family.Yet, when a car a

  • Here Comes the Bully   Chapter 7

    Kyle smacked Wayne on the back of his head. "Seriously, Wayne? You're saying that about Lucy?"Wayne yelped and roared, "Kyle! You're choosing her over your own family, after everything Mom and Dad have done for you?"Kyle sneered, twisting Wayne's arm even further until he doubled over in agony."Quit it with the guilt trip!" Kyle snapped. "Last year, when Mom and Dad renovated their place, Lucy gave them over 200 thousand dollars. The year before, when Dad needed surgery after injuring his leg, it was Lucy who stayed by his side and covered all the medical bills."She even brought in a nurse to help him for six months. So tell me, what exactly have you done for this family? And now you've got the nerve to lecture me?"Wayne was almost down on his knees from the weight of Kyle's grip but still held his ground."That's exactly why I wanted them to have a meek, considerate daughter-in-law—someone who wouldn't stir up trouble and care for them as they aged!" Wayne retorted. "Unlike

  • Here Comes the Bully   Chapter 6

    I finally understood what made Lucy so formidable.A few years back, when she first became part of the Cooper family, she was just like me—believing that tolerating things would keep the peace. But the Coopers didn't see things the same way.They tried to take advantage of Lucy as they had with me. They thought Lucy would be an easy target, but she proved them wrong.She lost her parents as a teenager and never went to college. Even so, she had an incredible gift for business and made her first fortune with her sharp mind.Then, while taking tests to pursue further education, she met Kyle. It was love at first sight, and they quickly got married.Gloria looked down on Lucy's background and mocked her at every opportunity. Lucy, seasoned by life, rarely let it get to her.But everything changed one day when they had an argument. Gloria shoved Lucy down the stairs, causing her to lose her first child with Kyle.Lucy was devastated. She considered getting a divorce from Kyle.Fort

  • Here Comes the Bully   Chapter 5

    Before I could react, Lucy flipped the table, sending food flying in every direction. Gloria, Michael, Emily, and Wayne all shouted in shock.I looked over at Kyle, who had somehow managed to slip quietly to the door, shaking his head as though he'd already given up. I never imagined Lucy would go this far. I stood still beside her, utterly stunned.With food splattered all over him, Michael bellowed in fury, "This is absurd! This is absurd! I can't believe it!"Gloria and Emily huddled together, eyes wide with terror as they stared at Lucy.My face showed pure astonishment.Lucy casually wiped her hands and said, "How many years have we been at this, Michael? You never stop repeating yourself, and look at us—nothing has changed."Michael pointed accusingly at Kyle and roared, "Kyle! Are you seriously just going to stand there while she causes a scene in our house? Are you even a man? I raised you better than this. What's the use of you if you can't even handle your wife?"Lucy

  • Here Comes the Bully   Chapter 4

    I shot a heated glare at Gloria, clenching my fists.Gloria, however, seemed completely unbothered. "What's this about? Why are you standing? Are you trying to threaten me? Listen up, this is my place, and everyone here is a Cooper! Whatever Emily feels like eating, you're the one who has to make it."That's how things work around here. And what about your parents? What's the big deal if I mention them? I was just speaking the truth, wasn't I?"I was so furious that I was gasping for air.Wayne gently touched my arm and said, "Mel, babe, hold back a little and talk less."I couldn't help but laugh. "Talk less? Are you deaf, Wayne? After all this time, you still don't get who needs to talk less, huh?""That's enough!" Wayne barked.I froze in place."That's my mom. She's the one who raised me! So what if she says a thing or two? You've already cooked a bunch, so what's one more dish for Emily? You're her sister-in-law now. Why make a big deal out of it? You've never been like th

  • Here Comes the Bully   Chapter 3

    After I placed the dishes on the table, Emily poked at them with her fork."Who even eats this on Christmas Eve? Are you trying to mess with me, Melanie Stone? I barely make it home for Christmas Eve, and I don't even get to taste any meat, huh? Have I lost my place in this family just because I'm married?"Her voice rose with each word, and before I knew it, she dropped her fork and started crying.Gloria quickly stepped in to comfort her. "Absolutely not. You'll always be our little princess. Kyle, Wayne, your dad, and I would never let you suffer."Then she turned to me. "Mel, go make a honey-glazed ham. Emily loves it."I couldn't hold back any longer. I pointed at the smoked ham on the table and said, "It's right here. I didn't put any pickles on it."Gloria paused, clearly surprised by my defiance. She cocked her head, her gaze lingering on me."Did you not get what I said? Smoked ham isn't the same as honey-glazed. I told you to make a honey-glazed ham, so do it. What's w

  • Here Comes the Bully   Chapter 2

    Kyle Cooper, Wayne's older brother, gently nudged Lucy's elbow, but she simply flicked him off with a glance and continued, "If you're not giving me a gift, just say so. Don't drag me into this."My heart dropped, and I couldn't bring myself to reach for the gift.Gloria slammed the gift down on the table. "What's your problem? Are you jealous now? Mel's thoughtful. She cares about Michael and me and actually does stuff to help us out."Of course, I'd get her something. But you? You come home just to eat and laze around. You honestly think I'd give you a gift?"Gloria was unraveling, and it was clear she had a deep-seated grudge against Lucy.Lucy shrugged nonchalantly and remained silent.I forced a smile. "There's no need for a gift, Gloria. You're Wayne's mom. It's only right that I help out."I noticed Lucy letting out a soft sigh out of the corner of my eye.Gloria broke into a hearty laugh, took my hand in hers, and praised me endlessly for being such a thoughtful daughte

Scan code to read on App
DMCA.com Protection Status