Chapter 3

Zachary stood there, stunned, as if he hadn't expected me to actually mean it. He grabbed my arm again, his tone almost pleading. "Al, don't do this. I'm just trying to repay my mentor's kindness, that's all—"

"Kindness?" I yanked my arm from his grip, my voice dripping with contempt. "Do you think I'm that naive? If you really wanted to repay him, build a building for the school in his name, erect a statue, or whatever. I'd fully support you. But look at what you've brought home—a pathetic excuse for gratitude."

I pointed at Ruby, who flinched at my words. "Lonely? Helpless? She's far more cunning than she lets on. Playing weak is an easy act. Besides, my house is no charity home!"

Zachary's face darkened, his embarrassment turning into anger. "You've said enough, Al!"

"Enough? Not even close!" I scoffed, my voice laced with icy disdain as I grabbed the glass from the coffee table and slammed it onto the floor. The sound of shattering glass echoed through the room. "Zach, who gave you the audacity to bring another woman into our home?!"

The glass shattered at Ruby's feet, sharp shards slicing into her delicate calf.

She let out a piercing scream, "Ah—!" and instinctively lunged into Zachary's arms, seeking refuge. "Allison, why are you doing this to me?! I never intended to ruin your relationship. I was just joking like I would with a friend!"

Before she could say more, the moving crew arrived at the door.

I waved them inside. "Please, take those two suitcases, and clear out the master bedroom on the second floor. Especially the bed—get it out of here."

"Al!" Zachary grabbed my hand fiercely, his patience finally snapping. "You've gone too far. Stop this childish tantrum!"

I snorted, amused. "A tantrum? Zach, I'm not playing house here. I'm serious about breaking up."

I walked over to Ruby, looking down at her as she dabbed at her eyes helplessly, seemingly lost in her own world. She looked pitiful, but I knew better.

I chuckled, leaned in close, and whispered in her ear, "Sweetie, you have terrible taste in men."

I straightened up and continued, louder this time, "And as for the house? It's decorated in my style. Who are you to suggest changes? And to so arrogantly claim that Zach would remodel it for you. Please. The only thing that needs remodeling is your face."

Her expression turned from shock to horror. She stared at me, dumbfounded, while Zachary pulled her behind him. "Ruby is young, Al. You don't need to humiliate her like this."

I fished her ID out of her bag that was on the sofa, inspecting it with a smirk. "Twenty-eight. Hmm, two years younger than me. Nice try."

Turning to Zachary, I sneered. "You know, you could pick up any random girl at a bar who's younger and prettier than her."

As he opened his mouth to argue, I cut him off again, addressing the movers. "Well? Why are you standing there? Start moving."

Zachary, who had played the role of the perfect son-in-law for the past ten years, clearly wasn't used to being humiliated like this. He took Ruby's hand and stormed toward the door. "Ruby, let's go. She'll calm down eventually."

The moving staff hesitated, confused. "Should we still move the stuff?"

I took a deep breath. "Yes. Take it all to the landfill on the outskirts of town. I'll pay you double."

I glanced down at my phone. The family group chat was still going wild.

With a final scoff, I kicked Zachary out of the group and left a final message: "Zachary failed his probation."