All Too Late

Kathleen sat down after giving out the presents.

Scowling, Samuel stretched out his hand toward her.

Kathleen looked at him, baffled.

Samuel furrowed his brows. “Where’s mine?”

“I forgot about yours,” Kathleen replied nonchalantly.

Forgot?

Samuel snorted. He was certain that Kathleen had not forgotten; she had simply not gotten him a gift.

She had bought presents for everyone in the family except him.

Diana put on her glasses. “Katie has her principles. Whoever treats her well, she will also be nice to them.”

Both Calvin and Wynnie nodded approvingly.

Samuel scoffed at their response. Don’t I treat her well too? She eats and dresses well. I’ve never mistreated her.

“Where did you get the money from?” an irate Samuel asked.

“It’s a secret for now. Don’t worry; the money’s legit.” Kathleen was unwilling to tell Samuel the truth.

Samuel gave her a sullen glare.

“Samuel, do you still not trust Katie?” Diana was clearly annoyed.

“Let him be. It’s all right if he doesn’t trust her since they’re going to get a divorce soon anyway. He can ask all he wants to now. When they become siblings, he will no longer have the right to question her.” Wynnie took the opportunity to mock her son.

“Why can’t I question her as a sibling?” Samuel felt a flicker of irritation.

“You shouldn’t overstep your boundaries. There are some things you can ask and some things you can’t as an older brother. Besides, we are your elders. We are more entitled than you to receive the presents,” Wynnie replied unemotionally.

Scoffing, Samuel retorted, “Who says we are getting a divorce?”

“You don’t want a divorce? Well, too bad. Katie wants to divorce you,” Wynnie shot back.

“You can ask her yourself whether we’re getting a divorce.” Samuel turned to look at Kathleen.

Diana’s brows drew together in a frown. “Katie, what’s going on?”

“Grandma, I’ve discussed this with Samuel. We agreed to have a cooling period for a month. If we decide that we don’t want to stay together after one month is up, we’ll get a divorce,” Kathleen explained.

“You must have been too soft-hearted and agreed to whatever he wanted, didn’t you?” Diana guessed.

not knowing

have

say a

side are you on?

right then. Let’s go and

that Kathleen had

on her, Kathleen hung her head guiltily like she had committed

wondered if Diana meant that they

Diana’s wish, she would not hesitate to

up and walked toward the dining room, supported by

arm over the latter’s shoulder. “Mom cares for you very much. Even though Samuel is my son, I also think that you’re letting him

continue to make

Kathleen was confused.

seem so certain that we won’t get a divorce

still here,”

that this is your only chance. You won’t get another opportunity if you miss this. If you continue to fool around and be an irresponsible man, I won’t be on your side if Katie really wants a divorce. In fact, I will pop a

Samuel was speechless.

let’s eat. Ignore him.” Wynnie led Kathleen

and sulk. What’s wrong with

table, Wynnie brought up the topic of Frances’ birthday dinner, which was

the birthday dinner.

right.”

coming too?”

She’s not going as your wife. Why are you so flustered? We know how to protect Katie better than you. Otherwise, everyone would have known about your

family was

at Kathleen. “Are you sure you want to

not allowed to go?”

He doesn’t call the shots in this family.” Diana

were fixed impassively on

heart sank. “Will Nicolette

me to be present at the birthday

startled. How did she guess

his expression, Kathleen was crestfallen. She knew she had hit

anger, and her face darkened. “Samuel,

want anyone to know about Katie’s identity because of your mistress. Now you’re refusing to let her attend the birthday dinner too? Who do you think we Macaris are? Since your grandfather’s time, the men in the Macari family have always been righteous, filial, and respectful to

had always loved and

mother-in-law treated her kindly. Likewise, both she and Wynnie extended the

passed

be respectful toward his wife. In the same way, a wife should be understanding toward

Macari family had always been an honorable and peaceful

Samuel had never even seen Calvin and

Samuel had gone too