The injustice burned. Over the years, I'd supported them without hesitation. Lent money I knew I'd never see again. Treated my in-laws like my own flesh and blood—the best food, finest wine, new clothes for every holiday. Never missed a single occasion.
When they were hospitalized after a car accident, Caroline was "too busy" on a business trip to care. My parents and I sat by their bedsides for a month, scrubbing floors and spoon-feeding them.
I'd foolishly thought five years of care would earn their respect.
Wrong. It wasn't just Caroline who looked down on me. The entire family believed I'd punched above my weight, that I was lucky just to be in their presence. No matter how much I gave, it would never be enough.
The drive to the courthouse was suffocating.
Caroline broke the silence. "What did you mean back there? 'Not necessarily that I'm someone nobody wants'?"
She scoffed. "You honestly think you can marry into a good family after this? Find someone better than me?"
Before I could answer, she laughed—sharp and mocking.
"Harrison, stop dreaming. Aside from 'emotional value,' what do you actually bring to the table?"