“My boy, you’re naughty! Want a fight? Take mommy's punch!”
They even bet ten million I’d crawl back, humiliated and begging.
But I was done.
——
When he shoved me out, Evander’s face twisted with rage.
“We’re all friends. Do you really need to cause such a scene? I told you—Althea is like a sister to me. If I wanted her, why would I marry you? You’re insane. Get out and calm down!”
He turned back to Althea, his voice softening into that familiar, gentle tone.
“Don’t mind her. It’s my fault. She’s pregnant and thinks she’s some queen mother.”
The others laughed.
“Careful, Evander. It’s winter. Don’t let the baby freeze, or your wife will leave you.”
“Leave? Look at her! Thirty pounds heavier already—who’d want her?”
“You’re lucky you agreed to marry her. Give her an inch and she’ll open a dyeing factory!”
Althea slung her arm around his shoulder.
“Pregnant women are a pain. A sister’s better. Drink! If I don’t drink you to death tonight, I’m not your mama!”
“Mama? Screw you! You call me mama or I’ll kill you!”
“Use your enoki mushroom? Hahaha—”
Their laughter roared inside as I stood in the snow, wiping tears I hadn’t noticed falling. My cheek burned from shame, my hand numb from the cold.