What kind of chance are you talking about?

A chance to keep playing both sides?

Do you think I'm some kind of fool who will let you and your mother manipulate me?

Just as I was about to shoot him down, Keira's mouth flapped open again.

"Here's an idea: since you've been with Grant for so long and he doesn't want to break up, let's make it interesting. Whoever has a son first with their blind date gets to marry him."

This was too much. I couldn't help but laugh, a bitter chuckle escaping my lips.

What does she think her son is? Just because he's landed a government job doesn't mean he's suddenly worth his weight in gold.

But now wasn't the time to get into a shouting match; I had more pressing matters to address.

"I've said everything I need to say. I'm breaking up with you, and I want my money back. You two can figure out how to handle that.

"Grant, I've packed your things.

"Take your bags and your mother.

"Get out of my house.

"Honestly, I feel sick just being around you."

Keira, enraged by my sudden backbone, hurled insults at me, calling me all sorts of names and threatening that once her son became a department head, I'd be the first one she'd deal with.