Chapter 2
"I'll handle this," Ryan said.
"Just keep them calm. Don't let them suspect a thing.
"It's wise to gather more evidence that supports you.
"Check if he's moved any of your joint assets."
My heart skipped a beat.
Mae had always kept Kellan's salary card.
He gave me one thousand dollars monthly forone thousand dollars
The rest supposedly went into Mae's little "investment fund."
I told Ryan about it.
Ryan's face grew serious.
"Important," he said. "This is a strong lead.
"Can you check his bank statements?"
I paused for a moment.
Kellan's computer was unlocked.
Sometimes, he logged into online banking.
"I'll give it a try," I said.
"Be careful. Don't let him see," he warned.
Leaving his office, I felt calm.
The revenge plan was spreading like a closing net around them.
That night, Kellan played games in the study.
Mae and Lucy had already gone to bed.
I entered the study and gave him a glass of milk.
"Kellan, you should get some rest soon," I said.
He just grunted without looking up.
I secretly accessed his banking app.
As expected, he was still logged in.
I reviewed his transaction history, scrolling through each transfer.
With each transaction, my heart grew heavier.
For six months, a large sum was transferred monthly from his salary account.
The money was going to a stranger.
Each transfer was accompanied by a playful little note.
[Baby, go buy that bag you love.]
[Honey, this is our travel fund.]
[Happy anniversary, sweetheart.]
My hand trembled uncontrollably.
Mae's "managing finances" was just this.
He asked me to "be understanding" but meant another woman.
I made sure he didn't notice.
I took clear photos of every page of his transaction history.
Then I logged out of his banking app and wiped any trace of my access.
Carrying the empty glass, I walked out of the study.
As I closed the door behind me, my expression turned cold.
Kellan, Mae, this game is just getting started.
Ever since I talked to Ryan, my whole mindset changed.
I refused to stay silent.
On Friday morning, Mae was at it once again.
"Zara, it's the weekend. Spend a few days at your parents'.
"Let Lucy study in peace."
Back then, I would've just packed up and left quietly.
But today, I set my chopsticks down.
"I'm not leaving," I said.
My voice was steady, not loud.
Mae paused, as if unsure she'd heard me.
She blinked. "What?"
"I'm not leaving," I repeat. "This is my home."
Kellan frowned. "Zara, don't throw a tantrum."
"I'm not," I replied.
I looked him in the eye and said, "Kellan, this is my house.
"My name is on the deed.
"You're all living in my house."
Everyone at the table was silent.
Mae's face turned a deep shade of red.
She never expected that from me. I'd always been so docile.
"What do you mean?" Mae stammered, trembling as she pointed. "Getting bold now?"
"I'm simply stating a fact," I replied coolly.
I stood up, went to the bedroom, and grabbed the deed.
I slapped it down on the table.
I pointed. "Read it carefully. The owner's name is Zara Bennett.
"My parents paid for this house before I married.
"The Thompson family contributed nothing."
Kellan's expression shifted.
He knew perfectly well this house belonged to me.
But he never expected me to throw it in his face like this.
"Zara, we're married. This isn't fair," he said, trying to calm me.
"Married?" I scoffed. "When you told me to leave and go to my parents', did you care about us being married?
"When I was pregnant and your mom made me wait until Lucy woke up, did you care we were married?
"But now, when it's about the house, we're husband and wife again?"
Every word silenced Kellan.
Mae finally lost her composure.
She jumped up, pointed at me, and screamed.
"How dare you! You eat our food, live under our roof, and now you talk back to me?
"As long as you're married to Kellan, you answer to me.
"Today, you're going back to your parents' house, like it or not!"
I shot her a cold look.
"First off," I shot back, "I'm not living off you. My parents pay all the expenses here.
"Second, if anyone's getting kicked out, it's you.
"Get out of my house. Right now."
"You!" Mae trembled with anger.
She raised her hand to slap me.
I didn't flinch.
I stood firm, my pregnant belly ready for the hit.
"Go ahead," I said.
"Touch me or my child today, and the Thompson family will pay.
"You don't know the consequences you'll face."
My eyes were cold as ice, sharp enough to cut.
Mae's hand froze in mid-air.
She was completely intimidated by me.
She'd never seen me like this before.
Lucy, silent until now, finally spoke, annoyed.
"Can you guys shut up already?
"How can I study with all this noise?"
She pushed back from the table and stormed off to her room.
The door slammed shut with a loud bang.
Mae's temper vanished instantly with Lucy.
She didn't dare push further and just glared at me.
"Fine, Zara, just you wait!" she threatened.
With that, she hurried off to soothe her daughter.
Now, it was just Kellan and me at the table.
He stared at me, his eyes unreadable.