Chapter 3

Mike leaned back in disdain, then collapsed onto the dusty hallway floor. His eyes were red as he glared up at me, demanding answers.

He cried out, "Shawn, how could you hit me? I was only trying to help you. Why did you have to throw water at me?"

Cynthia exploded. She jabbed a finger right at my nose, her voice furious. "Shawn, are you out of your mind? Mike came all the way here to check on you, and you threw dirty water on him?

"Do you want me to call the cops and have you spend a few nights in jail?"

Watching Cynthia lose her cool over Mike, my heart turned cold.

Fed up, I grabbed my phone, dialed 911, and hit speaker. "Hello, 911? This is 302, Building 42, Sycamore Road.

"Someone broke into my apartment and is making a scene. Can you send someone over right now?"

The operator's voice echoed down the hallway. "Got it, sir. Keep your phone on. Officers are on their way."

Cynthia froze. She clearly hadn't expected me to actually call the cops.

Seeing my calm expression, a flicker of panic crossed her face. Cynthia said, "Shawn, you're out of your mind!

"You seriously called the cops over something so trivial? After all these years, I guess I was wrong about you.

"Oh, and one more thing. My mom's sixtieth birthday is in a week. Whether you show up or not, that's your call."

With that, she helped Mike up from the floor and walked away.

Back when I was at my lowest during my startup days, Cynthia's mother, Sabrina Glover, had given me crucial support.

I'd never forgotten that kindness, so I decided to go to the party.

It was my way of repaying Sabrina for everything she'd done for me.

And I planned to hand Cynthia the divorce papers right there in front of everyone, making it clear that we were done for good.

*****

A week later, Sabrina's family threw a big party for her sixtieth birthday. The old mansion's main hall was glowing, packed with relatives and friends. Everyone was laughing and toasting.

I slipped into a secluded corner and took a seat, keeping to myself so nobody would notice me.

Just as I picked up my cup, a commotion broke out at the entrance.

Cynthia swept in, dressed to the nines in a designer gown, clinging tightly to Mike's arm as they made a grand entrance.

Everyone started whispering and gossiping.

"Who's that guy Cynthia's with?"

"Did Cynthia and Shawn break up?"

Cynthia ignored all the gossip around her.

She led Mike straight to the head table, beaming as she stood before all the elders.

She said, "Mom, this is Mike. He is my good friend. He came especially to wish you a happy birthday."

Sabrina didn't say a word, her face darkening. "Where's Shawn?"

Cynthia's smile froze for a second. "I did tell him about it. I guess he decided not to come."

I sighed, stood up, and walked over to Sabrina. "Sabrina, I left your gift at home. Happy birthday! Wishing you health and a long life.

"Work's been keeping me busy, so I can't stay tonight. I'll come see you when I get the chance."

Cynthia shot me a glare. "So you actually showed up, huh? Hiding in the corner to watch me mess up?"

Mike shot me a look, clearly unimpressed.

"Hey, didn't you get canned? Or are you trying to bail on Sabrina's birthday?" he said.

The gossip around us got even louder. "Shawn can't even keep his own wife in check. No wonder he's getting cuckolded. No wonder he wants out."

"What a loser. He's making all of us men look bad. His wife slaps him right in the face, and he doesn't even fight back."

"Bottom line, Shawn is a loser."

Sabrina was quiet for a moment, then said softly, "Alright, dear. You can go now."

I nodded, bowed to her, and turned to leave.

As I walked past the display table near the head table, Mike suddenly showed up out of nowhere, holding a steaming bowl of mushroom soup and heading straight for me.

I instinctively kept my distance, but as we brushed shoulders, he suddenly twisted his wrist.

The boiling mushroom soup splashed all over the priceless tapestry depicting lions and family crests on display.

Cynthia had spent a fortune at an auction to get it for Sabrina.

The rich broth instantly ruined those delicate silk threads.

Mike doubled over, clutching his wrist, and let out a scream.

Then he collapsed onto the floor, tears streaming down his face.

Everyone was stunned by the sudden turn of events.

Cynthia was the first to rush over, helping Mike to his feet. "Mike, are you hurt? Did you get burned?"

Mike leaned into Cynthia's arms, his hand trembling as he pointed at me.

He choked out, "Cynthia, it was Shawn. He stuck his foot out and tripped me on purpose. That's why I lost my balance and spilled the soup everywhere."

His eyes were swollen and red from crying, and he looked so miserable it was like he'd been wronged more than anyone else in the world.

"I know Shawn hates me, but this was a birthday gift for Sabrina," Mike whimpered.

The whole hall went dead silent.

Every single person turned to stare at me.

Cynthia whipped around, let go of Mike, and stormed right up to me.

Her hand shot up, about to smack me hard across the face.