Chapter 3
I stared at David.
The face I once loved so deeply was now nothing but twisted and strange.
I said, "Embarrass?
"David, when you kicked my mom out, didn't you embarrass her?
"When your sister barged in like she owned the place, didn't you embarrass me?
"And now you say I embarrassed you?"
David's lips moved, but he couldn't get a single word out to argue back.
Yeah, what right did he have to talk to me about face?
All that acting righteous of his was built on my compromises and sacrifices.
Now that I'm done backing down, suddenly I'm the heartless one, and he thinks I'm the one making him lose face.
"Emily," David's voice softened, a hint of pleading in his tone. "We're still husband and wife, after all. Three years together.
"I know I messed up with your mom. I wasn't thinking straight.
"But Lisa's my sister. She came to me for help. How could I turn my back on her?
"Can't you be a little more understanding? For my sake, let her stay for now."
I let out a laugh. "Your so-called face?
"David, tell me, how much is your face really worth?
"Is your face what lets you shamelessly live in the apartment my parents paid for, so you can pamper your sister without a hint of guilt?
"Is your face what lets you spend my money with a clear conscience, all to support your mom and your sister?"
David was completely thrown off by my questions, his face going pale. "I-I didn't," he stammered.
"Didn't?" I pressed, not letting up. "In the three years we've been married, have you ever given me a single dollar for the apartment?
"Didn't you hand over your entire paycheck to your mom every month?
"Do you really think I'm a sucker, put here to be drained dry by your whole family?"
David was completely exposed by my words, his eyes darting away. "She's my mom. Is it wrong for me to take care of her?"
"Take care of her?" I laughed, as if I'd heard the biggest joke. "You really think that's what being a good son looks like?
"You're using your wife's money to look after your mom, and you still have the nerve to talk about pride?
"David, I finally get it now.
"I didn't marry a real man. I married your mother's little boy.
"You're an absolute mama's boy, still clinging to your mom and never able to cut the cord."
That was the final straw.
David's face turned beet red, the veins on his neck popping out in fury.
"Emily, shut up!" he roared, like a cat whose tail had been stepped on. "I won't let you talk about me like that."
I watched him, all flustered and furious, and whatever lingering feelings I had for him disappeared. "Oh, did I say something wrong?
"Your mom tells you to kick my mom out, and you do it.
"Your mom says let your sister move in, and you let her.
"Everything your mom says is gospel, and whatever I do is always wrong.
"Can you honestly say you're not a mama's boy?"
David raised his hand, as if he wanted to strike me.
But when he met my icy stare, his hand fell limply to his side.
"You're impossible!" he snapped, then stormed out, slamming the door behind him.
*****
At last, I was alone in the apartment.
I didn't cry. I felt nothing. My heart was numb, as still as a pond.
I took out my phone, then started packing up David's things.
His clothes, his shoes, his game console.
One by one, I packed everything that belonged to him into boxes.
Just then, my phone rang.
It was Edgar. "Ms. Grant, there's a situation I think you should be aware of.
"Is now a good time?"
"Go ahead," I said.
Edgar's voice was steady. "I've done some preliminary digging into Mr. Dickinson's salary account transactions.
"The one he claims only leaves him with 1 thousand dollars a month for himself.
"What I found is that, over the past year, aside from the 2 thousand dollars he regularly sends to your mother-in-law every month, there are also several large transactions and transfers.
"The total amount is over 60 thousand dollars.
"And all those transfers are going to the same unknown personal account."
My grip on the phone tightened.
60 thousand dollars? Where did he get that kind of money?
My heart hit rock bottom.
*****
It took me two days to box up all of David's stuff.
Four big boxes sat in the corner of the living room, looking like junk, waiting to be tossed out.
David didn't come back, and he didn't even try to reach out to me.
I enjoyed the peace and quiet.
Edgar was still digging into that mysterious account.
I was sure we'd get some answers soon.
On Wednesday afternoon, I met up with Edgar to hand over the more detailed financial evidence I'd gathered.
I locked the door and went downstairs.
We talked for a little over an hour at the café.
When I got back to my door, something felt off.
I pulled out my key and stuck it in the lock.
It wouldn't turn, like something was blocking it.
My heart skipped a beat. I tried again, but it still wouldn't budge.
Just then, a smug laugh echoed from behind the door.
It was Lisa. "Don't waste your energy. The lock's been changed."
Then Fiona's shrill voice rang out. "Emily, you shameless woman, how dare you come back?
"This is my son's apartment. You've been kicked out, so scram!"
I stood at the door, hearing them yelling inside. I wasn't angry. Honestly, all I could do was laugh at them.
They dared to change the locks on my apartment.
That was trespassing, a crime.
Once again, their stupidity and greed managed to blow my mind.
I didn't bother arguing with them.
I quietly took two steps back, pulled out my phone, and snapped a clear photo of the brand-new lock cylinder.
Then I made two calls.
The first was to 911. "Hello, I'd like to report a break-in.
"The address is 1801, Building 1.
"Someone broke my lock and is illegally occupying my home.
"Yes, I'm outside right now, and the people inside won't open the door."
The second call was to Edgar. "Edgar, they've taken action.
"They broke in and are squatting in my place."
"Yes, I've already called the police.
"Bring the original property deed and all the legal paperwork, and get over here right now.
"Also, get me the best moving company you can find."
After hanging up, I leaned against the wall, waiting, calm and unbothered, ready for whatever came next.