Chapter 3
The day flew by in a blur of activity.
Just as I finished mopping and was about to rest, the living room door burst open.
Caden shot in like a bullet, making a beeline for the TV.
I stood stunned, then saw Ryan in a good mood.
He looked uneasy, kicked off his shoes, and walked over, seeming guilty.
"Claire said it's not our fault if he gets sick and Caden needs no special treatment. Just keep him safe and give him meat and veggies at every meal," Ryan said.
Seriously? Meat and veggies at every meal?
When Anya was acting up, I couldn't even get myself a hot cup of ramen.
Now they expect me to provide Caden with meat and veggies three times a day?
I was absolutely furious.
"Who said you could agree? I never said yes."
Ryan stammered, "She said you were being…petty. Told me not to mention it to you. I couldn't really get out of it."
"Oh, you couldn't say no, huh? Then you take care of him yourself!" I snapped.
I tossed the mop onto the floor and stormed off to the bedroom.
Ryan's temper flared too.
"Fine, I'll handle him. Caden's a big kid, and he doesn't need feeding, changing, or carrying. He's not harder than Anya. Claire's right, you're just petty and fuss over nothing!" Ryan snapped.
I snickered to myself, closed the door, and started packing.
Since Ryan said he'd take care of Caden, I was more than happy to let him prove it.
I decided to take Anya to stay with Chloe Miles, her godmother, for a few days.
Chloe adored Anya and often invited me to bring her to hang out at her two-bedroom apartment.
I texted her to confirm, and once she agreed, I began packing.
Twenty minutes later, with Anya in the carrier and our suitcase, I stepped outside.
Ryan claimed he'd care for Caden but stayed glued to his computer, gaming nonstop.
He was clearly just expecting me to do all the cooking and treat them like royalty.
Anya woke up cranky and crying because she hadn't slept well.
As I passed through the living room, Caden suddenly shot me a nasty glare.
"Aunt Evelyn, can you make Anya shut up? She's so freaking loud!" Caden barked.
Remembering the stream comments about him smothering Anya for ruining his TV time sent a chill down my spine.
Some people are just born evil.
Caden Sharpe, he was a born demon, no doubt about it.
An hour after I left, Ryan noticed I took Anya and started calling me nonstop.
I was so annoyed that I blocked him on every single platform.
Chloe was waiting for me outside the apartment complex.
She asked what was going on.
I told her the entire stream comment story without hiding anything.
After hearing everything, she let out a long sigh.
Chloe said, "Your sister-in-law is selfish, your husband's family ignores it, he avoids responsibility and burdens you, and his relatives are strange. I don't see this marriage lasting. You should consider leaving now."
I nodded. "Yeah, I've already been thinking about getting a divorce."
Getting a divorce isn't as simple as just wanting one.
If Ryan refuses, I'll need two court rounds to get a divorce.
Ryan's always wanted a son, so he probably won't fight for custody of Anya, but when it comes to splitting up the money, he'll fight tooth and nail for every cent.
Ryan brings home about 8 thousand dollars a month, but with all our expenses, we've only managed to save just over ten grand so far.
I own half the house, but owe 300 grand on the mortgage. Selling would net me about 150 grand.
My parents are back home, helping my brother with his kids, so they can't really be there for me right now.
Even though things will get even harder after the divorce, I'm still determined to go through with it.
Chloe's right, I need to cut my losses while I still can.
Chloe smiled and gave me a reassuring nod. "This place is mine, so honestly, stay as long as you want."
"Thanks," I said.
"Seriously, you don't have to thank me. With us, that's way too formal," Chloe replied.
Chloe ordered takeout, and after eating, we watched Anya. It was much more relaxing than working hard at home.