Chapter 4

I frowned, putting on a confused expression.

"Mom, that would be too much trouble. In a few years, Finn will be going to school. There'll be so many places to spend money. Wouldn't it be inappropriate for me to keep asking you for money over and over?"

My mother-in-law's gaze fell on Finn, who was sitting on the chair. She seemed conflicted.

She genuinely loved this grandson. But he might not be her only grandson in the future.

Once she made up her mind, she dropped her restrained attitude.

"Sarah, you're my daughter-in-law. Isn't it only natural that I, as your mother-in-law, help manage the money for you?

"Besides, the family needs money right now. You can't possibly keep Tommy's compensation all to yourself, can you?

"Tony is getting married. Shouldn't you help out a bit?"

Hearing her finally reveal her real intention, I stopped refusing.

Wiping at my tears, looking weak and submissive, I pulled an envelope from my pocket.

"What you said is right, Mom. This is the portion of the compensation meant for you and Dad. After the wedding tomorrow, I'll give you the part I saved as well."

She felt the thickness of the envelope and nodded in satisfaction. Then, just like Tommy used to, she threw me a few empty words of comfort.

"Sarah, don't worry. Even if Tommy isn't here anymore, you'll always be my daughter-in-law, and Finn will always be my grandson. We won't let you and Finn suffer.

"Oh, right. Tomorrow's banquet will probably be very busy. Since you'll be free anyway, go help out in the kitchen and cook a few dishes."

I lowered my head and agreed. My obedient demeanor clearly pleased her.

She was so eager to go back and count her money that she didn't notice that most of Finn's and my belongings in the room had already been packed.

The next morning, before dawn had even broken, Tommy knocked loudly on my door and woke me.

"Sarah, hurry up and get up to cook. We have to prepare dishes for ten tables later."

The happy event had put a spring in his step. Even his voice carried an air of satisfaction.

I looked at the decorations all over the courtyard and gave a faint, mocking smile.

When Tommy and I had gotten married, he'd said his parents were old and didn't like noise, so we hadn't made a big fuss.

Now it seemed it wasn't that they didn't like commotion. It was just that I was never the one they wanted.

Noticing my distraction, Tommy hesitated. Seeing no one around, he pulled a tiny silver bracelet from his pocket.

"This was made when I had Amy's jewelry done. I got it along the way. It's for you."

Before I could refuse, he stuffed the bracelet into my hand and sighed.

"Sarah, you've worked hard these past few days. I know it's hard to hold up a family without a husband. Don't worry. Once this is all over, I'll talk to Amy about supporting both households."

Then he turned and left.

I stood there, disgusted, and tossed the silver bracelet onto the ground, then stepped on it a few times.

Disgusting. Absolutely disgusting.

The moment he said the words "supporting both households," I felt like I'd been smeared with a pile of dog filth.

He had been my husband all along, yet now he spoke as if he were granting me charity. How could he shamelessly say such things?

Fortunately, the time had come. It was time for me to leave.

The moment Tommy led the wedding party out of the Robinson house to fetch the bride, I hoisted Finn onto my back and picked up my bundle.

I took one last look at the place I'd lived for so many years. Not a shred of attachment remained as I turned and walked away quickly.

On the way to fetch the bride, Tommy suddenly felt uneasy.

Was it because he was about to marry Amy and was too excited?

He couldn't figure it out. It wasn't even his first wedding.

But Amy and Sarah were different.

Amy was the woman he'd truly loved and hidden in his heart. Sarah had only ever been suitable as a wife.

He'd thought he'd never have the chance to marry Amy, whom he truly loved. Who would've thought something would happen to Tony?

He'd only hesitated for a moment before deciding to take his brother's identity and continue living.

Amy was sensible and understanding. She would surely agree to him supporting both households.

That way, he wouldn't be letting Sarah down.

Thinking about his future life with the woman he loved, Tommy felt triumphant and lighthearted.

But when he brought Amy back to the Robinson house, he saw his mother stumbling out, a letter clutched tightly in her hand.

"Something terrible has happened! Sarah… took Finn and left! She said she's going to remarry!"