All Chapters of Before the Bells Could Ring: Chapter 1 - Chapter 10

Larisse, who used to say I was the only son-in-law for the Lewis family, was then smiling and chatting with Jeffrey.It turned out everyone knew Jeffrey was the real groom at the wedding, except for me.I rubbed my sore arm and stood up to leave. Larisse called out to me. "If you're leaving, take off the suit. It's tailor-made to match Rosie's wedding dress."Looking into her cold, unfamiliar eyes, my heart dropped.Of course.I was always just an outsider.She was Rosie's mom. She would always take her side.All around me, eyes were watching, making me feel super awkward.I wriggled out of the suit that was way too small and handed it to Jeffrey. He pretended to dust it off and put it on. It fit him like a glove.That made me laugh.So that's why the suit felt so tight: it was not made for me!Jeffrey eyed my pants and teased. "Malcolm, the jacket and pants don't really match. You don't mind giving me the pants too, do you?"He was just trying to make me look silly in fron

Rosie finally looked at me. She did not think her mom was being too harsh. Instead, she pulled at my shirt and said with a little frown, "It's a happy day, don't make mom mad. Go on, start cleaning." However, I stayed put. The room was tense until Jeffrey, pretending to be all helpful, said, "Mom, calm down. It is normal to be a bit lazy. I will clean up. I've always been the hardworking one." He had not even lifted a finger when Rosie, feeling bad for him, cut in, "Don't worry about it. You are our guest. Just sit and relax."She finished speaking and looked at me, her eyes full of disappointment. "Jeffrey is so smart and hardworking. Why can't you be like him? When did you get so lazy?"For seven years, I did everything around the house, taking care of every little thing for them. However, the one time I did not clean, I suddenly became the lazy person they all talked about.Jeffrey just had to say he would do something, and Rosie would call him hardworking.It was clear who

"Say sorry to Jeff, or you can forget about coming home."Jeffrey looked a little unsteady. "I can't make Malcolm say sorry. Just please don't be mean to my kid anymore. He is only five and does not understand."It's my fault. I upset you. I'll drink this whole bottle of wine right now to say sorry to you."He grabbed a wine bottle from another table, opened it, and drank it all in one go.Rosie dashed over; her eyes filled with worry. "Jeffrey, please think twice! That drink is too strong for you."Malcolm, why are you just standing there like a statue?"Apologize now! Do you want to hurt him?"I stood by, watching the commotion unfold.The room was buzzing with people when Adrian hurried over to clear things up:"Everyone's got it wrong. Malcolm's here for his new job celebration."Rosie paused, her anger melting away, and she turned to me with curiosity."They're throwing a party for your new job?"Why didn't you talk to me before job hunting? If you're not home, who's g

Jeffrey backed off, keeping his distance."Okay, Malcolm, I never knew you were the jealous type."Rosie, looks like you won't be able to have guy friends anymore. Your husband's the jealous kind."Rosie, who always backed Jeffrey, was now just looking at me. "Alright, Malcolm, I will give up all my guy friends for you."Will you come home with me now?"Jeffrey froze, then hastily pulled at Rosie's sleeve."Rosie, reconsider your actions. There are plenty of guys out there, but true friends are rare."Rosie shook off his grip, prepared to clarify things once more.Observing it all, I offered a small, detached smile."No need for all the explanations. We are finished; you are free. Hang out with whoever you like, no need for my approval." I turned and walked away.Rosie attempted to grab my sleeve to halt me, but she missed.I spent a night at a hotel, then returned to work.After getting settled for a couple of weeks, I began my new job abroad.One evening after work, Rosi

She did not show up again.On my way home, I bumped into Rosie's family. They were rushing back with their sleeping child.Rosie was holding Jeffrey's hand, both of them chatting and laughing.Jeffrey saw me first and greeted me. "Hey Malcolm, just finished dinner and heading home?"Rosie looked surprised, then remembered and quickly said. "Oh, I'm sorry, Malcolm. I forgot about our dinner plans."Jeffrey, feeling bad for her, added. "Don't be too hard on yourself. It was Sean. He wanted to play at the night market, and that's why we're late."He tried to apologize to me while managing the sleepy child.Larisse, upset, started in on me. "Malcolm, you're gone, and you still come back to upset us!"Do you want to tear our family apart? Is that what makes you happy?"I cooked for you for two years, like you were my own son."Larisse's words got harsher.Rosie stepped in, a rare thing for her. "Mom, that's enough."It was the first time Rosie had ever scolded her, and Larisse g