All Chapters of Half of a Whole: Chapter 1 - Chapter 9

I was so angry, I almost laughed again.What, was Jim some kind of big shot? Why was his emotional support worth more than mine?A dark look appeared in his eyes. "You're naturally better at showing affection, so it's only right that you make me feel cared for."I'm different. I'm easygoing, straightforward, and not good at comforting people."For me, it takes a lot of effort to give you emotional support. I have to learn how to do it, pay attention to your emotions, and put real thought into it."He took a sip of tea. "I put in a hundred times, even a thousand times more time and effort than you do. So of course my emotional support is worth more!"His words made my head throb.How could Jim think I was naturally better at loving people and should be the one giving all the emotional support? Had evolution somehow given me some special ability that everyone else lacked?Other living things evolved stronger bodies and sharper minds to survive.Was I supposed to have grown n

Only then did I understand what it meant to turn the blame back on the person being accused.But Jim seemed to have more to say. "Just because the source of that 1 million dollars is clear doesn't mean the suspicion of cheating goes away!"How could a short-sighted woman like you make 1 million dollars from investing in funds? You must have gotten close to someone and heard some inside information."Otherwise, why won't you tell me which fund is making money so I can make money with you?"I pressed my lips together, unable to hide the contempt in my eyes. I didn't want to waste any more time explaining myself.Someone who wanted to smear another person would find a way to do it no matter what.If I made money from a fund, he considered it proof that I cheated.If I didn't tell him which fund was making money, he still considered it proof that I was unfaithful.As far as Jim was concerned, there was no way someone like me could make 1 million dollars on her own in three years.

There were four children in my family.Craig Lennard, my oldest brother, was a TV reporter. My second brother, Derrick Lennard, was a professional kickboxing champion. Jared Lennard, my third brother, was a police inspector.If Jim wanted to keep me from leaving, he would have to get past my three older brothers.His face darkened as he whispered through clenched teeth, "When did you call them? You really don't want to be close to me? Mabel, just how badly do you want to divorce me?"I used to think Jim's possessive behavior was incredibly attractive.Now that I was clearheaded, I found his breathy voice incredibly grating.Craig pointed an action camera at Jim, while Derrick stood in Jim's way, refusing to let him pass. Jared watched him with a hard, angry stare.I pouted and leaned into Dad's arms. "Dad, look at Jim! He cheated on me, and he's still bothering me."I shot a glance at Queenie. "He's been playing house with his coworker every night, and she's already pregnant. H

"Mabel, don't think being pregnant gives you the right to push me around!" Jim snapped. "This is my last chance for you to make up. Don't push me too far. I don't want our child to be born into a broken home."His words were threatening, but a flash of guilt crossed his eyes. He probably wasn't sure whether I would still choose him as firmly as I had before."Didn't we already fall out?" I asked.The moment Jim threw his emotional support bill at me, things between us were over.Queenie's eyes were filled with tears. "Jimmy, how could such a good man like you be treated this way? Mabel must have found some rich guy and decided your love wasn't good enough for her."If you ask me, you should take her to court for the divorce. It's anyone's guess who will win!""No!" Bertha appeared from somewhere after paying the hospital bill. "Jim, if you divorce Mabel, a child without a mother will get bullied."Bertha, who usually could barely stand the sight of me, gave me such a warm smil