Chapter 10 - THE MOTHER-IN-LAW WHO CAME TO THREATEN ME
Julian's mother arrived at my temporary home three weeks later.
Margaret had helped me rent a secure townhouse near the hospital.
Oliver was still receiving neonatal care, but his condition was improving.
I was sitting on the sofa when the doorbell rang.
Ethan checked the camera.
His expression hardened.
"Vivian Caldwell."
I sighed.
"Let her in."
Vivian entered wearing pearls and a cream coat.
She looked around the modest living room.
"So this is where you're hiding."
I remained seated.
"Hello, Vivian."
She crossed her arms.
"You've embarrassed this family."
I stared.
"Have I?"
"Julian is being investigated because of you."
"Because of financial records."
She waved a hand.
"Don't be difficult."
I looked at her.
"What do you want?"
She stepped closer.
"Withdraw the divorce."
"No."
"Restore Julian's position."
"No."
"Stop making private matters public."
I took a breath.
"Julian abandoned me during a medical emergency."
Vivian rolled her eyes.
"Men make mistakes."
I stared.
"Leaving a bleeding pregnant woman beside a highway isn't a small mistake."
She leaned forward.
"You think you can take my son's company?"
I smiled sadly.
"It was never entirely his."
Her face reddened.
"You ungrateful little—"
Ethan stepped into the room.
"That's enough."
Vivian turned.
"Who are you?"
"Her brother."
She looked him up and down.
"Stay out of family business."
Ethan didn't move.
"Khloe is my family."
Vivian stared.
Then looked back at me.
"You'll regret this."
I stood carefully.
"No."
I looked directly into her eyes.
"I regret believing I had to tolerate cruelty to keep a family together."
Vivian opened her mouth.
I continued.
"Oliver will grow up knowing that love doesn't mean accepting abandonment."
Silence.
Then I pointed toward the door.
"Please leave."
She did.
And when the door closed, I sat down and cried.
Ethan handed me a tissue.
"You okay?"
I nodded.
"Yes."
He smiled.
"You were incredible."
I laughed through tears.
"No."
May you like
I looked toward Oliver's photograph.
"I was just finally done being afraid."
