Chapter 3

Cecil was practically the spitting image of Selena.

"Why would I come back?" I replied coldly. "She's been doing just fine without me these days, hasn't she? Tell her to sign the divorce agreement quickly, so we can part ways on good terms!"

Cecil yelled, "Dad, you're at this age and still talking about divorce? It's embarrassing! Mom is at least a university professor..."

"Are you done?" I interrupted. "If so, hang up. Don't bother me unless it's necessary!"

I ended the call before she could say another word and looked around my little piece of heaven. I had bought this small farmhouse nearby with a large yard in the back. I planted sunflowers in the front. In the back, I was preparing to grow vegetables.

For the first time in years, I was doing what I loved.

The sunflowers, wild and untamed, burst with vitality. Once the seeds were sown, they reached for the light, flourishing with the wild abandon of weeds.

The sight of the yard teeming with life brought a spontaneous smile to my face.

"Selena," I murmured, "without you, I can live the life I want. Without you, I can indulge myself without restraint."

For three consecutive days, Cecil and Selena kept sending messages and calling, but I ignored them all.

Unexpectedly, they showed up at my door.

The moment their car pulled up outside, I raised my eyebrows at the sight of Selena stepping out.

Her expression was as cold and displeased as I had imagined.

"Jacob," she said, her voice dripping with disapproval, "you've had your time to cool off outside. I was in the hospital for so long, and here you are, living comfortably!"

I smirked and replied, "Thanks to you, I'm doing quite well. So, what brings you here?"

I turned back to my vegetable seeds, deliberately ignoring her.

Her annoyance was palpable as she shouted, "Stop this nonsense. During my hospital stay, Ethan took care of me. You ran off in anger, but you've had your fun. Now, come back with me! And while you're at it, let's invite Ethan for dinner to thank him for his care."

Anger surged within me. I grabbed a handful of dirt and threw it in her direction.

"Thank him? He got you sick; taking care of you was the least he could do! When have you ever thanked me for staying by your side in the hospital? For forty years, I was the one there, not him. Now, you want me to thank him? Bullshit! Selena, get out!"

Her face turned pale and flushed red as she looked down at the dirt on her clothes. She screamed, "Jacob, enough! We're family. What's this talk of thanks?"

"So, my efforts are taken for granted, but his occasional visits make you grateful?" I retorted. "Selena, you're really something!"

Selena was speechless as anger flashed in her eyes.

Cecil quickly stepped in, ever the peacemaker. "Dad, stop this! Mr. White has it hard enough on his own. Besides, at your age, making a scene is laughable. How can Mr. White face his students at school? When I went there today, his students were looking at him funny!"

I sneered, "Isn't that because he feels guilty? If he didn't do those things, would anyone look down on him? Cecil, stay out of your mom and my business."

She bristled at my words and growled, "Dad! All these years, Mom has been the breadwinner, dealing with workplace competition and you. With your bad temper, she shouldn't have to cater to you anymore!"

"Cater to me?" I echoed and sneered. "Is that how you see it, Selena? You and Ethan's affairs are beyond my control. Either sign the agreement, or I'll sue. A man who has affairs with a married woman has no place teaching!"

Selena frowned, her expression one of annoyance. "What are you going on about? Ethan and I are completely innocent!"

"You know the truth better than anyone. Ethan's logs detail everything. Do you want me to show them to you, or should I take this up with your university's leadership?"

Selena, ever mindful of her image, certainly wouldn't risk it.

Seething with anger, Cecil intervened, "Dad, you're being outrageous! Mom, divorce him. Let's see how he enjoys his freedom without you propping him up!"