Chapter 36
Dexter’s voice trembled, his emotions completely out of control.
Although I had been mentally preparing myself for this moment I still couldn’t help but feel a cold chill settle deep in my chest when I saw what was written on the 1OU. 500 thousand dollars.
That was enough to buy two apartments in the Fairhaven. To think that Kimberly has signed away that much money on an IOU… My heart ached with every beat, and I could barely restrain myself from tearing into her fake, tear–streaked face.
Dexter was absolutely livid, practically exploding in front of me.
I had already taken Juno to our room, and we ended up having dinner there.
The noise from the living room couldn’t be blocked by the door 500 thousand dollars. Dexter and I had been working hard for years, and in all that time, we’d only managed to save 100 thousand dollars.
I thought, ‘And his mother has managed to rack up a debt this huge all at once? Who can possibly accept that?
After a while, the shouting outside quieted down a little.
Dexter finally returned to the room.
I had just finished giving Juno a bath, and because of the chaos tonight, Juno was clinging to me, not wanting to leave my side for even a second.
I had no choice but to settle him down for the night first before I could talk to Dexter about what had just happened.
Dexter sat on the edge of the bed, both hands gripping his hair in frustration. “500 thousand dollars… How the hell did she end up owing that much?”
“She’s been gambling, hasn’t she?” I asked.
Dexter looked up at me, his eyes bloodshot. “How did you know?”
“Come on, she’s a retired old woman, not sick, no major expenses at home–how could she possibly rack up such a debt? There’s no other explanation.”
Dexter’s face fell. “You’re right.”
I asked, “So what were those two men doing here?”
“My mom said she had them come to look at our house, so people would know she had a stable address in the Fairhaven, and wouldn’t worry about her skipping town.”
I couldn’t help but laugh, feeling a mix of disbelief and frustration “Are you seriously that stupid? You actually believe that? She had them come here to check out the house because she’s afer it! You should be looking for the property deed, not listening to her lies.”
It was like a lightbulb went off in Dexter’s head. He immediately opened the bedside drawer. “Where’s the deed?” he muttered, frantically searching.
I noticed he was careful not to touch the hidden compartment, most as if he was afraid the phone tucked inside might be exposed.
Sun, Feb 16
Chapter 36
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I couldn’t help but laugh. Even now, he was still pretending. But then again. I thought, ‘If he weren’t such a good actor, how would he have managed to fool me for so many years?‘
The property deed wasn’t there. His face turned as white as a sheet. He looked at me, hopeless, before I finally said, “Why don’t you ask your mom?”
Dexter stormed out of the room. Soon, there was more yelling coming from Kimberly’s room.
Fortunately, I’d made sure to lock our door, so it didn’t disturb Juno. But this house was falling apart, and I was scared… scared that one day, everything would completely collapse.
Kissing Juno’s sleeping face, I silently promised myself I wouldn break down. I wouldn’t let this mess take me down with Dexter. I’d take what was rightfully mine, and then I’d kick that scumbag to the curb.
Two long hours later, Dexter finally came back. His voice was hoarse, his face drained and defeated. He didn’t say a word, just went to the balcony to smoke. After about three or four cigarettes, he finally returned to my side.
I looked at him and said, “Stay away. You smell like smoke. Don get it on the kid.”
Dexter immediately stepped back, giving me some space.
The room was dimly lit by a single weak wall lamp.
AD
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