6
571words
She steadied my shoulders and pulled me up.
I was breathing hard, like I'd been drowning.
She wanted to take me to the hospital.
I point to the bubble tea shop across the street.
"Just get me a milk tea."
Half a cup of warm drink calms me.
It's a stress-induced condition—eating helps me recover quickly.
Emily was stunned but then said, " Let's get you something better to eat."
In her $6 sneakers, she started walking towards a fancy restaurant.
I yanked her back." You're bankrupt, remember? Save your money."
Her usual haughty attitude faded, and she awkwardly tugged at her clothes. I chose a cheap diner instead.
Emily grimaces."Is this food even edible?"
I get it—she and Nathan's takeout starts at $300.
I've been a delivery guy, and I used to skip the orders going to my old home - their place - and give them to my colleagues
I didn't want to serve my ex-wife and her lover.
Now, Emily devours two bowls of rice with a $3.50 beef stir-fry.
I ask," Did you check with Clara? Is the house in mine and Lily's names?"
She confirms it is, and a weight lifts from my chest.
Good. Clara's reliable.
After we ate, I went to the housing authority to apply for a new deed for the house.
In 40 minutes, I had the new title.
Owners: James Miller, Lily Miller.
Touching the red cover, I feel grounded.
Then I visited an electronics store.
An hour later, I knock on the condo's door.
"Sorry, folks, but this house belongs to me and my daughter. Your son illegally took it for four years. Please move out soon."
Nathan's parents aren't cruel, so I'm polite.
When they saw the deed, their faces went pale, and they called Nathan.
"How could you steal someone's house? You said Emily gave it to us! I've never taken a cent that wasn't mine—you've shamed us!"
Emily denied it." I didn't give it to him."
I added," Not only did he steal the house, but when my wife was pregnant, your son ruined our marriage. After the divorce, he took the settlement and house meant for me and Lily. That's this place. Because of him, we have suffered for four years."
Mr. Brooks was so angry that his eyes were shaking, and he started pounding his chest.
I showed him Nathan's taunting messages, kept for four years.
Emily blushed with shame and moved to the side. Even people who cheat usually know it's a bad thing, but Nathan's messages were so bold and arrogant. Mr. Brooks was so mad that he almost spat blood. "How did I raise such a disgraceful son!" He shouted
He tries to kneel to me.
"Young man, I apologize for our family!"
I lifted him up.
Nathan was not here yet—no need to kneel.
When Nathan arrived, Mr. Brooks slapped him hard several times.
Nathan was beaten but still acted proud.
"So I took his woman and house. So what? The world's not fair. Should I be like you, pretending to be noble and staying poor forever?"
Looking at me and Emily, he's unrepentant and even smug.
"Besides this place, I have four houses, two cars,$20 million in savings, and countless luxuries. In this room, I'm the richest!"
"You two—a debtor and a laborer—think you can fight me? Let's see if you can afford a lawyer or outlast me."
