âSure, I left you, and our living conditions took a dive, but donât worry your pretty little head. My daughter and I wonât starve. What are you doing here? Spit it out or skedaddle; donât you dare interrupt our supper!â
Thaddeus felt pain in his chest after hearing his usually gentle wife snap at him like this. He sighed, took a seat, and softened his tone a bit. âAlright, have you finished your tantrum yet? Weâre not spring chickens anymore, so why are you acting so damn stubborn? Finish up this junk food and come home with me.â
Bertha held a half-eaten pizza in her hand.
Then she had to put it down to fire back at him. âThaddeus, did you not hear what I said the other day, or did you simply choose to ignore it?!â
Thaddeus looked innocent. âWhen have I ever ignored what you said? Bertha, canât we just stop this nonsense?â
Bertha took a sip from her daughterâs soda. âI told you that I want a divorce. Have you forgotten? If weâre getting a divorce, we obviously need to start by living separately. Why should I go back with you?â
Thaddeus frowned. âDivorce? Bertha, we donât have any marital problems. Why on earth would we get a divorce? I admit I was in a bad mood that day and didnât speak kindly to you and Lea, but surely thatâs not a reason to actually divorce me.â
Bertha laughed sarcastically. âA minor issue? You still think the reason Iâm upset is some minor inconvenience to you. Thaddeus, what have I gained from being with you all these years? Everyone thinks Iâm living a life of luxury because Iâm with you, but what luxury have I enjoyed? Can you tell me?â
Thaddeus opened his mouth, but no words came out.
Bertha glared at him. âCanât find the words, can you? Because you know better than anyone that life with you hasnât been a walk in the park.
Your eldest daughter has always believed that I married you for your money and status, and sheâs been condescending and awful to me for years. Iâve always tried to keep the peace for you and curry her favor, hoping to be a good stepmother.
But how does your daughter treat our daughter? Sheâs always seen Lea as a threat, thinking that I had Lea to compete with her for the inheritance. Iâve always taught Lea not to bicker with her sister and not to compete with her.
Lea is a good girl. Sheâs never thought about fighting with Sophia over anything. But you, as a father, just take it for granted. You make it seem like if she doesnât fight, she doesnât get anything. Youâre in such a hurry to hand over all the assets to Sophia. Itâs like youâre afraid that when Lea comes of age, things will get messy. Are you afraid that Lea will change her mind and fight with your precious firstborn?
Well, let me tell you, Lea and I donât care for your stuff, but your blatant favoritism is infuriating!â
With a stern face, Thaddeus tried to interject.
However, Bertha cut him off. âIâm sure you think Iâm hypocritical now. I said I didnât want anything, and now Iâm angry because youâre not giving me anything, right?
Well, think whatever you like! Iâm determined to divorce you and fight for everything that should belong to Lea! Then Iâll respect her wishes, donate it to those in need, and let her accumulate good karma! I can bear the burden, but my daughter canât!â
Thaddeusâ face showed a range of mixed emotions. He pulled out a cigar case from his pocket, took out a cigar, and was about to light it.
Suddenly, Bertha snatched the cigar from his mouth and tossed it into the trash. âIf you want to smoke, go outside! This pigeon coop may not be to your liking, but itâs my friendâs beloved home! Donât stink up my friendâs furniture! I donât want my daughter to be harmed by your second-hand smoke!â