Shawn hung his head, too ashamed to argue.
After venting her frustration, Julie broke down in tears.
She wasnât just mad at Shawn; she felt sorry for Melissa, who had to sell her apartment because of him.
When they were alone, Shawn gazed at Janet, silently pleading.
But Janet remained silent, busying herself packing a small suitcase.
Finally, she spoke calmly.
âSince youâre back, Iâve got nothing left to worry about.
Letâs get a divorce tomorrow.
â
Stunned, Shawn grabbed her luggage, asking, âWhat are you saying? Why divorce?â
âIâm done with you, Shawn,â she replied firmly.
Janet struggled to contain her anger.
She couldnât stand the sight of Shawn anymore; he disgusted her.
With disdain, she continued, âI thought youâd quit gambling and treat Yvonne and me right.
Thatâs why I gave you a second chance.
But youâre cheating with someone else.
Shawn⦠I may not be educated or come from much, but I do have some self-respect.
Iâm done with you.
â
But Shawn wouldnât agree to divorce.
He knew he had messed up.
Groveling on the floor, he begged, but Janet was resolute.
Janet was determined.
She found a job at a factory and didnât mind the cramped dorms.
Her friend who introduced her to the job said if theyâd work ten-hour shifts, theyâd make eight grand a month.
She planned to give six grand to Melissa every month.
She knew it wouldnât cover Yvonneâs expenses, but she didnât want her daughter to suffer.
So, she worked hard to repay Melissaâs kindness.
When Melissa got the money from Janet after she received her first paycheck, she felt a mixed feeling surging inside.
Marcus walked in and spotted the envelope on the desk.
He raised an eyebrow, asking, âIs this from Janet?â
Glancing at him, Melissa nodded.
âYeah, she and Shawn are done.
â
Lounging on the sofa, legs crossed, Marcus remarked with a smirk, âYou canât solve all their problems, Miss Brown.
Thatâs their life, after all.
Janetâs doing the right thing.
Sheâs as hardworking as Julie.
I reckon she can handle herself just fine.
Donât go offering her some easy gig just because you feel bad for her.
Itâd only make her uncomfortable.
â
With a wry smile, Melissa quipped, âAre you reading my mind now?â
Marcus gazed at her intently.
âHow could I not know whatâs on your mind?â he said meaningfully.
Melissa put the envelope into the drawer.
âIâll stash this away for Yvonne.
A little nest egg for her future.
Youâre right, Marcus.
I shouldnât beat myself up.
Maybe itâs for the best.
â
Marcus waved her off nonchalantly.