Arriane’s mouth dropped open. Janelle’s eyes nearly popped out. Even Ernesto looked like he’d forgotten how to breathe.
Adrian whispered, “W… what do you mean?”
“I mean,” I said, calmly and clearly, “before you accuse me of ruining this family… before you tell me to leave my own house… you should’ve considered that your betrayal had consequences.”
The room stayed frozen.
“And,” I added, “I won’t confirm paternity until after the divorce.”
“Divorce?” Lilibeth choked. “But you—your child—”
“And if the child is not Adrian’s,” I said, “you will all have thrown away your daughter-in-law, your respect, and your dignity… for nothing.”
They stared at me like the ground had vanished beneath them.
Arriane suddenly found her confidence again. She smirked.
“So you’re the one who cheated?”
I turned to her slowly.
“No,” I said. “I did not cheat. But I will not let this family pin me against a wall without defending myself. Whether Adrian is the father or not—that is none of your concern anymore.”
Adrian stepped closer. “Maria… please… we can fix this…”
I took a single step back.
“There is nothing left to fix. You made your choice long before today.”
The Twist That Broke Them Completely
Just as I picked up my bag to leave the room, I paused and added: “Oh, and one last thing.”
Six exhausted faces looked at me.
“I had already consulted a lawyer before coming home today.”
Their eyes widened. “And he confirmed that since this house is solely under my name, I have full authority to ask anyone who disrespects me… to leave.”
Lilibeth blinked. “Y-you’re not throwing us out—?”
I tilted my head. “You told me to walk out of my own house for your son’s mistress. Why? Shouldn’t the one who committed adultery be the one to leave?”
Ernesto stood abruptly. “Maria, don’t do this. The neighbors—what will they think?”
I shrugged. “They’ll think what’s true—that you raised a man who cheated, and a family who supported it.”
Arriane clutched Adrian’s arm. “Adrian, say something! Tell her you’re staying with me!” But Adrian looked torn—panic, regret, confusion all swirling in his eyes.
“I… I don’t know anymore,” he whispered.
Pathetic. I opened the front door.
“You have five minutes to walk out,” I said. “All of you.”
The Ending
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