“Oh, it’s nothing you need to concern yourself with now,” my ex-daughter-in-law said, extending her hand for it. But Emma began opening it, and I decided to get closer, putting on my reading glasses.
Inside were legal papers, as in, official-looking documents with signatures and seals. “What is this, Melissa?” I asked, feeling dread crawl up my spine.
Melissa’s smile faltered. “June, I can explain,” she said, her voice turning low and coaxing as she looked at Emma. “Sweetheart, this house was meant for us. Your father bought it for our family. Right?”
“I guess,” Emma responded, blinking slowly.
“Don’t you think it makes sense that I handle it now? If you sign those papers, I can sell this place and put us somewhere better,” Melissa continued, flailing her arms. “Somewhere new and glamorous. You don’t have to stay stuck here with this junk in this small town. You and I could finally live the life we deserve.”
The room went dead quiet. I realized that Melissa’s motives were not to reconnect with her girl but to take from her. Emma’s hands trembled as she held the documents. But her voice was steady when she spoke.
“You think a dress makes you my mother? You think now you deserve this house that Grandma tried her best to pay for and upgrade all these years, all while raising me? Alone?”
Read more on the next page ⬇️⬇️⬇️
