Chapter 126
"But... but you agreed to it!" Haofang's voice trembled as she twisted the hem of her shirt between her fingers.
Jack White grabbed her by the collar, his eyes burning with fury. "I agreed? When did I ever agree? Huh? Did I tell you to hit my mother? Or starve her? All I said was she could stay in the back room—what else did I approve? Got proof? Anything in writing or witnesses? Or is it just your word against mine?"
He shoved her away, sending her stumbling back two steps.
"Go ask around—who'd believe you?" Jack narrowed his eyes. "Want me to divorce you right now? Send you back to your parents with nothing but the clothes on your back? The whole village would praise me for being a filial son!"
Haofang's face turned ghostly pale. Her knees buckled, and she dropped to the floor.
"Darling... you can't do this..." She clung to his leg desperately. "We've been married twenty years... our children are grown... I'll listen to you from now on, I swear!" Her voice shook. If she were sent back, her sisters-in-law would make her life hell.
Jack looked down at her coldly. "Fine. Then you move to the back room."
"What?" Her eyes widened.
"Mother's demand." His tone softened slightly. "She's furious right now—let her cool off. Once I've smoothed things over, you can move back." He lowered his voice. "Think about it. If you're kicked out, will Ethan's marriage still happen?"
Haofang bit her lip. Lisa's mother was a snob. If she found out they'd lost their home, she'd call off the engagement immediately.
"...I'll stay in the back room for a few days," she finally relented.
Inside, Luna set a plate of pastries in front of the elderly woman.
Luna had mentioned the divorce, but Clara hadn't invited them to stay for dinner—old habits died hard.
After an awkward silence, the sisters excused themselves, claiming their children needed to eat.
Back home, Luna tied on her apron and started cooking, her brow furrowed.
"Come to the city with me," Luna said as she sorted vegetables. "Bring the kids. There are more opportunities there—we'll find work."
Luna shook her head. "It's unfamiliar... I'd rather stay here, maybe rent some land..."
Luna didn't push. She understood her sister's hesitation—this wasn't a decision to rush.
Just after lunch, Mayor George and his wife arrived.
"Luna, your household registration is settled." George handed her the documents. "There's a sandy plot east of the village—not the best, but it'll do for sweet potatoes or peanuts."
Luna's eyes lit up. "Thank you!"
"Start with this. We'll adjust if better land opens up," Clara reassured her, patting her hand.
The sisters exchanged a smile. It wasn't much, but at least they had a place to begin.