Chapter 3Killed by My Own Son, I Get a Second Chance

Mark suddenly walked in. Kevin's scowl vanished instantly, and he ran happily to hug his father.

"Dad, you're finally back!"

Mark hugged Kevin back tightly. "Hey, buddy! Dad missed you like crazy."

"Daddy."

Lily left the dinner table too, wanting to greet her father, but Mark coldly pushed her away.

My daughter's lower lip trembled, and she looked at me with pleading eyes. I went over and carried her back to her chair.

Father and son completely ignored this. Kevin pointed an accusing finger at me. "Dad, she wouldn't let me have fried chicken and soda! And she hit me!"

He pointed to his cheek. "It really hurts."

Mark shot me an angry glare, then handed the family bucket of chicken he was holding to Kevin. He said loudly, clearly for me to hear, "Eat up, son. Eat all you want. It's my money she's spending anyway. Who dares tell my precious boy he can't have what he wants!"

They say depending on someone else financially is hard. Mark proved it point-blank.

He believed that as long as I asked him for living expenses, I had to obey his commands.

He pulled Kevin over towards me, his tone commanding, "Apologize to your son. You went too far."

I replied firmly, "Absolutely not."

He roared at me, "If you don't apologize, I'll cut off support for you and the girl! I'll only provide for Kevin!"

So, the son belonged to the Jones family, but the daughter was solely mine.

I hadn't expected him to care for Lily, but hearing him say it out loud still stung.

"Bullshit!" I retorted forcefully.

Mark froze. It was the first time I'd defied him so openly in front of someone else, and with Kevin waiting for him to assert his authority. He became furious, raising his hand to slap me. "You rebellious bitch!"

I looked at him coldly. "I want a divorce."

His raised hand stopped mid-air. He was stunned, unable to believe that I, who had always revolved around him, would initiate a divorce.

Then, as if hearing a joke, he started laughing, the flesh on his face trembling. "Your parents practically disowned you, and you've got that brother living there now. Where are you gonna go if you divorce me? Do you even know your own worth?"

"If you behave, apologize to Kevin, and beg his forgiveness, maybe I'll give you one more chance."

I didn't bother arguing. I pulled out the divorce papers. "I've already signed. Kevin goes with you, Lily comes with me."

His eyes flickered down to my signature, confirming I was serious. He sneered, "You're the one asking for the divorce. Fine, but don't expect a dime from me for you two."

"No problem."

Mark glared at me. Maybe my initiating the divorce wounded his pride. He laughed mockingly, "Talk is cheap. You think you can actually support that... girl... without me?"

I said, "Why don't you take both of them?"

Mark fell silent for a moment.

Brenda quickly interjected, "Sarah, what are you thinking? They say daughters are a comfort. You don't want either of them? You'll regret this later."

I stared straight at Mark, asking again, "I can't afford both. Will you take them both?"

The Jones family had always called Lily a "money pit"; they would never agree to take her. I was just calling his bluff.

Kevin sneered at me, "Whoever had the useless kid can take her. The Jones family doesn't raise useless kids."

Then, with an air of superiority, he added, "If you apologize to me right now, maybe I'll feel sorry for you and ask Dad to give you some child support."

In that instant, it felt like a thousand needles were pricking my heart.

Kevin was a carbon copy of Mark – arrogant, condescending, exactly like his father.

In the last couple of years, Mark's business had taken off, his office space getting bigger and bigger. Money had completely inflated his ego. Inflated it so much he thought I couldn't possibly survive without this house, without him.

In this home, I received zero respect.

Mark was clearly pleased with Kevin's performance. "Good boy. Dad will buy you the latest game console tomorrow."

Kevin's face lit up immediately. He looked at me like I was an eyesore. "Dad, hurry up and sign the papers so she leaves! Let her take the useless kid. She'll come crying and begging you later."