A smug smile spread across Natalie’s face. "What’s the point of showing off in front of us at your age? Haven’t you thought about what’ll happen when you’re too old to move? If you keep treating us this way, don’t be surprised when karma catches up with you. If I were you, I’d just apologize and be done with it."
I couldn’t hear anything else she said after that. When John slapped me, my heart sank.
My face stung, but the ache in my chest was even worse.
“All right, I'll go,” I muttered. “I’m leaving right now.”
I turned and walked toward the bedroom, or rather, the small storage room under the stairs.
This villa had many rooms, but none were ever meant for me.
My grandson had a study room, and Natalie turned a bedroom into a yoga studio with a calming atmosphere.
Moreover, Portia had her own room, and while Natalie’s sister rarely stayed over, a room was set aside for her that was never used.
Natalie's relatives also had rooms, and the only space left for me was a small, empty storage room.
It didn’t even have much to clear out.
I hadn’t bought myself a single new piece of clothing in years, so packing everything I owned didn’t take long.
As I folded my clothes, memories of my brother-in-law’s advice from years ago flooded my mind. I couldn’t help but wish I could slap myself across the face.
I’m an only child, and when my parents’ old house was demolished, Natalie suggested we use the money to buy a villa.
Daniel's brother, Leroy, said it was fine, but the property deed should be in my name.
At the time, I thought it would be easier to avoid conflict between Natalie and John over ownership, since I only had one son. So, I agreed to put both of their names on the deed.
Looking back now, I could only blame myself.
I glanced around the tiny storage room, already preparing to leave, when John walked in.
"Mom," he began, his tone measured, "with everyone watching just now, it wouldn’t have been right for me to stand by. I know you’re innocent, but as an elder, you should have been more patient."
He hesitated, then added, "Besides, Tommy is your grandson. Apologizing won’t cost you anything."
When John, knowing full well I’d been wronged, still spoke to me with that righteous tone, I was too exhausted to argue.
But he wasn’t done and continued, "Also, I just spoke to Natalie. She’s not as angry now. She said that as long as you apologize to Tommy and her, you can stay in the house."
“Get out of my way,” I said coldly, staring straight at him.
"Mom, I spoke on your behalf," he said, sounding almost impatient. "Natalie’s given you a chance to apologize. Come on, it’s New Year’s Eve. Don’t make things worse than they already are. Everyone’s waiting for dinner. What kind of person leaves dinner half-cooked?
When I didn’t respond, he pushed further. "You’re the elder here. Can’t you be a little more forgiving? Are you really happy now that such a small thing has caused all this trouble?”
I couldn’t believe my ears.
"Small thing?" I echoed, my voice rising. "You two accused me of something I didn’t do, and you hit me. How is that small? John, listen carefully. From now on, I don’t have a son like you.”
John’s face hardened.
“You said that yourself,” he stated flatly. “I’ve recorded it and am sending it in the family group chat now."
