"So many years have passed and you haven't changed your bad temper at all!"
"I've already apologized to you, what more do you want? Why are you so stubborn?"
A fierce argument erupted in the cramped room.
This time, I said nothing and silently pushed open the small door behind me.
The dust from the burnt paper money drifted in the sunlight.
All the questioning came to an abrupt stop.
I lit the cigarette in my hand, leaning against the corner of the table, I smiled and offered that belated blessing. "Congratulations on your wedding."
Had it not been for Dwayne's arrival, I would have nearly forgotten.
Today marked the tenth anniversary of his relationship with Sienna. It also marked the tenth anniversary of my family's destruction.
Ten years ago, he wanted a divorce from me for the sake of his lover, whom he had cherished.
Though I was three months pregnant ....
Though we had spent our years together ....
And though our family's dissuasion and pleas ....
He even disregarded his own reputation and dignity. He was determined to divorce me. He said he had met his true love, a soulmate with whom he shared a deep connection.
He would rather give up everything to be with her.
His betrayal and infidelity were unacceptable for me. Even more unacceptable, the person he cheated on me with was Sienna Cavendish, the little girl we raised together.
In those days, an old friend, with his final breath, entrusted his only daughter to me and Dwayne to take care of.
Dwayne hesitated, finding the responsibility of raising a life too heavy. However, Sienna took my hand and timidly said, "Auntie. I'll be good."
In an instant, my heart softened.
After years of trying, Dwayne and I still hadn't had a child. I thought having a little girl around might bring some good luck, to bring our own children to us.
So I did everything I could to give her the best of everything.
Dwayne and Sienna were fifteen years apart in age.
To both of us, she was both a daughter and a younger sister. She was also very well-behaved, taking on most of the housework and spending time with both of our parents.
Back then, Dwayne would often say, "She was born with the temperament of a young lady."
"I don't expect her to be well-behaved and sensible, as long as our child is as good as her."
His words came true.
In the fifth year after Sienna came into our family and after enduring so many struggles, I was finally pregnant.
I rushed to my husband, eager to tell him the news, but the moment I pushed the door open, I saw the two of them embracing.
On the large bed in the master bedroom, the two of them were lost in passionate lovemaking, oblivious to the world around them.
On Sienna's neck still lay the lucky charm I had gotten for her when she was eighteen years old.
I was shocked and speechless for a long time.
I slapped Dwayne in the face and asked him why he did it and why he targeted Sienna. "She's a child. She's a child we raised ourselves."
"Dwayne, you beast!"
"You're worse than an animal!"
At that time, I thought he was the one who had seduced Sienna.
I even thought about calling the police to seek justice for her.
But then she grabbed my hand and said with a grin, "Don't be angry, Auntie, you're getting wrinkles around your eyes."
"Dwayne and I are in love, please don't break us up," she said.
I felt like I had been struck by lightning.
I had no idea when the two of them had gotten together.
