After the confrontation with her parents, Sarah slumped against the guest house door, her shoulders sagging with exhaustion and disappointment."I can't believe them," she said quietly, shaking her head. "Even after everything that happened tonight, all they can think about is what they can get from you."I moved to the small kitchenette and poured her a glass of water, noting how her hands were still trembling slightly from the stress of the evening."This is who they've always been, Sarah," I said gently. "Tonight just made it more obvious.""But they're my family," she protested, accepting the glass gratefully. "They shouldn't be like this. The greed, the selfishness—it's going to destroy them someday.""Maybe. But that's their choice to make."Sarah took a long sip of water, then looked at me with tired eyes. "I'm sorry they treated you that way. You saved someone's life, and all they can think about is how to profit from it.""Don't apologize for them," I said firmly. "You're not

Michael'S POVThe living room felt suffocating as the family continued their relentless pressure campaign. Derek sat smugly beside Sarah, while her parents circled like vultures sensing weakness."Sarah, you need to stop being so naive," Tina said sharply. "The evidence is right in front of your face. Derek saved you, Michael abandoned you.""I don't believe that," Sarah replied firmly, though I could see doubt creeping into her eyes. "Michael wouldn't just abandon me. He loves me."Carmen let out a harsh laugh. "Love? Are you serious? If he loved you, where was he when you needed him most?""He was trying to find me," Sarah insisted. "I know he was.""How would you know anything?" Tina scoffed loudly. "You were kidnapped! We're the ones who were here with him the entire time. We saw everything he did—which was absolutely nothing!"Robert stood up dramatically, pointing an accusing finger toward the guest house. "Your precious husband didn't step foot outside this house the entire day

MIACHEL'S POVMontenegro's face twisted with disgust as he stared at Derek with the contempt reserved for the lowest forms of life. The tension in the room was suffocating as he stepped closer to Derek, his voice dropping to a menacing whisper."How dare you make everyone in this family believe that you were the one who rescued Mrs. Thompson," Montenegro said, his words dripping with venom. "How dare you stand here and make Michael Thompson look bad in front of his own wife's family."Derek took a step backward, his earlier bravado completely evaporated. "Mr. Montenegro, I can explain—""Explain what?" Montenegro interrupted, moving even closer. "How you decided to take credit for something you had absolutely nothing to do with? How you thought you could fool everyone into believing your pathetic lies?"The family watched in stunned silence as one of the most powerful men in the city prepared to destroy Derek Manning."I will deal with you personally for this deception," Montenegro co

After Elena's ultimatum, the family dispersed to their respective rooms, leaving the house in tense silence. When Sarah and I reached our guest house, I could feel the weight of her frustration radiating off her like heat from a furnace."I hope you heard what Grandmother said loud and clear," Sarah said, her voice tight with anger and exhaustion."I heard her," I replied calmly, sitting on the edge of the bed."She's given you twenty-four hours, Michael. Twenty-four hours to prove yourself as a worthy son-in-law," Sarah continued, pacing back and forth in our small room. "If you can't do it, I'll have no choice but to divorce you.""Sarah—""I'm tired of defending you all the time!" she exploded, whirling around to face me. "I'm exhausted from constantly making excuses for you, from watching my family tear you apart while I stand there helplessly!""I never asked you to defend me," I said quietly."You didn't have to ask! You're my husband!" Sarah's voice cracked with emotion. "But I

Elena's laughter filled the living room like the sound of breaking glass, harsh and grating against my ears. She doubled over, clutching her stomach as if I'd just told the funniest joke she'd ever heard."Someone like you can never even get the opportunity to clean the mayor's shoes," she gasped between fits of laughter, "talk more of getting the chance to speak with him!"The entire family joined in her cruel amusement, their mocking voices creating a chorus of contempt that echoed off the walls."This is the most delusional thing I've ever heard," Robert added, wiping tears from his eyes. "You actually think you spoke to the mayor?"I didn't argue with Elena or defend myself. Instead, I simply said, "The Fletcher family name is now on the list. We've been invited to attend the ceremony tonight, and I was told I could bring my entire family. Everyone should get ready."Derek Manning let out an even louder laugh than Elena had, slapping his knee theatrically. "Michael, do you serious