Chapter 1: Divorce

Gibson sat across from his mother-in-law, his heart racing as he tried to process her shocking demand. “Divorce?” he repeated, his voice trembling.

“Yes, divorce,” the woman replied with an arrogant sneer. “I don’t think you’re good enough for my daughter.”

Gibson took a deep breath, trying to control his emotions. He knew his mother-in-law had never approved of him, but he had never expected her to demand a divorce. “May I ask who wants the divorce?” he asked calmly.

“It doesn’t matter,” Helen, his mother-in-law replied dismissively. “All that matters is that I want it.”

“With all due respect, I don’t think it’s that simple,” Gibson said firmly. “My wife and I have built a life together. We’ve been through a lot, and we love each other.”

The mother-in-law scoffed. “Love? Don’t make me laugh. You and my daughter were struggling to make ends meet when you got married. But now, thanks to her hard work, she’s become the CEO of a top 10 company in the city. She can do much better than you.”

Gibson felt a surge of anger, but he tried to keep his voice even. “I’m aware of my wife’s success, and I’m proud of her. But that doesn’t mean we should end our marriage. If there’s a problem, we can work it out together.”

The mother-in-law’s expression turned cold. “There is no problem. I just want you out of my daughter’s life.”

Gibson couldn’t believe how callous she was being. “Why?” he asked, genuinely confused. “What have I done wrong?”

The mother-in-law leaned forward, her eyes flashing with anger. “You’ve done everything wrong, and that’s the problem. You’re a nobody. You’re not good enough for my daughter.”

Gibson clenched his fists, struggling to keep his composure. “I’m sorry you feel that way. But my wife loves me, and I love her.” He muttered as he kept taking deep breaths.

He sat on the sofa in the living room, looking frustrated as his wife's mother sat across from him, sipping tea.

"I don't understand why you're so angry," his mother-in-law said, looking at him with a bemused expression. "You should be proud of your wife's success."

"It's not that," Gibson said, rubbing his temples. "I'm happy for her, but I feel like I’m being repaid with bad things after all the good things I’ve done. I've been doing all the work and getting nothing in return. I've been working like a servant for three years now, and  you are telling me about a divorce? How do you expect me to feel?"

His mother-in-law chuckled. "You think you've been working like a servant? You haven't worked a single day in your life. You're just like a slave in our family."

Gibson’s eyes widened in shock. "What do you mean? I've been doing all the housework and running errands for your daughter's business."

"Those are just menial tasks," his mother-in-law said dismissively. "You haven't contributed anything substantial to the family's wealth. It's all thanks to my daughter's hard work and business acumen."

"But I've been paying for everything," Gibson protested. "I've been using my savings to support us while your daughter builds her business. I deserve some credit for that."

His mother-in-law waved her hand dismissively. "Money is just money. It's not real work. You haven't done anything to help us succeed. You're just a leech."

Gibson felt anger rising in his chest. He had always tried to be a supportive husband, but now he felt like he was being taken for granted. "I can't believe you think so little of me," he said, standing up from the sofa and sitting back almost immediately.

"I've had enough. I'm not going to be treated like a fool in my own home anymore."

His mother-in-law shrugged. "Suit yourself. But don't expect any sympathy from us when you're out on the street with no money and no job."

Gibson didn't respond. He was feeling a sense of betrayal and anger burning inside him. He knew he needed to have a serious talk with his wife about their relationship and the role he played in their family's success. But for now, he just needed to cool off and figure out his next move.

Staring out the window as his mother-in-law fiddled with her phone, still angry about their conversation earlier, he could not help himself any longer.   

He knew he needed to talk to his wife as soon as possible.

"I want to talk to your daughter," Gibson said, turning to his mother-in-law. "I want her to come and tell me that she's the one who wants the divorce."

His mother-in-law rolled her eyes. "You're so stubborn."

Gibson’s heart was pounding in his chest. He wasn't sure what to expect from his wife. They had been through a lot in their three years of marriage, and he didn't want it to end like this.

A few moments later, his wife entered the room. She looked calm and composed, but there was a sadness in her eyes that Gibson had never seen before.

"Gibson, I'm sorry," she said softly, taking a seat next to him on the couch. "I know this isn't what you wanted."

"You're the one who wants the divorce?" Gibson asked, trying to keep his voice steady.

His wife nodded. "I've been thinking about it for a long time now. I've both been unhappy for a while, and I think it's time for us to move on."

Gibson felt a lump in his throat. "Is there anything I can do to change your mind?"

His wife shook her head. "I'm sorry, there isn’t. I think this is the best decision for both of us."

"What about our plans?" Gibson asked, feeling a sense of panic rising in his chest. "What's going to happen to us?"

His wife took a deep breath. "I've thought about that too. I'm willing to give you a check for one million dollars as a make-up. You can use it to start over and build a new life for yourself."

Gibson’s eyes widened in shock. "What?!"

His mother-in-law's expression had changed as well. She was clearly surprised by her daughter's offer.

"Yes," his wife said. "I want to make sure you're taken care of, Gibson. I don't want you to suffer because of my decision."

Gibson sat there for a few moments, trying to process everything that was happening. He knew that their marriage had been strained for a while, but he never imagined it would end like this.