The Last Heir Of Blackwood

The Daniels' family house was warm and lively, but David always felt like an outsider. He sat quietly at the end of the long dinner table, he had barely touched his plate. The tension at the table felt so suffocating that he could barely get himself to eat.

Mrs. Daniels set her fork down with an audible clink. “Sarah, I really don’t know how you do it. Running a company all by yourself, while your husband...” She glanced at David with barely concealed disgust. “...sits around all day doing God-knows-what.”

David didn’t respond immediately. He wasn’t surprised by the comment; it was the same every time he sat at this table, almost like a daily routine.

“Mom, I’m managing,” Sarah said, almost like she was whispering to herself. Her eyes shifted toward David, but there was no emotion in them.

“Managing?” Mr. Daniels barked a bitter laugh. “You call this management? Your company is barely holding up because you have to handle everything yourself. And why? Because your husband is too lazy to contribute!”

“I’m not lazy,” David said calmly, trying to diffuse the tension.

"Quit that dirty thought, young man." Mr Daniels snapped. "As long as we all are concerned, you're very much unproductive in this house. What else do you do aside handling the dishes, does that make you any hardworking?"

“Oh, please. What do you even do, David?" Mrs. Daniels scoffed. "You’re always locked up in that study or out wandering who knows where. A real man works hard to provide for his family, not depend on his wife.”

David clenched his fists under the table but stayed silent. He had spent countless sleepless nights helping Sarah with her company, making calls, reviewing documents, and brainstorming strategies. But none of that mattered to them. They only saw what they wanted to see.

“Mom’s right,” Sarah said suddenly, and it wasn't what David expected. “David, I’ve tried to defend you, but honestly, I’m tired. You’ve been like this for years. Always saying you’re helping, but nothing really changes.”

David stared at her, he wasn't expecting this. He had expected her parents’ criticism, but hearing it from Sarah was like a punch to the gut.

“I do help, Sarah,” he said, trying to defend himself like he always did. “You know I’ve stayed up with you on so many nights, working on your proposals, helping you prepare for meetings. I’ve always supported you.”

Sarah rolled her eyes, pushing her plate away. “That’s not enough, David. I need a partner, not someone who hides behind excuses. Everyone expects me to carry everything while you... what? Stay in your comfort zone?”

“I’m not in a comfort zone,” David replied, not too calm, and not too harsh either. “I’ve always been here for you, Sarah. Always.”

Mr. Daniels slammed his hand on the table, making everyone jump. “Don’t talk back to her like that! She’s right. You’re a burden, David. A leech. You’re lucky we haven’t thrown you out already.”

“Dad, stop,” Sarah said. She wasn't supporting David, and he knew that too well.

“No, let him finish,” David said, trying to hide the emotions that swirled inside him. “Go ahead, Mr. Daniels. Tell me how much of a failure I am. Tell me how I don’t deserve to be here.”

“Hey, young man. Don’t play the victim,” Mrs. Daniels snapped. “We’re just stating facts. You’ve done nothing to prove your worth as a husband. Sarah deserves better.”

David stood from the table, his chair scraping against the floor. He looked at each of them, with an unreadable expression.

“You’re right,” he said quietly. “I haven’t done enough. But it’s not because I don’t care or because I’m lazy. It’s because no matter what I do, it will never be enough for any of you.”

Mrs. Daniels smirked. “Finally, some honesty.”

“David,” Sarah snapped, clearly offended by David's words. “Don’t twist this around. If you really cared, you’d find a way to contribute more. It’s that simple.”

David’s heart sank further. After everything he had done, after every sacrifice he had made, this was how they saw him. And Sarah, why the change of heart? So soon?

David left, not minding the fact that he hadn't eaten enough. He had lost his appetite. "Look at the shameful being you called a husband." Mrs. Daniels cursed. "I can't even imagine myself with someone this useless and incompetent."

She shifts her gaze to Sarah who was already pissed off with David. "You better come up with a better solution to this, or this family crumble down right before your eyes. Nonsense!"

Sarah joined soon after, her arms were crossed around her chest. She walked into the room and stood by the door, leaning against the wall.

The room suddenly grew cold, and that wasn't because of the temperature, but because of the tension between both couples.

“David, we need to talk,” Sarah said, staring at him coldly.

“I thought we already did,” he replied, sitting on the edge of the bed.

“No, we haven't even started.” She blurted. “I can’t keep living like this. My parents are right—you need to step up. Either you start contributing like a real husband, or...”

“Or what?” David asked, turning to look at her. The sadness on his face was obvious, and it hurt him that Sarah, the woman he's always trusted, could turn against him in just a split second.

“Or I don’t think this is going to work anymore,” Sarah said bluntly. “I can’t carry this weight alone, David. It’s not fair to me.”

David looked at her, his eyes searching hers for even a shred of the love they once shared. “After everything we’ve been through, Sarah... you’re giving me an ultimatum?”

“Yes,” she said firmly. “I’m tired, David. I need to see some real change, or...” She paused again, as if thinking of what to say next. “Or maybe it’s better if we go our separate ways.”

"Go our separate ways?" He scoffed. "Sarah, is this the extent of how you want things to be for us? Why would you even think a divorce is the best option?"

"Because that's the only solution I could come up with for someone like you! Aside from the late nights, the strategies you've helped me with so far, what other things have you done other than locking yourself in your study room?" She looked at him, waiting for an answer, but when she didn't see it coming, she said. "Nothing!"

"Why did you suddenly change, Sarah?" He asked, unsure if she was still the same woman he loved and cherished. "Did you come up with this idea because your parents asked you to?"

"No, I suggested it myself." She replied. "They didn't mention anything about a divorce, I thought letting you know will encourage you to play the manly role rather than relying on the little strength you've achieved."

He nodded but didn't say anything for a moment. Then he asked. "What about the kids, do you expect them to grow up without a father?"

"Don't worry about them, I can take care of them myself. Just wake up from your slumber and do the needful. You don't expect mom and dad to keep reminding you the same thing over and over again. It's embarrassing."

David didn’t argue. He didn’t plead or defend himself. He just stood there, staring at her with disbelief.

"That's all I can tell you. You have tonight to think it through, whether you'll get something beneficial to do for yourself and the family, or we call this marriage off." With that, she left the room.