WRETCHED BUT MADE SON IN-LAW

CHAPTER 4: TENSION

Ethan how many times do I have to tell you? You can't do anything right!" Mrs. Scooper's voice echoed through the room, her anger palpable.

Ethan, trying to keep his composure, replied, "Mrs. Scooper, I had to go to Amelia's office to clear my name. I couldn't endure the false accusations any longer."

Mrs. Scooper, infuriated by Ethan's defiance, raised her hand and delivered a sharp slap across his face. The room fell silent as the sound reverberated, leaving a stunned Ethan in its wake.

"You insolent boy! How dare you defy Amelia and take matters into your own hands?" Mrs. Scooper's face contorted with anger.

Ethan, nursing his stinging cheek, tried to explain, "I had to find the truth, Mrs. Scooper. I couldn't let false accusations ruin my life."

But Mrs. Scooper, unwilling to accept any justification, slapped him again. "You have disgraced this family, and I won't tolerate your insolence!"

Amelia, reveling in the confrontation, added with a smirk, "Maybe this will teach you to stay in your place, Ethan."

Undeterred, Ethan stood his ground, his resolve unshaken. "I won't let false accusations and humiliation define me. I deserve the truth."

Mrs. Scooper, seething with anger, warned, "You will pay for this, Ethan. Mark my words."

As the room simmered with tension, Ethan knew he had ignited a storm within the household. The face slapping and verbal tirade only strengthened his determination to unravel the truth and rebuild his life, no matter the obstacles that lay ahead.

Frustrated by the ongoing mistreatment from Mrs. Scooper and determined to address the issue, Ethan confronted Amelia about her mother's behavior. The atmosphere in their home was tense as Ethan broached the subject, hoping for a rational conversation.

"Ethan, can't you see I'm dealing with enough stress already?" Amelia retorted sharply, dismissing his concerns.

"But, Amelia, your mother's treatment towards me has been unbearable. I need your support to address this," Ethan implored, trying to keep his tone calm.

Amelia, however, was not in the mood for understanding. "You're always stressing everyone, Ethan. Can't you see that you're affecting my mother's health? I can't have you disrupting our lives."

Feeling a mix of frustration and hurt, Ethan pressed on, "I'm not trying to disrupt anything. I'm just asking for fairness and respect. Your mother's actions are making our home unbearable."

Amelia, unwilling to acknowledge the issue, snapped back, "I can't believe you're making this about you. My mother's health is at stake, and all you care about is yourself."

Ethan, feeling cornered, tried to reason with her. "Amelia, I care about you and your mother, but I can't continue to endure mistreatment. We need to find a solution together."

Amelia, however, remained defensive. "I don't have time for this. If you can't handle the situation, maybe you should consider leaving."

The conversation escalated, emotions running high. As Ethan attempted to address the root of the problem, Amelia became increasingly resistant, ultimately redirecting blame and questioning his commitment to their relationship.

In the midst of the heated exchange, Mrs. Scooper entered the room, sensing the tension.

"What's going on here?" she demanded, looking at Ethan with disdain.

Ethan, determined to stand his ground, replied, "I won't accept mistreatment, Mrs. Scooper. We need to find a way to live together without constant hostility."

Mrs. Scooper scoffed, "You're the cause of all this trouble. You're stressing me out, and I won't stand for it."

Amelia, aligning with her mother, added, "Ethan, if you can't get along with my family, maybe it's time to reconsider your place here."

Feeling defeated and unheard, Ethan left the room, contemplating the future of his marriage. The confrontation only deepened the fractures in their relationship/

Amelia walked into her lawyer's office with determination etched on her face. The receptionist greeted her with a warm smile as she approached.

"Good morning, Amelia. How can I assist you today?"

Amelia, without wasting any time, replied, "I have an appointment with Mr. Peterson. I need to see him right away."

Recognizing Amelia as a frequent visitor, the receptionist quickly checked the schedule and nodded.

"Of course, Amelia. Mr. Peterson is expecting you. Please go ahead."

Amelia briskly made her way to Mr. Peterson's office, the door already ajar. She knocked lightly and entered, finding Mr. Peterson engrossed in some paperwork.

"Good morning, Mr. Peterson."

Mr. Peterson looked up, acknowledging her presence with a nod.

"Good morning, Amelia. Please have a seat. What can I do for you today?"

Amelia took a seat, her expression serious and resolute.

"I've made a decision, Mr. Peterson. I want a divorce. I can't continue in this marriage."

Accustomed to dealing with such matters, Mr. Peterson maintained a professional demeanor.

"I see. I understand this is a significant decision. Can you share more details about your reasons for seeking a divorce?"

Without hesitation, Amelia laid out her grievances, citing irreconcilable differences and emphasizing her desire to end the marriage.

"Ethan and I are incompatible. I can't tolerate his behavior any longer, and I believe it's in the best interest of both of us to go our separate ways."

Mr. Peterson listened attentively, taking notes and asking probing questions to ensure he had a comprehensive understanding of Amelia's perspective.

"I appreciate your honesty, Amelia. Divorce is a serious matter, and we'll proceed with the necessary steps to ensure the process is smooth and fair for both parties. I'll prepare the paperwork, and we can discuss the next steps."

Satisfied with the direction the conversation was taking, Amelia nodded.

"Thank you, Mr. Peterson. I want this process to be as quick and painless as possible. I appreciate your assistance in handling the legal aspects."

As the meeting continued, Amelia's determination to end her marriage remained unwavering, setting in motion the legal proceedings that would eventually bring about the dissolution of her union with Ethan.

Later in the day, as Amelia immersed herself in her work at the office, her phone rang, interrupting her focus. Glancing at the caller ID, she saw it was Mr. Peterson, her lawyer. She answered the call with a sense of anticipation.