She had barely finished changing when the living room door creaked open.
Evan's voice filtered through, warm with familiarity, "Dad, Mom, Little Zoe has cooked everything, just waiting for you."
"Little Zoe?" Her lids drooped, wondering how long it had been since those affectionate words had rolled off his tongue. Lately, it had been Zoe laced with impatience, at times even hostility.
Beyond the door, laughter echoed, prompting her to step out.
Everett held no real grievances against his daughter-in-law, save for the lack of grandchildren. Claire, on the other hand, harbored a deep dislike for Zoe, frequently attempting to sway Everett's opinion against her, albeit to no effect.
Evangeline greeted Zoe with a cheerful "Zoe" as she emerged.
Evan caught her expression and subtly shot her a warning glance.
Forced as it was, Zoe managed a smile, greeting each family member before settling at the table.
"Why, look at that, Little Zoe is so talented. This spread looks absolutely delightful!" Everett praised heartily, his laughter resonating.
She managed a strained smile. "Thank you, Dad."
Claire huffed, "Everett Sterling, you never praised me like that when I cooked."
This elicited another bout of laughter from him.
The dinner table buzzed with amiable conversation among the four, Zoe remaining silent, listening to their exchanges. She felt like an outsider.
Claire switched gears, directing her attention to Zoe, who had been quietly eating, "When are you two going to deal with this?"
Both Everett and Evangeline were puzzled.
"What are you talking about?" Everett inquired.
"Oh, nothing much. Aren't they getting a divorce?" Claire's casual reveal furrowed Evan's brow slightly.
"What? How come I haven't heard about this?" Everett dropped his fork, his genial face turning stern.
"What divorce? What's going on here?"
Claire joined, putting down her utensils casually, "If they're not compatible, isn't divorce the best solution? It's for the best."
Evangeline appeared bewildered, glancing between her brother and his wife, recalling their seemingly amicable relationship. Divorce seemed out of the blue.
"You stay out of this. It's their own business," Everett redirected, focusing on the couple, "Evan, what's the story here?"
"Hey, Everett Sterling, what do you mean stay out of it? I'm his mother!" Claire, irked by Everett's disregard, repeated, "Evan, you explain this to me."
Evan swallowed his bite, stating firmly, "I'm not getting a divorce."
Zoe was stunned.
What game was he playing? Didn't he claim not to love her anymore, to detest her presence?
Claire, hearing this, panicked and blurted out, "Everett Sterling, what are you saying? She's clearly not in the best health, only holding our Evan back?"
Everett shot her a sharp look, his gaze shifting to Zoe, complex emotions flickering across his face.
Feeling their collective gazes, Zoe lifted her head, her voice detached, "I have no objections with the divorce."
"Did you hear that? She's agreed, so you two should finalize it soon. Don't wast time," Claire urged, eager for their immediate separation, envisioning Evan marrying someone else and her holding a grandchild, a prospect that thrilled her.
Evan met her gaze, "I said, I'm not leaving her."
Claire was frustrated, "Don't tell me you're willing to give up having a son? To let her drag you down?"
"That's enough, Evan said he won't divorce. Why are you causing a fuss? If necessary, they can adopt a child," Everett intervened.
Claire erupted, "I disagree! This divorce must happen!"
