Chapter 2

Tom’s Mother-in-law pointed a shaky finger at him. “You pushed me, Tom! I saw you!”

Tom’s jaw dropped. “What? No, I didn’t! I wasn’t even near you!”

His father-in-law stormed into the room, eyes blazing. “What’s this nonsense, Tom?” he roared. Without warning, he slapped Tom hard across the face.

Malia, Tom’s wife, rushed in behind her father. “Dad, stop!” she cried, but then turned to Tom with tears in her eyes. “Tom, did you... did you really push her?”

Tom looked at her, hurt and confused. “Malia, you know me! I’d never do that!”

Paul, Malia’s brother, entered the room, glaring at Tom. “So now you’re calling our mother a liar?”

A woman who seemed to be the head maid rushed out to help her up, “Are you okay Madame,” 

“I’m not calling anyone a liar. I’m just saying I didn’t push her,” Tom said as he waved his head trying to calm himself down.

His eyes quickly caught the surveillance camera’s, “The camera’s, yes! Let’s check the cameras. They’ll show the truth.”

Mrs. Evelyn cried out, “Oh, so now you need cameras to prove I’m lying?”

Tom took a deep breath, trying to stay calm. “No, I’m just saying we can clear this up easily.”

Paul stepped closer, his fists clenched. “You think you can waltz in here, marry my sister, and start accusing our mom? You’ve got some nerve!”

Malia placed a hand on Paul’s arm. “Paul, wait. Maybe Tom’s right. Maybe we should check the cameras.”

Malia’s Father glared at Tom. “You better hope those cameras show what you say they will. If you laid a hand on her...”

Tom nodded, his voice steady. “They will, Mr. Jameson,  I didn’t touch her.”

Paul snorted. “I’ve never trusted you, Tom. And now this? You’ve got some explaining to do.”

Tom’s face hardened. “I don’t need to explain anything. The cameras will speak for themselves.”

Mrs. Evelyn started to sob. “I can’t believe you’re all doubting me. My own family, and you’re siding with him.”

Malia looked torn. “Mom, it’s not about sides. It’s about the truth.”

Mrs. Evelyn looked at Paul and Paul immediately understood the assignment. 

“Dad, I think if we trust mum, we wouldn’t be disrespecting her by believing this trash,” Paul said.

“Hmm,” Mr. Jameson paused.

“Yes, that’s true!” Riley echoed.

“You know what, we don’t need cameras to know what happened here,” Mr. Jameson said firmly.

Tom stared at him in disbelief. “What? Why not? The cameras will show the truth!”

Mrs. Evelyn shook her head, tears streaming down her face. “You’re just trying to find a way to make me look like the liar here, Tom.”

Malia looked at her mother, then at Tom. “Maybe the cameras aren’t necessary. We should trust what Mom says. She wouldn’t lie about something like this.”

Tom’s frustration boiled over. “This is insane! The cameras are right here. Why won’t you just look?”

Paul stepped in front of Tom, his face inches away. “Because we don’t need a machine to tell us what our mother felt. You think you’re smarter than all of us?”

Tom took a step back, shaking his head. “This isn’t about being smart. It’s about clearing my name.”

Mr. Jameson crossed his arms. “The fact that you’re so desperate to check the cameras makes you look guilty, Tom.”

Tom’s eyes widened. “Guilty? For wanting to prove I didn’t do anything?”

Mrs. Evelyn sobbed louder. “He’s trying to turn you all against me. Can’t you see that?”

Malia moved to comfort her mother. “Mom, it’s okay. We believe you. Tom, why can’t you just admit what you did?”

Tom ran a hand through his hair, “Oh my goodness, I can’t admit to something I didn’t do!”

Paul pointed a finger at Tom. “You always have an excuse, don’t you? Always trying to wiggle out of trouble. Not this time.”

Tom felt his desperation rising. “This isn’t about excuses. The cameras will show the truth, and you all know it.”

Mr. Jameson shook his head. “We know the truth already, Tom. You hurt her, and now you’re trying to cover it up.”

Tom’s voice broke as he pleaded. “Malia, please. You know me. You know I wouldn’t do this.”

“Tom, if you loved me, you’d stop trying to fight this. You’d own up to what you did” Malia replied.

“I do love you. That’s why I’m fighting. Because I’m innocent,” Tom replied.

Mrs. Evelyn whimpered. “I can’t believe we’re even having this discussion. My own daughter doubted me because of him.”

Tom’s shoulders slumped. He looked around him.

“Tch,” he sighed. “What a mess,” he uttered softly,

Paul smirked. “Looks like the cameras won’t save you this time, Tom. You’re on your own.”

“So no one believes me?” Tom looked at each of them in turn, searching for any sign of understanding, but found only cold, accusing eyes. 

Suddenly, the front door opened, and a young man walked in. Interrupting the tense atmosphere, The young man entered, tall and confident beside Malia.

"Everyone, this is Dave," Malia declared, her voice cutting through the silence like a knife. 

"He's the man I want to marry."

The room went silent for a while.

“Finally, the trash’s time has run out,” Paul whispered, to break the silence.

“Good day everyone, it’s nice to finally meet you all,” Dave said.

“It’s nice to see Malia has brought a gentleman home,” Aunt Margaret said.

“Mr. Jameson Rossi, Mrs. Evelyn Rossi. Special greetings to you both,” Dave said as he bowed.

“Welcome dear child,” Mrs. Evelyn forced a smile as she held right arm with her left hand, making it obvious that something happened right before Dave came in.

Tom's heart sank. "What?" he managed to whisper, disbelief etched across his face.

Malia's gaze hardened as she reached into her bag, bringing out a stack of papers. She tossed them at Tom's feet. "Sign these, Tom. I want a divorce."

Tom stooped down, gathering the scattered pages. His voice was strained but composed. "You're serious?"

Malia's expression was firming. "Yes. Sign them and get out."

“What’s he up to now,” someone murmured as Tom walked to a nearby table.

He picked up a pen and set the paper down. He signed the papers without hesitation and handed them back to Malia. "There. Done."

Paul jumped forward, "You're just going to sign it? Just like that?"

Tom met Paul's gaze evenly. "Yeah. Just like that."

“What? Just like that? You're not going to beg for forgiveness or mercy?” Riley screamed in confusion.

Mrs. Jameson shook her head, as she let out a smirk, "You must be out of your mind. You have nothing left."

Tom's voice was calm, almost detached. "Maybe. But I'd rather have nothing than stay where I'm not wanted."

Malia's resolve wavered for a fleeting moment before hardening again. "Just go, Tom."

Without another word, Tom turned and walked out the door, leaving behind a room filled with stunned silence and shattered relationships.

Tom stepped out of the gate to find a lineup of sleek black cars waiting for him. Each car was guarded by sharp-suited bodyguards. As he walked down the short stairs, they all bowed to him simultaneously. A woman approached, holding out a phone.

The bodyguards formed a protective circle around him. Without a word spoken, they escorted Tom to one of the waiting cars.

As Tom settled into the backseat, the engine purred to life, and the convoy smoothly departed.