I closed my laptop slowly, deliberately.

“No, Daniel,” I said.

“For four years, I chose to help her.

There is a massive difference between the two, and the fact that you can’t see it is the whole problem.”

“Her mortgage payment is past due!” “Then you and your family can pay it.” Daniel ran both hands through his hair, panic bleeding into his voice.

“You know damn well my salary can’t cover that!” “Interesting,” I said.

“Because when your mother humiliated me two nights ago, in front of everyone, your family certainly seemed to have plenty of money for a four-figure dinner.” “It was just a dinner!” “And my empty plate,” I said, “was just a plate.