Chapter 12
The house was part of James’s divorce settlement, with the paperwork still in process. Even if he wanted to play the dutiful son by housing his in–laws, he should have asked for her consent first.
Besides, this was the only home they’d shared before marriage.
But it all came down to one simple truth: James had never seen her as a person worth considering.
Not a person. Just a… pet.
As the group excitedly discussed wedding plans, Mrs. Chancer spotted Sarah and her face darkened. T
The others turned to look.
“Geez,” Lucy sneered. “What’s she doing here?”
Charlotte stepped forward smoothly, masking her discomfort. “What a surprise, Sarah. What brings you here?”
“Not a surprise at all,” Sarah replied coolly, taking in their hostile faces. “I’m moving in.”
Mrs. Chancer stared at her like she’d lost her mind. “Have you gone crazy? James divorced you! This is Chancer property – you
have no right to be here.”
“How shameless,” Lucy spat. “Still hanging around after the divorce.”
Their arrogance made it clear they knew nothing about James giving her the house.
“Sarah,” Charlotte said gently, “if you need a place to stay, I can ask James to find you another house. My parents will be staying here, so it’s not really convenient.”
“Whether it’s convenient for you doesn’t matter. This is my house,” Sarah said dismissively. “James gave it to me.”
“Nonsense! Why would James give you anything?”
“Right! My brother’s not an idiot. You’re just desperate for money.”
Mrs. Chancer and Lucy couldn’t believe James would do such a thing. He’d never cared for Sarah – why would he give her property?
Mrs. Garnett joined in with a cold laugh. “Some women these days have no shame, trying to squeeze more out of their ex- husbands.”
Sarah remained calm, pulling out her phone to call James. She put it on speaker. “Ask him yourself.”
When he answered, Mrs. Garnett spoke up sweetly. “James, dear, it’s Charlotte’s mother, Janet here. We were just getting settled when your ex–wife showed up, claiming you gave her this house. She’s trying to force us out! Surely you wouldn’t give her the house and upset Charlotte like this?”
1/2
James rubbed his temples, suddenly remembering the pending property transfer. The house was meant to be Sarah’s. After a pause, he said, “Auntie Janet, please stay for now. I’ll talk to her.”
Mrs. Garnett beamed. “Of course, dear. You set her straight.”
But hearing Sarah’s voice, James hesitated, caught between saving face for Charlotte’s family and acknowledging Sarah’s rights.
Finally, he said carefully, “Sarah, could you let them stay until after the wedding? They’ll leave right after.”
Sarah felt a chill in her heart. Looking down, she replied flatly, “Fine. Since you’re getting married, make time to finalize our
divorce papers.
She hung up.
Charlotte’s eyes flickered with interest – so they weren’t officially divorced yet.
Mrs. Chancer’s smugness reached new heights as she called security. “Don’t let this… person back in,” she said with venom.
“Show her out.
Immediately.”
