On the Edge of Love

Chapter 1

My husband, Jack, went home to visit his family, and I found out he forgot to bring the special products he specifically bought.

I frantically chased after him, only to see him getting out of a car, wearing a suit.

The person greeting him was his childhood sweetheart, Lily.

They held hands and smiled at each other, like a sweet newlywed couple.

Only when they saw me did Jack hurriedly pull away from Lily.

“Her mother is seriously ill, and her only wish is to see her get married. I’m just helping out,” he explained.

I smiled faintly, steered him back to Lily’s side, and joined the others in teasing them.

“When’s the baby coming? I want to give a gift!”

With my participation, more and more onlookers gathered.

Lily ushered the guests into the house, then came to me.

“Nora, don’t be mad, Jack and I were just putting on a show.”

“If you really don’t want it, I can explain it to everyone.”

I nodded, gesturing for her to explain to everyone.

But Lily froze in place.

Jack pulled her behind him, glaring at me.

“It was just a favor, Nora. Do you have any empathy? You’re always jealous!”

I chuckled, “Congratulations to the happy couple. Wishing you a bundle of joy soon.”

Jack’s face turned livid, he dragged me to a corner.

“Nora, what’s the meaning of this?”

I remained silent.

Yesterday was my birthday. I’d planned a romantic getaway with him.

But he frantically told me his mother-in-law was ill and he had to go home.

I tried to take time off to go with him, but he refused, saying “I don’t want to affect your work.”

And the result? His “mom” was Lily’s mother.

While I worried about him day and night, he was having a loving wedding with his childhood sweetheart.

Looking at the perfectly-fitting wedding dress on Lily, I realized that this wedding must have been planned long ago.

Bitterness spread through my heart.

He thought I was just throwing a tantrum. “I told you it was just helping Lily, don’t be so petty.”

I shook my head. “You’re overthinking it.”

“After the wedding, the three of us will go to the courthouse; we’ll get our divorce, and you guys can get your marriage license. It’ll save time and effort.”

At the mention of “divorce,” Jack was stunned.

Just then, Lily walked out, supporting a middle-aged woman.

“Jack, my mom wanted to see you.”

Lily’s mother, stooped and frail, coughed a few times before looking at Jack with a loving expression.

“Jack is a good boy, Lily, you must treat him well. By the way, who’s this friend?”

Seeing Lily’s mother looking at me questioningly, Jack quickly explained.

“She’s just a stranger asking for directions, Mom. It’s windy outside; go inside, you’ll catch a cold.”

Hearing his affectionate change in tone, I found it ironic and turned to leave.

Jack wanted to follow.

But Lily’s voice rang out again, “It’s almost time, let’s go in. Our friends and family are waiting.”

Immediately, firecrackers went off—”bang bang bang!”

Jack didn’t come after me.

So no matter when, his choice would never be me.

Chapter 2

After leaving Jack’s house, I went straight to my mother’s.

Jack didn’t like living with my mother, so after our marriage, my mother moved back to her hometown.

I bought her a small villa in the best community in the county.

Thinking she was getting old, it was time for her to enjoy life.

Because of this, Jack and I had a three-month cold war.

Finally, my mother put the villa in both our names, and he stopped making a fuss.

As I opened the door, I saw my mother eating porridge and pickles. My heart sank.

“Mom, didn’t I send you living expenses? Why are you still eating this unnutritious food?”

She wasn’t expecting me, her eyes filled with surprise. “Nora, why are you back? Where’s Jack?”

Looking at her already graying hair, my nose felt sour.

These years, I’ve been busy making money, trying to please Jack, neglecting my mother.

I’ve decided, after Jack and I finish the paperwork, I’ll take her to live with me.

“Mom, I haven’t eaten either; let’s go out and eat something!”

My mother waved her hand hastily. “It’s a waste to eat out; wait, Mom will make it for you.”

She went into the kitchen.

But when she opened the refrigerator, there were only pickles and some wilted vegetables.

“Mom, let’s go out to eat.”

This time, I didn’t give her a chance to speak and took her out.

After dinner, I took her to the supermarket before heading home.

But as we reached the door, we found it open.

My mother thought someone had broken in and hurried to check.

Then we heard Jack’s arrogant voice.

“You’re not home, where were you running around? I have relatives coming over; you move out for a few days!”

Anger surged within me. I went inside.

“Jack, who are you telling to move out?”

Jack was clearly surprised. “Nora, what are you doing here?”

I sneered. “This is my house. Where else would I be?”

He shrugged, unconcerned.

“Lily wants to borrow the house for a few days, I’ve already agreed. Since you’re here, you and your mom can move out for two days.”

Jack spoke confidently.

In his eyes, this was his house, he was the true owner.

Lily immediately echoed, “Nora, I just want to borrow your house.”

“If you’re not happy, I’ll pay you rent.”

I glanced at Lily’s repulsive face.

Before I could speak, Jack scoffed.

“Why pay her? You don’t earn easily, and such a big house is wasted if only your mother lives here. Why not let your relatives enjoy it?”

“Besides, I’m the homeowner, she has no right to evict you!”

My anger flared.

Before I could refuse, a boisterous noise came from the doorway.

Chapter 3

Lily’s mother entered with a crowd of people.

Her radiant face showed no sign of illness.

“This villa was bought by my son-in-law! Look how magnificent it is! My daughter is capable, she found such a good husband as Jack.”

“Stay here for the wedding banquet, everything is arranged.”

Then she saw my mother standing at the door, looking uneasy.

Her brows furrowed, her eyes full of disdain.

“Who are you? Why are you in my house?”

“What are the security guards doing? Letting beggars into the community!”

“I see, you’re the housekeeper my son-in-law hired!”

“What are you still doing there? Guests are here; go make tea, or I’ll fire you!”

My mother didn’t understand what was happening and looked at me.

Before she could speak, Lily’s mother slapped her hard.

“I’m talking to you! Are you deaf?”

“Look at you, dressed like a beggar! I’m already being kind hiring you, and you dare disobey?”

“Go make tea, or I’ll fire you!”

The slap was hard, my mother’s face instantly turned red and swollen.

“Mom!”

I rushed to her aid.

Then I looked at Lily’s mother and her relatives, and shouted,

“I’ll give you one minute to get out of here, or I’ll call the police!”

Lily’s mother showed no fear, only laughing.

“Who are you to order me around?”

“This is my son-in-law’s house. Even if the police come, they’ll arrest you two trespassers.”

My chest heaved, I glared at Jack.

“So, you have nothing to say?”

Jack’s face was grim. He came to me.

I thought he would finally confess, but he pushed me.

“Shut up, the daughter of a housekeeper, yelling like that?”

“You two are fired, get out now!”

Lily’s mother added, “I need to inspect your belongings before you leave.”

“Looking at you, you’re probably sneaky, maybe you’ll steal something on your way out.”

My mother was also indignant.

“This is my house, you’re the ones who should leave!”

Lily’s mother was furious.

“You want to stay here, I’ll teach you a lesson!”

Before anyone reacted, she kicked my mother in the stomach.

My mother’s head hit the ground; she lost consciousness.

Chapter 4

Jack’s face turned pale.

He hadn’t expected this, nor that Lily’s mother would resort to violence.

“Mom, Mom, don’t scare me!”

I ignored Lily’s mother, immediately calling 911.

But Lily’s mother was still cursing.

“This old woman, don’t think you can get away with pretending to faint. Trying to extort me, no way!”

“This is my house, die somewhere else! This is such bad luck on my wedding day.”

Her relatives wanted to throw my mother out.

I pushed someone away and shouted, “Who dares touch my mother!”

Perhaps my expression was terrifying, they were startled.

Lily, who had been watching, pretended to dissuade them.

“Mom, it’s our wedding day! What are you doing?”

“Jack, take my mom to see the house.”

“Your housekeeper is being taken care of, so there shouldn’t be any problems.”

Lily deliberately called my mother a “housekeeper.”

She wanted to humiliate and provoke me.

But my mother was unconscious, I didn’t have the energy to deal with her.

“Jack, are you still human?”

“My mom treated you so well, like a son, and this is how you repay her?”

“She’s lying here, life or death uncertain, and you’re happy to show the perpetrator the house?”

Jack glanced at me and my mother, his eyes hesitant.

“I…”

Lily’s mother interrupted.

“Speak clearly, who’s the perpetrator?”

“Your mother was shameless, refusing to leave my house, son-in-law, kick them out!”

Jack didn’t move, seemingly afraid of the consequences.

Lily’s mother clutched her chest and cried out.

Jack’s hesitation disappeared. “Mom, are you alright?”

“Nora, get out with your mother!”

My anger vanished, replaced by disappointment and resentment towards Jack.

911 arrived in time, saving my mother’s life.

Looking at my mother in the hospital bed, hooked up to machines, I slapped myself.

The man I loved for five years almost killed my mother!

I wanted to ask Jack why he married me if he didn’t love me.

But it was pointless now.

Leaving the hospital, I called Jack.

Lily answered, sounding disdainful.

“Nora, Jack’s showering; you’ll have to wait.”

“But this house is so comfortable! I don’t want to move.”

I hung up.

Half an hour later, Jack called back.

“Nora, how’s Mom? She’s alright, right?”

“We’ll deal with Lily tomorrow; I’ll throw you another birthday party. I…”

“No need.”

I interrupted. “I’ve sent you the divorce papers.”

“And I won’t let this go. I’ve already downloaded the security footage from the villa. See you in court.”