I lowered my head, guilty as charged. It was my fault for being negligent.
Ethan and I had planned to settle things after the baby shower. We never thought the Graysons would use that to their advantage.
Ethan explained. "Dad, don't worry. Our hands are full taking care of Zachary, and we forgot the matter entirely. But don't worry. We'll get things done by tomorrow."
"Tomorrow?" Judas scoffed at Ethan's reply. "You're trying to buy time, aren't you? You're afraid that you won't be able to be free of them once Zach gets his birth certificate, right?"
A shadow fell across Ethan's face. "That's too much. Evelyn and I are in this together. Zach is the fruit of our love. I wouldn't cast them away."
"Together? She has no background and thinks that she can rise to power just because of a bastard child. And you call that love?" Judas couldn't stop laughing coldly as if he'd just heard the world's greatest joke.
When he was done laughing, he said, "Ethan, look into the mirror and tell me if someone like you deserves a wife. Do you deserve to have a child of your own?"
"Stop it!" Unable to withhold his anger, Ethan struck the coffee table with his fist, causing the glass to shatter.
Frightened, I tightened my arms around Zachary, who cried from the commotion.
"Dad, you've gone too far! Take your anger out on me all you want, but don't slander my wife and son!" Ethan paused and, in a gravelly voice, said, "I swear that Evelyn's the only woman I love in my life. Zach is my child. I don't want anyone else besides them!"
Taken aback by Ethan's outburst, Judas was rendered speechless. After some time, he snapped out of it and snorted in disdain at us.
He seethed, "Very well. You think you're all grown-up and can challenge me and the family like that, huh? Don't blame me for being cruel. It's not like I didn't give you a chance to make amends. If you don't obey me, I'll make you two regret existing!"
And with that, he stormed out of the house and slammed the door shut. Silence filled the house once again.
I slumped on the couch, my face wet with tears. This was all my fault.
If it weren't for me, Ethan wouldn't have gotten into this situation with his family. Zach wouldn't have had to face such mistreatment and be seen as a bastard.
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