Marriage On Hold by Mark Twain 5
Chapter 5 Show You a Way
288 (Vouchers
Chapter 5 Show You a Way
That night, I trudged home with legs heavy as lead and found the house aglow and a total mess.
In the living room, Mom sat on the floor, wailing, while Dad glared at her with a face like thunder. The coffee table was shattered into pieces.
Barnaby and Eileen sat on the couch. Though tears streaked Eileen’s face, her eyes gleamed with triumph.
At the sight of me, Dad sprang to his feet, lunging forward like a bloodthirsty lion.
He jabbed a finger at my nose, and his voice shook with rage. “Sylvie! Look at what you’ve done!”
I was struck dumb, my mind going blank.
Mom threw herself at me, pounding on my arms.
“Your brother got into a fight for Eileen! He smashed someone’s head! They’ve called the cops and demanded a 33-grand in compensation! 33 grand! Where are we supposed to get that kind of money?”
I stared at Eileen with consternation.
Eileen cried even harder, collapsing into Barnaby’s arms. “It’s my fault! Don’t blame Barny! That prick was drunk and tried to assault me. Barny did it to protect me! He’s a hero!”
Barnaby held her tightly, craned his neck, and shouted at Dad, “I did nothing wrong! Any man in my position would have done the same! It’s right to protect the woman you love!”
“You bastard!” Dad trembled with rage.
He raised his hand and slapped Barnaby. “How are you gonna pay for it? And with what? Your life?”
After saying that, he turned to me.
I knew that look all too well, cold and cruel, as though evaluating a commodity for its worth.
He was checking his imaginary scale again.
“Sylvie.” His voice carried no warmth, each word cutting me to the quick.
0.00%
10:38
Chapter 5 Show You a Way
288 Vouchers
“After what has happened, the scale is completely off balance. Your brother has fought to protect the family. He deserves credit, but he’s also erred. You must fix his mistake.”
He fixed his eyes on me, as if there was a price tag on my body.
“Find a way to get that 33,000 dollars.”
33,000 dollars-that number hit me like an avalanche, burying me alive and crushing the air from my lungs.
I juggled three jobs a month and barely made a few thousand.
How was I supposed to come up with that kind of money?
“Dad, I don’t have that much money…” My voice broke into sobs.
“I don’t care how you do it! Don’t fail me!”
His eyes held no love, only cold, merciless calculation.
“I raised you, provided for you, and gave you the best education. Now, it’s time for you to repay
me!”
Eileen feigned tears and sniffled. “Mr. Ravenscroft, don’t pressure Syl. It’s my fault… The worst- case scenario, I’ll get down on my knees and plead with them…”
Hearing that, Barnaby wigged out and jumped to his feet.
“No! I won’t let you do that!” he snapped, spinning toward Dad. “Dad! Are you even a man? Sylvie says she can’t handle it, so sell the house! Grandpa and grandma left the house for me!”
Mom wept. “Dorian… Just pawn my jewelry. It wouldn’t be much, but it could help…”
“Enough!” Dad bellowed, and silence instantly took over the house.
His eyes bore into me, like a butcher sizing up the animal that was about to be slaughtered.
“Our roots lie in this house. It’s untouchable. As for your mother’s jewelry, it’s barely worth anything.”
His voice deepened, full of merciless determination.
“Sylvie, you’re the only valuable asset in this family right now.
“So, I’ll show you a way. Pierce Stafford is my business partner. His son, 35 and recently divorced, is seeking a dutiful wife. He doesn’t ask for much, just a proper family background, a
45.47%
10:39
Chapter 5 Show You a Way
decent education, and a presentable look.”
In that instant, the blood in my veins ran cold.
288 ¡Vouchers
97.32%
10:39
Joseph King is an editor and storyteller who ensures every chapter is clear, polished, and engaging for readers.
Join Our WhatsApp Channel For Fast Update Or More Novels: 
Join Our WhatsApp Channel For Fast Update Or More Novels: