chapter761

Christie told herself that as long as Lydia wasn't upset, she wouldn't blame Stephen for copying. Then, Stephen wouldn't think about divorcing her.

Fred had been sure that once his mom and stepdad showed up, he'd get to watch Luke grovel and beg for forgiveness. He never thought things would do a complete 180. Instead, his stepdad wanted to leave his mom, and Fred was the one being forced to kneel and apologize to Luke. He could hardly wrap his head around it.

"Mom, no! Luke started it. He hit me first!"

A sharp slap echoed through the room.

"You useless brat! Kneel down and say you're sorry!"

Christie's hand landed on Fred's already swollen cheek, and the sting brought tears

to his eyes.

"Mom! I'm your son!"

Another slap, just as fierce.

"If you don't do what I say, if you don't get Luke and Lydia to forgive you, then you won't be my son anymore!" Christie shouted, her voice shaking with anger.

Fred glared at her, fighting back the humiliation and tears.

Christie's face was twisted, her patience gone. "Kneel. Right now."

Under her harsh gaze, Fred felt like he had no choice. He swallowed his pride, shot Luke a hateful look, and dropped to his knees. His words came out through gritted teeth. Luke, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have... humiliated you."

Lydia scoffed. "What's that attitude? You think you deserve forgiveness with that? Maybe you should just stay at the police station and let the officers teach you how to behave."

Christie stormed over and kicked Fred hard. "You idiot! Show some sincerity when you apologize."

Fred's fists clenched so tight his knuckles turned white, his eyes burning with unshed tears. He looked at Luke and tried again. "I'm sorry. It was all my fault. If you're still mad, go ahead and beat me up. I won't fight back."

Christie jumped in quickly. "Luke, sweetheart, we're both from the same hometown, aren't we? We should look out for each other. I only brought him to the city for school because his dad couldn't handle it. Please, just let it go this once, for old times' sake. I swear, he'll never treat you like this again."

Luke looked down at Fred, kneeling and defeated, then turned to Lydia. "Lydia, let's go."

It was clear he didn't want to drag things out anymore.

Lydia nodded, respecting his choice. Okay."

She turned to Stephen. "About the plagiarism... my lawyer will be in touch."

Stephen pressed a hand to his chest, looking like he wished he'd never met Christie at all.

"Right now, this minute, we're getting a divorce!" he said, voice shaking.

Outside the police station, Connor

was waiting for them and hurriechet

soon as he saw them "All

settled?" "

Lydia nodded. "Yeah."

She turned to Luke. "Show us where you're living."

Luke hesitated, quiet for a moment. "I'm fine on my own. You don't have to worry about me."

But what if I just want to see it for myself?"

Luke sighed and gave in. "Alright. I'll show you."

Lydia had guessed that Luke's place wouldn't be anything fancy, but she hadn't expected this.

The room was tiny, barely enough

space to stretch out. There was just

a single narrow bed, a small desk and stool washbasin and a single storage box.

The bathroom was outside, shared with other tenants. There was no shower, so he had to go to a public bathhouse.

She could hardly believe that Luke, who had grown up surrounded by luxury, was actually living like this.

Back in the day, it never would have even crossed her mind.

Connor frowned, clearly bothered by the cramped and uncomfortable conditions.

Lydia took a deep breath, reached

UT

out, and took Luke by the arm. She led him out, her tone leaving no room for argument Luke, you deserve better than this. I'm not going to let you waste away in this tiny room."