"It's not that Brian reject your plea, it's just that it doesn't move him. Do you really believe that begging could bring him back to you? What he wanted was never a plea or a kneel, it was something you never possessed."
Brian gently patted Nina's hand.
"Aunt Nina, thank you for your and Uncle's kindness over the past three years. As long as the Wang family needs me, I'll be there when you call."
He changed his terms of address immediately.
"I'll gather my belongings today. William, if you're free tomorrow, let's go to the government office to finalize the paperwork."
Brian didn't glance at their faces. He stood up and ascended the stairs, instructing the maid to find boxes. He began packing his clothes and personal items, ready to completely move out.
Nina clenched her teeth, delivering a slap across William's face.
"You're no son of mine!"
William, disheartened, collapsed onto the couch and lit a cigarette. He felt utterly worthless. Was this all his doing? No wonder Brian wanted a divorce, it was all his fault.
Nina hastily dialed William's father, desperately seeking a solution. What a disaster this had turned into.
"You useless man, you've upset Brian, who worked tirelessly to maintain your household, shouldered all the burdens, and all you could say was 'I don't love you, there's no love'?"
She slapped him again and again, releasing her fury.
As Brian descended the stairs with his luggage, Nina quickly intercepted him. He couldn't leave, if he did, it would be the end.
"Brian, listen to me, no, listen to mom. Your father will be back soon, discuss this with him. He also asked you to wait for him."
Brian felt cornered. Aunt Nina had always been kind to him since childhood. He couldn't drag his them into his issues with William. As he hesitated, Nina snatched his luggage. She ushered him upstairs, instructing him to rest, his father-in-law would be back soon.
"Mom, you and dad, please convince him. I really don't want to divorce. If we do, I'll be overwhelmed with guilt."
William hung his head in shame.
"You know you've wronged him, where were you before? Your dad and I are so unfortunate to have a son like you."
Nina cursed in frustration, her words bitter and sharp. Seeing William's anxious, remorseful, and helpless expression, she felt like she could have a heart attack.
"Go to your mother-in-law's house, beg your mother-in-law. Don't bother with your father-in-law, he's the worst."
"Does he still have so many wives?"
"He even brought his child from an affair into the house, ignore him. Bring your mother-in-law over. If you can't keep Brian with love, try from a practical standpoint."
William nodded. As long as there was a sliver of hope to prevent the divorce, he would fight for it.
He rushed to his mother-in-law's house, asking for the address before leaving. He had never been to Brian's parents' house, he was unsure of the location.
Brian stood upstairs watching William dash to his car. The car sped off, and Brian chuckled. He didn't need to guess why he was in such a rush. It was all part of his plan. If he proposed a divorce, it wouldn't be a big deal if he didn't stir everyone up.
He calmly smoked, read, and waited.
William, the eldest son-in-law of the Liu family, entered the house and saw Brian's mother, his mother-in-law, Belle Mi. He immediately fell to his knees, a traditional Chinese gesture for deep apology.
This startled the usually reserved Belle, wondering who this man was.
"Mom, I've wronged Brian. I know you're upset with me for not caring enough about him, but I don't want to divorce him. Please help me convince him."
"Divorce? He didn't tell me. What happened between you two?"
"Mom, my mother asked me to bring you back. I'll apologize to Brian in front of both of you. I won't neglect him anymore, I promise to treat him well."
"First, stand up, let's discuss what happened."
Belle was still bewildered, quickly assisting William to his feet.
"Who proposed the divorce?"
"He did. It's my fault, I broke his heart."
"Well, maybe it's for the best to divorce."
Belle sighed and began to cry. William was taken aback, his mother-in-law had given up so easily?