Chapter 3: Pressure from In-Laws

 Shane was always made to feel small by the huge iron gates of the Harrington estate. The enormous mansion, standing gracefully on top of a hill, served as a constant reminder to him of how different his life was from that of his wife Evelyn and her family. He never felt at home, never felt like he belonged there.

It was the same today. Marble statues beautified the garden and the lawn was well maintained. With his footsteps crunching on the gravel, Shane walked the long path leading to the front door. He knew what was going to happen. It was a Harrington family get-together, and he never enjoyed these kinds of occasions. There was always a tense feeling in the air, as though his family was scrutinizing him at every turn.

Edward and Charlotte Harrington, Evelyn's parents, had never been fond of him. Shane was nothing more to them than a janitor and someone unworthy of their daughter. They had given him the impression that he didn't belong in their affluent world from the beginning.

Edward Harrington was standing there when the front door opened, even before Shane could knock. He was tall and always had a polished appearance in his expensive suits. He was staring down at Shane with cold blue eyes, his face expressionless.

"Shane" Edward stepped aside and said mockingly. "Nice to see you."

Shane forced a smile while taking a deep breath. He responded, "Thank you for having me."

Edward didn't even try to respond. Simply turning, he guided Shane inside the house. The grand entrance hall had gleaming marble floors that echoed with every step. The walls were adorned with expensive paintings and family photos that showcased the Harringtons' glamorous history.

Shane felt small all the time. He was alone, with no wealth or legacy from his family. And that would never do for the Harringtons.

Shane looked over at Charlotte seated at the head of the table in the dining room. She was staring at him with piercing eyes, and although she smiled, it was not from the heart.

Charlotte said, "Shane," in a phony sweet voice. "It is most gracious of you to show up."

Shane gave a courteous nod. "It's pleasant to be here, Mrs. Harrington."

Charlotte seemed to be laughing at him inwardly, as evidenced by the sparkle in her eyes. Shane swiftly sat down at the far end of the table, as far away from her as possible, after she gestured for him to do so. Evelyn was sitting next to him, staring at her phone the entire time. She didn't seem to be interested in him or the family get-together.

The customary small talk started dinner, but tension was in the air. Shane sensed their disapproval in silence. They seemed to be reminding him that he didn't belong with every word they said.

Charlotte's piercing voice broke the silence. "My dear Evelyn, have you and Shane yet discussed the divorce papers?"

The words were explosive. Shane's hand clenched around his fork as he felt his heart tighten. He cast a glance on Evelyn's way, expecting her to respond, but she simply continued to stare at her phone, dodging his and her mother's stares.

Shane felt the sting of embarrassment pass, but he maintained his composure. He wished they could not see how painful it was. They enjoyed watching him suffer, he knew that.

Edward returned the attention to himself by clearing his throat. "Shane, it's time," he uttered firmly. "We have all long been aware that this marriage has been faltering for some time."

Although Shane's jaw tightened, he remained silent. How could he respond? They were pressuring Evelyn to leave him as if it were her only choice, even though they had never really given him a chance.

Shane mutely said, "I'm trying," his voice tense. "I refuse to give up on my marriage."

Charlotte gave a cold laugh. She teased. "Shane, you are living in a world of delusion. This is no fairy tale. You are merely postponing the inevitable."

Though Shane could feel his anger building, he suppressed it. He had to prevent them from witnessing his outburst. They had that as their goal.

Struggling to maintain composure, Shane remarked, "Maybe Evelyn and I just need more time. We've had issues, but I think we can resolve them."

Edward let out a bored-sounding sigh. "You are deceiving yourself. Evelyn no longer loves you, and it has been quite some time since she has shown you any affection."

The words pierced deeply, twisting the knife that had been stuck in his chest ever since Evelyn gave him the divorce documents. He glanced back at her, waiting for a response or some indication that she was still interested.

She didn't.

Evelyn just kept scrolling through her phone, expressionless. It appeared as though she didn't give a damn, as though she had already made up her mind and was only waiting on his approval.

Even though Shane's heart ached, he resisted giving in to the despair that was rising within him. Not yet, not ready to give up.

Charlotte leaned forward and met his gaze with hard eyes. She whispered, "Shane, do what is right. Sign the documents and let Evelyn be with someone more suitable."

As her words sank in, Shane's heart began to race. The family's reputation was at stake in addition to Evelyn's happiness. Evelyn shouldn't be linked to someone like him, in their opinion. They desired his removal, to be removed from their idealized setting as though he were a mistake they wished no one to see.

Shane firmly declared, "I'm not signing anything," his voice strong despite his internal trembling.

After a brief moment, Charlotte's eyes narrowed and her smile returned. "You're only making things more difficult for yourself."

Shane said nothing. He didn't think he could talk without expressing his feelings. All he wanted to do was make it through the night without giving them any more cause to belittle him.

Charlotte cornered Shane by the fireplace after dinner, just as the family was starting to leave. She could see shadows on her sharp features from the flickering flames behind her. With a low, angry voice, she took a step closer.

With hatred blazing in her eyes, she hissed, "You are nothing but a burden. Evelyn has been held back by you for far too long. It is time for you to let her go."

Shane's fists clenched at his sides. He was on the verge of losing control of the rage he had been suppressing all night. Charlotte couldn't witness him go out of control.

With a voice like ice, she demanded once more, "Sign the papers. If you truly care for Evelyn, you will let her go."

With his heart racing in his chest, Shane fixed his gaze on her. Her words echoed in his head, blending with the ideas that had been bothering him for several weeks. At home, the divorce papers awaited him, a continual reminder of all that he was about to lose. Could he give up though? Even if she stopped loving him, could he still leave the only woman he had ever loved?

Charlotte watched him intently, waiting for a response. But not yet, Shane was unable to give it to her. His mind was a jumble of feelings, including desperation, grief, and rage. He needed time to consider his options.

Despite their intense tension, Shane didn't give up. He refused to be intimidated by them into quitting. Not just yet.

Shane's resolve hardened as the fire crackled behind them. No matter how dire things appeared to be, he would fight for his marriage. However, he couldn't get rid of the feeling that this was just the start of a much larger fight as he left the Harrington estate that evening.

And the worst was still to come.

Still clenching his fists, Shane stepped outside into the refreshing night air. He was troubled by the picture of the divorce papers, but the question that would not go away was what was really bothering him: Had Evelyn already moved on from him, leaving him to struggle on his own in a place where he never really belonged?