Chapter 262 That's Not an Option

Amelia's POV:

"You don't know that yet," Luke replied reasonably. "Are you going to call her?"

"What choice do I have?" I pulled out my phone and dialed my mother's number, putting it on speaker so Luke could hear.

She answered on the third ring. "Amelia? Did the lawyer call you?"

"Yes, they did," I said, trying to keep my voice level. "Mom, what are you thinking? That house is yours. Dad doesn't deserve a penny of it."

"George is still my husband," she replied defensively. "He needs something to start over with."

"Start over?" I couldn't keep the disbelief from my voice. "Mom, he's been drinking, doing drugs, and abusing you for decades. He hasn't held a steady job in years. What exactly has he done to deserve half your house?"

"He's a man, Amelia," Helen said, as if that explained everything. "How's he supposed to find another wife if he doesn't have a penny to his name?"

I laughed bitterly. "Are you serious right now? You're worried about him finding a new wife? Mom, please tell me you're not planning to go back to him again."

"Of course not!" she protested, but her voice lacked conviction. "I just... I feel bad for him. The house is worth about $380,000. If I give him half—"

"That's $190,000 you're just handing over to the man who's made your life hell," I cut in. "The man who spent your paychecks on booze and drugs while you worked double shifts. The man who put you in the hospital twice."

"Amelia!" my mother hissed. "That was a long time ago."

"Not long enough for me to forget," I shot back. "Mom, please, I'm begging you to think clearly. That house is the only major asset you have. It's your security for retirement."

"I know, but—"

Our family moment was interrupted by my phone ringing. I checked the screen and frowned.

"It's the divorce lawyer," I told Luke, referring to the attorney I'd recommended to my mother. I got up from the couch and stepped into the hallway to take the call.

"Hello, is everything okay with my mother's case?"

The lawyer's professional voice carried a note of frustration. "Mrs. Wilson, I'm calling because we've hit a roadblock. Your mother is insisting on selling the house and splitting the proceeds fifty-fifty with your father."

"What?" I nearly shouted, then lowered my voice. "That house is entirely in her name. She bought it before they were even married."

"I've explained that to her repeatedly," the lawyer sighed. "The property is clearly separate, not marital. She has full legal right to keep it entirely. But she's adamant about selling and giving him half."

I pinched the bridge of my nose. "Did she say why?"

"She claims 'he deserves something after all these years.' I've tried reasoning with her, but she won't budge. She suggested I call you since you might be able to talk some sense into her."

"I'll try," I said, though my hopes weren't high. "Thanks for letting me know."

I hung up and walked back to the living room, where Luke was watching me with concern.

"What's wrong?" he asked, muting the TV.

"It's my mom," I said, dropping back onto the couch with a heavy sigh. "She wants to sell the house and give half the money to my dad in the divorce."

"I thought you mentioned the house was completely hers?" Luke asked, looking concerned.

"It is," I said, frustration evident in my voice. "She bought it before they got married with money from her parents. It's her separate property. He has no legal claim to it whatsoever."

"Kids," Luke said gently, "why don't you go upstairs and finish watching the show on the iPad? Mom and I need to talk about something."

Once Lucas and Sophia had headed upstairs with snacks and iPad in hand, I leaned forward, elbows on my knees.

"I just knew this would happen," I said, shaking my head. "I knew she wasn't serious about leaving him for good."