Mary sent off the money, precious as blood, with trembling hands.
Along with the hefty penalty that vanished into thin air, Julian's marriage fell through.
Mary's dream, which had been inflating helplessly, disappeared without a trace like a fleeting night's dream.
"Son, are you really dating that secretary there? Is it all true?"
Mary's voice trembled with anger over the phone.
"W-who said that?"
"Who said it! Is it really true? Huh?"
"Mom, you see, I was going to tell you everything..."
"Tell me what? What are you going to do now? The house, car, and company they were going to give you are all gone. What are you going to do now?"
Mary started wailing and screaming.
Julian, cupping the phone tightly with both hands lest anyone hear, tried his best to soothe Mary's tirade.
"M-mom, you see, I've been trying to break up with her for a while..."
"And what? She absolutely refused to break up? Is she clinging to your pants? Huh?"
"Y-yes, that's what she did."
