"We can pay it back over time. Getting her a place to live comes first."
I dug my nails into my own palm, forcing myself to stay steady.
"Give me back my five hundred thousand."
Joel stared at me like I'd lost my mind.
"What are you saying? You want a divorce? Over a house?"
"Yes."
My voice cut through the room like a blade.
Laurel and Maya had been eavesdropping in the living room. The moment things escalated, they came barreling through the door.
Laurel planted herself next to Joel and rolled her eyes at me.
"Leila, I don't like to meddle, but if I'd known you were this selfish, I never would've let Joel marry you."
Maya stood there with red-rimmed eyes, tears streaming down her cheeks as she tugged at my sleeve.
"Leila, please don't do this. I'll give the eight hundred thousand back to Joel."
"I'm not even their real daughter. They shouldn't have to sacrifice so much for me."
"I'll just... I'll leave. I'll figure things out on my own."
She turned away, chin trembling with theatrical resolve, and started toward the door.
Joel lunged forward and caught her wrist, pulling her back.
"You're not going anywhere."
Laurel gathered Maya into her arms and stroked her hair.