One Closet Too Far

Blood rushed to my head, and my ears rang.

As it turned out, I was the unwelcome brother-in-law in the post.

The post was about me.

I stood there, shaking with chills while burning with rage. My grip on reality was slipping fast.

Just then, the sound of the door clicking echoed in the air.

Cass strutted in in her heels, a brand-new designer bag slung over her shoulder.

The smile on her face went stiff when she saw me.

Her voice was shrill. “How did you get in?

“Where are your manners? How can you enter a home without the owner’s permission?”

My voice was icy.

“This is my home. Why can’t I come in?”

Cass scoffed. “Your home? You’re just my husband’s brother. Don’t try to act like you own the place. Take a look at the mirror and ask if you belong here.

“Stop overstepping. It’s pathetic, really.”

She ditched her bag on the floor before making her way toward me. She blocked the entrance of her walk-in closet.

It was as if she were guarding a vault.

She looked me up and down, the disdain in her eyes apparent.

“Didn’t Mom book you a hotel? Why are you hanging around someone else’s home?

“Check your outfit. I doubt your clothes cost more than a hundred bucks altogether. Don’t bring your frugality in here.”

Frugality?

My gaze fell on her down jacket. I recalled buying the exact same one for Teresa.

Cass wouldn’t even be in this complex building, talking to me if it weren’t for my money.

I took a step forward, inching closer toward her.

“My name is on the title deed. So, tell me. Whose place is this?”

Cass grimaced and raised her voice.

“Cut the crap!

“This place was promised to your brother and me at our wedding. Alexander is the oldest, so the family home goes to him. Alexander and I are the rightful owners of this apartment. Who are you to tell me what to do?”

“Promised to you?”

I smirked in rage.

“Are you suffering from amnesia or playing dumb, Cass?

“I let you stay in this apartment because we are family. Have you or Alexander contributed even a penny?”

With my words striking a nerve in her, Cass turned red in the face.

“Show some respect!

“So what if you paid for the place? You’re part of the family, so providing for us is the least you can do!

“Mom and Dad agreed to give me the room. You’re just a nobody.”

“I’m just a nobody?”

I repeated her insult, rage building in my chest.

“I’ll show you who’s the nobody here.”

Not wasting another breath on her, I shoved her aside.

I stepped into what used to be my bedroom and pulled out my phone to film everything from the wardrobe, the dressing table, to the scattered shoes on the floor, and her cosmetics on the ledge.

With a shriek, Cass lunged to snatch the phone out of my hands.

“You have no right to take a video.

“You’re invading my privacy! Get out of here!”

I stepped aside to dodge her, causing her to stumble back, nearly falling. She became even more hysterical.

Just then, the front door swung open.

My parents and Alexander were back.

Taking in the mess and Cass’ tearful eyes, Alexander furrowed his brows.

“What did you do? Why do you have to come home and get on Cass’ nerves?”

Teresa pulled a face. “Didn’t I tell you to head straight to the hotel? Why do you have to pick a fight at home?”

Thomas gave me a tug on the sleeve.

“Miles, why the fighting when you get back? Can’t you be civil?”

This was my family.

Without even getting to the bottom of the matter, they had already decided that I was at fault.

Alexander spoke matter-of-factly, “You aren’t back for a few days a year anyway. What’s wrong with Cass using an unused space for her clothes?”