As I reached out to pull her away from the break room, she suddenly dropped to the floor, flailing her arms and crying out for everyone to see.
"Come look! This shameless girl is sleeping with men and not sending any money home!"
"Ah, poor me! I came all this way just to find out what's happening!"
That's not true! It's a lie!
I shouted back, hands on my hips. This woman was twisting the truth and using her age as a shield.
She wasn't my mother; we had no blood ties!
But her wailing and dramatic performance drew whispers from the crowd.
Their glances at me and my coworker were filled with scorn and disdain.
"Tsk tsk, looks like these two are having an affair."
"They seemed so innocent before; who knew they were so reckless?"
"If my daughter dared to do something like this, I'd be ashamed enough to die."
My coworker suddenly shouted, "Shut up! You don't get to judge!"
He stepped up to my stepmother and pulled her off the ground by her collar, towering over her.
His expression was cold and intense as he spoke in a low voice filled with menace.
"She said it clearly. Your husband took the money. If you want cash, go ask him."