Chapter 9 Not Your Home 16 min left Once the shock faded , Michelle sprang to Dominic's defense . " He's just a kid ! You think he knows anything about dirty money and financial crimes ? He probably just saw some text on Caroline's phone and thought he was doing her a favor at work . " As she tenderly ruffled Dominic's hair , she added , " That's it , right ? Sweetie ? " Her sweet talk hit Dominic like a lit match in a powder keg , setting off his pent - up feelings . He broke down in tears , sobbing loudly , " Yeah , that's it ! I wasn't trying to do anything bad - just wanted to help Mom out ! I don't even know what dirty money is ! " Caleb's ice king vibe thawed a bit , but he wasn't backing down . " If you were just trying to help , why didn't you tell her later ? You let that mess blow up in her face before she even saw it coming . " Dominic was straight - up speechless , caught with his pants down . Michelle shot Caleb the " watch yourself " look and gently chided him , " Chill . He's just a kid , not some kind of memory whiz . Why are you grilling him like this ? I got Caroline's back watching him , and you can't be coming at Dominic just because his mom's not around ! " 1/6 09:38 Chapter 9 Not Your Home 16 min left The second Caroline's name dropped , Caleb's eyes went murderous . " You're too soft . Defending Dominic is cool , bul you're caping for Caroline too ? You think she still cares even a little about her kid ? " Michelle tried to keep it cool . " She was just in her feelings . She loves you . No way she's serious about divorcing you or leaving Dominic . Look , I'm already caught up in this mess . People gonna start saying I'm your side piece . " Her eyes started getting watery . Dominic felt that in his soul and rushed to hug her , patting her back like a tiny therapist . " It's all good , Ms. Adams . You're basically my mom anyway ! My real mom doesn't even deserve the title ! " Caleb's face darkened , irritation written all over it . But seeing Michelle all worked up , he swallowed whatever he was gonna say . She wiped those tears real quick and pulled herself together . " Caleb , Dominic had it rough at school , so I picked him up early . He's craving my cooking , and I made extra . Come eat with us ? I'll leave after he's done , won't make things weird for you and Caroline . " " Thanks , but I've got work to handle . Help yourself and take 2/6 09:38 Chapter 9 Not Your Home care of him , " Caleb said , already turning to come out . 16 min left Michelle's voice was all shaky . " Remember when you first tried my cooking ? I was fifteen , Matt's eighteenth . You rolled through for his birthday , even blessed him with that car . " Everyone loved my food back then . Straight up good times . Now ? Nobody hits like that anymore since everything went sideways . " She lost it , almost hitting the deck crying . The feels hit Caleb like a truck , memories of all those good times . with his now - departed homie flooding back . And just like that , his hate for Caroline shot through the roof . His tone softened a bit . " Alright , stop crying . I'll stay for dinner . " Michelle nodded and quickly pulled herself together . Then she grabbed Dominic's hand , and they made their way to the dinner table . Thanks to Dominic playing peace - keeper , dinner was quite pleasant . Then the door beeped - someone's fingerprint was getting verified . Caleb didn't even bother looking up , but his fork froze mid - bite like someone hit pause . 3/6 09:38 Chapter 9 Not Your Home 16 min left A moment later , Caroline pushed the door open and stepped in . Dominic , still miffed about being chewed out by his dad , went off . " Who let you in ? Weren't you wanted out ? Said you were done with Dad and me ? This isn't your home anymore ! " Michelle jumped in with that fake sweet talk . " Dominic , don't talk to your mom like that . " Caroline stood in the doorway , dead - eyed as she watched their little happy - family moment . Talk about a kick to the gut . Perfect family dinner right there . So why's he fighting this divorce so hard ? This setup's exactly what he wants anyway . What a freaking joke . Caroline fired back , " When was this ever my home ? I've only been paying rent with my babysitting services . Pretty sure that debt's cleared by now . " Caleb's face went cold . " Talking down on yourself ain't gonna make me feel bad . You're just pathetic ! " " Nah , you're . Ever slept with this babysitter ? " Caroline hit him with that ice - cold comeback . 4/6 09:38 Chapter 9 Not Your Home 16 min left Michelle tried to play mediator . " Caroline , why are you saying that ? You guys are married , everyone knows . This babysitter talk ain't it . " arc " Oh , NOW you wanna acknowledge the marriage ? Then why you in my seat playing mommy with my kid ? Here to take over babysitting duties ? " If you wanna compete for that role , at least do it right instead of that weak kickback setup . Your smear campaign's straight trash . Need some advice from a pro ? " Caleb's frustration peaked . What's wrong with her ? This marriage wasn't exactly my choice , but I've always kept it 100 and treated her as Mrs. Martin in public . Isn't that enough ? Caroline playing herself like some glorified babysitter was straight disrespecting their whole marriage . " Cut the BS ! Don't drag Michelle into our problem , " Caleb growled . " You think I wanna involve her ? She's always here with her fake fainting and attention - seeking self - harm nonsense . I was praying she'd disappear , " Caroline snorted . " Just didn't know 5/6 09:38 Chapter 9 Not Your Home 16 min left she was dumb enough to start trouble . That money crime ? She told Dominic to do it ! " Michelle's jaw dropped , and Caleb gave her the side - eye , not buying Caroline's story for a second . " Stop it , she ain't like that . If she were that type of snake , she wouldn't be out here defending you . " Caroline wasn't having it . " Next time you take her to the hospital , get your head checked too . You tripping . Watch this footage with your damn eyes . If I'm lying , I'll take the rap . Swear to God ! " She went digging in her bag , whipped out her iPad , and pulled up the surveillance video . B Write your comment ir Gifts 6/6 Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!