The Substitute Bride

When Laura didn't respond, Anthony moved closer and discreetly persuaded her, "Mom, let's go and discuss this at home. We are in a public place, please don't make a scene here."

Laura still bore a grudge against Carlson. "Your dad is not afraid of being embarrassed. Why should I be?" she blurted?out in anger. Then she turned back to Carlson and shouted, "Didn't you say you want to divorce me? Great! That's exactly what will make me very happy."

Carlson was instantly offended by her aggressive behavior. "Well, now that you've agreed to my proposal, let's get the divorce papers done quickly. What about tomorrow?" he snapped while giving Laura a disgusted glance. "We'll meet at 9 a.m. tomorrow in front of the Civil Affairs Bureau," he added grumpily.

Anthony was already annoyed as he listened to his parents' constant bickering. "Enough, both of you!" he blurted in a controlled voice. Both looked at their son quite ashamed, and then immediately stopped.

"Listen, we can talk about it at home. You two are old enough and have been through all kinds of ups and downs. Why do you have to do something humiliating in public?" Anthony scolded his parents as he frowned. Listening to their son, Laura and Carlson finally mellowed. "Our son is right," Laura said. "Carlson, I think we really need to talk further. Even if you really want to divorce me, we have to settle this amicably. Let's make things crystal clear. Or, I will never agree to a divorce."

"Alright," Carlson replied with a slight nod. He knew Laura very well after living together for so many years. Although he had made up his mind, it was better to straighten things up with her.

Now that they were both willing to go home and talk things over, they left the police station. It was a great relief to the already irritated police officers.

When they got to the car, Carlson took the passenger seat while Laura got into the back seat. Anthony was about to open the driver's door when he noticed Sue standing

and me. Better stay out of it!"

"Why are you so hard on our son?" Laura exclaimed after pushing Carlson. "Tell me the truth, Carlson. I know you're seeing someone else. Are you expecting that woman to love you and bear you a child? Are you expecting to have another son with her?"

"What are you talking about?" Carlson snapped back. "I have already told you that this is between you and me. It has nothing to do with anyone else."

"You are lying!" Laura screamed. "I've been with you for so many years. Don't you think I know what kind of person you are?"

"Mom, stop it," Anthony blurted in a weary voice. "Sometimes you do go too far, like what you did today. Do you ever think about the consequences of your actions before doing so?"

"What?" Laura turned to Anthony. "Are you taking your Dad's side now?" she asked fiercely. "Remember, you're the reason your dad and I got in this mess. I don't know what to do if your conscience already left you."

"That's enough?" Anthony cried out. "Mom, to tell you the truth, I really don't appreciate what you have done for me."

Then, with a sneer, he continued, "I'm an adult and I know what I'm doing. I know what kind of wife I want. You don't need to worry about it.

Dad is right. You're just too nosy. If you can change that, he might not want to divorce you."