Farrington-Gores: Dissolution

(A/N: Warning for (off-screen) murder and spousal abuse)

'Olivia, we need to talk. Preferably now, while nobody else is around.'

'Alright, then. What is it?'

'I'm concerned about Sheri.'

'Wow, that'd be a first!'

'No, not about her. About what she's planning to do. I'm getting a bad feeling that she's not going to put up with this arrangement much longer.'

'It wouldn't surprise me. You and I both know she was only in it for a cut of that Farrington fortune, and now that there is none...'

'...Look, I'm setting out to rebuild it. We've come a long way since he first took everything. I said I'd make my fortune legitimately, and that's what I have been doing.'

'I'm well aware, Tate, but I'm afraid you're right about Sheri. She doesn't have that kind of patience.'

'Do you know for certain?'

'No, it's just speculation on my part.'

'Well, unfortunately, I think it's accurate. Olivia... you know full well I can't afford a divorce right now. Neither financially nor in terms of my reputation. I'm trying to impress the Sunset Valley elite. I can't do that if my wife walks out on me. And I wouldn't put it past her to try to leave the fucking kids here, too.'

'So what is your point? You're telling me all this for a reason.'

'...If she tries to leave, I might be forced to take extreme measures. You know... I kept my gun.'

'You want my permission for you to kill her?'

'Yes. I do.'

'...Don't you think it might cause problems? I can't imagine it ending well if you end up offing his-'

'Oh, please. He never wanted her to even exist. You know that much.'

'Still, it's a risk.'

'I can't live my life in fear of what that man might do next. If Sheri leaves, I'm fucked, and so are you, let's be honest. You know we're in this together.'

'I know, I know. Fine... if it comes down to it, I suppose you'll have to. Stupid girl... if only she'd do what's best for her.'

'If she would, there would be no problem. Sadly, I don't see it happening.'

'What will you do afterwards? You'll still have the issue of the kids to contend with.'

'I'll find another wife, obviously. One who actually does as she's told. Don't worry about that, I'll have it covered.'

'Alright, if you say so. I'll be staying here, of course. I'm not able to leave just yet.'

'...Very well.'

The next day...

'What're you doing with that?'

'I'm getting the hell out of here.'

'You mean you're leaving? For good?'

'That's right.'

'Great!'

'Oh, of course you'd say that, you bratty little shit. Believe me, I'll be well rid of the lot of you.'

'Mum, you're-?'

'Going, yes. Bye.'

'…'

'What do you think you're doing?'

'I'm fucking sick of this marriage. I'm done. With all of you.'

'Um, not like that you're not. You're going to talk to me about this.'

'There's nothing to talk about. I can't stand this. You never appreciate anything I do. I've put all my effort into maintaining this fucking sham for the past seventeen years. I shouldn't have stuck around after the bankruptcy. Hell, I shouldn't have done any of it. All you've done is land me with three useless kids and ruined my pelvic floor.'

'You made vows, Sheri.'

'So did you, but they were bullshit. They always were. Don't pretend this is some kind of tragedy.'

'You don't understand me. You don't get to leave.'

'Oh, and what are you going to do about it?'

'You know what I am.'

'...So what, you're going to kill me?'

'If you don't reconsider, I'll have no choice.'

'This is your last chance, Sheri.'

'Mum? What are you saying?'

'Do you really want to do this?'

'Damn right I do! Why don't I deserve an out? This isn't what I agreed to! I never wanted this!'