Chapter 5: Leaving Weite Behind

As soon as Yvette finished speaking, she turned and strode out, leaving Aling behind. Aling huffed and puffed while chasing her down the hallway, muttering angrily. "This is how you thank me, huh? I'm just trying to help, and all I get is an 'I'm-ade'! You were singing a different tune last night, practically yelling with joy—you nearly burst my eardrums!"

Then, he beamed back at me with a warm, fatherly smile. "Come, Den, freshen up a bit and come eat," he said.

I nodded, smiling. "Sure thing, Ales."

He beamed, nodding approvingly. He shot a scowl in her direction and started up again. "Now, where was I… right—come back here, you little brat!"

Seeing myself, I almost choked. My face was flushed, my lips were swollen, and there were unmistakable marks on my neck—his marks, plus a very clear bite mark. How was I supposed to show my face like this?

After thinking it over, I figured she was probably feeling just as embarrassed. I tant covered up the worst of it.

"Weme!" I muttered under my breath, forcing a smile. The nerve of her! Did she have to leave? It was over, so I begrudgingly let it go. I buttoned up my shirt for a turtleneck, which, though still slightly bothersome.

At the dining table, Alex was piling food onto my plate. "Look at you, all worn out. You need a good meal to help your strength up!" He grinned at me, joining in with his excitement, all while trying to make light of it. Last night's incident stayed a little secret, but out of the corner of my eye, I saw Yvette at the cable ios, rating silently—probably from the roll bath she sat in. She gave me a pointed look, which I returned with a faint, knowing smirk.

She leaned under her breath, smirking, "Such a storyteller."

I lifted my eyes. "Look, I've got something nice to say, sup—"

She shot me a look that could curdle steel, but I ignored her, putting on my best cent face and turning back to Alex. "By the way, Ales, I found a job, only, so might not be able to visit—"

Hearing that, Alex's face lit up, though his sanguine was creased. "A job already? That's wonderful news! What's the position? You know, you're welcome to join Yvette's company if you're—"

Yvette, still glaring across from me, let out a dry laugh and said, "Our company doesn't keep dead—"

Her words stung. Sure, maybe I hadn't been the most ambitious the past year, but still, I was about to fire back when Alex suddenly banged his hand on the table, startling both of us. "Yvette, is that how you should speak to your husband? How can you live in peace like that?"

Her face hardened, but she stayed silent, not meeting his gaze. Alex was fed up with her attitude, and I quickly stepped in to defuse the situation. "No worries, Alex, I'm not going to be comparing ‘am way, I already started my new job yesterday."

"That's great to hear! How are the people there? Treating you well?"

"Yeah, it's a great environment. The people are wonderful, and it's the kind of work I'm passionate about." I let that sit, savoring the warm pride in his expression and the flicker of surprise.

She stared at me, clearly unimpressed, and remarked, "What are you, a chef or a receptionist? With that charming face, I bet they'd hire you just to sit there and smile."

My ears immediately darkened. I wondered if she had taken the wrong pill today, for being so bitter. From the moment she woke up, her tone had been sharp and sarcastic. Was it because I didn't stay with her last night, leaving her to soak in the cold bathtub alone? Or was she frustrated?

I'd found my footing. And more importantly, I was hired on a high salary. Most of my tasks just required some creative thinking—nothing I couldn't handle easily. I didn't plan to advertise this. As long as I kept my mouth shut, Yvette wouldn't have a clue. When the day came that we finally divorced, we could go our separate ways without…

Alex's face lit up with pride. He laughed heartily and praised me endlessly, saying I was smart and destined for big things.

Yvette, albeit unconvincingly, sneered. "Fresh out of college and staying home playing house husband—what else can you do?"

Her tone dripped with disdain. "If you're so eager to work, pick any position you like in one of my branch offices."

I insisted. "What, as your personal chef? Or maybe a receptionist to decorate the lobby?"

I offered a valid smile. "As long as you're there, I'm tired of my car? Don't worry about it."

Alex chuckled a few times before he could say much; he did, however, shoot me a sly look filled with satisfaction, as if saying, "You're finally growing a backbone—standing up to—"

Her flawless features showed a hint of displeasure, though she quickly masked it into an involuntary smirk.

It had a seemingly endless need to coordinate people, events, everything. The saga of Dia and Tunskill was proof enough.

Was this a challenge or a debate? Did she think I was repairing her standing reputation as the "Tenning Fly's son-in-law" by getting a job? Or was it the idea of…

She didn’t let me finish that sentence, grabbing the car keys and heading out. Before she could react, I was already behind the wheel. I rolled down the window but stayed in the car. She approached slowly, her heels clicking on the pavement, less a failed business meeting, more a…

“15 miles is a lie. As for me, I’m a bit lazy—I merely came to prioritize work,” I said.

Just as her expression changed, I stepped on the gas and sped away.