The first divorce was because he’d forgotten
Chloe’s birthday. The second, because Chloe
lost her cat. The third, because she’d had a
nightmare about him marrying someone else.
This time it was my anniversary gift.
Each reason was more ridiculous than the
last, yet each time, Jack yielded to Chloe,
abandoning me.
Over the years, I’d fought, argued, and
struggled, only to end up back in the same
place. After being appeased, he’d continue to
indulge Chloe.
This time, though, I was done. Years of love
couldn’t withstand repeated waves of
coldness.
I walked back to Jack’s house, hearing
laughter and playful noises.
Jack was covered in flour. He had a severe
phobia of dirt, once berating me for a single
drop of oil on his shirt. Yet now, flour didn’t
bother him.
Seeing me, he sighed in relief, handing me an
apron without giving me a moment to rest. “Nancy, you’re back! Make dinner, Chloe and
I are starving.”
Chloe commanded, “I want braised pork,
tender and juicy.”
I scoffed, “Can’t you cook it yourself? You
two had time for that, you’ve got time to
make dinner!”
Jack exploded, pushing me into the kitchen
counter. My back ached.
“Nancy, what’s wrong with you?”
“All I asked was for you to make dinner!”
I gritted my teeth in pain, but he interpreted
my silence as defiance.
Chloe sneered, “Jack, I think Nancy hates me.
She’s always making excuses.”
“If she becomes my sister–in–law, I’ll be run
out of the house!”
Jack’s eyes blazed. He dragged me into the
kitchen, throwing me against the counter.
His face was cold, devoid of warmth.
“If you don’t make Chloe dinner, you’re
staying in the kitchen all night!”
He slammed the door. My wrist was bruised,
my elbow scraped and bleeding.
Chloe’s laughter echoed. Jack returned,
seeing my inaction, his brow furrowed.
“Nancy, are you deliberately defying me?”
“You’re Chloe’s sister–in–law, making dinner
isn’t a big deal!”
I looked at him, a hint of mockery in my eyes.
“We’re divorced, I can’t do that!”
Jack stammered, then gently hugged me,
whispering, “I lost my temper. Our divorce is
temporary.”
“Once I calm Chloe, we’ll remarry. Don’t be
upset over this.”
He handed me a list of dishes. His tone was
serious, bordering on threatening.
“This is your chance, make Chloe happy, and
we’ll remarry faster.”
“Nancy, be good.”
After he left, I felt a profound sadness. When
did our marriage depend on Chloe’s whims?
She held a special place in Jack’s heart.
I calmly replied, “I understand.”
Jack smiled and gave me some clothes.
“Nancy, I’m glad you understand. Apologize
to Chloe, and that will be that.”
I looked up, bitterly smiling.
“She did this to me, and it’s my fault? I have
to apologize to her?”
Jack’s expression froze. His calm demeanor
vanished. He frowned, his eyes cold.
“This isn’t a discussion. If you want to stay,
do as I say!”
“Apologize to Chloe, and make dinner quickly,
or get out!”
He left. I laughed bitterly. His words were
daggers.
This house belonged to him. What was my
place here? As a wife, I could stay. Now, not
even that.
I called my old professor, who had introduced
- us.
Soon, there was a knock.
“Is Nancy Shen here? I’m looking for Nancy
Shen.”
Jack felt a pang of apprehension. Before he
could speak, I pushed my suitcase out.
L
“Professor Wen, it’s me.”
Jack grabbed my wrist, fear in his eyes.
Chapter 2
“Nancy, what’s the meaning of this?” Jack
demanded.
I pulled away from his grasp, looking at him
calmly. “Nothing. You two will have to cook
your own meals from now on.”
His face paled; he looked uneasy, but before
he could speak, I wheeled my suitcase
towards Professor Wen, smiling.
“Long time no see, Professor Wen. Thanks
for coming to pick me up.
Professor Wen’s cold expression softened.
His eyes reflected concern.
“You should have called us sooner. With us
here, no one will bully you.”
