Chapter 3

It was already 1:00 am when Preston finally returned home, carrying Rowan, who was asleep in his arms, and froze as soon as he noticed the cake box in the trash can. "I'm sorry for forgetting your birthday, Samantha." I merely hummed in response and said indifferently, "It doesn't really matter. I'm sure you guys must be exhausted from all the traveling." Upon seeing that I wasn't upset, Preston breathed a sigh of relief. He then rummaged through his suitcase and pulled out a crumpled box before saying, "It's a souvenir Melanie got you. She was thinking of you the whole time during our trip, saying that she wanted to get you something. Do you see how nice she is now? You should learn from her and stop being so petty and jealous all the time." I glanced at the gift in his hand and smiled in disdain. It was a complimentary gift from a hotel family suite that could hardly pass for a gift. It directly proved that Preston, Melanie, and Rowan had been sharing a suite the entire trip. I looked from the gift to his wrist and noticed that he was wearing a purple bracelet. I recognized it from one of Melanie's Instagram posts. It was a matching bracelet set they had purchased at some tourist spot. I instantly felt sick to my stomach and expressionlessly shoved his hand away. I mimicked Preston's earlier condescending manner and looked at him indifferently, saying, "I appreciate the gesture, but I'll pass on the gift. I'm not sure how you could even consider a complimentary gift from a hotel to be a decent gift." Upon hearing that, Preston's hand froze mid-gesture. He then furrowed his brow before snapping, "There you go again with your petty housewife act! You should learn from Melanie—she understands discretion and social graces. What's wrong with a complimentary gift from a hotel? I mean, at least she kept you in her thoughts! "You should look at all the stuff you use. It's not even as good as what they give away for free!" I knew his true target had been me, even though he was criticizing the things I used. I stopped what I was doing and slowly turned to him, trying my best to hold back the rage building inside me. "You were the one who asked me to resign so I could watch over the family while you threw yourself into your career when I was pregnant eight years ago, Preston. You said you didn't trust our parents to raise the child and told me to quit my job and be a stay-at-home mother. "I managed every household expense down to the penny to ease your financial burden, always putting you and Rowan before myself. You should consider how little you make if you're going to complain about my things being cheap!" I had known Preston for so many years, so I knew exactly what to say to hit a nerve and wound his fragile ego. I used to go along with everything he said because I loved him, but now that the love was gone, I naturally allowed my feisty side to come out. Just as I expected, Preston froze for a second, then his eyes widened as he roared in a fit of rage, "What am I supposed to reflect on? Who do you think I bust my ass for every day, day in and day out? It's all for this goddamn family! I must have indulged you too much, so much so that you've forgotten your place, Samantha!" I suddenly realized how pointless it was to even try to argue with him after hearing his senseless outburst. It was a total waste of my time and energy, and it just wasn't worth it. I merely let out a sneer, paid him no further attention, and walked into the study. Preston, with a look of indignation, followed me into the study. He was about to resume our argument, but he stopped and stared at the documents on my laptop screen, his eyes widening in shock. "Isn't that the project from Grandmark Group? How did a mere housewife like you come to be involved with such a titan in the commercial real estate world?" I didn't even get a word in before he grabbed my hand and asked, "You're not trying to get back into work and got scammed, did you?" I couldn't help but laugh incredulously at his nonsense. "What do you take me for, Preston? You must not have forgotten that before our marriage, I was a highly respected commercial designer in this industry!" Preston cocked his brow and said, "That's all in the past now. You've been out of the game for eight years, being a housewife and all. Do you even know what's going on in the industry anymore? You actually believe you can secure a project that is beyond my own reach? Get real, Samantha!" I took a deep breath and replied, holding back my anger, "What if I can't secure the project from Grandmark Group? What's wrong with me looking at the documents to study the materials for my own benefit?" Preston smiled knowingly, saying, "I knew that someone with your level of expertise wouldn't be able to get a project with Grandmark Group. I was just worried about you getting scammed. If you want a part-time job, I can ask Melanie to refer you to some small projects." I slammed my laptop shut and looked at him with a vacant expression. "Is Melanie the only person who can help you, Preston? I'll tell you why I want a job—it's because I'm afraid that you'll cut off my allowance!" I noticed the atmosphere instantly stiffening the moment "allowance" was brought up. Preston furrowed his brow in exasperation. "Why are you bringing up the past again, Samantha?" I couldn't help but sneer to myself. I wasn't just bringing up the past—I was stating a harsh truth that I had learned. In fact, I should probably be "thanking" him instead.