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Chapter 8

Katie approached me on her own initiative, "Mrs. Evans, what kind of bag would you like to see?"

"Show me what you recommend, our tastes are somewhat aligned."

I politely smiled at her. She fidgeted with her fingers, somewhat awkward. After a while, she brought over several bags. When she bent down, her collar loosened slightly, and I unavoidably saw the hickey mark on her neck. My heart tightened, turmoil raging inside me, but I maintained a smile on the surface. Damn it, her eye for good taste is really something, I liked every single bag.

"It's difficult to choose." I tried each one on, in front of the mirror.

"If Mrs. Evans likes them, go ahead and take all of them." The store manager came over, praising me frantically.

"Absolutely, each one goes well with anything." Another shop assistant added fuel to the fire.

"I can't decide. I have to ask my husband. Things need to be practical, not extravagant."

After saying that, I dialed Kenneth's number in front of everyone. Katie stood to the side, her expression becoming increasingly unpleasant.

"Hello."

"Husband."

"What new tricks are you up to now?"

"Honey, I found a few bags that I really like, and it's so difficult to choose. Do you have time to help me decide, pretty please?"

"Grace, I'm in a meeting."

"Oh, all right. It's not ideal, but since you said so, I guess it can't be helped. Love you, husband."

I finished in one breath, before he had a chance to scold me, I hung up the phone.

"Can I pay with a credit card?" I took the card out of my bag and handed it to Katie.

"Ye... yes." She bit her lip and went to swipe the card.

Miranda, next to me, was stunned by my crazy move.

"When did this symptom start for you?"

"What symptom?"

"Showing off, the over-the-top displays of affection."

I frowned and whispered, "She's Kenneth's unrequited love. Did you see the hickey mark on her neck? Kenneth gave it to her."

Miranda almost jumped up, "And you’re ok with this?"

"What else can I do? Go crazy and get angry?"

That would be too inappropriate. With our bags in hand, Miranda and I were about to leave. Katie escorted us to the door.

"Mrs. Evans," she hesitated and called out to me.

"Yes?" I stopped.

"You really don't have to do this. I have never... accepted Brother Xie's affection."

In an instant, my scalp tingled, and my arrogant demeanor extinguished just like that. She meant that there was no need to compete with me at all. She didn't have to do anything, and Kenneth would happily run to her.

"You make it sound so nice. Well then, stay away from other people's husbands, and if you have so much free time, go find a job at a screw factory."

Miranda directly retorted to her.

"I don't."

Miranda stood triumphant, but I couldn't find any happiness in myself.

"Katie is such a brown-noser, and you're just going to let her take the top spot?"

"Well, Kenneth likes her. What can I do?"

"First come, first served. So secure your position as the rightful wife."

"Do you think this is an emperor picking a concubine..." I was speechless.

"Is your husband on a business trip?"

"Yeah, how did you know?"

"I overheard the store clerk saying that Katie is taking a few days off to visit her boyfriend."

"Damn!"

Back at home, I clenched my fists, overwhelmed with sorrow and anger. After a few days without contact, Kenneth called me.

"So, what antics were you up to during the day?"

My heart tightened. Did Katie go to him to complain? Should I take up for Katie?

"Oh, nothing. I'm just not used to you not being here. The clothes I washed didn't get dirty, the floor didn't get dirty, and no one ate the breakfast I cooked... It's just not fulfilling."

"Anything else?" He seemed unimpressed by my attempts to please him.

Anything else? I had to resort to my trump card.

"I miss you."

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the phone before he resumed his normal tone. "Grace, have you no shame when you lie?"

Oh no, was it that obvious?

"My grandfather said you're too busy and not in good health, so he asked me to come take care of you."

I changed my approach.

"You always bring up Grandfather. Come on, what do you want this time? Aren't the bags you bought today enough?"

He was annoying. He saw through all of my little schemes.

"You have Trudy book me a ticket, I want to come see you."

"I'm working here. What are you coming for?"

"Of course, to take care of you." Feeling that this reason wasn't convincing enough, I added, "Kenneth, we haven't seen each other in 360 hours."

I started to get emotional, using the strategy of self-pity. After all, I couldn't let Katie succeed. I had to go and protect my position as the rightful wife. I thought he would be moved, but instead he coldly replied, "Have we even talked for a month at home?"

I was heartbroken, but I knew he was right. We've been married for two months, and we haven't really spoken to each other. In fact, I haven't seen much of him at all. Being a celibate wife and all, I understand.

"Alright, I'm in a meeting."

Then, without any mercy, he hung up the phone. Playboy, is this how unrequited love elopes?

I quoted from the Bible while trying to console myself. Finally, I tore up the scripture I had copied and booked an early flight to where he was.

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