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Novel Catalog
Chapter 24
“I saw you made a purchase at a clothing store. What did you buy that cost a thousand bucks? Can’t you cut back on spending? Do you think money just grows on trees?” Hank’s voice was filled with frustration.
“I have the mortgage, car loan, and my parents’ allowance to worry about. Sonny needs milk and diapers too! You’re not contributing to the household expenses—I’m handling it all. Can’t you be a bit more understanding?” Liberty stopped walking, waiting for Hank to finish his rant before speaking.
“Seren said her husband will be back Friday. The families are meeting for dinner Saturday. As her family, I want to make a good impression. The clothes I have don’t fit anymore, so I bought two dresses. I also bought you a new suit and tie. Hank, we’ll have to skip going to your mom’s this weekend.”
After Liberty’s explanation, Hank muttered something under his breath. Unable to catch it, Liberty asked, “What did you say, Hank?”
“Nothing. Sure, we need to dress well for the family meeting, but two outfits? One is enough. And you should get on a diet. Time to lose some weight so you can fit into your old clothes. You had some nice ones, it’s a shame you can’t wear them anymore.”
His disdain for her appearance was clear, his voice dripping with bitterness. “Look at you. All you do is eat, sleep, and spend. You’re like a pig—at least pigs can be sold for meat. What are you good for?”
Hank’s words stung. The woman he had once married, attractive and full of life, had become someone he barely recognized. The years of marriage had changed Liberty, and not for the better in his eyes. His mother and sister had always criticized her, and now Hank saw them as right all along.
As Hank’s secretary entered the room, he quickly shifted gears. “Liberty, I need to get back to work. Make sure there’s dinner ready when I get home. Who knows what you’re doing all day at home?”
He ended the call abruptly before Liberty could respond.
“Mr. Brown, please review this document and sign if everything is in order.” His secretary, Jessica, handed him a piece of paperwork.
Hank quickly skimmed it, signed it, and handed it back. He then pulled out a Tiffany box from his desk drawer and handed it to Jessica with a sly smile.
“I was passing by the jeweler last night after closing a deal. Thought you might like this.” He watched with pleasure as she opened the box to reveal a gold necklace.
Jessica smiled, pulling the necklace out to admire it. Hank stood up, walking around the desk. He gently took the necklace from her hands and said softly, “Let me help you with that.”
“Alright,” Jessica replied.
Hank fastened the necklace around her neck, planting a kiss on her cheek. “Beautiful. The necklace looks perfect on you.”
Jessica rose from her seat and wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him in for a brief kiss on his cheek. “Thank you, Mr. Brown. I love it.”
“Call me Hank when no one’s around,” he whispered, his voice low and intimate. He pulled her closer, his eyes revealing a dangerous desire.
Jessica pushed him away, her expression turning serious. “You’re married with a kid. We agreed this would be platonic. Nothing else.”
