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Novel Catalog
Chapter 67
Zachary’s words often rubbed people the wrong way, and this situation was no exception. It seemed like his apology would be more sincere if he showed it through his actions rather than his words. “What’s the matter? Were you wrong about your wife? What did you do to deserve an apology gift?” Josh asked, curious, clearly enjoying the gossip. Zachary didn’t feel like indulging him. “None of your business. Get back to work. You’re going to be meeting with Mr. Williams about the partnership tonight. I’ll be busy tonight.”
Josh’s curiosity piqued further. “Why are you busy? Where are you going?”
Zachary, without missing a beat, responded, “You should know that a married man shouldn’t spend all his time working. Otherwise, it’ll give his wife an excuse to cheat on him.”
Josh blinked, taken aback. “…” He was speechless.
It was becoming clear that Zachary was pushing the work onto Josh just so he could spend time with his wife. At least Josh realized that his boss was pulling the married card to get out of responsibilities. Josh couldn’t help but feel a little envious. He could get married too—then he could skip social engagements and overtime, just like Zachary. But there was no one in his life, and he didn’t have a girlfriend, so his dream of being a married man was far from reality.
After taking the jab, Josh quietly retreated, his mood deflated.
Meanwhile, under the same blue sky, different people were going about their business. Liberty, after inviting Serenity for dinner, was feeding Sonny and getting him ready to go grocery shopping. Just as she stepped outside, her phone rang.
“What’s the matter, Honey?” Liberty answered.
“Have you gotten the groceries?” Hank’s voice came through the phone.
“Not yet. I’m on my way out. Do you fancy anything for tonight?” Liberty asked, trying to sound casual.
“Get extra groceries today. My parents and sister are coming. My sister loves seafood, so get more of that. And my mom’s favorite is beef. Get that too.”
Liberty’s heart sank. “Seafood is expensive. Your sister always asks for salmon and oysters whenever she comes, and she finishes the whole plate. The price of beef is high now. It costs sixty bucks a pound. I can’t even spend that kind of money on Sonny.” She wasn’t looking forward to hosting her in-laws. They always demanded the best food and often criticized her in front of Hank. The visits would usually end in a big argument between her and Hank, followed by days of silent treatment.
Her sister-in-law was the worst, always meddling and causing trouble between the couple.
“Just do as you’re told. What’s with the attitude? You spent more than a thousand bucks on clothes last time. You’ve got to pay me back for that, so don’t use the household account for the groceries today.” Hank’s voice was cold, and Liberty could feel her anger rising. She had thought that Hank was only asking her to split the cost to get Serenity out of the picture, but she hadn’t realized that he meant what he said.
“Hank, I might not be working, but I’m taking care of our son at home and managing the household so you can focus on your career. You’re only the man you are today because of me. And now you want to go Dutch with me when I can’t work? Are you trying to drive me crazy or push me to get a job? Fine. Let your parents take care of their grandchild, and I’ll start looking for a job tomorrow.”
“You gave birth to the child. Why should my parents look after him? The child is our responsibility. My parents had a hard time raising me and my sister. It’s their time to relax and enjoy life. Let’s not take that away from them,” Hank argued.
“It’s not like you don’t have the money. You could even pay for the damages to an expensive car. Don’t lie to me about having nothing. You could ask Serenity for some money. You can repay her when Sonny starts school.” Hank was insistent on dividing the expenses.
He believed that his situation was hard—while Liberty stayed home with the baby, Hank was the one paying for the living expenses and the loans. In his mind, Liberty had no real need for money, making him resent the idea of giving her any.
