Chapter 3

3: 3

3

"You slave away all afternoon, and what does she do? Comes home and eats first. Anyone who didn't know better would think you were her maid!"

"No, I don't want ribs tonight. Have her boil me a bowl of porridge. Plenty of goji berries and dates, and stir-fry a couple of vegetables while she's at it."

Standing in the kitchen, I had a whole belly full of anger, and I meant to have a real talk with Gloria the moment she came in.

But she never came in at all. She just yelled toward the kitchen.

"Chloe, boil my boyfriend a bowl of porridge. Lots of goji berries and dates, no sugar!"

Then she went back to soothing her boyfriend.

"Don't be upset, baby. Chloe's cooking is really good. You'll see once you taste it."

I was about ready to explode, but the thought of how she once saved my life pulled my foot back before I stepped out.

I can't cook at all. I followed a tutorial for ages before I finally figured it out, and I even scalded my arm by accident.

Meanwhile those two were out there flirting and needling me at the same time, finding every little thing to comment on.

When I carried the porridge out, the man took one sip and spat it right back out.

"What is this? Is this fit for a person to eat? Do you even know how to cook?"

"My girlfriend pays you all that money every month just so you can serve up garbage like this?"

Rage burned through me as I looked at Gloria Walker. If she stayed silent one more time, I was going to lose it.

Gloria quickly picked up the bowl and tasted it, savoring it slowly.

"I think it's fine, baby. Don't be too hard on Chloe."

"I don't really like porridge anyway, so it's understandable she didn't make it well."

The man pulled Gloria into his arms and kissed her forehead. It was so sickeningly sweet I nearly gagged.

"If it weren't for you speaking up for her, baby, I'd have taught her a real lesson today!"

Then he shot me a challenging look.

"Aren't you going to thank my baby?"

I forced down the anger churning inside me and thanked her through gritted teeth.

"You two eat. I'm not feeling well, I'll go rest."

I'd barely reached the stairs when the man shot to his feet and started cursing.

"You think you're something now? You've got the nerve to throw a fit at me? Who gave you the guts? Get back here!"

I ignored him and went straight to my room.

The second I pushed the door open, my brow furrowed.

The room had been wrecked. Clothes thrown everywhere, tissues and little balloons scattered all over.

A foul smell hung in the air, and I nearly threw up.

"Thump, thump, thump!"

Rushed footsteps came pounding up the stairs behind me.

The man charged after me and jabbed a finger in my face, cursing.

"I'm talking to you. Who said you could leave? Is this how a maid behaves? You want me to slap you across the face?"

Gloria hurried over and grabbed hold of him.

"Baby, calm down, it's not what you think. Chloe might really be feeling unwell."

I pointed at the trashed room and stared hard into Gloria's eyes.

"What is all this?"

I hate having my room turned upside down, and she knew that better than anyone.

Before Gloria could answer, the worked-up man spoke again.

"And who do you think you are? Clean this room up right now, or you can forget your wages this month!"

"Baby!"

Gloria shoved him hard.

"Go downstairs first. I'll clean up with Chloe and then come be with you."

The man glared at me, eyebrows raised in fury.