Chapter 2

Clara didn’t crawl back home until three in the morning, holding a container of greasy leftovers.

As she stumbled toward me, the heavy scent of men's cologne rushed into my nose, making me wince.

Before I could even react, she tripped and collapsed onto me on the couch. The greasy soup from the leftovers spilled all over my white button-down shirt.

“Ethan, I just treated my staff to dinner. Was it really necessary to make such a big deal out of it?”

“Demanding three million dollars the moment I walk in... are you starving, or have you just never seen real money before?”

“To put it nicely, you’re a stay-at-home husband. To put it bluntly, you’re just a parasite living off me. What gives you the right to control me?”

This shirt was a gift she gave me on our third anniversary.

Now, soaked in grease, it was completely ruined.

Just like our marriage. It was finally at its end.

Yesterday was my birthday. Clara had promised to celebrate with me, but instead, she spent millions throwing a grand party for another man.

No explanation. No apology. Just blaming me for being unreasonable.

In the past, seeing her this angry would have made me drop to my knees and apologize.

In front of Clara, there was no right or wrong. Everything depended on her mood.

I loved her, so I tolerated her. But my patience only brought more disrespect, as she pushed my boundaries over and over again.

The thought of it sent a chill down my spine. I didn't even want to argue anymore.

I stood up silently, walked over to the trash can, and pulled off the stained shirt, tossing it inside.

“Why are you dressed up so formally anyway? Where did you go?”

“You do nothing all day but drink with your useless friends.”

“Why can’t you be more like Julian? Why can’t you actually help me with my business?”

Clara used the sofa to steady herself as she stood up. She caught sight of the untouched dinner on the dining table and frowned.

She had been so lost in her sweet moments with Julian that she had completely forgotten it was my birthday.

“I didn't go out. I’ve been waiting for you at home all day.”

Hearing my answer, Clara’s temper flared instantly. She marched over and slapped me right across the face. *Smack!*

“What is up with that attitude, Ethan?”

She poked her index finger hard against my chest. “Who pays for your food, your clothes, your shelter? Me! Without me, you’d be sleeping on the streets! Now you’ve grown some balls, huh? You think you can talk back to me?”

“Julian closed a five-million-dollar deal with one call. You? All you do is ask for food, drinks, and money! If I don't celebrate his success, should I be celebrating your laziness instead?”

She was getting more and more hysterical. I brushed her hand off my chest and asked calmly, “Did you forget what you promised me yesterday?”

Clara froze, her anger pausing for a fraction of a second. “What did I promise you?”

My heart sank. I let out a bitter laugh. “Never mind. It wasn't anything important.”

She forgot. Of course she did.

I should have known. Clara only had eyes for Julian now. There was no room left for me.

Seeing my dejected look, something seemed to click in her mind. She pulled out her phone and checked her calendar.

The next second, a notification popped up on my phone. *You received $1,000 via PayPal.*

“It’s just a birthday. What’s the big deal?” Clara scoffed.

“At the end of the day, you just want money and gifts. There, I sent it. Stop acting like a pathetic, clingy wife begging for attention!”

With that, she turned on her high heels and slammed the bedroom door behind her.

I stared at her closed door, a deep, quiet coldness settling in my eyes.

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