Chapter 3

The message had barely gone out.

The next second Rowena called and started yelling at me.

"Lucius, what's with the snide little digs?"

"We just closed a big deal today, everyone's in a good mood, and here you are trying to ruin it for everyone again, is that it?"

Right then Rufus chimed in beside her, all wounded.

"Rowena, don't be too hard on Lucius. He's probably just upset because today's your wedding anniversary, and you're not with him, you're with me. That's all it is."

"The project's done anyway, so why don't you head back first? I'll handle the afternoon accounts myself."

But Rowena's voice went cold.

"No. If he wants to make a scene, then let him."

"I've figured it out. Every time I'm with you, Rufus, he goes looking for trouble!"

"Now he can't even sit through a meal without picking a fight. I've spoiled him rotten, that's what it is!"

She turned and laid into me again.

"Lucius, do you think you matter that much to me?"

"Don't forget, everything you eat, drink, and live in comes from me. You're worthless on your own!"

Then someone in the background muttered, low.

"Rowena, why don't you just spell it out for him? He's not worthy of you anyway."

I heard Rowena tell the person to shut up.

I didn't press her further.

Their clumsy little act just struck me as funny.

Back in the day, when the two of them got too close, I used to say something to Rowena about it.

At first, she'd still explain herself to me.

Later it turned into flat, heavy impatience.

And over time.

Unreasonable.

Petty.

Kept man.

In her mouth, those became my names.

She'd tear me to shreds, then come back and soothe me.

Twisting it all around until I was the one making a fuss over nothing.

And I loved her so deeply that I kept fooling myself.

But now the proof was solid, and she still wanted to run the same old trick.

Did she take me for an idiot?

Right then, I let out a faint, cold laugh.

"Rowena, what exactly do you mean by not going easy on me?"

"Divorce? Fine. I'm waiting for it."

At that, the line went quiet for a beat.

"Lucius, I'm working. Are you done or n—?!"

I hung up before she could finish.

That night Rowena called a few more times, and I let all of them ring out.

Early the next morning, I'd just gotten up when the bedroom door flew open.

Rowena walked in and glared at me, furious.

"Lucius, are you finished throwing your fit?"

"You think you can threaten me with divorce? You really think I wouldn't dare?!"

I frowned.

I was about to speak when Rufus came in from the hall.

He looked at me, smiling.

"Lucius, you know Rowena and I work at the same company."

"We're not in the same department, but all I did yesterday was go with her to talk over a project. Bringing up divorce with her over something this small is a bit of an overreaction, don't you think?"

He walked over and clapped me on the shoulder.

"Lucius, as a man, it's better to let some things slide. After all, a kept man goes down easier when he stays soft about it."

My face darkened, and I knocked his hand off with a sharp slap.

Then I laughed under my breath.

"You want me to be gracious about it?"

"Fine. Then hurry up and get married, and let me take your wife to bed and give her a kid too. Be a little gracious yourself."

At my words, both their faces changed.

They exchanged a glance, and Rufus forced a dry laugh.

"Lucius, didn't I just say it? I only went out with Rowena for one trip. That's going a little too far, don't you think?"

Rowena glared at me too, furious.

"Lucius, are you sick? How can you talk about Rufus like that!"

"He came over today just to clear things up with you to your face!"

"Now apologize to him!"

I laughed coldly.

"Apologize? Is he worth it?"

At that, Rufus turned wounded at once.

"Rowena, forget it. Looks like only my leaving you for good will put out Lucius's anger."

"I'd better just go."

He turned and left.

Rowena rushed after him.

Before she went, she cursed at me.

"Lucius, don't throw away the face I'm giving you! I'll give you one last chance to reflect. When I get back, I want to see you apologize to Rufus!"

And with that, she stormed out.