4
569words
A lifetime ago,when I complained about buying things for Jane without repayment,Mark told me to be understanding since she was pregnant.When I grumbled about covering Jane’s work and sorking late,Mark—though impatient waiting downstairs—became lenient upon hearing it was for pregnant Jane,urging me to help.
Frustrated,I asked whose side he was on.Mark would touch my stomach,saying it was for my own good—pregnancy was contagious,and helping Jane might bring me a baby too.He even said bonding with Jane would help with my “aura”
Deep down,Mark wanted a child more than I did.We had planned to have kids right after marriage,but five years later,there was only dust gathering in the crib we bought.
I understood his longing,but seeing him side with Jane on this crushed me.
I let go of Mark’s hand,snorted,and stared at Jane with resolve:
“Sorry,I do need that thirty-eight thousand.Pay me in full,or I’ll see you at the police station.”
Jane didn’t look at me.Instead,she gently placed her hands on Mark’s,her teary eyes and flushed cheeks giving her a delicate charm.She whispered:
“Sir,I...I really have no way...”
Her innocent yet alluring act flustered Mark.He took my hand in his again,saying:
“Let it go.You’re colleagues—why make it ugly?”
Why?He had no idea what I had been through.This time,I wouldn’t back down.I yanked my hand away,snapping:
“So I’m the one making it ugly?You just thing you’re so kind,siding with a stranger over your wife just because she’s pregnant?Do I have to yield to her?”
My words hit a nerve.Mark’s face darkened,his tone sharp:
“Admit it—you’re just jealous she’s pregnant and you’re not,aren’t you?When did you become so unreasonable?It’s just a few grand,not a big deal,and you’re bullying her to tears!I’m trying to help you out,and you’re blaming me?”
Mark kept on ranting,but I shoved him aside hard,pointing at him and Jane:
“Fine,fine,fine!I’m the bully?And you’re just so attentive—people might think her kid is yours.Let me make this clear:I bought that crystal with my own money.You break it, you buy it.No payment,police station!”
I stormed toward the elevator.
I thought Mark might at least pretend to chase me,but as the doors closed,he still stayed in the office,comforting Jane.
I laughed bitterly.Good,this rebirth wasn’t just about making Jane and Tom pay—it was about rooting out the spineless man by my side.
I didn’t go home.Instead,I went to the apartment I had bought before marriage.
That night,I received Jane’s payment of$38,560,along with her “sincere and touching”apology.Soon after,Mark called,his tone haughty:
“Do you know what you did wrong?”
“Wrong,my ass.”
“You—”
I hung up.Mark texted,whining about me being petty,that Jane graciously apologized despite my aggression,and that I was wrong still sulking.
I sent a poop emoji and deleted him from my contact list.
Mark was usually refined,but he cared too much how others saw him,especially when it comes to children,where he lost all principles.This time,I gave him no quarter,and he didn’t reach out to me for days.In the past,I was always the one to cave first when he was upset.
Not anymore.
A few days later,the company distributed gifts.I was tasked with collecting six gift boxes for my office.After handing out the others,I opened the boxes in front of Jane,googling each item to check for things that might harm a baby.
“Nuts—walnuts,pumpkin seeds,hazelnuts—should be fine.Wine-filled chocolates?Pregnant women can’t have alcohol,so you’d better not take these.Ceramic mug?Oh,it’s overglaze paint—not safe.I’d suggest you skip it…”
