Chapter 3
"So, you think acting pitiful is enough to hide the fact you cheated on me?" I said.
Charles said, "Enough. I don't want to argue with you right now.
"My parents are coming next week to discuss the Jackson Family Trust Fund. Be prepared.
"Don't make a scene in front of them and let outsiders laugh at us.
"Behave and play your part as my wife.
"Without me, you wouldn't survive a month on your own."
With that, he turned to head upstairs. I called out to him.
"Charles," I said.
He turned back.
I looked at him, speaking each word clearly. "I'll do as you say."
He paused for a moment, nodded, and went upstairs.
I sat alone in the living room, and finally, the tears fell.
Wiping my tears, I grabbed my phone and texted Ellen.
It read: [Ellen, from now on, anything Charles brings home—leftovers, anything he throws away—don't touch any of it.
[Take pictures, save a sample, and give everything to me.]
Ellen replied almost instantly: [Understood, Mrs. Jackson.]
*****
The next day, Charles' mother, Laura Jackson, gave me a call.
She started gently, "Rachel, Charles mentioned you two had some argument last night?"
Laura sighed over the phone, "As a woman, you really have to be open-minded.
"You have to be understanding. Men have it tough making their way out in the world."
I replied, "Alright."
"And when we come over next week to talk about the Jackson Family Trust Fund, try to be pleasant.
"That paperwork is for the good of the whole family, so stop thinking only about that dowry of yours."
My knuckles turned white from how tightly I was gripping the phone.
"Okay," I said.
Laura paused, her tone turning sharp. "You're still not happy?
"If you hadn't invested that little bit of money of yours into Charles back then, do you really think it would've grown so much?
"Don't be so ungrateful. There's going to be a lot to spend on down the road.
"We're planning ahead for your sake."
I nearly laughed out loud. "Laura, do you know why my health is so messed up?"
There was silence on the other end.
A few seconds later, Laura let out a cold laugh. "So now you're blaming Charles for not taking care of you?
"You really think you could find a better man than my son anywhere in Northbridge City?
"You're frail, always coming down with something.
"What, you want the whole family to pray in church for you?"
I asked, each word deliberate, "Do you know Charles has been giving me leftover food?"
Laura snapped, her voice suddenly shooting up, "It's only some leftover chicken wings.
"Seriously? It's not like it's going to kill you. Why are you being so dramatic about this?
"Charles works himself to the bone to support you, and you're still nitpicking everything.
"Rachel, let me tell you, if you keep being so unreasonable, you don't deserve to be his wife anymore."
I pulled the phone away from my ear, and the last bit of warmth in my heart vanished.
It seemed everyone was in on it.
After Laura yelled that, her tone softened. "Once you sign the trust agreement, your monthly allowance won't be cut.
"Melissa is a good girl, she can help Charles out.
"You need to be more gracious and learn to get along with her.
"We're family, and it's best if we all get along."
I replied softly, "Alright, I'll do as you say."
After I hung up, Ellen stood nearby, worry written all over her face as she watched me.
"Ellen, put away the coffee set in Charles' study, the one he likes best," I said.
"But Mr. Jackson uses it every day," Ellen replied.
"I know."
From today on, he didn't get to use it anymore.
On the third day, while I was having breakfast, Ellen wiped her tears and came over.
She said, "Mrs. Jackson, Mr. Jackson told me today that I'm getting old and not as quick as I used to be.
"He wants me to leave after this month.
"He said he's already found a new housekeeper."
I looked up at her, realizing Charles was getting rid of everyone loyal to me.
Ellen knew too much, and he didn't want anyone on my side left in the house.
He wanted his own people here.
I took an envelope out of the drawer and handed it to Ellen.
"There's 60 thousand dollars in here, a small token of my gratitude," I said.
Ellen kept waving her hands.
She said, "Mrs. Jackson, I can't take this. I'm not doing this for the money. I'm honestly worried about you."
"I know, Ellen," I said.
I shoved the envelope into her hands. "Take it. Go find a place to settle for now.
"I'll need your help again someday."
Ellen nodded, covering her face, tears spilling through her fingers.
Once I finished breakfast, I headed to the bank.
Back then, my dad was worried I'd get screwed over,
so he forced Charles to sign some paperwork.
Who would've thought that just a few years later, it would end up saving my skin.