Chapter 2

I was the spouse.

That was why the Hudson family didn't dare to kick Wilbur and me out directly. They had to use these underhanded tactics to drive me away.

"Fine, just fine," Thalia spat, shooting me a venomous glare. "Nicole, you just wait. Let's see how long you can keep protecting that comatose man and that mutt!"

Grumbling and cursing, they dragged Maisha off to the hospital.

Finally, the living room fell silent.

I let out a sigh of relief and collapsed onto the floor.

Milo immediately came over, nuzzling my face with his wet nose and whining softly, as if trying to comfort me.

"I'm okay," I said, stroking his head, barely holding back my tears.

In this cold, luxurious mansion, only Milo and I had each other.

That night, after I finished tending to Wilbur, my whole body ached from exhaustion.

Wilbur lay in bed, his chiseled face still pale and handsome, but he looked completely lifeless.

I let out a sigh, sat down on the carpet by the bed, and hugged Milo, starting to talk to him.

"Milo, do you think he'll ever wake up?" I asked.

Milo sprawled across my lap, glancing up at Wilbur with what looked like a hint of disdain in his eyes.

Maybe I was just seeing things.

"Maisha really went too far today, but I threw the soup right in her face. So I guess that makes us even," I muttered.

I kept running my fingers through Milo's fur, talking to myself.

I said, "Thalia and her crew are getting more outrageous. They've cut off Wilbur's imported meds, and now they won't even let me eat a proper meal. If this keeps up, the three of us are gonna die in here."

I lowered my voice, moving in to whisper right by Milo's ear.

I said, "I've been stashing away some cash, hiding it in a cookie tin under the bed. Once Wilbur... or if the doctors say he's brain dead, I'll sign the inheritance waiver. After that, they won't have any reason to mess with me anymore."

Milo froze up for a second. He jerked his head up, staring at me with wide, startled eyes.

I didn't notice anything weird and just kept dreaming about the future. "When that day comes, we'll run away together. We'll head south and open a little flower shop.

"Oh, and by the way, you've been drooling over that little lady dog next door lately. You really gotta get it together."

I stroked his chin and said seriously, "Before we leave, I'm taking you to the vet to get you fixed. They say neutered dogs are way more chill and live longer, you know."

Milo suddenly barked. He suddenly scrambled out of my arms and scurried to the corner, tail tucked tightly between his legs.

He stared at me, eyes wide with shock, outrage, and pure disbelief.

His expression was so vivid, it was like he was saying, "You monster!"

"What are you so scared of?" I couldn't help but chuckle at his reaction. "It's for your own good. Come on, be a good boy."

Milo shook his head like crazy, absolutely refusing to come over.

In the end, he even jumped onto Wilbur's bed and plopped himself right on Wilbur's chest, glaring down at me from his new throne.

"Get off! You're gonna crush him!" I shouted.

I hurried over to pick him up.

Milo clung to the sheets, shot Wilbur a conflicted glance, then looked at me. Finally, he let out a dramatic sigh before grudgingly letting me pick him up. Yes, I did hear the dog sigh.

That night, I dreamed Milo turned into a man, pointed his finger right at my nose, and called me heartless.

The next day, the air in the house felt even heavier, like a storm was brewing.

Thalia's hand was wrapped in thick bandages, and she gave me a venomous glare, pure malice in her eyes.

Meanwhile, Cynthia was all smiles. It was her birthday party at home tonight.

"Nicole, my friends are coming over tonight. Pack up your things and move to the maid's room for the night," Cynthia said, acting like she owned the place as she painted her nails.

I scowled. "Why? This is my room."

Cynthia snorted. "Your room? The whole Hudson mansion is ours! My friends want to tour the second floor, and having your lifeless husband lying there will kill the vibes. Lock the door and stay inside. Don't show your face and embarrass us."

I shot back, "No way. Wilbur needs to be turned every two hours, and I have to clear his airway."

"Then let him rot in bed!" Cynthia slammed the nail polish bottle down. "Nicole, don't get too cocky. You really think I won't have someone yank out that oxygen tube from your lifeless husband right now?"

A chill ran down my spine.

I knew they were capable of it.

"Fine, I won't leave." I gritted my teeth, swallowing my anger. "But I'm not moving to the maid's room. I'm staying right here with Wilbur."