Chapter 4
Samuel's face flickered with surprise, but he quickly slipped back to his usual self. He pinched the bridge of his nose, sounding impatient.
He said, "Evelyn, are you starting drama again? I'm busy every single day. I really don't have time for your tantrums right now.
"You don't need to get jealous of Lauren. Victor asked me to look after Lauren before he died. Lauren's like a little sister to me, taking care of her is just my responsibility. I never realized you could be so petty."
Lauren's eyes immediately flashed with annoyance when she heard that Samuel saw her as his sister. She managed to squeeze out a few teardrops, then put on a pitiful look.
She said, "Evelyn, this is all on me. I know Sam works as a cop and barely has time to sleep, but you're his wife. No matter how crazy things get, he should always put you first and be there for you whenever you call."
Samuel took Lauren's hand comfortingly, his face darkening even further.
He said, "Evelyn, you're older than Lauren, so why are you acting more childish than her? You know what my job is like. It's not something you just learned yesterday. Being a cop comes first, and I can't spend all day catering to your every whim. If you wanted a husband who jumps whenever you call, maybe you shouldn't have married me.
"Take some time to think things over. And don't call me."
Without another word, Samuel led Lauren out of the ward.
*****
I ended up staying in the hospital for half a month, and Samuel never once set foot in my ward.
After Lauren was discharged, she started updating her social media every single day.
There was Sam giving her a piggyback ride along the beach.
There was he hand-feeding her food.
There was he holding her hand while they made wishes at a wishing fountain.
She captioned the post: [I overheard my always-busy Sam's wish. He said he wanted to stay by my side forever. I'm the luckiest.]
All these years, Samuel and I never even went on a single short trip together.
Every time I got my hopes up and put together the perfect itinerary, he'd always shoot me down with the same excuse—too busy, too much work, maybe next time.
I had always thought he just wasn't the type who enjoyed traveling.
Looks like the real problem was, he just never wanted to go anywhere with me.
*****
The day I was discharged, the weather was perfect. When the caregiver asked if anyone was coming to pick me up, I just shook my head with a helpless smile.
I guessed that was just how things were.
"My husband's off spending time with someone else," I said, trying to sound light.
The caregiver gave me an awkward smile.
As soon as I got home and opened the door, the rich aroma of food hit me.
I changed my shoes and took a few steps inside, only to see Samuel bustling around in the kitchen.
My heart gave a little flutter, but before I could even feel happy, Samuel's words froze me in place.
"Lauren, come try this. I got up early just to make it for you," he called out.
When nobody answered, Samuel turned to look at me. My face was tight with disappointment, all hope instantly snuffed out.
An uncomfortable silence settled over the kitchen, thick enough to cut with a knife.
"Sam, is dinner ready yet? Do you want your little darling to starve?" Lauren's teasing, syrupy voice called from our bedroom.
Anger crashed over me like a tidal wave, leaving me shaking as I stormed straight into the bedroom.
Lauren was lounging on my designer bed in a spaghetti strap dress, totally absorbed in her phone game like she owned the place.
She had grabbed things from my nightstand and tossed them into the trash without even thinking twice.
I hurried over, only to find the bracelet my grandma left me smashed into bits.
My anger was suffocating. I could barely catch my breath.