Chapter 2
"Number A13, please proceed to window three for your transaction," the automated voice announced.
I stood up and walked over to the counter.
A young woman greeted me with a professional smile.
"Hello, how can I assist you today?" she asked.
I handed her my ID and our joint account card.
"I want to freeze all the assets in this account," I said.
Her smile faltered for a moment.
"Ma'am, are you sure? This is a joint account. To freeze it, both parties need to consent, or you'll need a court order to freeze the assets," she explained.
I came ready.
I pulled a document out of my bag and slid it across the counter.
"This is our prenuptial agreement. It clearly says that if either party tries to move or mess with our joint assets in bad faith, the other can freeze the account on their own," I explained.
I paused, then pulled out another stack of papers.
It was the spending record for Ethan's card.
For the past year, every month showed a few consistent big purchases.
The money went to a designer store, a fancy restaurant, and a luxury hotel.
All those transactions happened during his so-called business trips.
"I suspect my husband is pretending to be on a business assignment, but he's actually traveling abroad with someone else and intends to transfer our shared assets. I'm requesting an emergency freeze on our assets. My lawyer will follow up with the necessary legal documents," I said.
My voice was calm and clear, but every word was sharp and precise.
Each word struck with precision.
The girl looked at me, her expression changing from surprise to a mix of sympathy and admiration.
She immediately called over the manager.
The manager carefully reviewed the documents and then checked the transaction records.
"Ms. Solberg, based on your agreement and the evidence you've provided, we can freeze your account right away. But the money will stay locked up until the court makes a decision or you both agree to lift the freeze," the manager said.
"That's exactly what I want," I replied.
This is just what I was aiming for.
Ethan wanted to use our money to party abroad. Dream on!
Next, I pulled out my credit card.
"Please cancel all the supplementary cards linked to this main card," I said.
"Of course, ma'am," the manager replied.
Everything was handled without a hitch.
Stepping out of the bank, the afternoon sun hit me with its bright glare.
I squinted, feeling the burden I'd carried for three years finally ease up, even if just a little.
My phone buzzed.
It was a message from Ethan. He'd just landed, and he sent a selfie with a loving look on his face.
"Honey, I'm here. Don't worry about me. Love you," he wrote.
I stared at those three words, "Love you", and a cold smile tugged at my lips.
I replied with just two words.
"Okay."
Then, I blocked him everywhere, phone, social media, you name it.
I took a cab home.
As soon as I opened the door, the strong smell of cigarette smoke hit me.
In the living room, Vincent was lounging with his legs crossed, smoking and watching TV.
Jade was rummaging through the kitchen cabinets.
When she saw me walk in, her face immediately soured.
"What took you so long? Ethan's home already, isn't he? Go make dinner, we're all starving," she demanded.
Her tone was so entitled, like I was just a maid they'd paid for, nothing more.
I changed my shoes and walked into the living room.
I didn't go to the kitchen.
I looked at them, my voice steady.
"I can't cook," I said.
My voice was quiet, but in the haze of smoke, it sounded unusually clear.
Jade stopped in her tracks.
She leaned out of the kitchen, her face totally shocked as she stared at me.
"What did you say?" she snapped.
Vincent turned down the TV and frowned at me.
"Sophia, what's that supposed to mean? Ethan just left, and now you don't want to wait on us anymore?" he said.
I looked at them, completely indifferent inside.
Back then, I put up with all their nitpicking and mean comments just because of Ethan.
I used to believe that as long as Ethan loved me, everything was worth it.
But now that Ethan's facade has been stripped away, why should I keep humiliating myself for them?
"I'm not here to serve you," I said.
I walked over to the sofa, opened the window, and let the breeze sweep away all the smoke and staleness in the room.
"Ethan's gone, so I'm the boss now. In my house, no smoking in the living room," I said.
Vincent's face turned dark red, like he'd swallowed something bitter.
He slammed his cigarette into the ashtray and barked angrily, "What kind of attitude is that? We're your elders!"
"If you want to be respected as elders, then act like it," I said calmly.
I turned to face him, meeting his eyes directly.
"Your son treated me like a live-in maid for five years, making me take care of you both. And you two just moved in, ready to enjoy everything without even asking me. Did you ever care what I thought?" I said.
Jade stormed out of the kitchen, jabbing her finger right in my face.