Hold My Tear, I’m Getting My Wife Back!

The evening chill nipped at her skin, even through her thick coat. She shivered, feeling the cold bite through her layers.

"Hey boss, should I return this dress to you?"

The evening gown was something Austin had picked out, a high-end brand that couldn't have come cheap. But considering she had already worn it, it didn't seem like he could do much with it now.

"No need."

Scoring a free dress and getting fed for the night, Joy flashed him a heart with her hands, laying it on thick, "Boss, you're the most generous guy in the whole world."

Austin shot back, "It's coming out of your paycheck."

"What?!" There it was, the heartless capitalist showing his true colors. Joy's expression flipped faster than a pancake. "I accompanied you without even getting overtime, and now you want me to pay for the dress? That's just low."

He looked at her, a flicker of amusement in his eyes, probably guessing the string of insults she was hurling at him in her mind. "You've eaten more tonight than any overtime could cover."

"I'll clean the dress and return it to you, okay? Not a penny coming from me!"

Inside, Joy was crafting a list of curses aimed at him. As she navigated the steps, still mentally berating him, she missed her footing and stumbled forward.

"Shoot!" she exclaimed as Austin turned around at the noise, instinctively reaching out to catch her.

his, but it was too late. Thankfully, the stairs

Austin, she ended up in a bizarre pose, kneeling before him

she quipped, "... Your

he said, barely holding back

her breath, muttering about his nerve to find humor

up. "Did you

scrape on her knee.

minor wound, which would

lifted Joy into

aback, her eyes wide. "Wha-what are you

echoed, looking down at her. "What's

like a princess in a romance novel was one thing, but

for a moment, she breathed a sigh

a rare

returned with some supplies. He cleaned the scrape with saline and

to drop her off right at her doorstep, which Joy had half-expected by then, secretly wondering if she

Austin, she was lucky if he didn't deduct the cost of the dress

She let it go.