Housewife Gone Wild

Chapter 31

Chapter 31

George took a sip of coffee. “Ms. Murphy has had a child and reached a certain age. Maturity was inevitable,” he said.

I glanced at George. He wasn’t wrong, but it was interesting he’d addressed me as “Ms. Murphy” rather than the casual “Victoria.”

Jared let out a tired sigh. “She was so easy when she was little. Now she’s a teenager who talks back constantly, and I don’t know how to deal with her anymore.”

Sandra smiled knowingly. “No one understands parenting like Victoria. She put her whole life on hold for six years to raise Yvonne–that kind of devotion shows.”

I smiled bitterly to myself. Morality wasn’t taught–it was something people were born with or without, plain as that.

Lunch was served amid pleasant conversation. Jared made a show of putting food on my plate–those carefully calculated husband gestures he’d mastered.

Sandra watched with undisguised envy while Wendell shoveled food into his mouth, completely oblivious.

Without Tracy, without Jared’s betrayal, I might have called this a happy marriage. But that illusion had shattered long ago.

After lunch, true to his word, Jared transferred the money. When he asked if I was going to the office that afternoon, I declined, saying I needed to visit the Harmonia Hotel site instead.

He arranged for his driver to take me while he left with George.

After six years of marriage, we’d settled into a comfortable routine–all the passion spent, our conversations as predictable as the tide.

Was this what happened to all marriages eventually? Or was ours uniquely empty?

*****

The Harmonia Hotel occupied two buildings in a prime location, though its aging facilities showed their years. While its reputation kept occupancy decent, the declining numbers spelled an inevitable end.

the time I finished my inspection. I left with photographs and blueprints tucked

pony, though I’d resolved to send her back to school the

suit,

didn’t look up from the hotel documents spread across my lap until

I’d rush to greet him, taking his coat to hang up while asking about dinner and even offering to

however, I didn’t even shift on the couch. Jared waited a beat

my drawing!” Yvonne called from the stairs. Then her voice turned sulky. “Mom won’t play with me. Is she really going back to work? But you

words. When had Jared ever made that

work if she wants to,” Jared murmured. “You’re a big girl now with school and friends.

1/3

to do”

thumped down on the steps. “I want Mom home. I’m still little, and taking care of me is

fake a smile

wanted was to keep me

Jared said sternly, realizing how self–absorbed his daughter had become–a clear parenting failure. “Your mother and

my words but perked up at her father’s voice, putting on that

over. You’re going to school tomorrow,” Jared declared before

a scowl, and when she saw the documents in my hands, she grabbed them with every

I struck out, my

doing?” Yvonne screamed. “You’re not my mom. Get

worse by the day, and it stunned me. Jared and I were both calm people–so why did she fly off the handle over the smallest

it clicked. Jared’s sister–my sister–in–law–had the same explosive temper. Maybe it was in

minutes,” I said

hesitated for a split

dinner for you.” I knew I

just sneak food,” she shot back with

a pang of regret. They said too much love