Housewife Gone Wild

I knew the difference between being handed a fish and being taught to fish. The reality was, a housewife relying solely on her own skills might survive, but she’d never thrive. Not without connections.

I was well aware of Jared’s capabilities. His education, his experience, his vast network. Riding his coattails could set me up for life in just a few years.

Sure, divorce would get me a payout. But there was a world of difference between taking a settlement and earning it yourself, I was still young. Was I really going to just coast on alimony?

No. I remembered all too well the suffocating emptiness of idle days. A week was tolerable. A year, unbearable. But decades? Unthinkable.

Humans are social creatures. We need purpose. Validation. I wouldn’t–couldn’t just fade into obscurity

“If that day comes,” I said, meeting Jared’s eyes with a calculated smile, “you can name your price. For the first time, I was negotiating with him. Not as his wife, but as an equal.

Jared clearly didn’t like my tone. His face went rigid, voice tight. “Fine. But promise me you won’t neglect Wonne because of whatever’s going on with us.”

“You’re misunderstanding me,” I said evenly. “I’m not neglecting her. I just-” The cruel truth lodged in my throat.

though, if I were truly strong, would I even need to say it out loud? The fact that I hesitated proved I still had weaknesses

protective instinct flaring. “What has Yvonne

looked down. How could I explain that in my previous life, our daughter had betrayed me in ways that still cut deep?

I had to handle this like

as a parent. Maybe I’ve… run out of

you’d love her unconditionally, no matter what.” His stare bore into me, disappointment thick

upbringing. Studies show CEO fathers raise more resilient kids. Mothers coddle. Surely you want her to be a fighter?” The corporate jargon rolled off my tongue effortlessly. Psychological

make time. But you don’t get to check out completely. Unless… you’re

breath hitched. Exactly what I want–if only I could make

me? Are you done with me, too?” He

until Tracy materialized with her entourage of VPs. Their group merged seamlessly, a corpor glanced back. No words, just

my chin on steepled fingers and coldly