He seemed to realize this and looked slightly embarrassed, but he remained resolute. “I’ll figure something out. This should go to Vicky first. Also, she’s pregnant and can’t do housework as easily, so remember to go over daily to wash her clothes and cook. Take good care of her, and don’t be stingy. She’s like a sister to me, after all.”
Sister?
I laughed bitterly. The resentment from two lifetimes surged within me, and I could not help but taunt, “If you’re so capable, Raymond Quinn, why don’t you hire a housekeeper for her? I’m your wife, not your servant!”
He gave me a disappointed look. “Minnie, why are you always targeting Vicky?”
With that, he pushed open the door and walked straight to the apartment next door.
I stood in the doorway as our other neighbor, Carol Weber, sidled up with raised eyebrows, her tone full of gossip. “Your man’s gone to that pretty widow’s place again? Tsk, tsk, a man and a woman alone in one place…”
The thin walls of our apartment building provided terrible soundproofing. Our neighbors could hear everything happening on our side.
Victoria had heard it all as well. She stood in her doorway, her hands supporting her back. Smiling sweetly, she said, “Oh, Minnie, Raymond only asked you to help out because he feels sorry for me as a widow. Don’t be angry. I’ll talk to him about it later.”
She spoke like she was Raymond’s wife.
Meanwhile, Raymond looked at her with tender affection. “Vicky, are you hungry? I’ll make you something to eat in a moment.”
Raymond had never cooked a single meal at home. He would drag me out of bed even when I had a high fever, cursing and demanding I hurry up and cook.
It seemed he was not incapable, after all. I snorted with derision, not bothering with either of them. I turned and went back inside, slamming the door hard.
Since I had gotten a second chance, I wouldn’t be as foolish as I was before.
