Neal hated his wife Myrtle, or to be precise, he hated Myrtle's mother. Ten years ago, Neal's mother was so shocked when she saw Myrtle's mother seducing her husband that she jumped off a building and died. Since then, a seed of hatred had been planted in Neal's heart. To avenge his mother, he married Myrtle, who was deeply in love with him. Myrtle was the best perfumer at Neal's company. During the day, Neal was Myrtle's boss, and she had to obey his every command. At night, Neal was Myrtle's husband, she had to endure his torment and humiliation in bed. After an accident, Neal discovered that Myrtle's mother had not seduced his father at all, it was all a misunderstanding. But by this time, Neal had already broken Myrtle's heart...
Nightfall arrived once more.
The night sky was shrouded in heavy, pitch-black clouds, with a few streaks of moonlight struggling to permeate the darkness.
Myrtle stood on the balcony, looking up at the vast expanse of the sky.
It seemed as if it was about to rain, again.
These days, the weather had always been gloomy. The air was so moist it made her feel uncomfortable from head to toe.
Someone approached from behind, "Master's granddaughter, it's time to have dinner."
She withdrew her gaze from the night sky and responded faintly. She turned around and followed Auntie Todd downstairs.
Sitting on the large dining table were a few of her favorite Southern-style dishes. The Spraggins Family had never treated her poorly in this aspect. In particular, Auntie Todd, after being assigned by the old master to take care of her, had always gone out of her way to prepare the dishes she liked.
She sat down and picked up her chopsticks, quietly eating.
Even the tastiest dishes seemed bitter in her mouth.
Eating her meals alone was something Myrtle had grown accustomed to. Initially, she wanted Auntie Todd to join her during meals. Having stayed in the Spraggins Family household for more than a decade, Auntie Todd could almost be regarded as family. But no matter what she said, Auntie Todd refused, so Myrtle gave up on the idea.
Standing aside and watching the thin figure of the young mistress, Auntie Todd couldn't help but feel a sense of pity, "Master's granddaughter, shall I give the young master a call?"
"No need." she interjected, "The company is busy. There's no matter of urgency, let's not distract him."
Auntie Todd was poised to complain, "What's the time now? No matter how busy he is, he still needs to come home for dinner! I think the young master seems to..."
Realizing that she almost said something inappropriate, Auntie Todd stopped abruptly and looked at Myrtle with worry.
Myrtle's eyebrows slightly rose, she said softly, "Dad just handed over the company to him, it is common sense that he is busy."
"Aye, miss, don't blame me for speaking too much. Although a man can't be wound up too tight like a clock, he cannot let them do whatever they want either! You've been married for a year now, and the number of days he's at home is diminishing! If this continues, it will give others a chance sooner or later."
Auntie Todd spoke with a well-meaning heart, and Myrtle knew she had her best interest. Myrtle comforted her with a smile and nodded, "I understand."
His opportunities were not given by her. He could do whatever he wanted, even too high and mighty to even say hello to her.
Of course, Myrtle wouldn't tell these things to Auntie Todd word by word. She chose this life and couldn't blame others if it is good or bad. Once she got used to it, she didn't feel there was any difference.
After having a simple dinner, Myrtle went back upstairs.
Next to her bedroom, there was an independent studio where she spent most of her time after work.
She did not know how much time had passed, the sound of a car echoed from below, and two bright car lights flashed past the window. Myrtle just then raised her head alertly, glanced at the wall clock.
Two o'clock in the morning.
Myrtle massaged her temple and began to tidy up the utensils on the experiment table.
Footsteps drifted from the stairwell, and the voice of a man talking on the phone was faintly heard, "I've arrived home, hmm..." The steps did not stop when they passed her studio, directly moved past, and opened the door to the bedroom next door.
The door was closed with a "bang".
Myrtle lowered her gaze, took off the mask from her face, stood up to stretch her stiff neck, removed her work clothes, and turned to leave the studio.
Back in her bedroom, he was taking a shower in the bathroom.
She tidied up the clothes he had casually thrown on the sofa, found his pajamas, and laid them out.
Just at this moment, the phone on the table made a "beep beep" text message sound.