Chapter 2

At noon the next day, Carter's calls start coming in.

I ignore them.

He sends several voice messages. There's chaos in the background, with my mother-in-law complaining loud enough for me to hear every word.

"Where exactly did you put the Macallan? I've been looking all morning! Mr. Sterling is about to arrive!"

"And Chloe ordered a massive seafood tower! Aunt Martha is having an allergic reaction in the VIP room right now! Get over here immediately!"

After listening, I calmly set my phone down.

In the past, I would have the Scotch ready three days before the banquet.

I would personally order a separate meal for Aunt Martha.

Carter always said I sat around the house doing nothing.

Now he knows.

A "useless" person's job isn't something just anyone can do.

My phone buzzes again. A text from Chloe.

"Are you still mad at Carter?"

"I tried my best to help with the banquet, but you didn't leave clear instructions before you left. I didn't know Aunt Martha couldn't eat shellfish."

"Carter is extremely stressed right now. Stop throwing a fit and come back."

I block her number.

At three in the afternoon, Carter calls again. This time, I answer.

"Are you done with your tantrum?" He struggles to keep his temper under control.

"Because of you, today’s lunch was an absolute humiliation."

"My mom couldn't find her pill organizer, and my biggest client left without even getting a glass of water! Are you happy now? You ruined everything!"

I walk to the window, watching the cargo ships slowly drift across the river.

"The embarrassing part isn't me leaving, Carter."

"It's all of you finally having to take care of yourselves."

Carter scoffs on the other end.

"You think everything falls apart without you?"

"Chloe already went to the pharmacy to buy a new pill organizer. I smoothed things over with the restaurant."

"You think you can manipulate me with these petty chores? You better come back tomorrow morning and properly hand over your household duties."

I interrupt him.

"Didn't you say I'm a useless housewife?"

"Since I'm useless, I have nothing to hand over."

With that, I hang up the phone.

By evening, the sky turns gray. The forecast says we're getting heavy rain tomorrow.

Normally, around this time, I would be preparing Leo's raincoat, an extra pair of socks, and everything else he needs for school.

The screen lights up. Carter sends a photo.

In the picture, Leo is sitting on the floor by the front door, crying his eyes out over his backpack. Chloe is crouching next to him, holding a school notice, looking completely helpless.

Carter’s voice message follows.

"Leo needs a science fair project for tomorrow. Where did you put the box?"

"He's crying and begging for you. When are you going to stop this nonsense?!"

I tap on the photo.

I went to three different malls just to buy him that specific backpack.

My fingers hover over the keyboard for a long time.

In the end, I don't reply.

A while later, Carter sends a second photo.

Leo is no longer crying.

He is holding a brand-new, store-bought science project kit. Chloe is gently patting his head.

Carter's text immediately follows.

"Don't bother. Chloe already bought him a new one."

"Leo said Chloe's gift looks way better than your cheap crafts anyway."