Chapter 3 Steven Wants to Test His Delicate Wife
Nora had no clue about Steven's real identity. She thought he was just a manager at some big company. She didn't know he was the second son of the York family, the wealthiest family around.
Steven married her to see if he could still fall in love with someone genuinely. He chose a modest apartment in Riverside to test Nora's sincerity. He didn't want to end up with a gold digger.
Sure, Steven had tons of money, but he wasn't dumb. When he married Nora, he had already planned it out. If he fell for her, he'd reveal who he really was. If not, he'd give her the apartment, and they'd get divorced, going their separate ways.
Before they got married, Steven had checked out Nora's background. She was 23, a Southern University grad, working at her brother-in-law Willie Reed's company. Her family was dirt poor; she was the youngest with older siblings. She never bought clothes costing more than $20.
Steven figured that since this was a test, it was better to keep Nora's spending habits the same. He didn't want to drag her into a luxurious lifestyle that would be hard to leave. So, he gave her $4,000 a month, based on the cost of living in South City.
When Elizabeth heard that Steven only gave Nora $4,000 a month, she lost it. "Even if it's a test, you don't have to be so cheap! A bottle of your wine costs more than $4,000, and you only give her that to live on each month? Are you even human?"
"... How did I end up sounding like a jerk?" Steven thought. He didn't fight back as Elizabeth hit him a few more times. He said blandly, "You know about it, so don't interfere. Go back with Lally early."
"Can't I come to see you? You never bring Nora to see me!" Elizabeth pouted.
"I already told you, I'm testing her. She doesn't know who I am. How can I bring her to the estate to see you?"
"Can I help you test Nora?" Elizabeth asked playfully. She hoped the test would end soon and they could have a baby!
Steven's face remained expressionless. "No need. Don't come next time."
He had decided to divorce Nora. She liked someone else and had kept that shirt. He didn't want to continue with her. But they had to wait for the one-month cooling-off period before the divorce. Plus, he was about to take over as the new CEO of York Development Group. Once the news broke, Nora would definitely find out who he was. His identity wouldn't stay hidden for long.
After their conversation, Steven went to freshen up. They had clothes for him here, but no towels or toothbrush.
"Nora, do you have any towels or toothbrushes here?" Steven asked, walking into the living room.
Nora was sitting on the couch, and Elizabeth was trying to give her a bank card. "Nora, take this card. It's from me. Take it!"
"No, thank you, Grandma. I can't accept it!" Nora was embarrassed to take it, and they were both tugging at the card.
Steven watched with a blank expression. She clearly loved money, yet she was pretending not to want it. How ridiculous.
Nora didn't dare accept it. Elizabeth, with her silver hair, was clearly over 80. How could she take her card? Thankfully, Steven's question saved her. Nora quickly pushed the card back to Elizabeth and said, "I have a toothbrush. I'll get it for you!"
She went to the bedroom. Steven and Elizabeth faced off in the living room.
"How much is on the card?" Steven asked coldly.
"Not much, just a million dollars," Elizabeth said, choosing a card with a smaller amount, not one of the top-tier black cards.
"That's too much. No way." Steven's tone was firm. "The most you can give her is a hundred thousand."
Elizabeth shrugged. "What's wrong with my giving Nora some spending money? You're stingy, but you can't stop me from being generous."
"If you want to give her money, I won't stop you, but don't give too much." Steven planned to divorce soon. He'd give her the apartment, and she'd have to fend for herself.
The Riverside Apartment was in the city center and was worth a lot. It was enough compensation. Besides, he hadn't touched her. She was still a virgin.
"I don't care. I'm giving it to her!" Elizabeth stubbornly took the card to the bedroom to find Nora.
Nora had found a toothbrush in the bedroom. She had bought a pack with three in it last time. She picked a blue one and brought it out for Steven.
Elizabeth rushed over and shoved the card into her hand, holding her fingers to stop her from refusing. "Nora, this is my wedding gift to you. Take it!"
"Really, I don't need it!" Nora, who had nowhere to go, was already grateful that Steven took her in. She didn't ask for more. Plus, Steven gave her $4,000 a month, and since he didn't come back, she only spent $1,000 a month and saved the rest. She had saved $9,000 in three months, plus her income. She had saved quite a bit!
"If you don't take it, you're disrespecting me!" Elizabeth played her trump card.
Nora was at a loss. Steven came in from outside, his deep eyes scrutinizing her. She felt his gaze was invasive, as if he was judging her. The card suddenly felt hot in her hand.
Did he think she loved money? She felt a little disappointed and handed the toothbrush to him. "Steven, here's the toothbrush."
Steven glanced at the toothbrush. It was a cheap one, not something he wanted to use, but it was all they had. He took it and went to the bathroom.
Elizabeth had to leave. She had things to do. Nora walked her to the elevator.
Elizabeth said, "Nora, I'm going shopping. I'll come see you tomorrow. If you have work, you should take the morning off."
"Why should I take time off?" Nora was puzzled, still holding Elizabeth's card. What was Elizabeth planning?
Elizabeth smiled. "Just take the time off!"
Elizabeth was planning to buy jewelry for Nora! Nora nodded. "Okay."
After Elizabeth left, Nora went to find Steven with the card. "Steven, Grandma insisted I take this card. You should have it. I don't need it."
Steven finished washing up and was drying his hands with a white towel. He turned to look at her. Nora, afraid he would misunderstand, put down the card and started to leave.
"Nora," Steven called after her.