Chapter 14 Another Home
My eyes filled with disbelief, "Zachary... you know about this too?"
"There's been a lot of gossip about Tyler out there. He and Ava have appeared together at many public events. I saw them once abroad and wanted to ask you about it then, but I was afraid of bothering you, so I never brought it up."
My expression froze for a moment, and after a brief silence, I said, "This circle is both big and small, depending on how you look at it."
Zachary's eyes filled with sympathy, "Sophia, have you never thought about using legal means? Back in college, you were such a stubborn person. Why are you choosing to just take it now?"
I was lost in thought for a moment, then answered, "That's exactly why I want to open a law firm. Since getting married, I've been nothing but a caged bird kept by Tyler. I have no right to fight back against anything. So now, I want to have my own career and earn the right to do whatever I want."
Zachary lifted his coffee and took a small sip, smiling, "Sophia, thinking this way is already your first step forward."
I bit my lower lip gently, "I guess I've woken up a bit late."
"It's never too late to wake up. What matters is having the courage to start over."
I smiled, feeling comforted by those words.
"I'm willing to open a law firm with you, but I have an idea."
"Go ahead."
Zachary's expression was gentle as he spoke calmly, "Sophia, would you mind opening a branch office?"
In just a few seconds, I understood what Zachary meant. I was surprised, "You mean you want me to partner with you guys and open a branch office here in the country?"
Zachary nodded, "Exactly. I think this would be much easier than opening your own law firm, and it's basically a sure thing."
My eyes lit up with joy, "If that's possible, that would be amazing."
"If you're the partner, I don't think there'll be any problem. I'll email them tonight to explain the situation."
Things were progressing rapidly. My worries and exhaustion seemed to vanish, leaving only pure joy.
"Thank you, Zachary."
"There you go being formal again. Did you forget what we agreed on last time?"
I laughed softly, "Okay, Zachary."
Since Zachary had a dinner engagement that evening, we didn't stay long. After finishing our coffee, we were ready to leave.
"Let me drive you home. I have time."
I shook my head, "No need. It's not far. I want to walk around and do some shopping."
"Alright, then send me a message when you get home."
"Okay."
After seeing Zachary off, I went to the children's clothing section of the mall. First, I bought Jasper a few outfits, then got him some fairy tale books he loved. But I still felt it wasn't enough, so I went to the toy section and bought quite a few toys before I was satisfied.
When it came to buying things for Jasper, nothing ever felt like enough.
When I got home, Jasper was so excited to see what I bought that he kept hugging and kissing me.
"Thank you, Mommy. These are all things I like, but I already have most of these toys."
Hearing this, I felt a bit guilty, "I'm sorry, Jasper. I didn't know. How about I take you next time and you can pick them out yourself?"
"Okay, it's fine, Mommy. Those toys are all at the other house anyway. Since you bought these for me, I can play with them here."
I was confused, "The other house?"
Jasper's eyes were clear, "Yeah, Mommy hasn't been to that house. Dad and Ava often take me there. I have my own room there, and Dad and Ava have their room too. Ava even cooks for me."
Suddenly, my expression went flat. The bit of smile in my eyes gradually faded. My heart sank heavily, and I let out a self-mocking laugh, feeling a dull, heavy pain in my chest.
So it turned out, in a place without me, Tyler had built another home.
My chest felt heavy, and I inexplicably felt anxious. I let Jasper play with his toys by himself and went back to my room alone.
I sat on the bed, covering my chest and breathing heavily. It was an unbearable feeling, like a thorn deeply embedded in my heart that couldn't be removed.
A few minutes later, my phone rang. It was Ivy calling.
We had exchanged phone numbers and WhatsApp at the wedding last time.
I composed myself and answered, "Hello."
"Sophia, are you busy lately?"
"Not really."
Ivy sounded excited on the other end, "My friend is throwing a party tomorrow, and we can bring friends. Come with me, Sophia. Let's have some fun."
I refused without hesitation, "I don't really like those kinds of events, and I have to pick up and drop off Jasper every day. I don't have time."
"Sophia, just let Tyler pick up Jasper. It's just one day tomorrow. Going out will help you feel better."
"Come on, Sophia. Staying home all the time is so boring."
"..."
Unable to resist Ivy's "pleading," I could only agree reluctantly, "Fine."
"Great! I'll come to your place at six tomorrow evening, and we'll go together. You need to wear a formal dress. Sophia, with your great figure, you'll definitely outshine everyone tomorrow."
I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. I really couldn't muster any interest.
After hanging up, I felt a bit worried. This would be my first time attending a party without Tyler since getting married. I felt truly at a loss.
But thinking about today's upsetting events, going out tomorrow to relax and have fun seemed like a good choice.
When Tyler came home that evening, I mentioned this to him and told him he must personally pick up Jasper from school tomorrow.
"Go ahead, it's good to have some fun." He agreed readily.
"Jasper has piano lessons after school, so make sure you take him home for dinner first after school, let him finish his homework, and then take him to piano lessons." I emphasized this point specifically.
Tyler seemed to know what I meant. His tone carried a hint of sternness, "Are you trying to tell me how to do things?"
My tone was flat, "Just asking you to do what you should be doing."
"You'll need to wear a formal dress tomorrow, right? I'll have someone send you one."
"No need, I have a few."
Tyler raised his eyebrow slightly, "You're my wife. When you go out, you represent my image too."
I let out an almost imperceptible self-mocking laugh, lowering my eyes to hide a moment of suppressed emotion.
"Whatever you want."
Tyler had just finished showering. His short hair still had tiny water droplets on it, which rolled down and disappeared into his bathrobe, onto his firm chest.
Just as I was about to leave his room, he suddenly approached me, grabbed my hand, and pulled me into his embrace. Before I could react, his hot lips were already on mine, pressing deeper again and again, as if restraining himself yet desperately longing.
Suddenly, Ivy's words from that day flashed through my mind.
For a moment, I actually entertained that thought.
Then he scooped me up and laid me on the bed. His heated body pressed down on me. His hand moved downward and began unbuttoning my clothes. I clenched my teeth, but his tongue aggressively pried them open with an undeniable intensity.