Chapter 5

After the scandal, Roger escorted his mother back home, warning Deborah that they would have a serious talk that night.

“Thank you, my son,” his mother sighed in relief as they reached the car. “But how did you know?”

“Fabian got a call from one of our police friends, who told us they were sending a couple of officers to the house,” he explained as he helped her into the car. “That’s why I left the office early. I wanted to see what that idiot had done, but I didn’t expect that fool Cooper to try to have you arrested.”

“Oh, I’m sorry, my love. I just get so angry when I’m made to wait. And I didn’t think that idiot would leave the house.”

“I didn’t know she left the house either. But it’s over, Mom. Tonight, I’ll scold her for being so irresponsible to leave you waiting outside and making you go through this.”

“Yes, Son. Punish her so she doesn’t do it again.”

Fabian listened quietly, feeling disgusted by their attitude towards Deborah, but he was unable to say anything because his family wasn’t as wealthy or influential as the Petersons.

Finally alone in the apartment, Deborah let her tears fall, screaming silently in her pain. She hated it all. It was always the same.

Wiping her tears, she surveyed the mess her mother-in-law had made. Then, she steeled herself, determined to make this the last time she endured such humiliation. She would no longer be anyone’s punching bag.

Just as she began to clean, a knock came at the door. Drying her eyes, she went to answer, expecting Fabian or a delivery. Instead, she met a pair of dark brown eyes filled with genuine concern.

“Are you okay?”

[Jayden... Oh, hello. Do you need something?] Deborah tried to stay composed. Jayden smiled softly, wiping away her remaining tears with his hand.

“Deborah, if you need to cry, do it. That idiot isn’t worth hurting yourself over,” he said, pulling her into a comforting hug as she broke down. “Did he hit you?” he asked, then felt her shake her head.

“That’s good. His assistant managed to stop him. But what are you going to do? Keep enduring this?”

Deborah pulled away slightly, wiping her tears. [I’ve decided. I’m going to file for divorce.]

“That’s good. Is your friend going to help you?”

[Yes.]

“If you need any help, don’t hesitate to ask me.”

[Thank you, Jayden, but you know I don’t—]

“I know, and I’ve told you, I don’t mind waiting,” he said, holding her hands as he looked into her eyes. “Remember, I’m here for you because I hate seeing you suffer.”

Deborah smiled weakly and nodded, looking around at the mess.

“Now that that madwoman is gone, let me help you clean up.”

[“But you don’t have to—]

“I insist. We’ll finish faster, and we can talk.”

[Thank you.] She felt grateful to have him there.

Meanwhile, Roger had just dropped his mother off and was heading back to the office to finish the day’s work.

“Ugh... what a nuisance...” he muttered, checking his phone.

“What’s wrong?” Fabian asked, glancing at him through the rearview mirror.

“Deborah’s father is calling again.”

“Another loan?”

“Most likely. God, they think I owe them something just because Deborah is my wife,” he grumbled. “If anything, I should be getting money for putting up with her.”

“So, will you give it to them?”

“Of course not. Let them figure it out. That family is full of idiots, always investing in mediocre businesses that go bankrupt in months.”

“I’ve heard Deborah’s father mismanages money, always trying to please his wife and kids, no matter the cost.”

“That’s why he’s a mediocre old man, and I won’t give him a cent. Let him deal with his debts.”

“They might bother Deborah to ask you for money on their behalf.”

“They can try. It doesn’t matter what they do; she’ll never get anything from me,” Roger declared, deleting his father-in-law’s messages.

Just then, his phone rang and his expression changed to a smile as he answered.

“Hello, gorgeous.”

“Am I interrupting, my love?”

“You never interrupt.”

“Hey, I need to talk to you,” the voice on the other end sounded worried.

“Is something wrong? You sound concerned.”

“Well... can I come to your office? It’s important.”

“Of course, you don’t need permission to see me.”

“Thank you, my love. I’ll see you at your office,” Sophia said, ending the call.

“What’s wrong?” Fabian asked, having overheard.

“I don’t know. Sophia sounded worried, and that concerns me,” Roger replied, becoming serious. “Be ready to transfer money to her card if she needs it. Take it from the funds I give to that idiot. She doesn’t need thousands just to stay at home.”

Fabian grimaced as he kept driving.

When they arrived at the company, they found Sophia waiting in the parking lot. As soon as Roger stepped out of the car, she rushed to hug and kiss him publicly.

“Hello, handsome,” she cooed, ignoring the stares and whispers of the employees who found their open display of infidelity disgusting.

“Hello, my love. Now tell me, what’s wrong? Why is the most beautiful woman in the world worried?”

“Well, I have something very important to tell you, but...” She glanced at the employees who were watching them. “Can we talk in private?”

“Yes, come,” he said, leading her to his sports car. “And you lot, get back to work or you’re fired!” He yelled at his employees before starting the car and speeding away.

Fabian sighed and headed for the elevator to return to the office, only to be surprised by the sight of Roger’s father waiting.

“Sir...” he greeted, shocked to see him there.

“Spare me the greetings and tell me, where is my son?” he demanded.

“He’s out handling some business.”

“With that woman, isn’t he?”

“Yes...”

“God, how have I sinned for him to be making such foolish decisions?”

“Um, sir...”

“Call him over now and order him to return to the office immediately,” he commanded, frowning.

“Yes, sir,” Fabian said. He tried to call Roger, but the latter’s phone was already turned off to avoid interruptions.

Meanwhile, Roger took Sophia to his favorite restaurant, where they were seated at their special table for privacy.

“Good afternoon, Mr. Peterson. The usual?” the waiter asked, offering them the menu.

“Yes.”

“No,” Sophia interrupted. “I’d like cranberry juice with lemon, please,” she smiled.

The waiter looked confused, as they didn’t have that drink, but seeing Roger’s look, he tried to stay calm. “Of course, madam. I’ll get that for you,” he said, turning to seek help with the unusual request.

“Are you sure you don’t want wine?” Roger asked, holding her hand.

“I can’t right now, my love.”

“What? Why? Are you sick?”

“Not exactly, my love. I just got the best news in the world.”

“Oh? What’s that?”

“I’m one month pregnant,” she announced excitedly.

“What...”

“Yes, handsome, we’re going to be parents,” she said with a big smile that quickly faded. “But... you understand this means goodbye.”

“What?! Why?”

“Because I don’t want our child to be called a bastard because of that mute woman.”

Roger frowned. “No one will call my child a bastard.”

“But my love...” Sophia started to say before tears welled up in her eyes and she looked away.

“Now that I know, I’ll defy my father and demand a divorce with that thing.”

“Really?” she asked, looking into his eyes.

“Yes, and if necessary, I’ll kill that mute myself to gain my freedom.”

“Oh, my Roger,” she said happily, standing up to hug him.

“My Sophia,” he replied, embracing her.

‘This is your end, stupid mute. I’ve won,’ Sophia thought as she kissed Roger passionately.