He Buys Her a River-View Apartment While I Pay the Bills

Chapter 3

I couldn't answer the phone while I was working, right? I grabbed the stuff I'd bought and dropped it in the guest bedroom, putting my own things next to it.

"Emma, how are we supposed to live like this? Have you seen our finances? Why are you wasting money on all this junk? Who are you trying to impress with all these useless things?" Lionel scooped up the skincare products I'd bought and started yelling.

I set my clothes and bedding down, snatched the items back from him, and shot him a look. "What? Am I not allowed to take care of myself? How many suits and ties have you bought? How much did you spend on all that?" I shoved him out of the room, done with his double standards.

"I needed those for work!" He sputtered. "I messed up, and I need opportunities, "

I slammed the door in his face, not even trying to listen to his excuses anymore.

"Emma!" His voice echoed through the door as he slammed his own shut. Another silent treatment. Every time I was "unreasonable," he'd pull this stunt. And when he messed up, he'd play the guilt card. It was pathetic. Honestly, I was glad he left.

The next couple of weeks? Pure bliss. I ate well, slept well, and was more productive than I'd ever been. My mood had completely shifted. Confidence and a good attitude really were the best beauty treatments out there.

One Saturday, I was home alone, face mask on, reading a book, when there was a knock at the door.

I opened it to find Elaine standing there, someone I hadn't seen in ages. Of course, she decided to show up at my place now.

She took off her sunglasses and eyed me up and down, probably trying to judge me in my baggy pajamas. "Emma, right? I heard from some of our classmates that you've been struggling, so I thought I'd check on you."

She was carrying a box of Sunshine Roses, and her designer bag probably cost more than my rent. A gift from her "boyfriend," naturally.

Before I could say a word, she breezed past me and started looking around my apartment, like she was inspecting a property.

"Emma, I heard you've been working two jobs lately. Be careful, you're going to age fast doing that."

I peeled off my face mask, watching her fake concern. But I couldn't help noticing how her eyes flicked to my skin. It wasn't perfect, but it had a healthy glow now, and I could tell she wasn't happy about it.

She forced a smile. "You secretly got work done, didn't you?"

I could see the jealousy in her eyes, barely masked by her smile.

"Nope, just been feeling more relaxed lately, and it shows. What about you, Elaine? I heard you married some big shot British executive after going abroad. Life must be going great for you now, huh?"

I couldn't resist poking her.

Elaine's smile faltered, just for a second, but she quickly recovered. "Well, people have to keep moving forward, right? But I've noticed, your house, " She looked around like it was some kind of dump. "The lighting is awful, the location's terrible, and it's way too small. My boyfriend just bought me a new place. A 150-square-meter riverfront apartment. You should come see it sometime."

It stung, but I held my ground. "Really?" I forced out a smile, though it was tight.

Elaine's pride practically radiated off her. "You know my boyfriend, we were old classmates. Look, here he is now."

And just like that, the door opened, and in walked Lionel.