He Cries When I Stop Being Jealous

Chapter 2

The next day, I had an early shift at the hospital.

After the morning meeting, I got a call from Lucas.

His voice was annoyed. "Olivia, why didn't you wake me up today? You left without saying anything, and now I've overslept."

I used to take care of him like clockwork, especially after we got married.

I'd lay out his clothes for the next day, make him breakfast, and even wake him up to get to work.

But now, his tone made it sound like it was all expected, like it was my job.

The thing is, I wasn't his caretaker, I was his wife.

I didn't owe him that anymore.

"Well, if you're going to be late, you better get up now," I said, keeping my tone even.

He hesitated before asking, "What should I wear today?"

I shrugged mentally, replying, "Pick whatever. It's all in the closet."

"But I can't find...," Lucas started, clearly about to complain again.

I was interrupted by a colleague who needed my help, so I quickly said, "I've gotta go, I'm busy. Just figure it out."

Minutes after hanging up, my phone buzzed with more texts from him.

"The shirts aren't ironed?! What am I supposed to wear?"

"You didn't make breakfast either?!"

I didn't even have time to answer him. My department head called me over.

"Olivia, the leadership wants to talk to you about your advanced training opportunity, based on your performance," the department head said.

"Looks like your health has recovered now."

I'd turned down the advanced training before because I had planned to stay home with Lucas, get pregnant, and start a family. But now? I realized staying for Lucas was foolish.

"I've decided, Dr. Johnson. I'm going for the training," I said, my mind made up.

He smiled, pleased. "Good decision. Get ready, and we'll let you know the dates soon."

It felt like the perfect moment for a fresh start.

By the time the day was done, it was dark outside. I was catching up on some work when Lucas called again.

"Why aren't you home yet? Aren't you coming back to make dinner?"

I really wasn't in the mood to see him, and it was a good excuse to stay late at the office and get things done.

I texted him quickly, "A colleague swapped shifts with me last minute. You should order takeout."

Lucas sounded surprised. "Takeout?"

I used to insist on cooking every meal for him, but not anymore.

I replied, "Is there a problem?"

He hesitated before responding, "No, no problem. Just… take care of yourself. Don't overdo it."

"Thanks," I said, keeping it short.

There was a long silence on the other end. Then, finally, he asked, "Olivia, are you mad?"

Honestly, I didn't know if he was clueless or just didn't care.

But at this point, it didn't matter.

I wasn't going to be angry anymore.