Chapter 3

My hand had just touched the doorknob when I heard a knock from outside. I opened the door to find Elizabeth Larson standing there with a bright smile.

"Alicia, these eggs are from the hens back home. Thought you could use a little nourishment."

But I knew she hadn't come all this way just to bring me eggs. There was something else on her mind. "Come on in, Elizabeth. Have a seat."

As soon as she stepped inside, her eyes landed on Jacob.

"You're here too, huh? Now, don't take this the wrong way, but a married man shouldn't be keeping other women in his thoughts. Taking care of your own wife is what matters most."

Jacob didn't say a word. He kept his head down, eating, but the guilty look he shot me told plenty.

I brought over some juice and set a cup in front of Elizabeth, who waved her hand politely. "I won't stay long. I just wanted to say a few words before I run off to take my grandson to school."

I smiled and thanked her. After she left, I noticed someone else standing just outside the door—Wendy, hovering like she wasn't sure whether to come in or run.

"Jacob," I called out into the house, loud and clear, "Wendy's waiting for you outside."

Jacob flinched like he'd been shocked. His spoon slipped from his hand and clattered to the floor.

Wendy rushed forward and whispered, "Alicia, there's nothing going on between me and Jacob. Don't make this into something it's not—"

Her words nearly made me laugh.

I gave her a cold look. "Wendy, don't come at me with that innocent little act. You might be able to fool Jacob with that face, but not me.

"You and your son have been living off our money for years. I'm giving you three days to pay it all back. If you don't, I'll let the whole neighborhood know—radio station and all."

Her face went pale. "Jacob only helped us out because I was alone and struggling. It was just some groceries and a few things for Oliver—"

"He never told you how much he's spent, did he? Before the marriage, whatever he did with his money was none of my business. But after we tied the knot, it became our shared income.

"He's been spending at least eighty percent of his salary on you every month. That's over 25 thousand dollars in five years—and that's a conservative estimate. If you refuse to pay it back, I will go to the police."

The number hit Wendy like a slap in the face.

With eyes full of tears, she turned and looked at Jacob. "Jacob, say something. Please."

Jacob barely breathed. "Wendy… you should return the money. It's not a small sum. Do it for me, okay?"

Wendy's face crumbled. She dropped to her knees in front of me and sobbed. "Alicia, please… have a little mercy. I'm raising a child on my own. Where am I supposed to come up with that kind of money?"

I was done listening to her. I went straight to the factory where Jacob and Wendy worked and asked to see their supervisor, Paul Johnson.

"Mr. Johnson, I'm not asking for sympathy or a mediator. I just want my money back. That's all."

Paul handed me a cup of water, trying to ease the tension. "Mrs. Carter, I've seen how much effort you've put into your marriage.

"You've been nothing but devoted—Jacob's in the wrong here. I'll help you get your money. But divorce… that's not a small matter."

"Mr. Johnson, I've already filed my application to go abroad. I will be leaving next week to continue my studies.

"Who knows when or if I'll be back. A divorce and letting him marry Wendy would be better for all of us."

Paul looked stunned. I couldn't blame him. People had long since written the label of "perfect wife" onto me.

No one expected me, the devoted homemaker, to suddenly pack my bags and study overseas.

But Paul wasn't the type to get in the way of ambition. "Mrs. Carter, this is a great opportunity for you. You've got my support. Just take care of yourself out there.

"As for Jacob… he had high hopes of becoming the employee of the year. I'd never thought he'd be this clueless."

Before he even finished speaking, Jacob barged into the office. "Mr. Johnson, don't listen to her. She's lying! We're not getting divorced!

"You're going abroad and didn't even talk to me first? How could you make such a big decision without saying anything?"

Wendy rushed in right behind him, sobbing, then collapsed dramatically onto the floor. "Mr. Johnson, please help me! I can't possibly pay back that kind of money."

The ruckus had already drawn a crowd of curious workers.

I stayed perfectly calm. "If you two don't mind making a scene, be my guest. But this divorce? It's happening. And I will get my money back."

Wendy screamed through her tears. "25 thousand dollars? How am I supposed to live with my son after that? I might as well be dead!"

Then, without warning, she grabbed the windowsill and tried to climb out like she was going to jump.