Anniversary Gift

"Regina, are you kidding me?"

Asher picked up a piece of paper from the table and waved it in front of Regina, who sat straight-backed, her face blank, unsmiling.

"It's our anniversary, and you're asking me to sign divorce papers?"

Regina nodded. "Yes. This is your anniversary gift. I took the initiative to give you a gift first instead of waiting for you to give me one."

Regina's tone of voice, clearly mocking, stunned Asher for a moment.

Asher slammed the table. "Don't joke, Regina. This isn't funny. Why are you suddenly asking for a divorce? Is it because I've been unemployed lately and haven't found a new job? Are you feeling burdened by having to work alone and shoulder all the household chores?"

This time Regina smiled, but her eyes were cold. "No. I don't mind helping you take care of your family. But one thing I can't accept is... you lying and cheating. That's disgusting!"

=====

Seven months earlier...

That night, Asher came home with a gloomy expression. His work jacket had been hastily removed, and his tie was left undone.

Regina had also just returned from work and had only taken a few steps into the house.  She greeted Asher at the door, worried by her husband's expression.

“What's wrong, honey?” Regina asked softly. “Why do you look upset? Did something happen?”

Asher flopped onto the sofa. “I quit my job, honey. They just approved the process this afternoon, and now I've officially resigned from that damn office!”

Regina fell silent, staring at her husband with wide eyes. “Quit? Why, honey? You've been doing fine at work, right?”

“I can't stand the unfair treatment at work anymore. They're always pushing me, giving me workloads I don't deserve. I'm not appreciated. So... I'm quitting,” Asher said, his voice a mix of frustration and despair.

Regina looked at him, confused. “But, I thought everything was fine, and you were doing quite well at work. In fact, you just received a bonus last month. What's wrong?”

Asher sighed heavily.  "I've never been able to tell you what I'm really going through and feeling, babe, because I'm afraid you'll be sad or it'll be a burden on your mind. You have a heavy workload yourself. But this time, I can't do it anymore. I'm tired and stressed."

Actually, Regina still wasn't sure what exactly made Asher decide to suddenly quit his job without discussing it with her.

They were usually open about even the smallest things, but for something this big, Asher hadn't even said anything.

"So, what are you going to do next?" Regina asked, confused. "Are you going to look for a new job?"

"I haven't thought about that," Asher said lightly. "I think I'll take a break for a while before starting again. You don't mind, right?"

"Then, what will happen to our family's finances if you don't work?" Regina asked hesitantly. "What about your mother and younger siblings?"

"Come on, babe, they'll understand," Asher said. "Besides, you work, so you can handle our financial problems. Haven't you always been like that? What's the difference?"

The difference is, you've always provided for your family, and I've supported myself. If you stop working, who will take over?

Regina only thought about these words in her mind, but didn't say them out loud to Asher.

That's how it was. During their marriage, Regina had never received any money from Asher, not even enough to buy an eyebrow pencil, because all of his money had been given to Magie—her mother and two younger siblings, Olivia and Janus.

"You work too, and your salary is quite good. I have to be responsible for my mother and younger siblings because I'm their breadwinner after my father passed away," Asher said when Regina asked about it.

"But, Asher, as a husband, shouldn't you still provide for me even though I'm working?" Regina asked.

"Babe, are you really going to argue about this and make my family dislike you even more because you're preventing me from fulfilling my obligations?" Asher asked sharply. "Besides, didn't I explain my family situation to you before we got married, and you said it wasn't a big deal because you only loved me, not my money?"

Regina didn't respond.

"Babe, why are you so quiet?" Asher rebuked. "Are you angry because I suddenly stopped working?"

Regina swallowed her thoughts and smiled. "No, it's okay. You can rest first before starting again later."

Asher smiled, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Babe... you're such an understanding wife."

Regina smiled. "We'll get through this together."

However, after a month, things started to feel uncomfortable for Regina.

Asher was often away, even though he was no longer working, and sometimes he came home late.

"You're not working anymore, but you're always coming home late," Regina protested one night. "What are you doing?"

Asher stared at Regina with cold eyes. "I'm trying to expand my network, Regina. I need to broaden my horizons so I can get a better job."

"But you never seem like you're looking for a job," Regina said, annoyed. "You're just—"

"Uh, I guess I came at a bad time."

Regina and Asher turned to the door together, seeing Olivia standing awkwardly.

"Oh, Olivia, it's okay, come in," Regina said. "We were just talking."

Asher hugged his little sister affectionately and led her to the sofa. "You just got home from college and stopped by here on purpose?"

"Yes," Olivia replied. She turned to Regina, looking awkward. "I need money to pay for this semester's tuition. The payment was due yesterday," Olivia said.

"I'll transfer the money now," Asher said, taking out his phone.

"I also need some extra money to do research and buy some books," Olivia added.

"I've transferred it," Asher said. "Give some to Janus, too. I heard he needs to buy new mountaineering gear."

That's how Asher spoiled his younger siblings.

Regina hadn't cared about it when Asher was working, but now that he was unemployed, did he really need to keep doing it?

And in fact, the following month, Asher said his savings were running low and asked Regina to help him manage his family's finances until he found a new job.

"Honey, I already use my salary for our daily living, how am I supposed to manage money if I have to cover your family's living expenses too?" Regina protested.

Asher clicked his tongue in annoyance. "Gosh, Regina, why are you so stingy? I know you usually get extra money that's even more than your salary. Overtime bonuses, tips from guests. Try saving a little and share it with my family."

"But, Asher--"

"My mother would say her hunch against our marriage was right if she knew you would act like this," Asher snapped sharply. "Don't make me start believing what she thinks about you, babe. Please?"

And Regina transferred some money to Magie, because her mother-in-law needed extra money for her golf club activities.

Asher kissed Regina's forehead affectionately. "I know you're a generous woman, babe. That's why I don't regret marrying you."

That's a lie.