Her Provocation, My Broken Heart

Anya Sawyer was surprised by my staunch refusal.

This was the first time in eight years that I've ever refused a request from her. She was so shocked that she started scrutinizing me.

"Shane, are you still out of sorts from last night? Were you so shaken that you lost your marbles?"

I silently stared at her, not responding in any way.

After a while, Anya grew unsettled by my stare. So, she impatiently broke the silence, hissing, "If you won't do it, then fine! Why are you staring at me?"

As she said that, she gestured and called for the butler to get breakfast ready.

Just then, the young man she brought back last night approached me with a grin.

"So, how was my performance last night? Did you touch yourself listening to us?" he drawled.

He was about to say more, but Anya dragged him away. "Stop yapping and get ready for breakfast."

The young man raised his eyebrows at me with his eyes gleaming with overwhelming glee and pride.

Anya and the young man kept flirting at the dining table as they ate.

I did not even raise my head. Instead, I was busy thinking about how I should spend my days in the future.

Time passed. Suddenly, someone patted me on the arm.

When I looked up, I found Anya standing next to me with a dark look on her face.

"What is it?" I shot her a confused look.

She said nothing. Instead, she continued to stare at me with emotions I could not decipher flashing in her eyes. "What were you thinking about so deeply?" she finally inquired.

I blinked at her, somewhat dumbstruck that she would even ask me that. So, I told her the truth. "I'm thinking about my future."

Anya clicked her tongue upon hearing that. "What else can you do besides house chores?"

I wasn't fazed even though those demeaning words slipped from her lips so naturally.

I was already used to it.

In the eight years of our marriage, I'd basically abandoned all personal time in order to take good care of her. My everyday life revolved around her wants and needs.

I'd nearly forgotten what I was like when I still had dreams of my own.

…

Eight years ago, I was in desperate need of cash due to my mother's illness.

I was at the end of my rope when Anya appeared, saying she would offer me five million. However, that money was only up for grabs if I agreed to marry her.

I also had to help her manage her family.

For my mother's sake, I agreed to the deal.

Over the last eight years, I've watched her come home with different men.

Once, Anya stared at me with unusually solemn eyes despite being completely sloshed. "Shane, we belong to two different worlds. Don't fall for me," she slurred.

I always thought Anya was a woman who had no idea what love was supposed to be like.

Then, I found out a year ago that she had a first love who passed away from an illness. The young man Anya brought home last night actually resembled her dead love.

Hence, I was not surprised to see him at breakfast with her.

Regardless, I'd been planning my departure for quite some time now.

Anya noticed my absentmindedness, so she called out my name in annoyance.

Her impatient tone quickly snapped me out of my thoughts.

"I want to get a job," I said, calmly looking into her frustrated eyes.