Chapter 3

Sophia froze for a moment before putting on a wounded expression.

"Of course you and Ivan are the ones who run this household. I'm just a guest," she cried.

"What kind of guest has this much say in everything? Do I need to ask for your permission every time I eat?" I demanded.

Upon hearing this, Ivan slammed his utensils down on the table.

"Enough!" he roared. "I know you're not in the best mood because of your pregnancy, but Sophia has been taking care of you for the longest time. She even prepares a separate meal for you. She's doing all of this for free, and you're still complaining about it?"

"For free?" I shot back. "The ingredients she uses for four dishes and a pot of soup cost 200 dollars. All of those ingredients were paid for with my money, Ivan."

Sophia immediately stepped in to de-escalate the situation.

"Alright, alright. Don't be upset, Lily. I'll keep the meals relatively simple from now on. I won't spend so much money on ingredients anymore," she said.

Ivan flashed me a disapproving look. He looked at me as though I were being petty and stingy.

I rubbed my temples. This wasn't about the money at all.

I took a deep breath and forced myself to calm down.

"I'm not concerned about the money, Sophia. How about this? I'll pay you for your time," I suggested. "From now on, I'll decide the meals that are served in my own home. Does that sound good to you?"

Sophia got to her feet and untied her apron. "I chose to take care of you because I know that being pregnant can be difficult, Lily. I'm not doing this for the money."

After a pause, she added, "If you think I'm not qualified enough, or that I'm not doing a good job, then I'll leave."

When Sophia tried to leave, Ivan quickly grabbed her arm. Then, he turned toward me and demanded, "Apologize to Sophia!"

"Ivan." My voice was exhausted. "Why don't you try my food yourself?"

He did as I asked and took a bite. Immediately after, his forehead knitted together.

"Why does it taste so bad?" he instantly blurted out.

When he glanced at Sophia, he hastily corrected himself.

"It's just… really bland."

Sophia lost her temper too. She tossed the apron aside.

"Pregnant women are not supposed to have greasy or heavy meals! Go take a look at what they offer at postnatal retreat centers. My cooking is no different from what they serve!" she yelled.

She went on, "I quit my job to take care of your wife, and this is how you treat me? I only became a nutritionist because Lily had gastritis! Don't you have a conscience?"

The room fell silent.

Sophie's eyes welled up with tears as she turned her face away from him. Ivan, on the other hand, stood there awkwardly and scrambled to apologize to her.

I sat off to the side. Somehow, I was made to feel like I was the one who was at fault.

Postpartum meals are bland because the mother is recovering from childbirth. I was not in postnatal care. So, why was I supposed to eat nothing but boiled vegetables from the moment I became pregnant?

Besides, what was so impressive about quitting a convenience-store job?

She was using my money to stuff herself with rich, indulgent meals. Meanwhile, everything that landed on my plate was tough, gamey, or boiled in plain water.

I was exhausted.

Ivan was still coaxing Sophia, but I couldn't really make out what he was saying anymore.

I didn't bother listening to their conversation. Instead, I took out my phone and rescheduled my flight to the earliest one available tomorrow.