Chapter 2

"Joey, I was in a meeting just now. What's wrong?" Vanessa asked from the other side of the line.

I said back to her, "Are you back at the company? I need to talk to you. I'll come over now."

I could hear the hesitation in her voice. "Now? It's going to be a little difficult. I have a business dinner tonight too. If it isn't urgent, we can talk when I get home..."

"It can't wait." I cut her off.

My bluntness seemed to surprise her. Normally, I would have tried to be more understanding.

"Are you still upset about the permanent residence?" she asked. "I've told you, you're my legal spouse. Under Westland laws, you'll get one eventually. Besides, you don't work. What do you need a permanent residence for? Joey, I'll take care of you."

She had said that to me countless times as a promise of love. Now, every word sounded like mockery.

She was taking care of a man who was not her husband? Then what was I? Her lover? The homewrecker? A friend with benefits?

Whatever I was, it was something she had to hide.

I did not confront her over the phone and simply said, "I'll be there in thirty minutes."

Then, I hung up. I still wanted to hear her explain it to my face.

I rarely visited her company because I knew nothing about finance, and Vanessa was always very busy. I always thought I would only get in her way since I was not able to help.

The receptionist spent a long time checking my information before taking me to Vanessa's office.

People were still talking inside when I arrived. From their voices, they all sounded like Kentran.

One of them joked in an almost slimy voice, "Ms. Gomez, when are you and Harry finally having a wedding? I've already set aside something for your wedding gift."

"That's right. You've been married for five years. You could have had a baby by now. Why keep it a secret?"

Then Harry spoke, sounding modest. "Oh, stop it. Vanessa and I only got married so I could get a permanent residence. If Joey hears any of you saying things like this, he'll get the wrong idea."

The others did not give up. Instead, they turned on me following Harry's lead.

"So, what? Let him! Without Vanessa supporting him, he'd be deported tomorrow. He can't help her career the way you do, Harry. All he does is cook and clean. She could hire a housekeeper for that."

Someone gave a low chuckle and offered Vanessa some advice. "You should make that marriage real and get together with Harry. As for that housekeeper at home… Give him some money and send him back to Kentra."

I stopped with my hand on the office door. Like the people inside, I waited for Vanessa's answer.

She seemed to take the suggestion seriously. After a pause, she gave an easy laugh.

"Alright, enough. You know Harry gets embarrassed easily. As for the one at home... He's been acting up lately. I'll talk with him. If that doesn't work, we'll see."

I knew what she meant by "We'll see." The others did too, and they laughed.

I did not stand there any longer. I pushed open the door while they were still laughing.