Chapter 3. Sweet Husband

Maria and Vivi looked like they were going to explode at James' words. Their eyes seemed to be about to jump out of their sockets, while their neck veins tightened.

I was quite surprised myself, even though James had talked about it on our wedding day. I just didn't expect him to say it in front of his sisters who clearly hated me.

This man really was serious about what he said.

Deep in my heart, there was a sense of emotion that arose. Although on the other hand, James and his two brothers seemed to be at odds because of his words just now.

Vivi let out a rough breath. "OMG, James. Why did you trust her so quickly and give her your treasure? Have you lost your brain?"

James shook his head. "Not at all, Vivi. I wanted to do it myself. Lizzie never influenced me and you can't blame her for my decision."

"I disagree." Maria clucked loudly and gave me an annoyed look. "Look at what that poor woman has done to you. It's only been a few days and you've already given her your entire fortune to hold? Who the hell is that woman? You only knew her and married her because she seduced you, right? Now, she's influencing you to give away all your fortune? Seriously?!"

Suddenly, Maria hit the table hard. I gasped and automatically tried to move away. Their words seemed to cut my heart, but I could only remain silent. I didn't have the courage to defend myself in front of them.

James' face turned annoyed and it made Maria visibly shrink.

"I've been patient enough. But you guys keep insulting my wife." James' voice sounded calm, but I could feel the implied threat in it. His eyes were now flashing with warning. "You two should not interfere with my family life. What I do and what Lizzie does, it's none of your business to criticize."

"But-" Vivi looked like she was about to argue, but James shook his head firmly.

"Do you want to see me angry?" James said.

Vivi and Maria immediately fell silent. They stared at me with a look of deep hatred. Maria's face was already red from holding back anger, to the point that I thought that she would jump over the table to strangle me.

I turned to look at James who automatically smiled, his gaze turning soft. Under the table, I suddenly felt his hand grasping my hand.

My feelings were thrown into turmoil by his sweet treatment.

"If you really need the money, then please ask my wife," James said then.

Maria took a sharp breath. She seemed very reluctant to do so, but it seemed she really needed James' money.

"Yes, alright," she said, barely audible. She didn't look at me at all and spoke in a harsh voice, "Give me $5,000 dollars."

"A polite request, please, Maria," James said.

Maria immediately glared. She looked like she was about to explode on the spot. I imagined smoke coming out of her ears.

Maria clucked in frustration. It took a while before she looked back at me with a distressed expression. "Please give me $5,000 dollars because I really need it." she spoke at an above-average speed, looking as if she was being humiliated, but had no choice to argue.

I could hardly help but smile at this Maria. She who used to reproach me, now seemed helpless.

"I'll send the money right away," I said.

Vivi looked away and hissed, while Maria could only smile sarcastically.

I thought this dinner was going to be unpleasant, but in fact I felt satisfied with what happened.

***

"Salon?"

"Yes, the salon. Why, you don't want to?"

This morning, I had just finished showering when James invited me to go to a famous salon in the city center.

"How could I possibly refuse?" I said.

James smiled broadly and leaned in for a quick kiss on my lips. "I just wanted to spoil you today. So let's have some fun, Sweety."

I chuckled and took his arm. We went straight to a prominent salon that only the conglomerates in the city visited.

As soon as we entered, all the employees working there immediately greeted us with enthusiasm. Of course, it's because James is arguably one of the most influential people in the city.

This is the first time I've been greeted with such honor. And it's all because of James.

"I want my wife to get all the beauty treatments here. Make her the most beautiful woman in this city," James said with his charming smile.

The employees looked mesmerized as they nodded.

"Of course, sir. We'll give your wife the best," one of the female employees politely said.

"Go on, Sweety. I'll wait for you there," James whispered in my ear.

I nodded with a big smile. I don't think I've ever been to such an expensive salon. They took very good care of me and I really enjoyed everything.

Within an hour, I had gotten all the beauty treatments, then they changed my hair style to a wolf cut. I looked at my reflection in the mirror, it looked very suitable for my oval face.

I felt like a different Lizzie. The new Lizzie, who is much better than before.

"It's done, Miss."

"Ah, thank you," I said before hurrying to meet James.

James stood up from his spot, his eyes widening slightly at my new appearance. "Look at you, Sweety. So charming." his hand gently touched my hair, then moved up to my face. "So pretty."

I can only blush at the compliment.

"Now, it's time to pick out a dress, Sweety." James pulled me into a hug and led me to the boutique right beside the salon.

As before, the employees greeted us with beaming faces. James led me to the expensive dresses and gowns displayed in the window.

"Hmm, this one looks really nice on you," he said as he reached for a red satin dress with a sexy, but also elegant cut.

I stared at the dress in amazement, then tried it on. As I stepped out of the dressing room, James' eyes traveled up and down my appearance. His eyes seemed to be burning with something and I felt happy that I could make a man like James feel mesmerized.

"Wow, you're driving me crazy. So pretty, Sweety," he whispered. His lips were almost touching my ear as he spoke.

I inhaled his soothing scent and whispered, "Thank you."

"I should be the one saying thank you." James released the hug and kissed the top of my head. "I'm glad to see you happy like this."

"Thank-"

"Shhhhh." James silenced me with his fingers. "You've thanked me enough. Now, we need to pick out some shoes and a bag for you."

We moved on to browse the high heel section and found clear heels that fit my feet perfectly. Not forgetting my hermes bag in the same color as my dress.

"Perfect," James said, smiling with satisfaction. His hands caressed my waist before pulling me close.

I nodded with a smile that had spread to my ears.

We walked out of the boutique and I lost count of how many times James complimented my beauty. He always repeated the same phrase; that he was proud to have a wife like me.

I should be the one feeling proud of having a sweet husband like James, right?