When Love Became Ledger

It was our daughter's celebration, but most of the food had gone cold. I was in my seat, quiet and holding my sleeping baby. Everyone around me was lavishing fake praise upon my mother-in-law.

"It must be hard, taking care of the baby." That was what most of them said.

They even said my husband had it hard, working by day and taking care of the baby by night. There was only one person they left out of the story.

Me.

My mother-in-law and her son had never lifted a finger when it came to childcare. Not once had they helped me since my daughter was born.

I had to care for the baby and do the chores at the same time right after childbirth. On top of that, I had to cook for my mother-in-law, whose legs were partly disabled.

Just then, the door swung open. But Jonathan was not the only one who walked in.

His secretary, Winona Wood, was there as well. A limited-edition designer bag slung from her shoulder, and she was holding Jonathan's arm, her body leaning onto his tightly.

Winona smiled at me. "Mr. Shamrock's taking me to an event, but we stopped by to say hi. It's the baby's big day, after all."

As she spoke, she deliberately waved her hands several times within a few seconds, clearly showing off the new watch on her wrist. The diamond watch gleamed under the lights.

To me, it was nothing but an eyesore.

"I hope you don't mind. Mr. Shamrocks thought I shouldn't be an embarrassment during the event. This watch is for work."

Some praised Jonathan for being so meticulous.Some even said he was sacrificing time with his family and missing his daughter's celebration just to work hard and support us.

No one thought there was anything wrong with him buying his secretary expensive designer bags and diamond watches. No one cared that his wife was wearing old, faded clothes that should have been thrown away years ago.

His relatives' endless praise had Jonathan stand taller, firmer. "I have work to do. No one has the time to just dawdle around and enjoy a rich life like you. And for God's sake, stop stuffing yourself. At this rate, you're going to turn into a hog."

Jonathan only stayed for five minutes and insulted me enough to tear my heart apart.

Of course I had gained weight. I was still recovering after childbirth. I had barely slept, and my body was still swollen.

But when you looked closely, I had only gained two pounds. Everything about me was perfect to him when he was in love with me. When that love was gone, I was worthless.

Jonathan stood there in a sharp suit, dressed for some glamorous event. Beside him, his secretary looked like the beautiful trophy he wanted to parade around.

How ironic.

…

Jonathan came home smelling like alcohol. He told me to get his slippers, take his coat off, and fill the tub with hot water.

I looked exactly like a servant waiting on her lord.