Chapter 5

"Hold on," I paused, then changed my tone. "The person who gave you this watch doesn't have great taste. It's an old model from years ago, and they still had the nerve to give it to you. Seems like they really didn't put much thought into it."

I pretended to be clueless, shaking my head in disappointment. This comment completely infuriated Dashiell, his face instantly darkening.

"What would a house husband like you know? Just hurry back and take care of my mom," Faye snapped at me loudly, afraid Dashiell might get angry.

"I'm just telling it like it is. Why are you so worked up?" I gave her a suspicious look, then turned to Dashiell. "By the way, was it your girlfriend who gave you this watch? She must not love you very much, picking out watches that only highlight flaws. What a shame."

Dashiell didn't say a word, but his hands were shaking with anger. He suddenly stomped out of the private room in his leather shoes, with Faye immediately chasing after him.

Watching this little drama unfold, I felt mentally and physically exhausted, and followed them out shortly after.

Back home, seeing the mess all over the house and the unwashed dishes in the kitchen, then remembering the men's apron on the bed, I completely broke down. I locked myself in my room and collapsed helplessly onto the bed.

"Bro-in-law, when are you gonna buy me a cell phone? Everyone else has one!""Bro-in-law, we got more high school materials. Can you give me some more allowance?"

"You little brat, coming home this late - are you trying to starve me to death? Don't you know I like to have porridge before bed?"

All at once, the cacophony in the house was about to drive me insane. The noisy siblings, the vicious mother-in-law, the bottomless pit of a home - each like a fierce beast ready to devour me. Even that last shred of sincerity I'd been clinging to was completely extinguished tonight.

All of this was thanks to Faye. I silently made a decision.

It was well past midnight when Faye got home. She stumbled in, drunk, and her first words were an accusation.

"My brother said he wants to buy a phone. Why didn't you get it for him? And Mom's medical bills - I transferred the money to you. Why haven't you gotten her medication?"

With that, Faye tried to grab my hand, but I dodged her.

"I'm not a servant. Why should I be the only one doing all of this?" I sneered, my voice icy.

"You're my husband, so you have to do what I say. You used to be so obedient. What's wrong? Did Dashiell upset you?" Faye staggered over, steadying herself on my shoulder. "Come on, I'll buy you a 4080 graphics card to make it up to you. Isn't that enough?""Say goodbye to the old and embrace the new," I mused, watching Faye carry in a box of 4080 equipment from the doorway. It was the same set from this afternoon, but now unsealed and bearing numerous scratches and dents.

I couldn't help but mock myself. Even the second gift after our marriage was someone else's castoff. Without a second thought, I knew Dashiell must have been angry and hadn't given it away, only to bring it back for me.

"Faye, have you ever truly loved me?"

I asked calmly, and she visibly froze.

"Love? Of course I love you. You've done so much for me, how could I not?"

"But what if I stopped? What if I no longer wanted to fund your siblings' education, or take care of your mother, or be a servant to your entire family while losing money in the process? What if I wanted to be my own man, would you still love me then?"

I pressed on, jabbing her shoulder as I angrily interrogated her.