The Day I Stopped Being the Nice Wife - Chapter 8: Chapter 8

The elegant dining room of La Belle Époque buzzed with quiet anticipation as Xavier, Rose, and Lillian waited for the newlyweds' arrival. Lillian, ever the excitable chatterbox, couldn't contain her enthusiasm. "I just know Jane's going to be amazing! Caleb's never brought anyone home before—she must be special!" she gushed, practically vibrating in her seat.
Rose took a measured sip of her wine. "Lillian, control yourself. We're in public," she murmured, her expression carefully neutral.
Xavier observed his niece's excitement with detached amusement, noting how her entire face lit up at the mention of Caleb's bride.
"You're awfully quiet, Uncle," Lillian pouted.
Xavier gave a noncommittal shrug. "Caleb's taste in women hasn't exactly impressed me before."
"But Jane's different! You'll see!" Lillian insisted.
Xavier's lips curved in a smile that never reached his eyes—a practiced expression that vanished the moment attention shifted away from him.
"I already love her and I haven't even met her!" Lillian squealed, oblivious to Xavier's barely concealed irritation.
Rose smoothed her napkin with deliberate movements. "Lillian, try to act like an adult. This isn't some casual get-together."
Outside, the city glittered as Caleb's car pulled up to the restaurant. Jane took a steadying breath as Caleb's hand settled possessively on her waist. "Ready for the inquisition?" he murmured.
Inside, crystal chandeliers cast a golden glow over linen-draped tables. The murmur of polite conversation and soft piano music did little to calm Jane's nerves as they approached the waiting family.
Xavier's hawk-like gaze tracked their every move. Rose maintained a carefully composed smile while Lillian nearly bounced out of her seat. Caleb gave Jane's waist a reassuring squeeze.
When Jane leaned in for the customary cheek kiss, Rose subtly recoiled—a slight Xavier didn't miss. Lillian immediately enveloped Jane in an enthusiastic hug.
"You must be Jane! I'm Lillian—your sister-in-law! Oh my God, I'm so excited!"
Jane returned the hug, momentarily startled. "Me too, uh..."
"Lillian!" the younger woman supplied.
"Right! Caleb's told me so much about you," Jane lied smoothly.
Lillian gasped. "Really? Caleb never talks about anyone!"
"That's enough, Lillian," Rose cut in, her disapproval evident. "Let the poor girl sit."
Xavier's attention zeroed in on Jane's diamond wedding band as they settled at the table.
Caleb made formal introductions. "Uncle Xavier, this is my wife, Jane Lockwood."
Xavier's gaze sharpened. "Jane?" he repeated, the name dripping with skepticism.
Jane extended her hand with practiced grace. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you."
"The pleasure is mine," Xavier countered, his firm handshake belying his tone. His convincing smile made Jane question everything Caleb had warned her about.
As dinner commenced, the tension thickened. Jane focused on engaging with Lillian while remaining hyper-aware of Xavier's penetrating stare.
"So," Xavier began, leaning back, "how did you two meet?"
"At an art gallery," Jane answered automatically.
Xavier feigned surprise. "Caleb? Interested in art?"
"People change, Uncle," Caleb countered coolly.
Xavier's eyes narrowed. "What's Caleb's favorite food?"
Jane hesitated just a beat too long. "He's been... expanding his palate recently."
Lillian jumped in. "They're still learning about each other! It's a new marriage!"
"Lillian," Rose snapped, "don't interrupt your elders." Despite her disdain for Xavier, she clearly enjoyed watching him grill Jane.
Undeterred, Lillian turned to Caleb. "Now that you're married, do I finally get unlimited shopping privileges? My own credit card?"
Rose's glare could have frozen lava. "That's enough."
"But Mom, isn't that why you wanted Caleb to marry Stella?" The words tumbled out before Rose could stop them.
"I said enough!" Rose's fork clattered against her plate. "Marriage isn't something to enter lightly with just anyone."
Xavier hid a smirk behind his wine glass—at least Rose's disapproval aligned with his interests.
As dinner progressed, Caleb noted Xavier's growing irritation. His uncle had been so certain of victory, already spreading rumors about his impending takeover. Now those plans were crumbling.
"Caleb," Xavier said with false warmth, "I'm relieved to see you settled. Though I recall you swore off marriage after... what was her name again?"
Caleb's jaw clenched. "Ancient history."
"Ah yes—Stella. You never really got over her, did you?"
"That's enough," Caleb growled.
Jane remained silent, surprised by the pang of jealousy she felt. She'd seen how Caleb looked at Stella in those photos—with a tenderness he'd never shown her. If only Marcus had ever looked at her that way...
Xavier pressed on, enjoying Caleb's discomfort. "After that heartbreak, I never thought you'd risk love again."
Rose added fuel to the fire. "It's not too late for second chances."
"But Caleb's married now!" Lillian protested before wilting under her mother's glare.
The car ride home was tense. Jane didn't mention the disastrous dinner, and Caleb only muttered something about better preparation next time.
Back at the house, Caleb appeared at Jane's bedroom door with a document. "Sign this," he demanded, his voice icy.
The contract's terms were brutal:
Total commitment to destroying Dragon Corporation
Separate bedrooms (already established)
No interference in each other's personal lives
No scandals (especially infidelity)
Jane scanned the document, her heart sinking. "Really?"
"Problem?" Caleb challenged.
She signed with a flourish. "Happy now? Just remember—these rules go both ways. Clean up your unfinished business too. Whether it's first loves or one-night stands."
Caleb flinched at the mention of Stella. "Stay out of my past."
"Don't worry," Jane said with forced lightness. "I've got enough problems of my own." Her mind was already racing with plans for dealing with Marcus and Abigail.
As Caleb left, Jane's facade crumbled. She stared at the closed door, wondering how she'd gotten herself into this mess—and how she'd possibly survive it.