The Housewife's Return To Her Alluring Prime - Chapter 8: Chapter 8

From what I knew about Jared, work consumed most of his attention, Yvonne took up half of what was left, and Tracy got the rest. To him, I was basically invisible. It was time to kick my divorce plans into overdrive.
When I got home, the servants were still up. They saw me and quickly rushed over to greet me.
The two servants, Wendy and Joyce, Wendy and Joyce, both in their early forties, were incredibly hardworking. With them around, the house stayed spotless.
"Mrs. Holcomb, I made oatmeal. Have a bowl before bed?" Wendy offered, stepping forward.
"Sure, thanks," I said with a smile. Staying healthy was also my focus right now. I was determined to boost my energy, get in shape, and feel great from the inside out.
Wendy was an amazing cook. Her oatmeal tasted just as good as any store-bought stuff. I had some, but couldn't finish it all. I suggested she share the rest with Joyce.
I doubted Jared or Yvonne would be home tonight. Tracy was really something. Not only had she stolen my husband, but she'd also had Yvonne under her control.
Last time around, I'd fixated on her like she was the root of all evil. We'd barely spoken, but she still drained me. I died in my fifties, totally exhausted.
I knew all too well how destructive overthinking and emotional burnout could be. Those toxic people and drama were like a dark cloud hovering over me, blocking out every ray of joy and hope.
I was done letting anyone's negativity trap me like a prisoner. From now on, I was going to do what made me happy.
Late that night, I was fast asleep when I barely heard Jared and Yvonne return. For a moment, it seemed like someone's footsteps had stopped right by my bed, then moved away.
The next morning, a warm little body wormed under the covers with me. "Mom, still sleeping? You have to take me to school," Yvonne said, yanking my arm.
I realized I'd turned off my alarm—no wonder I was running late. "Ask your dad to give you a ride. I'm swamped today," I said.
Yvonne was my flesh and blood, so I still spoke to her kindly. But I'd withdraw my love gradually. Once she was old enough to understand, I'd stop taking care of her.
"Mom, what could you possibly be busy with?" Yvonne frowned. "You don't even have a job, and with two servants here, you're so free."
I sat up, and she waved a long box in front of my face. "Dad got this for you last night. Wanna open it?"
I lifted the lid. Inside was a diamond necklace, with a purple gem pendant.
"Who helped him pick it out?" I asked quietly.
"Of cour—" Yvonne paused. "Tracy helped pick it out. She's super gorgeous and has great taste." Jared had probably prepped her to keep things casual, for she was holding back from gushing.
"You like her a lot?" I asked, locking eyes with her.
Yvonne, sharp but still a kid, nodded. "Don't get mad, okay? Tracy's Dad's work partner. She's nice to me because I'm his precious daughter."
I almost laughed. Even at her age, she knew more than she was letting on. Tracy was not just a work partner—she was Jared's sweetheart, plain and simple.
"Let go. I'll get ready and take you," I said. She was still my kid, and I wouldn't shirk the basics.
"Mom, can you carry me to the bathroom and fix my hair?" Yvonne asked, sounding lazy.
I frowned but lifted her up, carrying her to the bathroom.
She clung to my neck, her voice sweet. "Mommy, I don't hate you for slapping me last time. So why are you still frowning?"
I started braiding her hair. "I'm glad you don't hate me. And I'm not angry."
Yvonne nodded, grabbed a little bath toy, and started playing with it.
Once her hair was done, I got ready myself. I opened the closet, picked out a white skirt suit, and braided my hair into a side ponytail. The whole look gave off a cool, stunning vibe.
Yvonne's eyes went wide. "Mom, you look so pretty today. Why didn't you wear stuff like this before?"
"From now on, I will," I said, grabbing my bag and taking her downstairs.
Jared was by the door on a call, his face as calm as ever. While talking, he glanced up at me on the stairs—his gaze paused for a moment, as if caught off guard.
Wendy had laid out a big breakfast, and now she was helping feed Yvonne.
I sat at the table and ate slowly, lost in thought. In my previous life, I'd wake up at 6:30 and spend an hour cooking breakfast. After wolfing down my meal, I'd drop Yvonne off at school wearing comfy, worn-out clothes.
I thought I'd touched everyone's hearts—turns out, I'd only impressed myself. We were loaded, and hiring two helpers was pocket change. But back then, I just couldn't stop giving.
Jared finished his call, walked over, and sat next to me. "There's an executive lunch at noon. Wanna come?"
I shook my head right away. "I've got plans."
Jared turned to me, his eyes sharp. "What plans? Eat with someone again?"
"Nah, I've got a lesson with a teacher," I said flatly.
"What lesson?" Jared sounded taken aback.
Yvonne slurped her gruel, piping up, "Mom, didn't you always bug Dad to let you visit his office? This is your chance, so why not go?"
Her words hit me hard—why was I being so stubborn? Jared rarely ever invited me to work events. And avoiding Tracy wasn't like me at all. I switched gears. "Okay. Where's the lunch? I'll make it."
Jared frowned. "You just said you had a lesson. You didn't even check with me first."
I let out a small laugh. "I never checked with you about anything, remember?"
Jared looked anything but pleased, as if he thought I was being an irrational, dramatic wife.
I said, "The house's fine with the servants. I want to take dancing and violin again. I hired an Englysian tutor, too. And soon I'm getting a job."
"Why work?" Jared clearly had a problem with it. "We don't need you to bring in extra cash."
"I don't want to be a lazy housewife anymore." I held his gaze, firm. "I want my own career. I hope you'll support that."
Jared tossed his fork onto the table and stood up. "No way."
My face stiffened; I didn't say a word, but the look said it all.
Jared continued, "Your job is taking care of the house and Yvonne. If you need cash, just ask."
He pulled a card out of his pocket and dropped it on the table. "Spare card. Use it."
I stared at the card, a small laugh slipping out. No doubt my defiance had gotten under his skin.
He'd told his friends I was low-maintenance and family-focused—the kind of wife who'd stay home without complaining, but could also shine when we went out.
To him, being his full-time wife was my job, and I was supposed to nail that role without ever wanting more. What I said was threatening his little kingdom. And he wasn't about to let that happen.
Yvonne jumped right in, taking his side. "Mom, Dad's super busy with work. Why stress him out? Your job is just to take care of me. Dad makes more than enough money."
After a brief pause, she yelled angrily, "You're being selfish with this job stuff. You've been ignoring me. I was gone two days, and you didn't even call to check on me. You're not a good mom."
I slammed the bowl in my hand onto the floor. The crash echoed—silencing the room for a long, tense second.
Wendy and Joyce were also startled. They quickly rushed over to clean up the mess.
I turned to Jared, my eyes sharp. "I said I don't want to be stuck at home as a housewife. I want a job. If you're not okay with that, we're getting a divorce."
In my first life, Jared had threatened divorce a hundred times, but I'd clung to him for Yvonne's sake, begging him to stay. Now, the word rolled off my tongue like it was nothing. Finally, I was in control.
"Say that again?" Jared's eyes locked onto mine—calm on the surface, but I could see the storm brewing.