A smug, superior smile spread across his face.
"So you've finally figured it out. Without my protection, you can't survive in this city. Your only option is crawling back to the countryside to slop pigs."
"Tell you what. If you wash all of Shirley's underwear by hand in front of everyone here, I'll forgive you. Tomorrow, we go register the marriage like nothing happened."
He had his assistant bring out a small basket. There had to be at least a dozen pairs inside.
My entire life, my family had guarded these hands like they were made of glass. They'd never let me do so much as a household chore.
I stared at him in disbelief.
"Neil Sanchez, is your brain screwed on backwards? Every word out of your mouth is garbage."
"You two spent my wedding night kissing and sleeping together, and now you want me to wash her underwear?"
"Let me make one thing clear: even if you chopped Shirley Cobb into pieces and sold her by the pound, she still wouldn't be worth me lifting a finger!"
Neil's face went cold instantly.
"Who told you to humiliate Shirley in front of everyone yesterday? This is the compensation you owe her!"
"Drop the act. How much do you even make teaching calligraphy classes all day? I promised you the position of Mrs. Sanchez. Don't bite the hand that feeds you!"
"This is the anniversary gift Shirley wants most, and I'm going to give it to her!"
As he spoke, he pulled out a bamboo calligraphy brush and sneered.
"Kathryn, I believe this means a lot to you. Am I right?"
"If you don't want me to snap it in half right now, you'll do exactly as I say."
My fists clenched instantly.
That brush wasn't worth much money, but it was the last birthday gift my father ever gave me.
He'd made it with his own hands.
Shortly after that, he died in a car accident.
I drew a deep breath and forced the words through my teeth.
"Fine. I'll wash them."
Then I bent down and picked up the plastic basin they'd prepared, my expression blank.
"Can I go to the bathroom to fill this up now?"
Only then did Neil curl his lips in satisfaction.
"Good girl. Keep Shirley happy, and I'll give it back. I'll even restore your old lifestyle."
He posted his bodyguards at the door to make sure I couldn't run.
Water rushed from the faucet, reflecting my ice-cold eyes.
I pressed the hidden button on the back of my mechanical watch.