Chapter 16
From the day they registered their marriage, Harrison changed Roxanne’s contact name in his phone to “My Wife Roxanne”, afraid he might forget her name or something.
Among the top guns in the company, everyone was taken aback to find out he was married, apart from Alexander.
Harrison scrunched his face up in annoyance when he got interrupted and hung up the call, “Carry on.”
Roxanne called again, worried about Chloe’s situation. This time, Harrison picked up, his tone a bit sharp, “Can you quit calling me every five minutes? I’m swamped right now, we talk when I’m home.”
People started gossiping that he might not be too fond of his new bride, why else would he keep her a secret and talk to her like that? Roxanne was an independent gal. Asking her husband for help felt a bit off, even more so when he hung up before she could say anything.
Maybe he really was busy and she shouldn’t have disturbed him. Phone in hand, she started thinking of other ways to help Chloe. Just then, Harrison called her back. Wasn’t he busy? Why was he calling again?
Roxanne pondered for a bit before picking up.
“What was it you wanted to talk about? Harrison asked.
He couldn’t fathom why he’d called back. After hanging up on her, he wondered if something urgent had come up that she’d called twice in a row. Normally, he could have easily brushed her off and gone back to his meeting. But he didn’t.
Worried she might have run into some trouble, he felt a twinge of anxiety during the meeting, so he stepped out and called her back. Since he’d called back, Roxanne figured he’d made time for her. She didn’t want to waste it, so she cut to the chase and told him about Oliver’s situation.
“Oliver’s a bad egg. You shouldn’t expect me to help him out,” Harrison said. People like Oliver deserved what they got. Being in the clink was his own doing
“I know. Oliver got what he deserved. But Chloe’s mother-in-law and sister-in-law said if Oliver doesn’t come back, they won’t help with the kid, and she can’t work then, Roxanne replied.
“Well, she could just stay home and look after her kid, with her husband making money, she doesn’t have to work,” Harrison retorted. Roxanne’s emotions became agitated, and she said, “So you think women should just stay home and take care of the family and kids? They should be stuck at home being housewives for the kids’ sake?”
Harrison calmly responded, “She’s the mother, if her mother-in-law won’t help, then it’s her responsibility to take care of the kid. That’s just how it is. I won’t pull strings for someone I barely know.”
Roxanne felt suffocated. Not because Harrison had refused, but because he thought it was only natural for her to take care of the kids. Were women just meant to stay home and raise kids?
“You’re right, you have no obligation to help my friend. But you shouldn’t be biased against women. You know nothing about Chloe’s situation. She’s been busting her hump at home raising the kids, only for Oliver to complain about her being a stay-at-home wife and even have eyes for other women. If Chloe doesn’t work and waits until he finds someone else and asks for a divorce, she’ll realize she can’t even support herself. She has her reasons for working, and she shouldn’t just be expected to stay home and take care of the kids, which is also Oliver’s responsibility”
With that said, Roxanne was still upset. She quickly regained her composure, her voice cold, ‘Forget I ever asked for your help, I figure something else out.”
After hanging up, Roxanne was still fuming. Did all men think that women should make sacrifices for their families? That raising kids was only a woman’s job? She didn’t expect Harrison to share that view. If he really did, there was no way she’d have kids with him.
Just as she was stewing in her anger, Harrison called again.
“Aren’t you busy?” Roxanne suppressed her anger, her voice icy cold, “Do your thing, don’t worry about me.”
Harrison’s tone was much softer, “I was out of line earlier, I didn’t understand your friend’s situation. She really is having a tough time, Isn’t she?”
Roxanne didn’t respond, perhaps she was still mad at him. He could tell she was still peeved, his voice got even softer, “I’m sorry, are you still mad?”
He continued, “What I meant was men should be the breadwinners, providing for their wives and kids, not making their wives run around. I wasn’t implying that women should just be housewives.”
Harrison realizing his mistake and apologizing so quickly surprised Roxanne. She wasn’t mad at him anymore, “It’s okay, I accept your apology.”
Harrison breathed a sigh of relief. She wasn’t mad anymore, the weight on his chest lifted, “Oliver will be home today. I’ve already talked
to someone.”
“Just like that?” Roxanne was surprised.
In theory, he did save a big-shot lawyer who could get Oliver out in a jiffy. But that big shot was a well-known lawyer in Seraphim Haven, probably swamped with work. Even if Harrison asked for a favor, it would take time, right? But it was all sorted out in less than two minutes?
Roxanne couldn’t help but exclaim, “That big-shot lawyer you saved, he sure does respect you!”
Harrison replied nonchalantly, “Well, I did him a solid.”
“But even if you helped him, he’s a big deal, a real hotshot in Seraphim Haven, he must be super busy.”
“He is indeed busy. Guess he just had a free moment to lend a hand.”
As Roxanne was still pondering, Harrison thought for a moment and asked again, “Roxanne, you mentioned Oliver has a thing for some other woman. Is that woman you?”
Huh? Why was he suddenly asking her this? Roxanne was taken aback. How did Harrison know?
“You… how did you know?” She asked in surprise
How could Harrison possibly know so clearly? He had met Oliver only twice, and both times were during her squabbles with Oliver like they were archenemies. Under such circumstances, how could Harrison tell that Oliver had a thing for her?
Roxanne could not help but question Harrison’s insight. Such perception was really something!
Harrison chuckled sarcastically, “No wonder!”
“No wonder what?” Roxanne held the phone, asking curiously.
