Chapter 6

I kissed Jordan's forehead almost immediately and promised without hesitation: "Okay! Mommy will definitely pick you up." His face instantly broke into a big smile, dispelling the gloom of previous days. He waved his little hands happily, showing the affection I'd longed for: "Mommy, I like you best." Hearing this, my heart felt tightly squeezed, and my eyes involuntarily grew moist. Since Joey's appearance, our relationship had been strained to the breaking point. But seeing my son's clear eyes now, I suddenly felt that even just for him, I should try harder to make him trust and love me deeply again. Sebastian sat nearby, his gaze gentle and deep, seemingly also relieved by our reconciliation. He glanced at me, then patted Jordan's shoulder: "Let's go, kiddo. We should head out, don't make Mommy worry." Jordan nodded cheerfully and followed Sebastian out, his little backpack on his back. I stood at the door watching them leave, warmth still lingering in my heart. But when I closed the door and regained my composure, facing the empty house, a deep sense of hollowness slowly crept over me. After marrying Sebastian, I became a full-time homemaker. All household chores were my responsibility – cleaning, laundry, cooking, organizing belongings for my child and husband. Each day repeated these mundane tasks. Entering the living room, I saw the breakfast dishes scattered messily over the table and milk stains on the tablecloth, my mood instantly sinking. I knew as a housewife, this was all my duty. But now, I felt my inner dissatisfaction and anxiety with unusual clarity. After finishing the chores, exhausted, I leaned back on the sofa, gently massaging my aching shoulders. Jordan's words still echoed in my mind: "Mommy Joey has a racing certificate! She’s really cool; everyone likes her!" I smiled bitterly, a wave of deep inferiority and helplessness washing over me. Compared to Joey, what was I? She had a respectable job, excellent social connections, even dazzling looks and experiences. And me? I was just an ordinary housewife, my diploma gathering dust, never truly having worked. Apart from cooking and caring for the family, I had almost nothing. Thinking this, my heart ached sharply as if pricked by needles. I took out my phone and opened a job search site without hesitation. It was full of glamorous positions, but most required extensive work experience. Someone like me, disconnected from society for years, had almost no chance. Unwilling, I kept scrolling, only to end up helplessly pausing at an ad for a nanny position. Smiling self-mockingly, I couldn't even fully win over my own child's heart; how could I take care of someone else's? Frustrated, I threw the phone down. Jordan's words surfaced again in my mind, his dismissive yet innocent tone making me feel suffocated. I had to do something to change this situation; I couldn't stay stagnant forever, waiting to be abandoned. The phone's sharp ringtone shattered this downward spiral. Sebastian. Deep breath. Answer. "Haley, I need you." He cut straight to the point, tension in his voice. "There's a crucial USB device at home. Black with silver stripes. Bring it. Now." My eyes darted to the clock. Pick-up time was approaching. "Can't someone else—?" "No. Sensitive data. You bring it." His tone brooked no argument. "I'll pick up Jordan. Hurry." Panic erupted. Breaking my promise to Jordan again. He'd think I didn't care. Couldn't Sebastian see how devastating this was? Helplessness tasted bitter. "Fine. I'm leaving." I took a deep breath and stepped into the lobby of Steele Industries. The building was imposing. Gleaming marble floors reflected my image. I wore simple clothes, too rushed for even makeup. I sighed inwardly; coming here always made me feel inexplicably inferior. This inferiority shadowed me like a ghost, constantly reminding me of the vast gap between Sebastian and me. I approached the reception desk, trying to contain my unease: "Hello, I'm here to see Sebastian Steele. He's expecting me." The receptionist looked up, impatience evident. "Do you have an appointment?" I paused, then shook my head. "Sorry, no. But I'm his wife. He sent me to bring a USB." "You?" The receptionist stared, clearly stunned, her eyes sweeping over me before a scornful smile appeared. "Ma'am, please don't joke. How could you be our CEO's wife? Look at yourself... you seem better suited to be a cleaner?" Her words stabbed into my chest like sharp knives. My face burned, humiliated and embarrassed. My heart raced. I wanted to retort but was too ashamed to speak. "I... I really am his wife," my voice turned hoarse, pleading for her recognition. "This USB is really important. Please just notify him." "Ma'am, please stop causing trouble. If you don't leave, I'll have to call security." Her tone grew sharper. She gestured towards nearby security. Humiliation intensified. The strange looks from surrounding employees seemed to mock me silently. Suddenly, my phone rang – Sebastian's name. I answered immediately. "Haley, are you at the company? I need that USB urgently." His voice held clear agitation. "I... I'm here, but the receptionist stopped me." I fought to keep my voice steady, hiding my distress. A second of silence on the line, then his voice, fury restrained: "Dammit! Wait right there. I'm coming down." In under a minute, the elevator doors opened. Sebastian strode out quickly. His handsome face was dark, radiating authority as he marched toward reception. "Who gave you the right to stop my guest?" Sebastian's voice was icy and furious. The air in the lobby froze. The receptionist paled, standing up terrified. "S-sorry, sir, I didn't know she really was Mrs.—" "Let there be a next time, and you're gone." He cut her off coldly, his gaze sweeping the watching staff like a declaration of ownership. He walked to me, his expression instantly softening. He gently pulled me close. "Come. Let's go to my office." "Alright? Haley? My mistake." He said as we entered his office. I didn't reply. My eyes locked onto the family photo on his desk – Sebastian, Jordan at one year old, and me. I felt safe. Suddenly, he embraced me from behind. His look turned dangerous. He immediately pressed me onto the desk. "Haley, I just remembered... we haven't... tested this out in my office..." He pushed my skirt up to my waist from behind, pressed close. I could feel him harden. But my eyes caught the time on the computer. "No!" I struggled. "Jordan's getting out of school soon." "Relax. I called Mom. She'll handle it." He gripped my waist, breathed against my neck. I began to tremble. "Haley, you drive me crazy." He repeated. He prepared to unzip but was interrupted by a knock. "Sir? The meeting is starting." I scrambled up instantly, pushing him away. "Bastard!" I feigned anger. "Haley, I just missed you." He straightened his clothes, kissed me. "You can go home and wait for Jordan." I nodded. After confirming my clothes were in order, I left the office. I saw their gossip-filled stares and quickened my pace. In the taxi home, the sense of ease vanished, replaced by Catherine. Jordan was there. The thought twisted like barbed wire. Why did she seem like the default choice? The house was oppressively silent and still. I collapsed onto the living room sofa. Time crawled. Too quiet. Too empty. The phone rang sharply – Catherine's name flashing like a warning light. I answered, dread unfurling. "Haley!" Her hysterical voice sliced through the line. Screams echoed in the background. Sirens. The screech of burning tires. "Get to Saint Mary's Hospital now! Jordan... Joey's car... It's terrible!" I was completely lost.