Chapter 142

Chapter 142

1/5

“What’s wrong? Is there an earthquake? Is there a fire? What are you shouting

for?”

Abellyn took her sweet time exiting the room, completely unfazed by Ryder’s

bellows.

In truth, she had been awake for quite some time and had been watching

some video clips on the bed. She had enjoyed herself so much that she did

not realize it was already six o’clock.

Ryder pointed at her and bombarded her with questions. “You useless

woman! Didn’t I tell you to stay home so you could cook? Where’s the food?

Why is the kitchen so quiet?”

“You told me to stay home, and I did. Besides, I never agreed to cook. Why are

you so mad? It’s not too late to cook, anyway.”

Abellyn had no fear of Ryder, nor did she think the man would dare to hit her.

It’ll be better if he does. That’s domestic abuse. I’ll have a legal reason to

leave him, then.

“Y–You!”

Ryder was seething, and his fists were clenched tightly.

He never lost his temper when Abellyn played poker every day instead of

working, taking care of Tommy, or cooking meals.

However, it was Tommy’s birthday that day. Ryder could only get off work at

five thirty, and he had already invited Emmanuel and his wife for dinner to

celebrate Tommy’s birthday at six. By seven o’clock, the couple would leave.

And now, it was already past six, and Abellyn had not even prepared a single

dish. What will Manny and Ms. Quillen eat later?

“Why are you clenching your fists, huh? To hit me? Go on! Do it then!”

Abellyn continued provoking him, even though his face was already

contorted with anger. This coward wouldn’t dare to touch me. I’ll make sure

he completely submits today. That way, he wouldn’t dare to lash out at me in

the future.

Ryder never thought of hitting his wife, but her stubborn refusal to admit her

wrong was pushing his limits.

Fortunately, a knock sounded on the door right then.

“Ryder, Abellyn, are you guys at home? Mackenzie and I are here!”

Standing outside was a cheerful Emmanuel who wore a bright smile. After all,

it was Mackenzie’s first time visiting his relatives.

“Coming!” Ryder responded quickly before hissing at Abellyn, “I’ll deal with

you later!”

“Hah! Deal with me? What makes you think you can do that?”

Abellyn crossed her arms, her eyes gleaming with disdain. She was annoyed,

so instead of going to the kitchen, she sat on the couch in the living room

with her legs crossed.

“Manny, Mackenzie, I’m so sorry about this. Abellyn and I have just started

cooking since we just got home. I’m afraid you’ll have to wait for a little while.”

Ryder rarely lied, but he did not want to expose his family’s discord. Thus, he

lied to cover up his wife’s flaw. Manny and his wife will look down on Abellyn if

they find out about her character. I’d be the one humiliated when that

happens.

To Ryder’s horror, as he led Emmanuel and Mackenzie into the house, Abellyn

remained seated in the living room, the kitchen still in complete darkness. It

clearly did not look like anyone was cooking.

“Y–You! Why aren’t you cooking? Are you trying to p*ss me off?”

Ryder’s anger erupted. His face darkened as his features were

overshadowed by fury, and his fists clenched tightly again.

Abellyn was taken aback by his reaction. She half–pretended to leap up from

the sofa and hid behind it as if afraid her husband would abuse her.

“Ryder, calm down!” Emmanuel quickly stepped forward to stop Ryder from

doing anything rash. “It’s okay. I can help you guys. The food will be done in no

time.”

Mixed emotions–frustration, anger, exasperation-swirled in Ryder’s heart as

he sighed. “You guys are the guests. How could we make you cook?”

“It’s fine. I cook at home, too. Besides, you’re my cousin, not a random

stranger.”