“My sister doesn’t owe you. Why should my sister fork out the money to ease your mom and sister’s craving for seafood? Hank, I might not have worked and contributed financially to the family in the three-odd years we have been married, I have sacrificed a lot for the family. Without me behind you, do you think you’d find success in your career without any worries?“I won’t buy the seafood if you don’t give me the money. Don’t forget to pay for the labor cost too. You said it yourself. We’re going halves. I have no obligation to cook for your mom and sister, but if you insist, you should pay for the manual labor. “Since we’ve been married for three years, I’ll only charge you two hundred bucks for it.” Hank yelled on the phone. “All you know is spend money and eat. You'll eat yourself to death! What did you do for the family? I have seen no sacrifice on your part. I got to where I am today because of my hard work. Don’t try to take credit for it.“What do you mean labor cost? Isn’

Chelsea had her parents’ help to look after the children and do the school run while Liberty had to become a full-time housewife without any help. Liberty’s dependency on Hank’s income gave the Browns an excuse to put the screws on her. Mrs. Brown and Chelsea waited for a while before Liberty returned with Sonny. Serenity emerged behind the mother and son. Serenity was carrying a bag of seafood bought from the market. Mrs. Brown and Chelsea wanted to have a go at Liberty when she arrived, but the sight of Serenity at the back made them hold their tongues. After the domestic violence incident, Mrs. Brown and Chelsea went to look for Serenity but had to flee from Serenity’s harsh tirade. Since then, they were haunted by Serenity’s presence. “Sonny.” Mrs. Brown quickly put on a smiling face as she went forth to pick Sonny up from his stroller. “Oh, Sonny. I miss you so much.” Holding her grandson up, Mrs. Brown planted kisses on both sides of his cheeks. “Gwanma.” Sonn

Sonny did not stop with just one box. Soon, his toys were scattered all over the living room floor. Not too pleased with the mess, Chelsea shouted, “Liberty, come out and tidy up the living room. Sonny threw his toys everywhere.” Liberty walked to the kitchen door and checked out the situation in the living room before replying, “Sonny can play for a while more. I’ll clean up later.” She then went back to work in the kitchen. Sonny was at a hyperactive age, going from one thing to the next every few minutes. He turned the living room upside down. Furrowing her brows, Chelsea walked to the kitchen door and leaned against the door frame. She asked, “Liberty, what did you give your sister to take away? It’s a big bag. I hope you’re not giving her the things Hank bought. “Hank works hard for the family, and it’s tiring. Your sister’s married. She has her own family. Get that in your head and don’t just leave all the good stuff to your sister.” Liberty turned back to glare a

Serenity was a fast eater. She would finish her meal quickly and take over Liberty’s tasks so Liberty could eat. As for the in-laws, they were only concerned about filling their own bellies. They did not care about Liberty. It was as though Liberty would not feel hungry. “Mom, have some shrimp.” Hank helped his mom to a few shrimps before saying to his sister, “Have some more, Chelsea. They’re all your favorites.” Feasting on the crab, Chelsea uttered, “We didn’t get the Alaskan King Crabs this time. These crabs are tiny. They don’t have much meat. I don’t get much taste out of them.” The disdain in her voice was apparent. Hank fell silent for a while before responding, “I’ll take you out to a fancy hotel next time.” “Hotel food is expensive. Your money doesn’t grow on trees. Just wire me the cash next time. I’ll buy the food for Liberty to cook.” Chelsea made it out as if she was doing her brother a favor. “Sounds good.” Since Hank only had to give a bit of money

Although Chelsea had a clear idea of what was going on, she did not do right by Liberty. No matter how highly educated a woman was, she would be bound by marriage and a relationship once she walked down the aisle and had children. Anyone would hate to be in the woman’s shoes. “I have talked to Liberty about it, Chelsea. She refuses to help.” It was not something Hank could promise to make happen. Since the case of domestic violence, the husband and wife had not kissed and made up. Since Hank had Jessica, the only thing on his mind was to keep his lover happy while the hag at home was not worth his time. Liberty seemed to have grown a spine too. She used to back down but refused to do that now. The couple’s marriage came to a standstill. They lived together but slept in separate rooms. They went on with their own lives. The couple did not talk to each other unless it was about the child. “Why can’t she help out on this tiny matter? I’m not asking her to do it for free.