Chapter 7 What Does That Have To Do With Me

• Dominic had an inkling of what was troubling her, so he continued, “Head to the bedroom and open the drawer. Inside, you will find a box. Please bring it to me.”
• Calliope nodded obediently and did as told. Indeed, her fingers brushed against an ornate wooden box at the very back of the drawer. The gorgeous wooden box had been intricately carved with skillful precision, and it emitted a pleasant aroma that was inviting.
• Calliope opened the box to discover a few pieces of sparkling gold jewelry inside. There was a necklace, a pair of earrings, and a ring. However, the piece that truly caught the eye was a gold and emerald bracelet. The emerald gemstones were embedded in between the gold and had a translucent shimmer that made it look truly exquisite.
• Calliope's eyes widened in disbelief as she turned to Dominic.
• “Uh...”
• “I didn't give you anything for our wedding,” Dominic drawled as he retrieved the jewelry, examining them one by one with a casual air. “I wanted to make it up to you, so here you go. Do you like them?”
• Calliope's hands balled into fists underneath the table before she slowly uncurled her hands. Feeling nervous, she stole a glance at Dominic's detached expression and felt a wave of warmth surge through her chest.
• The jewelry was perfect. She couldn't find fault with any of them.
• How did he get the jewelry, though?
• Seeing through her, Dominic chuckled softly. “Don't worry. I didn't steal or snatch these. They were obtained legally!”
• Calliope's face flushed bright red.
• How can I suspect my husband?
• “Keep them.” Dominic closed the lid of the box and gently pushed it toward her as he held her gaze. “This is everything I can offer you, and I don't have anything else in my possession. We're now married, so you will be taking charge of the household and managing the finances.”
• “Dominic, I—”
• “One more thing,” he interjected. “I won't be keeping you company on your visit. Please apologize to your family on my behalf.”
• Calliope quickly heaved a sigh of relief and relaxed at his words.
• “Mm, okay.” She gave him a smile. “I won't keep you. I can handle everything myself!”
• Dominic shook his head at her relieved expression and laughed inwardly. How interesting. My wife shows her emotions on her face, so she cannot hide anything from me. No wonder she gets bullied easily!
• He was suddenly struck with a thought, and his hand holding his fork froze in midair.
• His heart stirred. What if her family bullies her when she visits them? Wait a minute. What does that have to do with me?
• Dominic couldn't think straight. He ate a few bites hastily, not tasting a thing, and then grabbed his jacket from the closet and rushed out the door.
• Calliope didn't know where he was going. She cleaned the house for a bit and left to take the bus. On the way, she received a call from Serena Walker. Answering the call, she was immediately bombarded with a stream of words from Serena, who seemed to have a lot to say. Even when the bus finally reached its destination, Serena was still chatting away as Calliope hopped off the bus.
• “How could you be so simple-minded? You're paying your family a visit today! How can your husband possibly refuse to come along with you? Does he really care about you or your marriage?”
• Calliope merely chuckled innocently in response.
• Serena was her senior, two years older than her, but they had been best friends since their university years. Despite her rash attitude, she was liked by many.
• Serena didn't hold back in her scathing remarks. “He's poor and has nothing to his name, so he should thank his lucky stars that you were willing to marry him! I can't believe he's ungrateful enough to refuse to accompany you back home. He—”
• “That's enough!” Calliope hastily interjected as her lips twitched awkwardly. “I told him that he didn't have to keep me company. Besides, I'm planning on getting the money today. He'll discover the lie if he tags along.”
• Her words were met with silence from the other end of the line. A while later, Serena let out a heavy sigh. “Cally, you've sacrificed your entire life!”