Chapter 19
“The sales department is one of the most important departments in the company.” Karine purposely mocked Cordelia during the meeting. “If certain people are really untalented at sales, it’s best not to hog the seat and leave the opportunity to more capable people! Our company isn’t a retirement home. You all know better. People who haven’t closed a single deal and only make the basic salary should really consider a way out soon!”
Cordelia kept her head lowered, the frown between her brows remaining throughout the afternoon. When she finally returned home after a long and exhausting day, she was greeted by Marcus lounging on the couch, engrossed in his phone. The kitchen was empty, not a single glass of drinkable water to be found.
The frustrations Cordelia had been holding in finally broke through. “You… didn’t make dinner?” she asked, her voice tinged with disbelief.
Marcus glanced up, his gaze shifting away from the phone. The sight of Cordelia, slightly flushed and panting from her tiring day, caught his attention. Despite the question, there was no anger in her tone—just the kind of playful complaint a wife might make to her husband. Intrigued, Marcus’ gaze softened, and he found himself looking at her differently.
“What’s the matter?” he asked, standing up with a feigned innocence. “Haven’t you been the one cooking since we got married?”
Cordelia paused, biting her lip. Marcus’ towering presence, now standing in front of her, made her feel small and deflated. She wasn’t genuinely angry—she was simply frustrated. And because she was naturally gentle and tolerant, she wasn’t really blaming him, but…
“Mm, that’s right,” she said softly, her eyes cast downward. “I’ve been cooking all this while, but now I’m out working too. You… shouldn’t you share some of the chores? This isn’t just my home! I got home late today. Even if you don’t know how to cook, you could have at least prepared the ingredients. Are you depending on me for everything?”
Marcus raised an eyebrow. This was the first time he had seen Cordelia show any sign of temper since they got married. In truth, it wasn’t much—she was just grumbling—but the way she looked, trying to be angry yet holding back, made her seem incredibly endearing. He couldn’t resist teasing her a little.
“Oh,” he said, nodding. “So, you’re complaining that I’m not working and becoming a burden to you?”
“I…” Cordelia was taken aback by his response. Quickly, she tried to explain. “I didn’t mean it like that!”
Marcus stepped closer, a smirk forming on his lips, his eyes sparkling with playful affection. He didn’t even realize how his gaze softened.
“Then what did you mean?”
“Marcus…” she began, taking a deep breath as she looked him straight in the eyes. “Since I married you, my mind has been set on spending my life with you. You’re my husband. How could I ever despise you? Even if you don’t work again in your life, I can take care of you.”
As she spoke, her voice grew softer, and Cordelia began to wonder if what she was saying might hurt his ego. Men, especially those with past struggles like Marcus, had fragile egos. He probably wouldn’t like her mentioning the possibility of him not working.
“What are you saying?” Marcus chuckled, struggling to suppress a smile. “You’d take care of me?”
“Yeah, what’s wrong with that?” Cordelia replied, not backing down.
Marcus met her eyes, her gaze pure and unwavering. It struck him in a way he didn’t expect, a surge of affection and admiration.
“Although men are traditionally the breadwinners and women stay home…” Cordelia continued, “this isn’t a conservative society anymore. Women can work too. Who cares who earns the money for the family? But both of us should contribute. When we work together, we can overcome anything!”
Marcus paused for a moment, his lips curving into a smile. Cordelia might appear soft on the outside, but she was more opinionated than he realized. It was the first time he heard a woman express a desire to take care of a man, and the sentiment lingered in the air between them.