Chapter 22
Josiah was genuinely confused. The Bayers were influential in Jangasas, but not to the point where they could dig through small companies unnoticed. Using his status for that would attract too much attention. If it ended up being seen as him pressuring William Jenner and causing misunderstandings with someone… that could lead to trouble.
Josiah coughed and chuckled awkwardly. “Z, no problem, but I have to make one thing clear. If anyone starts spreading rumors about me having an affair with your darling and all that… you can’t believe them—Ow!” Fredric hit him on the head before he could finish.
…
Cordelia worked even harder during her second month on the job. She had learned the basics of navigating the workplace and figured out how to avoid Karine’s attention. She also knew how to protect herself from Jesse’s overt and subtle harassment by staying clear of him in the office.
Unfortunately, all this effort left her drained, and she was exhausted every day. After coming home, she would collapse on the couch, sometimes falling asleep until the middle of the night. When she woke up, she’d find a thin blanket draped over her, and Marcus sleeping beside her on the floor with his arm as a pillow. Though she had taken over the couch, he refused to sleep in her bed. Cordelia smiled, feeling both guilty and warm inside.
Once, Marcus had told her, “If the job is so tough, you might as well quit.”
“No way,” she had replied, glancing at him. “How else would we afford food and rent if I don’t work?”
“You actually care about money like this?”
“Money?” Cordelia had chuckled at the unexpected question. “Aren’t you rich? You wouldn’t know how expensive groceries are because you don’t buy them. My salary is barely enough for us… Sigh, if I don’t make more sales and earn that bonus, we’ll be in trouble soon!”
She had started referring to them as “we” now, without even realizing it.
Marcus laughed, feeling a little touched. It was a feeling he hadn’t experienced before. He teased her, “Weren’t you Ms. Jenner before you married me? Why does it seem like you’re reluctant to spend money? And now you’re working so hard… Doesn’t your family care that you’re struggling?”
Cordelia, who had been chopping vegetables, nearly cut herself, her heart racing. “W-What are you saying?” She smiled awkwardly, trying to brush it off. “Even though I’m from a rich family, I’m married now, and I have my own family. I can’t spend money recklessly anymore.”
“Really?” Marcus’ smile deepened as he approached her, inspecting her more closely. “The rich are still better off than regular folks. Even though you’re married and not a Jenner bachelorette anymore, your savings must be more than most people’s. You must’ve gotten some luxurious wedding gifts too. I haven’t seen any, though.”
Cordelia’s face flushed as she turned to look at him, her eyes shining with frustration.
“W-Why are you asking me all this? Have I starved you or mistreated you since we got married? Haven’t I treated you well? Are you suspecting I’m hiding money? Is that why you’re asking?” she stammered.
The sight of her getting flustered was endearing, and Marcus almost couldn’t hold back a laugh. As she lost her composure and looked down, her long lashes fluttering, the urge to comfort her grew stronger.
Had she not treated him well? One of them still slept on the couch, while the other slept in the bed. Was that not mistreatment?
Marcus stifled his laughter, coughing to regain his composure.
“I’m just joking. Why are you so worked up?”
Cordelia took a deep breath and puffed out her chest. “Worked up? Am I? Hah, I’m just joking! Not worked up at all!”
She turned back to continue cooking, but out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Marcus standing at the kitchen door, his gaze on her like needles on her back.
Trying to shake off the tension, she forced herself to focus on cooking. Normally, she was quick and efficient, but today she almost burned a simple dish.
Cordelia sighed quietly. If she wanted to keep the truth about being a substitute bride hidden, it seemed like she would have to keep pretending to be a rich Jenner.