My CEO husband, worth billions, only gave my daughter and me a $200 allowance each month. But the day his childhood friend returned, he showered her with a multi-million dollar luxury car and a mansion without a second thought. Later, when our daughter had a sudden heart attack and needed $100,000 for surgery to save her life, he accused me of finally showing my true colors. He had his bodyguards throw me out of his company. I watched helplessly as my daughter died on the operating table. Meanwhile, he boarded an international flight to travel the world with his childhood friend. It wasn’t until after I’d buried our daughter that my husband, Julian, returned from his trip. He found me, completely nonchalant. “Alright, you and Lily always wanted to go to an amusement park, right? I’ll take you both next week.” But he didn’t know that from the moment Lily died on that cold operating table, I was done with him. Our marriage was over. I was sorting through Lily’s belongings when my husband, Julian, finally strolled back home, freshly returned from his global escapade. “Claire, could you give me a shoulder rub? This trip absolutely exhausted me.” Hearing his voice, I, who used to adore him, said nothing. I just kept my head down, packing. Seeing I didn’t respond, Julian frowned, then a thought seemed to strike him, and he chuckled. “No way, my beautiful Claire, you’re not still jealous about me going on that trip with Cassidy, are you?” Cassidy was his childhood friend, someone he’d grown up with. To travel the world with her, Julian had abandoned our seriously ill daughter, leaving her to die tragically on a cold operating table. The memory of Lily’s eyes, slowly losing their warmth, felt like a spike piercing my chest. A sharp, unbearable pain. Before I could speak, Cassidy sauntered in, a look of false sympathy on her face. “Oh, Claire! It’s all my fault. I just had to drag Julian along for a relaxing trip.” “But don’t worry, we just traveled together. There’s really nothing going on.” She said it so casually, yet they were wearing matching outfits and matching rings, looking like a real couple as they strolled down the street. My own wedding ring? Julian had long since discarded it, God knows where. When I still didn’t say anything, Julian sighed, looking exasperated. “Alright, stop being mad. I’ll transfer an extra five hundred dollars for your allowance this month. Get Lily some good food.” “You know I’m good to you both, no need for thanks.” But as I stared at the transfer record on my phone, all I felt was bitter irony. He’d spent millions traveling with Cassidy, buying her designer brands without batting an eye. A single handbag could cost tens of thousands. And now, he was giving me five hundred dollars, acting as if it were the greatest gift. Cassidy stood by, barely suppressing a smile, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “Claire, five hundred dollars is a lot! Why don’t you thank Julian?” “I always say, kids should learn to live frugally from a young age. That way, they won’t grow up to be materialistic!” Yet, Julian wholeheartedly believed this absurd logic. To prevent our daughter from becoming greedy, he strictly controlled my and Lily’s expenses, giving us only two hundred dollars a month. I used to argue with him constantly, fighting for a better life for Lily. But now Lily was gone. Any words felt meaningless. Thinking this, I transferred the money right back. My voice was flat. “No need. I don’t want it.” Julian’s smile instantly froze. Then, he looked frustrated. “Claire, I’ve already apologized. What more do you want?” Before I could answer, Cassidy’s sneering voice cut in. “I bet she just thinks five hundred dollars is too little, doesn’t she?” “Honestly, Claire, with how petty you are, how can you be a good role model for Lily?” She lectured me from her high horse. Julian, too, looked at me with profound disappointment. “Claire, we’ve only been married a few years, and you’ve become so insatiable? “In a few more years, will you be asking for my family’s shares and assets too?” Hearing Julian’s accusations, I let out a self-deprecating laugh. So, after all this time, that’s what he thought of me. But my silence, in his eyes, became guilt. The next moment, Julian snapped, annoyed. “It seems Cassidy was right. You’re not a fit mother at all.” “Everything I do is to instill resilience in our daughter.” “If you keep this up, if Lily becomes as greedy as you, how will this family survive?” I looked at his self-righteous face and found it utterly ridiculous. His so-called resilience meant that if I asked for an extra twenty dollars for groceries, he’d lecture me for hours about coveting his family’s wealth. Even when Lily got good grades and wanted a small cupcake, he’d point a finger at her and scold: “Such strong desires at a young age! You’ll grow up to be a greedy woman!” “Your mother will spoil you rotten one day!” Thinking of this, I was about to tell him about Lily’s condition. “Julian, Lily, she’s already…” But before I could finish, Cassidy at the door suddenly let out a yelp. Julian immediately rushed to her side, completely forgetting about lecturing me. “Cassidy, what’s wrong?” Cassidy waved her hand dismissively. “Julian, I’m fine. Maybe just too much flying, my old back pain is acting up again.” “Don’t let me disrupt your family time.” Julian shook his head. “Your health is more important. I’ll take you to the hospital right now.” Just before leaving, Julian seemed to remember something. He turned back to me, sighing heavily. “Claire, let’s both cool down for a bit.” “When I get back, we can talk properly about taking Lily out next week.” But he didn’t know Lily was no longer alive, and I wasn’t waiting for him anymore.
Composing myself, I took the resignation letter I’d already drafted and headed straight to the company to handle my exit. All the way, colleagues whispered and pointed. “Isn’t that Claire? How does she still have the nerve to show her face here?” “Seriously. Who does she think she is? Last month, she dared to ask Julian for ten thousand dollars and he had security kick her out.” “With her salary, how many years would it take to earn ten thousand for Julian?” “Ha, ignore that clown. Let’s go…” Hearing those whispers, I gave a self-deprecating smile. Married for years, Julian had never announced our relationship. In fact, to avoid suspicion, he’d always kept me as a regular low-level employee. For years, I’d worked diligently, even pushing myself to the point of hospitalization after a particularly brutal negotiation, just to secure major deals for the company. I wanted to become exceptional, to make him acknowledge Lily and me. But every promotion application I submitted was rejected, again and again. Confused, I confronted him, seeking an explanation. He’d just smile, cling to my arm, and sweet-talk me: “Claire, this is all part of my plan to mold you. It’ll make you an even better wife and mother!” “Besides, isn’t it enough that I’m the only one earning? Do you think I can’t provide for you and Lily, or are you trying to climb the corporate ladder and take over my power?” I was speechless, believing he had his own reasons. But the day Cassidy returned, he mobilized dozens of luxury cars to greet her at the airport, the celebratory fireworks deafening. That very evening, Cassidy was parachuted into the company, straight into a VP position. Only then did I truly understand: the difference between love and indifference was stark. Given that, there was no point in continuing this ridiculous marriage. I submitted my resignation. Stepping out of the company, I expected to feel heavy-hearted. Instead, there was only lightness. For years, I’d been like a bird with clipped wings, trapped in a cage, experiencing nothing but oppression. Now, freedom stretched before me. I went to Lily’s grave. Before her small headstone, I carefully placed all her favorite toys. I stayed with her until deep into the night, then dragged my exhausted body home. To my surprise, when I opened the door, Julian, uncharacteristically, was waiting for me. “Do you even know what time it is? I thought you’d decided to stay out all night.” On the sofa, Julian sat with furrowed brows, arms crossed, looking thoroughly displeased. That expression was his signal for me to appease him. But I just found it strange. In the past, if Cassidy so much as got a tiny scratch on her finger, he’d be by her side, staying up all night. Yet today, Cassidy had landed in the hospital, and he wasn’t with her? It wasn’t my concern, and I couldn’t care less. I asked flatly: “Is there something you want?” My cold tone made Julian’s face stiffen. Before, no matter what happened, I always greeted him with a smile. But since he returned from his trip, I seemed to have transformed. I didn’t argue or fuss with him anymore. Even the warmth in my eyes when I looked at him was gone. This sparked a flicker of unease in him. He quickly said: “You’re still mad about me going out with Cassidy, aren’t you? I told you, it was just to clear my head.” “Didn’t Lily always say she wanted to go to the beach? Fine, once I’m less busy, I’ll take you and Lily. Is that good enough?” His attempt at reconciliation sounded more like a handout to me now. Lily and I were like two pets to him—amused when he was in a good mood, kicked aside when he wasn’t. Julian suddenly remembered something and looked at me, puzzled. “Hmm? Where’s Lily? I haven’t seen her since I got back.” “Did you send her to your mom’s house?” I stared at him in disbelief. He’d been back for two days, and he was just now asking about our daughter? He didn’t care about Lily at all. He didn’t care about this family. Before I could speak, Cassidy walked out of the bathroom, wearing my bathrobe.
Seeing me, Cassidy showed no embarrassment. Instead, she acted like the lady of the house, enthusiastically inviting me. “Claire’s here! Come in, sit down, don’t be a stranger.” My breath hitched. The words I was about to say caught in my throat. I looked at Julian on the sofa, confused. “What is she doing here?” Julian saw the change in my expression and looked a little guilty. “Cassidy hasn’t been feeling well lately, so I just moved her in to make it easier to take care of her. Don’t overthink it.” It dawned on me. No wonder Julian was home tonight – it was all for Cassidy. Julian even wore a relieved expression. “Good thing you sent Lily to your mom’s house already. Otherwise, with so many people here, it would be a bit inconvenient.” All I felt was sarcasm. He hadn’t noticed anything wrong with Lily’s absence. His only concern was Cassidy. Cassidy feigned remorse. “It’s all my fault, I’m disturbing your marital life. Claire, I’m just staying for a few days, you’re not mad, are you?” But her eyes were filled with triumph and provocation. Fearing I might make a scene, Julian quickly explained. “Claire, don’t worry, Cassidy and I already talked. She’ll just sleep on the couch. We promise not to disturb you.” But the next second, I saw profound tenderness in his eyes. How could he bear to let Cassidy sleep on a cold couch? If I hadn’t unexpectedly returned, he would surely be holding Cassidy tightly in his arms. Thinking this, I spoke. “If her back is bad, how can she sleep on the couch? She should sleep in the master bedroom.” Cassidy’s face instantly lit up. “Really? Claire, you’re so generous!” Julian also breathed a sigh of relief. “Claire, I’m so relieved you’re thinking this way. I was afraid you’d be jealous of Cassidy and make a huge scene again.” He thought I was finally being reasonable, that I wouldn’t argue over such a small matter. But I was leaving anyway. What did it matter where she stayed? As Julian gleefully pulled Cassidy, ready to move into the master bedroom, I quietly finished packing my luggage, preparing to go to a hotel. But just as I reached the door, Julian, who had suddenly come out of the master bedroom, saw me. He rushed over to stop me. “Claire, it’s so late. Where are you going?” I smiled faintly. “To make space for you and Cassidy, of course.” Hearing this, Julian’s face instantly turned ashen. He gritted his teeth. “Claire, what are you talking about?” “I already explained it clearly. Cassidy has back pain, so I brought her home for a few days. And you yourself agreed to let her stay in the master bedroom. What kind of stunt are you pulling now?” “Do you have no sympathy at all?” He lectured me endlessly, but I only found it laughable. I used to argue with him constantly over Cassidy, and he’d call me immature, unreasonable, and irrational. Now I was being reasonable and not arguing, and he was upset again. Cassidy then dabbed at her eyes with fake tears. “I knew Claire was still mad at me. It’s all my fault. I’ll just go, let me just die in the street.” Her acting was terrible, but Julian believed her. He pulled Cassidy behind him. “Cassidy, you’re staying right here tonight! Let’s see who dares to kick you out!” Then, crossing his arms, he coldly told me: “You’ve gotten bold, haven’t you? Go on, leave if you dare!” He was certain I loved him and wouldn’t really go. But from the moment Lily died, my love for him had completely vanished. I would never forgive him, not in this lifetime. I gave a cold laugh, picked up my suitcase, and walked straight out. Julian stood there, staring blankly at my retreating back, unable to snap out of it for a long time. It wasn’t until I was in the elevator that I heard Julian’s shout from behind me. “Go then! If you leave, don’t you dare come back!” But he didn’t know I truly wouldn’t turn back. He had lost me forever. At the hotel, I slept soundly all night. The next morning, I checked my phone to find dozens of missed calls, all from Julian. The last call was half an hour ago. I found it odd. Had he been awake all night? He always told me to be more understanding and argue less with Cassidy. But when had he become so petty? When I opened the door, Julian sat on a chair, his face drawn and haggard. The moment he saw me, his emotions flared. “Is this about me letting Cassidy stay at the house? Are you running away and quitting your job because of that?”
I didn’t answer directly. Instead, I frowned and asked: “How did you know I was here?” Julian’s voice was hoarse. “I checked your bank card transaction history.” It suddenly hit me. Not long after we got married, Julian had taken sole control of our finances, strictly managing my and Lily’s expenses. All the bank cards were in his name. Looks like I couldn’t use this bank card anymore either. But what puzzled me was why he was here. Shouldn’t he be at home taking care of Cassidy? Julian, uncharacteristically, gently took my hand. His voice was soft. “I know you’re still angry about last night.” “So this morning, as soon as Cassidy felt a little better, I sent her home immediately. Don’t worry, I made her sleep on the couch.” I looked at him, astonished. He never used to explain these things to me. Whenever I argued with him about them, he’d call me petty, saying a malicious person sees malice everywhere. But now that I wasn’t asking, he was babbling on and on. I found it irritating. I pushed him away, expressionless. “Are you done? Because if you are, I have a job interview to get to.” I’d sent out several resumes recently, and a few big companies had already extended offers. But as I was about to leave, Julian grabbed my arm, tears welling in his eyes. His voice trembled. “Claire, do you have to be so cruel?” “Cassidy and I grew up together. I just wanted her to have a good life. Am I wrong for that?” “Besides, haven’t I been good to you and Lily?” “All these years, every bit of your food, clothes, and expenses—didn’t I pay for it all?” “How can you do this to me after all my efforts?” Seeing his self-righteousness, I felt utterly disgusted. Because he only gave Lily and me two hundred dollars a month. It wasn’t even enough for food, let alone school or transportation… To ensure Lily had enough to eat, I worked three part-time jobs after my main job. That’s why, in the end, I couldn’t even scrape together the $100,000 for her surgery. I could only watch helplessly as she died on the operating table. Julian spoke softly now. “Claire, stop this. Just take Lily and come home with me. Let’s be a happy family of three, okay?” He looked at me with a pathetic, pleading gaze, but all I felt was scorn. Why should I have to be like a dog, doing whatever he wanted? Seeing my grim face, my silence, he grudgingly relented. “Okay… I’ll increase your and Lily’s allowance to five hundred dollars a month!” “Didn’t Lily say she wanted to go to the beach? We can leave today. Is that good enough?” “Look, I even bought her the swimsuit she’s been dreaming of.” He finished, looking at me expectantly. He believed the offer he’d made was enticing enough that I’d have no reason to refuse. But I gave a cold laugh. “You want to take Lily to the beach, do you?” “Then come with me.” Julian had no idea what was about to happen. He thought I’d forgiven him. Even after I drove him to the car, he was still grinning. “We’re not exactly newlyweds, and you’re still planning surprises for me?” “Alright, I’ll humor you. I’ll reluctantly come with you to see.” But when I pulled the car up next to Lily’s grave, Julian looked utterly confused. “Claire, weren’t you taking me to see Lily at your mom’s house?” “What are we doing in a place like this?” But the next second, when Julian saw our daughter’s photo on the gravestone in front of him, the swimsuit he’d bought for her immediately slipped from his hands and fell to the ground.
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