Chapter 8
As midday approached, with her stomach rembling, Morwenna tucked into what was essentially a brunch
She felt replete and satisfied, and her mood greatly improved.
She went to the yard, rolled up her sleeves, and got to work.
Weeding and filling the soil was no challenge for her.
The yard was lovely and spacious, although overrun with weeds.
Growing up in the mountains, Morwenna viewed anything that wasn’t a colorful flower or a crop as a weed
Weeds could hinder crop growth and had to be removed.
So, she diligently pulled out all the verdant weeds and tidied up the entire yard
She knew Stuart was testing her patience, but she wasn’t scared.
Norbert had wamed her about Stuart’s temper, and she felt she should be more patient with her husband.
After several hours of hard work, Morwenna called Zoe to find the only local supermarket in her area.
The market was in District 8, preserved at the demand of local elders.
Holding her groceries and eyeing the dwindling cash in her purse, Morwenna knew she needed a job.
She was responsible for buying groceries and cooking for Stuart. Given the high cost of living in Rosefrost Hollow and Stuart’s pampered nature, her funds were insufficient
Since she lived in Stuart’s house and used his furniture, she thought it was only fair for her to handle the groceries and cooking.
They were mamed, after all, and sharing household expenses was a natural part of that partnership.
Feeling like she was getting the better end of the deal, she resolved to earn money and treat Stuart to better meals.
Walking up to a fishmonger, she eagerly inquired, “Excuse me, sir, are you hiring someone to help with fish?”
The fish guy glanced up, somewhat surprised. “Sure, but you seem a bit too delicate for this kind of tough stuff, don’t you think?”
Ten minutes later, the fishmonger watched in awe as Morwenna skillfully filleted a carp
“if you want, I can slice them thinner,” she offered.
“That’s, um, that’s fine. But you know, the pay isn’t great here. Four thousand a month. Would you take that?”
“Absolutely! I’m more than willing!”
“Okay then, you’re on from next Monday.”
Morwenna left the fishmonger with a bounce in her step. The job was close to home and wouldn’t interfere with her duties to Stuart.
After returning to the house, she cheerfully made dinner, waiting for Stuart to come home.
The dinner cooled as the evening wore on, and there was no sign of Stuart.
Unable to resist, Morwenna nibbled on a bread roll to stave off her hunger, then stepped outside to toward the gate.
She decided to get Stuart’s mobile number to check when he’d be home for meals
After a long afternoon, sitting down made her eyelids heavy, and she drifted off to sleep.
When Stuart finally arrived at midnight, he brought a sharp, almost metallic scent.
wait
on a garden bench, gazing
He was surprised to find the house lights on, casting a warm yellow glow at night, and even more so to see someone waiting for him.
His footsteps woke Morwenna
Rubbing her eyes, she smiled at him. “You’re back, Stuart. I’ve cleaned up the yard.”
His stem look softened momentarily, then turned puzzled as he asked, “Did you pull out the orchids?”
“Weren’t those weeds? Morwenna asked, confused.
“Heh, those ‘weeds were worth over a hundred thousand. Get the same ones and replant them.”
Morwenna paled at the realization.
A hundred thousand?
Had she mistaken such valuable plants for weeds?
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Chapter 8
Ignoring her distress, Stuart entered the house. Morwenno followed, trying to say something to ease the tension.
Shoving the cold dinner aside, Stuart made a biting comment, “If you can’t cook, ask Zoe. Heck, even a dog would pass this up, before he scampered upstairs.
The table housed a cold spread of a meat dish, a vegetable side, and a bowl of creamy tomato soup – a veritable feast for someone like Morwenna who was used to simple meals.
Morwenna stood frozen, then ran outside to the discarded orchids, tears welling up as she crouched. She could handle hardship and harsh words, but ruining such expensive plants was too much for her. Kids back in the mountains hadn’t even gotten all their textbooks yet.
2 FX 2 8 2 1 3 2 F
How could she justify wasting so much money?
Upstairs, Stuart watched, surprised as she broke down crying.
Just yesterday, she dared to fight back in front of many people.
This moming, she hit harder with each punch.
And she was crying at the time?