Chapter 18 I'll Take Care Of You For A Lifetime

Claire’s POV:

"The sales department is one of the most important in the company," Sarah mocked during a company meeting. "If some people really lack the talent for sales, it’s better they do not occupy the position and should leave the opportunity to someone more capable.”

“Our company isn't a retirement home; everyone should be well aware of that. For those who haven’t secured a single order and can only rely on a basic salary, they really need to start thinking about their future prospects."

I kept my head down all afternoon, the frown between my brows never easing. But after a tiring day, I got home and saw Colin still sitting on the sofa looking at his phone. The kitchen was empty and not even a cup of hot tea prepared, I couldn't hold back the emotions, I had bottled up, any longer.

"Why haven't you made dinner?" Colin looked up, startled, his gaze shifting from his phone. I paused and bit my lip, "Why is it always me who cooks?"

"We agreed that you would do the cooking since we got married, didn't we?" Colin stood up, his stature was imposing, standing much taller than me, automatically putting me at a disadvantage.

I wasn’t really blaming Colin; it wasn’t like me to take it out on him. It’s just, I couldn’t take it out on who I wanted to... Sarah

"Yes, that's correct," she murmured, eyes downcast. "Indeed, it's always been me who cooks, but now that I've started working, couldn't you... perhaps share some of the household responsibilities? After all, this home isn't just mine!"

"I'm home late today, so even if you can't cook, could you at least prepare the ingredients? Do you expect me to do everything?"

Colin's eyes narrowed slightly, and he fell silent. This was the first time I had lost my temper with him since we got married. Although, it wasn't really losing my temper, just a bit of a complaint.

"Okay," he nodded, "from now on, I'll take care of the housework. You won't have to do anything."

"I—" I was taken aback, hastily trying to clarify, "That's not what I meant!"

He leaned in to scrutinize me, a teasing smile playing on his lips, instantly charging the air between us with subtle flirtation: "Then what do you mean?"

"Colin," I took a deep breath and looked at him earnestly, "Ever since we got married, I've been determined to spend my life with you. You're my husband; how could I possibly expect you to take care of everything?"

"If you never earn a penny, I can still support you," my voice trailed off as I spoke.

I started to worry, what if my words wounded his pride. Men tend to be prideful, especially someone like him who’s spent time in jail; he must be particularly sensitive about such topics, I guessed.

“What did you say?” Colin suppressed a grin, apparently trying to hold back his laughter, “You’ll support me?”

Colin’s perspective:

“Of course, what’s wrong with that?” I locked eyes with her, those clear, crystal-like sparkling eyes of hers sending a tremor through me.

"We're both working, running a dual-income household," she stated categorically, "but this isn't the 18th century.”

“Women can work too. Does it make any difference which one of us supports the family? It's just that both should try their best. We're not just relatives; we are partners."

I was momentarily stunned, then broke into a gentle laugh—turns out she's far from fragile, in fact, she has quite the opinionated soul. Still, it was the first I'd heard of a woman willing to support a man. But since she put it that way, I'd readily oblige.

"Are you okay?" she asked me. My gaze was unblinking, trying to guess what she might be thinking.

"I'm fine." I reverted to my usual aloofness, coughing twice expressionlessly, "If there's no dinner at home, let's go out to eat!"

Her eyes widened suddenly. "Did you install a surveillance camera on me? Is that how you knew I got paid today?"