Chapter 8 Save Them For Your Husband

Colin's POV:

Watching the human girl's relieved expression, I guessed that she didn't want me to accompany her home. I shook my head, chuckling inwardly at the thought. My new bride is quite interesting.

Her emotions are written all over her face, she completely incapable of hiding any heartache. With that kind of personality, it’s odd she isn’t bullied!

Bullied?

That thought made me pause, my hand gripping the knife and fork tightens, my heart suddenly clenched. She's going back home today; what if her family really bullies her? Her family doesn't seem too friendly, even making her marry in her sister's place.

But what does it matter to me if this girl is bullied...? My mind is clearly in a mess. I pushed my food around a bit, before putting down the knife and fork, and put on my coat to leave.


Hailey's perspective:

“Well, if it isn't Claire!” My sharp voice dripped with sarcasm, as I sauntered down the stairs, haughtily sizing up my sister who had just walked in from the door.

I had wondered how she been these past few days, married off to a penniless nobody, a notorious troublemaker, known far and wide. It mustn't have been pleasant. I was filled with joy, over the thought that it had been tough for her.

No matter what she did, she always outshone me. Even when she wore clothes from years ago, people praised her beauty. She had a gentle temperament, and people liked being close to her. Even her academic performance was far ahead of mine.

I had always seen her as an obstacle. Despite her never having harmed me, I seized every opportunity to embarrass, and best her at any cost. This marriage in my place, has lifted a heavy worry from my mind, but it wasn't enough for me; I wanted to see her more distressed, more upset.

“Claire, how does being married feel?” I asked, feigning warmth as I grabbed her hand, my smile hiding a trace of cunning, “I’ve heard that the men in that village are very chauvinistic, even violent towards women. They must’ve made you suffer after marrying you off.”

Claire let out a dry laugh, and gently pulled my hand away, saying, “Spare me the nonsense. I just want to get the money and leave quickly, to henceforth sever any ties with the Watson family.”

"Is it true that Colin spent time in prison for getting into fights before?" I knew she wanted to grab the money and leave as quickly as possible, but I simply didn't want to oblige her. With a disdainful look and a hidden smile, I continued to speak down to her.

"So what does Colin do now? Does he have a proper job? How will he support you if he doesn't? If Colin really can't find work, I might be able to help him out! I could introduce him to a few good jobs, like hauling bricks on a construction site or lugging cargo at the docks, very fitting for him, right?”

“Or else, why not have him come to our company? We just happen to have a vacancy for a security guard, missing a dog. He could fill in for that!" After I finished speaking, she raised her eyes to meet mine, her gaze icy cold, which inexplicably tightened my heart.

I had never witnessed her being anything but passive. She never fought back, but today there seemed to be something different in her look.

Taking a deep breath, she held my gaze and spoke clearly, "Despite some shortcomings, Colin is more than capable of earning money and supporting a family."

"Not to mention, he wouldn't need to resort to asking you for work. Those jobs you so generously offered are perhaps best saved for your future husband!"

"You…" My face turned pale, "How dare you speak to me like that?"

"What's the matter?" Claire replied lightly, "Construction work, dock loading, working like a dog for security...aren't these all jobs you deemed quite nice? You assigning these jobs to my husband is considered helping him, but me suggesting you reserve them for your future husband is not sisterly love?"

I was breathless with anger, as I had never realized Claire’s words could be so powerful.

"Hah, that kind of man is only treasured by someone like you!" I glanced at her with disdain, I pursed my lips as a turned to walk upstairs, humming coldly, "Don't think I don't know what you came back for today... Hah, but with dad not home, you've come for nothing!"

"What did you say?" Claire’s tone was tense, and she knew I was panicking.