Chapter 1098 Women's Confrontation
At this thought, Audrey took out her phone and hesitated before calling Natalie. When the call was answered, a melodious laugh rang out from the other end, "Mrs. Johnson, what a coincidence that you thought of calling me. I was actually planning to call you, it's been a while, and I've missed you."
"President, are you free now? I'd like to have a chat with you," Audrey cut straight to the point, ignoring the pleasantries.
"Sure, how about this, I'm at the beauty salon getting a treatment. Why don't you come over, and we can grab a coffee together?" Natalie readily agreed.
"All right, I'll come over now." Audrey had heard of the beauty salon; it was the most upscale beauty chain in Starfall Town, exclusively catering to female clients. Natalie had recently opened a branch in the city with a membership system that cost over ten thousand a year, a sum Audrey couldn't afford. Natalie had slyly slipped her a membership card during their trip to Clearbrook, but Audrey had never used it. She didn't want to owe Natalie any favors, and with her own appearance, she had the confidence to avoid places like the beauty salon.
After hanging up the phone, Audrey changed into a new outfit and walked out of the house, coincidentally running into Christopher returning with two plastic bags. He grinned and said, "Mr. Williams, out grocery shopping?"
Since Christopher's wife Violet had faced troubles, his demeanor had changed significantly. He had become more reserved, no longer as clingy with Audrey as before. He had even taken the initiative to apologize to Audrey, pledging to mend his ways. Audrey's attitude towards him had softened as well; she realized everyone made mistakes in their lives, and one mistake didn't define a person. As long as they could correct themselves, there was hope.
"Mrs. Johnson, today is my wife's birthday, and I'm preparing a special meal for her," Christopher smiled faintly. "Are you heading out?"
"Yes, Mr. Williams, I'll be on my way. We'll catch up later," Audrey greeted Christopher with a smile before heading towards the alley. She was content with her current relationship with Christopher; after all, he was her neighbor. It would be awkward if their relationship soured, though she felt a twinge of guilt thinking that Christopher's transformation might have been spurred by Violet's misfortune.
Watching Audrey's tall and alluring figure disappear down the alley, Christopher's smile slowly faded. Just as Audrey had suspected, his wife Violet's encounter with criminals had deeply shaken him. Those days when she was hospitalized, he had been on the brink of despair, especially upon hearing from the police that Violet had been assaulted by several men, her body violated. He harbored a deep hatred for those perpetrators, wishing he could tear them apart limb by limb.
He couldn't help but feel it was a form of divine retribution. Why else would Violet have left the house just as Audrey arrived home? If she had stayed, the tragic events might have been averted. Audrey had returned unharmed, while Violet had suffered needlessly. Christopher couldn't help but be cautious around Audrey now, restraining any inappropriate thoughts.
Carrying the groceries into the yard, Christopher called out, "Violet, I'm back. I'm going to make your favorite dishes for lunch."
Shortly after, Violet emerged from the living room and stood on the steps, saying lightly, "There's no need to go to such trouble; it's just a birthday. A simple bowl of noodles would suffice. You've never gone to such lengths for me before."
"It's different now, I was neglectful before. How about we celebrate your birthday every year from now on?" Christopher retrieved a small box from his pocket with a smile. "Look, I bought you a gold ring. It's beautiful. Try it on."
Gazing at the man she had been married to for five years, Violet's emotions churned. Christopher had been incredibly attentive lately, going out of his way to please her, even taking on all the household chores. While she was touched, she found it uncomfortable in the long run. She didn't want her husband constantly worshipping her; it didn't feel like a true partnership. Each time he indulged her, she was reminded of that regretful night, where she had tarnished her innocence, and Christopher, in his magnanimity, accepted her tainted self. She despised that feeling of guilt, as if she had committed an unforgivable sin.
"Honey, let's not rush with cooking. Can we talk first?" Violet sighed, knowing that some issues couldn't be ignored, they needed to be addressed. She didn't want to continue their current dynamic with Christopher.
"Violet, why so serious? It's your birthday today; can we save the serious talk for later?" Christopher felt a pang of unease; he attempted to lighten the mood. "If there's something on your mind, let's discuss it after today. By the way, I also bought a fish; how would you like it prepared?"
"Honey, I really want to have a proper conversation with you. Please don't avoid the important matters," Violet furrowed her brow. "Do you truly not mind? If you do, you can tell me. I can understand. I don't want you to keep your feelings hidden. You don't need to fear hurting me. I can handle it now. Even if you want a divorce, I won't object."
Sometimes the world was unjust; women who were victims of assault were often blamed for their own fate. They were accused of dressing provocatively or willingly participating, leading to their assault. Many women faced hurtful remarks and societal disdain, pushing them to the brink. Despite Christopher's current warmth towards her, Violet found it unnatural, perhaps even contrived. It wasn't common for a man to remain composed after learning his wife had been violated by criminals.
"Violet, why would you think I would blame you? This wasn't your fault." Christopher's eyes widened as he quickly reached out to hold her hand. "Didn't I tell you at the hospital to let it go? We won't mention it again. Forget it; let's move past it. You're still my wife; why would I want a divorce?"
"Is that so?" Violet coldly smiled. "Then, why is it that we've been in the city for so long, yet you haven't touched me? Are you repulsed by me?"
"No, not at all." Christopher's expression shifted. "I just thought you needed rest after coming back from the hospital. There's no rush, we can take our time."
"Alright," Violet nodded and led Christopher into the bedroom. She undressed before him, revealing her voluptuous figure. Her sizable breasts swayed as she spoke, "Today is my birthday; if you truly don't mind, make love to me now, and I'll believe your words."