Chapter 1781
"I'm just busy, alright?" Vanessa said, flopping onto the couch and crossing her legs, giving her husband a pointed look. "You think the Department of Education is as chill as your county committee, just sitting around drinking coffee and reading the paper all day?"
"Who said we're chill? I'm out in the field every day working on poverty alleviation. Look at how tan I've gotten," Andrew said, showing off his sun-darkened arms, which made Vanessa's fair skin stand out even more.
"Serves you right. Who told you to volunteer for that? And it's not like your boss gave you any big position," Vanessa scoffed. "No promotion, no extra money, and you can't even take care of our daughter. What were you thinking?"
Andrew shot back, "I may not be great, but you're not much better. You worked so hard to transfer from Sunset Valley High School to the city office, and for what? You're still just running errands. You'd be better off staying a teacher."
"You don't get it. Even running errands depends on where and for whom," Vanessa said smugly. "By the way, go to the bank this afternoon and withdraw our $50,000 savings."
"Why? That money hasn't matured yet. The interest is a few hundred dollars," Andrew said, feeling a bit distressed.
"Just do it. Stop whining," Vanessa said nonchalantly. "Our school staff apartments are ready. I got us a three-bedroom, one-living room unit, 1,400 square feet. We need to pay and get the keys this afternoon."
"Really?" Andrew was taken aback. He knew about the staff apartments at Sunset Valley High School, but Vanessa had already transferred to the city office. He didn't expect her to get a unit still.
"Alright, I'm going to take a shower and then lie down for a bit. Call me when dinner's ready."
Vanessa walked towards the bathroom, her curvy hips swaying, her long, slender legs in black stockings exuding a seductive charm.
Andrew watched Vanessa enter the bathroom, then remembered the fish stewing in the pot. He hurried to the kitchen, feeling a bit uneasy.
When they first got married, their status was already unequal. Vanessa's father was a county committee official, while Andrew's parents were ordinary people. Vanessa always acted superior, making all the decisions at home.
Andrew had his reservations about Vanessa's attitude, but she was undeniably beautiful and had a great figure. When they went out, her looks always turned heads, and she was the center of attention at gatherings, which satisfied his vanity. So, he tolerated her behavior.
But since Vanessa moved to the city office, she seemed to change even more. She spoke to him condescendingly, never consulting him on important matters, just informing him. Like with the apartment, he only found out when it was time to pay. She didn't treat him like a husband.
Andrew consoled himself, thinking that at least Vanessa was still committed to the family and not involved with other men.
When they were dating, his father had warned him that Vanessa was too flamboyant and not the type to settle down. But Andrew was infatuated and determined to marry her. Only after marriage did he realize Vanessa wasn't the type to settle down. Even after having their daughter, she wasn't stable, moving from the county to the city for work, often away for weeks.
But Vanessa's efforts were for the family, Andrew thought. The new apartment was exciting. His parents still lived in their old small house. If he and Vanessa moved to the staff apartment, his parents could enjoy the old house.
He spent most of the day cooking. When the food was ready, he checked the bathroom, finding it empty. He went to the bedroom and saw Vanessa lying on the bed, talking on the phone, wearing a pink silk nightgown. Her breasts peeked out from the neckline, her long legs crossed, one hand playing with the gown's belt, her feet moving seductively.
"Mr. Jones, it's Vanessa. Thanks for your help with the apartment. Do you have time for dinner? I'd like to thank you. You're my old boss, after all."
Andrew guessed Vanessa was calling Oliver, the principal of Sunset Valley High School. It was normal to invite the boss for dinner, but her flirtatious tone sounded like she was talking to a lover. He felt a pang of jealousy; Vanessa had never spoken to him like that.
Vanessa made several more calls, reaching out to old colleagues and people from the County Education Office. Since moving to the city office, she had more interactions with them, and several officials, including the director, had given her their contact information. This was the advantage of a higher platform; people wanted to connect with you.
Finally, she called Natalie, arranging a spa day. Natalie was now a high-ranking official, president of the business association, vice president of the charity association, and president of the cultural research association. She had surpassed the former richest person in Harmony County, Lawrence. Vanessa needed to maintain a good relationship with her.
Vanessa also found Kevin's number but decided not to call, smiling slyly. She'd surprise him later.
Andrew stood at the bedroom door for ten minutes, waiting for Vanessa to finish her calls before entering. "Honey, why so many calls? The food's getting cold."
Vanessa got up and walked out, saying, "You don't understand. These are connections. If you don't maintain them, they won't help you when you need it. No wonder you're still a regular employee."
"Fine, I'm an employee, and you're the big boss," Andrew said, not daring to argue. After all, Vanessa had just secured an apartment. "Boss, dinner is served."
Vanessa glanced at the table, seeing fish, beef, and lobster. She frowned, "Why all meat? I just lost weight."
"You're slim enough. Too thin isn't good," Andrew said, admiring Vanessa's figure. She had maintained her slim waist, and her breasts had grown a cup size after childbirth, from C to D, an unexpected bonus.
"You don't get it. Who eats like this anymore? It's outdated," Vanessa said, picking at the vegetables. "And don't use so much oil and salt. It's unhealthy. Steamed and boiled dishes are better, retaining nutrients. Get a nutrition book and learn. You'll be making our daughter's baby food."
Andrew felt frustrated, thinking Vanessa was treating him like a nanny. "I can't cook every day. What about my job?"
"Your job isn't that important," Vanessa said dismissively. "I'll talk to your boss about giving you a lighter workload. Your main job is to take care of Flora. I don't trust your parents with her."
Andrew wanted to argue but saw no point. Vanessa's strong personality and their growing career gap meant his status at home was lower. This dynamic of a strong wife and weak husband would likely continue.
Vanessa ate a few bites, then lay on the couch to watch TV. Andrew quickly sliced an apple and brought it to her. Seeing her long legs under the nightgown, he felt a surge of desire. They hadn't been intimate in almost three months.
As Vanessa ate the apple and watched TV, Andrew sat beside her, pretending to accidentally touch her smooth legs. "Honey, are you tired? Maybe you should rest."
"I'm not tired. If you're sleepy, go to bed. Don't forget to get the money this afternoon," Vanessa said, focused on the TV, not catching Andrew's hint.
Andrew went to the bedroom, but couldn't sleep, thinking about Vanessa's legs. He cursed himself for not being able to express his desires directly.
It wasn't entirely his fault. They used to live with their parents in the old house, with poor soundproofing. They couldn't openly discuss intimacy, so they developed a habit of hinting. Vanessa's strong personality meant she often rejected him if she was tired or in a bad mood, making Andrew hesitant to initiate.
After a while, he went back to the living room, saying, "Honey, you must be tired from the trip. Let me massage your legs."
"Not bad, you're learning to care for me," Vanessa laughed, placing a leg on Andrew's knee. "Go ahead, show me what you've got."
Andrew massaged Vanessa's smooth legs, looking at her breasts under the nightgown, feeling aroused. His erection grew.
After a while, Vanessa pulled her leg back, impatiently saying, "That's enough. Go to bed."
Andrew, looking at her legs, hesitated, "Honey, why don't you come too? We haven't seen each other in a while. We could talk."
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