Chapter 1757


    Chapter 1757


    A group of old friends, gathered for a night of food and fun, invariably found that time flew when they


    were together. Before they knew it, night had deepened around them. They had so many stories yet to


    share, and none of them wanted the evening to end.


    Skyler, ever the generous host, decided to offer a sleepover. “We can all squeeze into the king-size


    bed,” she suggested with a yful grin.


    Cornelia had just finished washing up when her personal cell phone chimed with a new WhatsApp


    message.


    Lounging in an armchair, Hannah teased, “I bet your hubby can’t stand the thought of you spending the


    night out. Is he checking in to make sure you’re not having too much fun without him?”


    A bit tipsy, Cornelia didn’t even want to move. “Even if it was the king himself knocking, I’d stay right


    here to keep Skylerpany.”


    Skyler walked over, picked up the phone, and handed it to Cornelia. “Even if you want to stay, you


    should drop him a line. Don’t leave the man worrying.”


    Cornelia snorted, “I don’t wanna deal with him right now.”e2


    Skyler probed, “You guys had a fight?”


    “If only it were that simple,” Cornelia sighed.


    Skyler didn’t understand. “How can fighting ever be a good thing?”


    Cornelia pouted, her voice tinged with a hint of distress, “He’s always so amodating, putting me


    first in everything, never thinking of himself. His job is way more stressful than mine, and he earns in a


    month what I make in a year. Yet, he insists on handling all the parenting duties himself, and that’s not


    even the half of it.”


    Cornelia was cut off as Hannah chimed in, “Nelly, how do you manage to unt your perfect love life all


    the time?”


    “I’m not showing off, I’m worried about him,” Cornelia protested. “I’ve told him countless times to be a


    bit more selfish, but he just won’t listen.”


    Skyler ruffled Cornelia’s hair affectionately. “I’ve known President Hartley longer than any of you.


    Wanna hear what I think of him?”


    Cornelia perked up instantly. “Please, do tell.”


    Skyler began, “President Hartley is genuinely one of the good ones. He doesn’t just provide a


    comfortable life; he supports your career, too. Many men, especially those with fragile egos and no real


    talent, would rather keep their wives at home post-marriage, treating them as unpaid housekeepers.


    Housewives sacrifice their careers and handle all household matters, working themselves to the bone


    without the respect they deserve.”


    “In our society, there’s this misconception that a housewife is just ying around at home since she


    doesn’t bring in a paycheck. Just consider this – on that point alone, your man is miles ahead of so


    many others.”


    Cornelia knew all too well how good Jeremy was, and the better she knew, the more it pained her.


    “Sometimes, I wish he wasn’t so good.”Content from N?velDr(a)ma.Org.


    Hannah asked, “Would you rather have someone like Steven or Zavier?”


    The name hung heavily in the air, silencing them all, especially Skyler. The mere mention of “Zavier”


    sent a visible shudder through her.


    Realizing her faux pas, Hannah nced apologetically at Cornelia, who quickly took Skyler’s hand in


    hers. “Sky, don’t be scared. He can’t find us here.”


    Skyler managed a weak smile. “Whether hees or not, I don’t care anymore. If he wants to drag me


    back, let him. I’ve had three years of freedom, and that’s worth something.”


    Her words reached the ears of Zavier, who was hidden within earshot. He felt as if his blood had turned


    to ice. He had known before even finding Skyler that she wouldn’t willingly return with him. She would


    have preferred him to believe she had perished in the fire, leaving nothing behind. However, hearing


    her say it, the words stabbed him directly in the heart, each syble a sharp knife twisting into his


    chest.