Chapter 142


    “What’s wrong? Is there an earthquake? Is there a fire? What are you shouting


    for?”


    Abellyn took her sweet time exiting the room,pletely unfazed by Ryder’s


    bellows.


    In truth, she had been awake for quite some time and had been watching


    some video clips on the bed. She had enjoyed herself so much that she did


    not realize it was already six o’clock.


    Ryder pointed at her and bombarded her with questions. “You useless


    woman! Didn’t I tell you to stay home so you could cook? Where’s the food?


    Why is the kitchen so quiet?”


    “You told me to stay home, and I did. Besides, I never agreed to cook. Why are


    you so mad? It’s not toote to cook, anyway.”


    Abellyn had no fear of Ryder, nor did she think the man would dare to hit her.


    It’ll be better if he does. That’s domestic abuse. I’ll have a legal reason to


    leave him, then.


    “Y–You!”


    Ryder was seething, and his fists were clenched tightly.


    He never lost his temper when Abellyn yed poker every day instead of


    working, taking care of Tommy, or cooking meals.


    However, it was Tommy’s birthday that day. Ryder could only get off work at


    five thirty, and he had already invited Emmanuel and his wife for dinner to


    celebrate Tommy’s birthday at six. By seven o’clock, the couple would leave.


    And now, it was already past six, and Abellyn had not even prepared a single


    dish. What will Manny and Ms. Quillen eatter?


    “Why are you clenching your fists, huh? To hit me? Go on! Do it then!”


    Abellyn continued provoking him, even though his face was already


    contorted with anger. This coward wouldn’t dare to touch me. I’ll make sure


    hepletely submits today. That way, he wouldn’t dare tosh out at me in


    the future.


    Ryder never thought of hitting his wife, but her stubborn refusal to admit her


    wrong was pushing his limits.


    Fortunately, a knock sounded on the door right then.


    “Ryder, Abellyn, are you guys at home? Mackenzie and I are here!”


    Standing outside was a cheerful Emmanuel who wore a bright smile. After all,


    it was Mackenzie’s first time visiting his rtives.


    “Coming!” Ryder responded quickly before hissing at Abellyn, “I’ll deal with


    youter!”


    “Hah! Deal with me? What makes you think you can do that?”


    Abellyn crossed her arms, her eyes gleaming with disdain. She was annoyed,


    so instead of going to the kitchen, she sat on the couch in the living room


    with her legs crossed.


    “Manny, Mackenzie, I’m so sorry about this. Abellyn and I have just started


    cooking since we just got home. I’m afraid you’ll have to wait for a little while.”


    Ryder rarely lied, but he did not want to expose his family’s discord. Thus, he


    lied to cover up his wife’s w. Manny and his wife will look down on Abellyn if


    they find out about her character. I’d be the one humiliated when that


    happens.


    To Ryder’s horror, as he led Emmanuel and Mackenzie into the house, Abellyn


    remained seated in the living room, the kitchen still inplete darkness. It


    clearly did not look like anyone was cooking.


    “Y–You! Why aren’t you cooking? Are you trying to p*ss me off?”


    Ryder’s anger erupted. His face darkened as his features were


    overshadowed by fury, and his fists clenched tightly again.


    Abellyn was taken aback by his reaction. She half–pretended to leap up from


    the sofa and hid behind it as if afraid her husband would abuse her.


    “Ryder, calm down!” Emmanuel quickly stepped forward to stop Ryder from


    doing anything rash. “It’s okay. I can help you guys. The food will be done in no


    time.”


    Text property ? N?vel(D)ra/ma.Org.


    Mixed emotions–frustration, anger, exasperation-swirled in Ryder’s heart as


    he sighed. “You guys are the guests. How could we make you cook?”


    “It’s fine. I cook at home, too. Besides, you’re my cousin, not a random


    stranger.”