The Honeymoon's Hidden Price novel Chapter 2

Everyone thought I was with Harley for his money. But in truth, all my cards were in his hands. He claimed his money had to be used for the company, so for all these years, every expense and payment came from my salary and side income.

I believed that a family should be built and maintained by both people together. It wasn't about who gave more or who gave less, so I never argued with him over it.

Then, recently, I realized something strange. Despite having a high income, I never managed to save any money. In fact, I was constantly running short.

I couldn't hold back anymore and went through my transaction history. That was when I discovered that Harley had been using my card to buy gifts for Megan.

He'd bought her limited-edition lipsticks worth over a grand and luxury brand bags costing tens of thousands of dollars. He even booked out an entire five-star hotel to celebrate her birthday—spending well over a hundred thousand that night.

Meanwhile, he couldn't even bear to buy me new clothes to replace the ones I'd worn for two years after all these years. He'd call anything over 100 dollars expensive. Instead, he'd scribble a card for me and say we needed to save money for "our future".

I couldn't stop myself from confronting him about it. At the time, Harley's face turned dark. He yelled at me for not trusting him, gave me the silent treatment, and swore he'd never spend another cent of my money again.

Thinking about all that, I still wanted to give Harley a call. I dialed over ten times, yet he didn't answer once.

Since this was the case, I didn't hesitate anymore. I went straight to the bank and froze the card. Just like that, Harley called me less than a minute later.

"I was busy just now and didn't see your calls. What's going on?" he asked, feigning innocence.

My tone was calm as I said, "It's fine now."

"Oh. By the way, your card's having issues. It's been frozen," he said.

"I know." I didn't hide it and told him directly, "I froze it."

"Why'd you freeze it for no reason? Do you have nothing better to do?"

"Take it that way if you want. But didn't you say before that you wouldn't use my card again?"

Harley paused for a moment. After all, I never used to argue with him about money.

Back when the company had just started, I fell seriously ill and needed surgery that cost about 100 grand. At the same time, he secretly invested all our money into a project that failed completely.

He thought I'd be furious and apologized with red-rimmed eyes. But I only comforted him and told him money was just a small thing, and that my money would always be his to use first.

I thought if I gave him my sincerity, it would strengthen our relationship. But I hadn't expected it would only make him more reckless and more entitled.

Still, Harley didn't seem to reflect much. After two seconds of silence, he let out a sigh. He seemed to feel guilty. Yet, he was still trying to stay defiant.

"Fine, I get it. You're still mad I didn't go on the honeymoon with you, so now you're throwing a tantrum.

"Tiana Lancaster, I really thought you'd grown more mature, but you're still this petty. I promise you—after this, I'll drop everything and go on the honeymoon with you, okay?

"I didn't bring a card with me today. Go unfreeze it now, and don't be so unreasonable. That dinner tonight is really important.

"I'm giving you ten minutes. Otherwise, I'll be angry."

Afraid I wouldn't cooperate, Harley added that last threat right before hanging up. Every time he said he'd be angry, I always gave in and did what he wanted.

But what he didn't know was—I was never afraid of his anger. I only stayed quiet because I knew he was busy with the company and didn't want to add to his stress.