The Revenge of the Mute Wife by Melanie Paulson novel Chapter 5

After the scandal, Roger escorted his mother back home, warning Deborah that they would have a serious talk that night.

“Thank you, my son,” his mother sighed in relief as they reached the car. “But how did you know?”

“Fabian got a call from one of our police friends, who told us they were sending a couple of officers to the house,” he explained as he helped her into the car. “That’s why I left the office early. I wanted to see what that idiot had done, but I didn’t expect that fool Cooper to try to have you arrested.”

“Oh, I’m sorry, my love. I just get so angry when I’m made to wait. And I didn’t think that idiot would leave the house.”

“I didn’t know she left the house either. But it’s over, Mom. Tonight, I’ll scold her for being so irresponsible to leave you waiting outside and making you go through this.”

“Yes, Son. Punish her so she doesn’t do it again.”

Fabian listened quietly, feeling disgusted by their attitude towards Deborah, but he was unable to say anything because his family wasn’t as wealthy or influential as the Petersons.

Finally alone in the apartment, Deborah let her tears fall, screaming silently in her pain. She hated it all. It was always the same.

Wiping her tears, she surveyed the mess her mother-in-law had made. Then, she steeled herself, determined to make this the last time she endured such humiliation. She would no longer be anyone’s punching bag.

Just as she began to clean, a knock came at the door. Drying her eyes, she went to answer, expecting Fabian or a delivery. Instead, she met a pair of dark brown eyes filled with genuine concern.

“Are you okay?”

[Jayden... Oh, hello. Do you need something?] Deborah tried to stay composed. Jayden smiled softly, wiping away her remaining tears with his hand.

“Deborah, if you need to cry, do it. That idiot isn’t worth hurting yourself over,” he said, pulling her into a comforting hug as she broke down. “Did he hit you?” he asked, then felt her shake her head.

“That’s good. His assistant managed to stop him. But what are you going to do? Keep enduring this?”

Deborah pulled away slightly, wiping her tears. [I’ve decided. I’m going to file for divorce.]

“That’s good. Is your friend going to help you?”

[Yes.]

“If you need any help, don’t hesitate to ask me.”

[Thank you, Jayden, but you know I don’t—]

“I know, and I’ve told you, I don’t mind waiting,” he said, holding her hands as he looked into her eyes. “Remember, I’m here for you because I hate seeing you suffer.”

Deborah smiled weakly and nodded, looking around at the mess.

“Now that that madwoman is gone, let me help you clean up.”

[“But you don’t have to—]

“I insist. We’ll finish faster, and we can talk.”

[Thank you.] She felt grateful to have him there.

Meanwhile, Roger had just dropped his mother off and was heading back to the office to finish the day’s work.

“Ugh... what a nuisance...” he muttered, checking his phone.

“What’s wrong?” Fabian asked, glancing at him through the rearview mirror.

“Deborah’s father is calling again.”

“Another loan?”

“Most likely. God, they think I owe them something just because Deborah is my wife,” he grumbled. “If anything, I should be getting money for putting up with her.”

“So, will you give it to them?”

“Of course not. Let them figure it out. That family is full of idiots, always investing in mediocre businesses that go bankrupt in months.”

“I’ve heard Deborah’s father mismanages money, always trying to please his wife and kids, no matter the cost.”

“That’s why he’s a mediocre old man, and I won’t give him a cent. Let him deal with his debts.”

“They might bother Deborah to ask you for money on their behalf.”

“They can try. It doesn’t matter what they do; she’ll never get anything from me,” Roger declared, deleting his father-in-law’s messages.

Just then, his phone rang and his expression changed to a smile as he answered.

“Hello, gorgeous.”

“Am I interrupting, my love?”

“You never interrupt.”

“Hey, I need to talk to you,” the voice on the other end sounded worried.

“Is something wrong? You sound concerned.”