Chapter 10- Behave Like a Proper Wife
1315 Words
Elizabeth
I woke up before the sun rose. Last night kept playing in my head, Daniel’s hands on my face, the way he kissed me, telling me I was his like he still had the right. After everything he’s done, it just felt disgusting.
I went downstairs hoping to get some coffee in peace, but the second I got close to the kitchen I heard them. Hayley laughing softly, the sound of plates and spoons moving around.
I stopped right before the doorway and peeked in.
Daniel was standing behind her with his arms around her waist while she cooked. He kissed the side of her neck and said something I couldn’t hear. She laughed again, that easy, happy laugh.
My stomach turned.
This was exactly how I wanted him to be with me for four whole years. And now he was giving it to her like it was nothing.
I swallowed hard, cleared my throat, and walked in like I hadn’t seen anything.
Hayley turned around with a big smile. "Good morning, Elizabeth!"
"Morning," I said, trying to sound normal as I headed for the coffee machine.
Daniel looked at me. "You’re up early. Everything okay?"
I poured my coffee without looking at him. "Couldn’t sleep."
Hayley laughed. "You two are so funny in the mornings. Daniel, your sister is actually a morning person today."
Daniel leaned against the counter, acting all relaxed. "Yeah, this is new. Usually I have to drag her out of bed. What’s the occasion, Liz?"
I forced a small smile and looked at him.
"Nothing. Just felt like waking up before you started eating all the pancakes."
He chuckled. "See what I deal with?" he said to Hayley. "She wakes up and the first thing she does is come for me."
Hayley shook her head, still smiling. "You guys are cute. I wish I had this kind of relationship with my brother."
I took a sip of my coffee. Inside, I felt like screaming. Here I was pretending to be his little sister while watching him play husband with her in my own kitchen. It was exhausting.
Daniel checked his watch. "Alright, I have to head out. Some of us actually have work to do." He walked over and kissed Hayley properly, then came to me and ruffled my hair like I was twelve. "Behave today, troublemaker."
I smiled at him even though I wanted to slap his hand away. "Drive safe... big brother."
The moment the door closed behind him, I let out a long breath.
Hayley didn’t notice. She turned to me with bright eyes. "Okay, he’s gone. Now tell me everything about your date with Marcus. How was it? Was he nice?"
We took our coffee to the living room and sat down. I told her about the restaurant, how Marcus opened the door for me, how we talked for hours. She kept smiling and asking questions, genuinely happy for me.
When I finished, she sighed and looked at her phone. "Ugh, I have bad news. I have to fly to Italy tomorrow for a Vogue shoot. I’ll be gone for a few days."
My stomach dropped a little. As much as I hated admitting it, having her here made the house feel less heavy.
"But don’t worry," she added quickly, "I’ll still help you with your baking idea even while I’m away."
That reminded me. I hesitated for a second, then said it. "Actually, I’ve been thinking about starting a small home baking business. Cakes, cupcakes, stuff like that for birthdays and events."
Hayley sat up straight, eyes wide. "Elizabeth, yes! That’s such a good idea. I’m not even joking. I know so many people, party planners, influencers, clients who are always looking for good bakers. We can make this work. I’ll help you with everything."
We spent the next hour talking about names, how the packaging could look, and how she could post about it once I was ready. For a little while, I actually felt excited. Like maybe I could build something for myself.
That was when my phone started ringing.
It was my mom.
By then Hayley had left.
The moment I answered, her voice came through, sharp and upset.
"Elizabeth, what have you done?"
I froze. "Mom? What are you talking about?"
"Your brother just called me crying. Daniel fired him this morning, no warning, no explanation. He’s devastated. Miguel said he didn’t even get to clear his desk."
My heart dropped.
"I... I didn’t know," I whispered.
Mom let out a frustrated sound. "How can you not know? Daniel has been nothing but good to this family. He paid for my treatment, he bought the house, he sends money for everything. Your brother finally had a good job and now it’s gone! If you did something to upset him, you better fix it right now. Call Daniel and apologize. Don’t be ungrateful, Elizabeth. We cannot survive without that man’s help."
Tears stung my eyes. "Mom, I swear I didn’t—"
"Just fix it," she cut me off. "Talk to your husband. Miguel is talking about coming back home because he has nothing left. Don’t let your stubbornness destroy this family."
The line went dead.
I sat there staring at my phone, my hands shaking. I quickly dialed Miguel’s number. It rang and rang... but he didn’t pick up. I tried again. Still no answer.
I dropped the phone on the couch and buried my face in my hands. My mind was spinning. Daniel had warned me, if I disobeyed him, my family would pay for it. And now he was proving it.
I stood up and walked upstairs to my room. The moment I closed the door behind me, everything came crashing down.
I sat on the edge of my bed, staring at the wall. My hand slowly moved to my stomach. There was still no bump, but I knew my baby was in there. Growing. Depending on me to protect it.
Tears finally rolled down my cheeks.
How was I supposed to protect my child when I couldn’t even protect my own brother? How was I supposed to fight Daniel when he held everyone I loved in the palm of his hand?
I felt completely trapped.
I couldn’t sit still after that call. My mind was racing. I kept trying Miguel’s number but he still wasn’t picking up. Just when I was about to give up, I heard the front door open.
Daniel was home.
I stood up immediately, heart pounding, and walked into the living room. He had just taken off his jacket when he noticed me standing there.
He raised an eyebrow, looking slightly amused.
“You’re waiting for me? To what do I owe this honor?”
I didn’t waste time.
“Why did you fire Miguel?”
Daniel paused for a second, then let out a low chuckle as he loosened his tie.
“So that’s what this is about,” he said, his voice calm but sharp. “Your mother called, didn’t she?”
He walked over to the bar and poured himself a drink, completely unbothered.
“I gave your brother a job he didn’t deserve, Elizabeth. He’s not qualified. He never even graduated college. I hired him as a favor to your family, and this is how he repays me?”
My hands tightened into fists.
“You still didn’t have the right to fire him without telling me.”
Daniel took a slow sip of his drink, his eyes locking onto mine.
“Oh, I had every right,” he said, his tone turning colder. “But don’t worry… we can talk about your brother’s future. That is, if you’re finally ready to behave like a proper wife.”
He took one step toward me, his gaze dark and intense.
“Or are you going to keep testing me?”
- Writer
