Wife's Bitter Revenge Against Neglectful CEO Husband-Chapter 58: Moving

I didn’t want to leave my church sanctuary and the safety of my friends, but it was a necessity, no matter what Stiff thought.

Lettie was such an egomaniac. As long as she focused on hating me, she would never think of me as a true threat to her criminal actions. She always underestimated me, and she would continue to do so.

Kind of like her son.

I packed my bags—yes, I had more than one now. Jake took my bags at the bedroom door. He would accompany me to the condo and work with Min to quickly staff up.

I would also replace the housekeeper. King hired the existing woman from the same agency Lettie used. That sounded like a live-in spy to me.

Father DiMarco and Bea were waiting for me in the common room.

Bea hugged me. "Do you really have to go? It feels like we just reconnected."

"It’s temporary. Besides, you’ll see me every day at work."

"It won’t be the same."

"True, but it is a means to an end."

"I suppose."

Father DiMarco said, "Do you have a minute to talk before you go?"

"For you? Always."

Bea and Father DiMarco sat on the couch opposite me.

They exchanged a non-verbal conversation that ended with Bea speaking for both of them.

"Tee, we know you and the guys have your hands full with Lettie and Daniel. And we know you want to keep us safe. We are totally thankful for that."

"But?"

"But, we want to help."

"Bea, no. You’ve already helped so much."

"Not in any meaningful way. But we have a plan, something totally legal. Will you at least hear us out?"

I couldn’t say no to either of these people. They were borderline saints in my book. I knew I would say yes if what they suggested didn’t tarnish their angel wings.

I nodded.

"While you’re dealing with the idiot husband and the criminal elements, we think you should let Father DiMarco and I dish out a little payback to Anya. She’s a pot stirrer with a bad heart and just as guilty as Lettie in abusing you.

"Unless you plan to press charges against her, she’ll get away with her unscrupulous behavior. Or you can trust us to deal out some righteous retribution."

"Absolutely nothing illegal?"

"Hand to God," Father DiMarco said.

"And if there is any sign of trouble, no matter how small, you abort and let me or Jake know. These aren’t nice people."

I didn’t like this. Anya was inconsequential, relatively speaking. On the other hand, Anya was a huge bitch. She deserved whatever Bea and the good Father had up their sleeves.

Besides, I could see things through their eyes. The rest of us were playing superheroes while they played supporting roles. Granted, they had very important roles, but odds were they didn’t see it that way.

If bringing Anya down a peg gave them the sense of accomplishment and equality they needed, then so be it.

I had my own demons to fight. Leaving the church even temporarily was gutting me. The concept of voluntarily putting myself in even more frequent proximity to King, a man who repeatedly undervalues me and treats me more like a possession than a beloved wife, made me angry and afraid and nervous.

But it was still better than the pure anger and revulsion I felt at the thought of all those children who were treated inhumanely. Those poor kids would be scarred for life. Hell, I was scarred for life.

Which brought up a good question. What had it done to King?

On the outside, he appeared so perfect. He was by far the most handsome Heavenly brother. He was wealthy. He was a brilliant businessman, charismatic, tough but devoted. But on the inside? He had to be broken beyond repair.

It was no wonder he couldn’t show me love. That kind of trauma dealt out by the one person who should have loved him the most would most assuredly kill any semblance of trust or belief in the concept of love at its root.

King was likely doing the very best he could to simulate a loving husband. It wouldn’t matter who he married. The result would be the same.

I had enough compassion for him to recognize what a sad and lonely existence King lived. No wonder he appeared set apart even in the midst of a family the size of the Heavenly clan.

But that didn’t make it my responsibility to fix what was broken. Nor was I qualified.

However, I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to educate the man on how to treat a woman. How to treat me. If we had to live together, then I might as well use my time wisely, and if I’d learned anything from the last three years, it was that rolling over and playing dead got me nowhere.

King was waiting for me when I returned to the condo.

"Good news. The other penthouse on this floor was vacant. I bought it. The support staff can stay there, and we now control the entire floor."

Impressive. Why didn’t I think of that?

"Good move. Where do I sleep?"

"The master bedroom is this way." King pointed down a short hall off the kitchen.

"You’re giving up the master bedroom?"

"No, I thought we would share it like before."

My entire body tensed. Here we go again.

"King, this isn’t a reconciliation. It’s a cooperation. I’m not here to sleep with you."

"Teela, we’re married. You said we’d present as a loving couple."

"I’m pretty sure that’s not what I said, King. And either way, in the privacy of this condo, I won’t be playing a part. Outside, yeah, but not in here. So I want my own space."

"Fine. Take the bedroom. I’ll move into one of the guest bedrooms."

"I can take a guest room. There’s no reason for you to move."

"The master is the only bedroom with a private bathroom. As the only woman, you should have it."

"That’s very considerate of you. Thanks, King. I appreciate it."

King took my bags from me and carried them to the bedroom. "I’ll come in later and clean out my stuff, but I’ve already cleared half the drawers and closet for you."

"Thanks."

We stood awkwardly, looking at the bed and then at one another.

"I’ll order dinner. What would you like?" King asked.

"Anything. Give me a few to put my things away. I’ll come out and help."

"Okay, then I’ll be out there." King hooked a thumb toward the living room.

When I was left alone in the bedroom, I could breathe again. I put my things away and scoped out the room. Gray on shades of gray accented with black and white. Very sleek, but it lacked warmth. It lacked personality. Kind of like King.

The rest of the condo was the same way. No signs of life. It was like the rooms were staged for real estate showings with no personal effects to deter from the beauty of the view through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

I flopped down on the bed with my phone and opened a shopping app. I ordered a burgundy throw for the foot of the bed, a set of pillar candles, and an abstract picture for the wall that held hints of the same burgundy as the throw plus forest green and a steel blue.

It wasn’t much, but for however long I was stuck living here, it would make the room feel more like a home and less like a showcase.

A tap at the door got my attention.

"Yes?"

"I ordered Chinese. It’ll be here in fifteen. Min is here. Ben is on his way," King said.

Oh shit. I was supposed to meet King in the living room and help with ordering dinner. I glanced at the time on my phone. I’d spaced out for almost an hour.

"Sorry. Be right there."

Together, King and I set the table for dinner. King looked awkward in his own kitchen, opening drawers and cabinet doors, looking for things most people naturally knew where to find in their own home.

"Have you been in the kitchen before?" I asked.

"Of course, for coffee or to grab something from the fridge. The housekeeper takes care of everything else."

I nodded. "You should familiarize yourself with your kitchen even if someone else does the cooking. You look like a visitor."

"I guess you’re right. Before Mom found success, Daniel and I did almost all the cooking and cleaning, but now, there’s always someone to do it for us."

"Must be nice. Is that why you want me back? To be that someone to do for you?"

"No, Teela, that’s not it."

"Then what is it? You admitted it wasn’t love, so why do you want me back? I don’t have much to offer. My family name carries no prestige. I’m broke. I’m not beautiful or articulate, and it certainly isn’t for the sex."

Min announced his presence from the doorway by clearing his throat.

I blushed and ducked my head. Talking about sharing TMI.