Scarlett was livid,
"I told you it's fake! We’ll announce the breakup in a year. What more does he want?"
"But this time feels different..."

Scarlett suddenly snapped, her expression disgusted, "I’ve spoiled him. He doesn’t know when to stop. Whether he comes back or not, I’m not falling for this playing-hard-to-get game."
The trip went smoothly.
After landing, I went to the company dorm.
I took a month off, but not to serve her.
I had something crucial to do.
Another month later, Scarlett cracked first, calling again.

She snorted coldly, "A friend mentioned you're back from your trip. Why aren't you home?"
"Work's slammed lately. Staying at the dorm's easier."
She pressed: "What about me? You're just not going to take care of me?"
I laughed incredulously: "You're not a toddler needing constant care! What? Want me to come change your diapers?"

Scarlett paused, surprised. "Jason, what's wrong? Are you upset?"
"No."
"We've been fighting long enough. Stop sulking. I called first; isn't that enough?"
I felt weary, brushing her off:
"Not mad. I know it's for the hype, for work."
Scarlett sighed in relief: "Good. Now come home. I haven't eaten."
I replied flatly: "Can't. Swamped with projects."
Scarlett sounded bewildered.
"What job is more important than your wife?"
"Stop being difficult."
Her temper flared instantly:
"Who's being difficult? Staying out every night, house a mess, wife ignored – do you even want this marriage?"
"So what if I don't? Scarlett Davis, I marriedyou, I didn't sellmyself to you! Demanding care 24/7? Maybe I should enroll you in daycare for round-the-clock 'mommy care'?"
"Fine! If you don't want this, then divorce!"
Click.Scarlett hung up, furious.
I knew. She didcare, but she was confident she controlled me.
After all, the old me always yielded, centered my world around her. She thought I couldn't live without her.
...
I got off work early for once.
Unexpectedly, she showed up at my office to pick me up.
I walked slowly to her car, reluctant.
"What? Not afraid of paparazzi this time?"
She motioned me in:
"I get why you're mad. I forgot your birthday, right? I'll make it up to you."
I crossed my arms, expression cold: "Unnecessary. It's not a big deal."
Scarlett looked surprised. "You used to care most about this. When I forgot before because of work, you'd cry and make a fuss."
"Alright, stop being stubborn. I'll make it up."
So she remembered I cared about my birthday.
But I cared back then because that day, that moment, was when I truly felt she was mine.
Not a superstar obsessed with fans and fame.
I didn't respond, just got in the car.
We arrived quickly at a well-reviewed steakhouse.
Scarlett went all out for the "surprise."
She had my favorite pink roses ready and was going to play a piano piece for me.
But before the first note sounded, her phone rang.
"Gone? Checked every corner?"
"I'm busy right now; can't come."
"What? Missing for a whole day? Okay, stop crying. I'm coming."
She hung up, looking guilty. "Liam's cat is missing. He's frantic. Can I go?"
Seeing my silent, icy stare, Scarlett frowned. "Jason, what's with the attitude?"
"Something this important? You're not going to throw a fit, are you?"
[Paywalled Section]