Chapter 12 Vincent, I Refuse Your Terms
Queenie knew exactly why Linda asked her to go home during the call.
Linda’s migraines weren’t something that could be solved with just medication. She also needed acupuncture, and honestly, her headaches were already pretty bad.
The special medicine Queenie gave her helped a little, but without daily acupuncture and massage, Linda wouldn’t be in extreme pain, but she’d still feel uneasy, irritable, and on edge.
Since Queenie started working at the institute, she hadn’t done any acupuncture or massage for Linda. Linda could barely last a day or two before her mood and mental state started to spiral.
‘It’s only the third day, and Linda’s already calling. Guess I overestimated Linda’s endurance,’ Queenie thought.
Not long after she hung up, her phone rang again. This time, it was Vincent.
“Hello?” Queenie answered.
“Get home now. Mom’s not feeling well,” Vincent said, his tone cold and commanding.
“I’m at work,” Queenie replied and then hung up.
Right after she hung up, Vincent’s call came in again.
This time, Queenie didn’t bother answering. She went back to the N&Q Institute of Medicine and continued her work on the anti-allergy meds.
Her phone was already on silent, and as she focused on her work, time seemed to fly by.
“It’s time to wrap up,” Leo said as he walked over.
Only then did Queenie notice it was already 6:30 PM.
“No need to work yourself to the bone. Good things take time in research,” Leo added.
Queenie smiled softly. “Yeah, I’m just trying to get used to it again after being away from work for so long.”
“You’re really talented,” Leo said, thinking highly of her. His impression of Queenie had completely changed since her first day.
Queenie’s smile grew even brighter. “Thanks.” It felt great to be recognized, and it gave her a real confidence boost.
Leo was caught off guard by her smile, completely mesmerized. ‘Wow, her smile is amazing. I’ve never seen anyone smile like that,’ he thought.
“Leo, want to head out together?” Queenie’s voice brought Leo back to reality.
Realizing he had spaced out, Leo nervously fidgeted with his hands. “S-Sure.”
Queenie didn’t notice anything unusual about him. She packed up her things and left work with Leo.
*****
When Queenie got home, she knew there’d be trouble waiting.
Vincent had called her at least twenty times that afternoon, but she hadn’t answered once. She’d never done that before.
The second she stepped out of the garage, she could feel the tension.
Vincent and Linda were on the couch. Vincent looked cold as ice, and Linda’s face was stormy.
When Linda heard her come in, she looked up and snapped, “Oh, so now you’re coming home? I thought you were too busy enjoying yourself out there.”
“Do you want me to move out?” Queenie asked calmly. She didn’t wait for an answer before saying, “Fine. I’ll pack tomorrow.”
“Queenie,” Vincent growled, his deep eyes blazing. He jumped up, grabbed her wrist, and pulled her back hard. “I’ve had it with these games.”
Watching Vincent put Queenie in her place, Linda smirked, practically wishing he’d beat her up.
“What did I do wrong?” Queenie looked up at him, her face blank.
Vincent froze for a moment. He’d never seen her look at him like this, so cold and empty. She used to react when he got angry, but now, she really had changed.
He let go of her wrist, his voice low and firm as he commanded, “Quit your job. Mom needs you to help with her headaches. I’ll pay you double whatever you’re doing.”
‘So I’m just a maid to them in this home,’ Queenie thought, giving a cold little smile. “No,” she said flatly, leaving no room for further discussion.
Vincent’s brows furrowed, a chill settling in his eyes. “Queenie, don’t push me. I have my limits.”
“Okay,” Queenie said, and then she went upstairs without looking back.
Her complete indifference made Vincent’s chest feel tight, as if he couldn’t breathe.
*****
Queenie had barely gotten back to her room when Vincent came upstairs. She glanced at him and then went to the closet to get her pajamas.
Vincent smirked a little. ‘Looks like my words finally got through to her,’ he thought. “I’m gonna take a shower tonight, so don’t run me a bath,” he said, loosening his tie and starting to get undressed.
“Okay,” Queenie said. Then she headed into the bathroom, holding her pajamas.
Vincent stopped unbuttoning. ‘She’s not grabbing my pajamas?’ he thought, his hands suddenly moving rougher as he started yanking at his shirt.
After a long day, Queenie felt so much better after a hot shower. But when she came out, she saw Vincent sitting on the bed, looking ready to blow up.
Vincent looked up when he heard her. When he saw what she was wearing, his face got even darker. Without a word, he got up and walked out, slamming the door hard behind him.
Queenie walked over to the mirror and checked herself out. Her pajamas covered her arms and legs, not a bit of skin showing. ‘Seriously, what’s his problem now?’ she thought, totally clueless about why Vincent was so pissed.
Back then, Queenie used to pick out sexy, lacy nightgowns, low-cut, just enough to tease, hoping Vincent would finally pay attention to her.
But Vincent never even looked at her. He’d have that cold expression, turning his back on her. He didn’t like her, and nothing she did would satisfy him. Queenie let out a bitter smile.
“Mommy?” Archie knocked on the door.
Queenie walked over and opened it.
This was the first time Archie had come to her on his own since he’d been mad at her. All morning, he acted like she wasn’t there, and when she got home earlier, he completely ignored her.
“What’s up?” Queenie asked.
Archie looked at her, sounding tentative. “Mommy, are you busy tomorrow night?”
Queenie paused, a little surprised. ‘Is Archie planning something for my birthday?’ she wondered. “No, I’m free,” she said.
Archie was clearly upset. “Mommy, you don’t need to make dinner for Daddy and me tomorrow night. We’re not eating at home.”
‘Well, Mommy’s gonna start asking a million questions again. So annoying. If I tell her the truth, she’ll get all upset, so I have to make stuff up. When will she stop being so sensitive?’ Archie thought.
That tiny bit of hope died right then, and Queenie felt a sharp pain in her chest. She let out a mocking laugh. ‘Why am I still hoping for anything?’ she thought. “Okay,” she said flatly.
Archie waited, surprised when Queenie didn’t ask anything. “Mommy, don’t you want to know where Daddy and I are going?”
“There’s nothing to ask about you and your daddy going out,” Queenie said.
Queenie’s indifference made Archie feel a little disappointed, but it only lasted a moment. The thought of Vivian picking him up tomorrow night and celebrating her birthday together instantly cheered him up.
‘Honestly, Mommy’s so much easier now. If she could stay like this, I wouldn’t have to worry about hiding it every time I want to see Vivian,’ Archie thought.
“Alright, Mommy, I’m going to bed,” Archie said, leaving the room happily.
Queenie watched Archie walk away, her eyes dropping for only a second, and she was back to her normal calm right away.
