Chapter 2 The Man Who Plays Dumb
Queenie got up and picked up the divorce papers from the nightstand, handing them directly to Vincent. She had left them there intentionally, making it easy for him to take them when he got home.
Vincent was about to take a shower. When he saw the papers, his cold eyes filled with irritation. “Queenie, what are you doing now? Trying to play hard to get?”
“Whatever you think this is, sign the papers, and you’ll never have to see me again,” Queenie replied, her tone flat but full of sarcasm.
She knew Vincent had only married her out of gratitude. She admitted she’d fallen for him at first sight and desperately wanted to be his wife.
But she’d never played any of the tricks he accused her of. Instead, she’d poured everything she had into these seven years, hoping he’d finally care for her.
Vincent looked at her serious face and wavered for a moment. He picked up the divorce papers, which stated that Queenie wasn’t trying to keep Archie, but was asking for a fair 50/50 split of their assets.
Everyone knew how much Queenie loved Archie, even more than her own life. Giving up custody to get this divorce was impossible.
Vincent smirked coldly. “I don’t have time for your games.” He threw the papers back at her and walked away.
The papers hit Queenie in the face, but she instinctively caught them and returned them to the nightstand. She had made up her mind about the divorce. She wasn’t waiting for Vincent’s approval any longer.
*****
The next morning, Queenie got up like usual, made breakfast, and went to wake up Archie.
Archie was on a video call, speaking so quietly that it was as if he were worried someone would hear.
But Queenie still caught it and found he was talking to Vivian. “Archie, time to get up,” she said softly.
As soon as he heard her voice, Archie quickly said, “Vivian, I have to go. See you tonight.” He ended the call right before Queenie walked in.
“Mommy, you don’t need to pick me up from school today. I have plans with a friend, and his dad knows Daddy. So Daddy will come get me,” Archie said, stealing a quick look at Queenie, nervous that she’d start asking questions.
He thought, ‘I didn’t mean to lie, but Mommy is always so nagging, and she doesn’t approve of me going out with Vivian. Well, I had to stretch the truth a bit.’
“Okay,” Queenie replied flatly, not asking any more questions.
Archie let out a quiet sigh of relief that she didn’t press him further. Still, he felt a bit confused, thinking, ‘Why isn’t Mommy grilling me like she usually does?’
Queenie knew who Archie was going to see that night. She’d overheard him talking to Vivian by the door.
At first, she hadn’t liked how close Archie was to Vivian, feeling like he might prefer her over his own mom. But now, she didn’t mind anymore and decided not to pry.
“Are you ready? Come downstairs and have breakfast,” Queenie said.
“Okay,” Archie replied and followed her downstairs.
Seeing the food on the table, Archie frowned. “Mommy, I told you last night I wanted salmon salad with no cucumbers or carrots. This isn’t even salmon salad, and there are cucumbers and carrots. How am I supposed to eat this?”
“We’re out of salmon. If you don’t want the cucumbers or carrots, pick them out,” Queenie said calmly as she poured the milk.
Archie pouted. “Then I’m not eating.”
Queenie ignored him. Last night, she had spent a lot of time thinking things through. She really put her heart into this family. Even with maids around, she made sure to cook every meal herself.
She loved everyone in the family, but in the end, she always felt like an outsider, gaining no respect.
She gave Archie everything. If he wanted something that wasn’t at home, she would get up early to buy it for him. Yet, all she got in return was him saying she was a maid in his home.
“What’s wrong?” Linda asked, walking over. “Archie, what happened?”
Archie began to complain, “Grandma, I wanted salmon salad, but Mommy didn’t make it for me.”
“Queenie, what’s your problem? Archie asked for salmon salad, and you couldn’t even make it for him?” Linda scolded.
Queenie still replied calmly, “We’re out of salmon.”
“Out of salmon? Why didn’t you go buy some?” Linda spat.
At that moment, Vincent walked into the dining room, and Linda immediately voiced her complaints. “Vincent, look at her. She’s becoming lazier every day. Archie wanted salmon salad, and she couldn’t even make it for him.”
Queenie tightened her grip on her fork, feeling hurt. She did more for this family than a maid ever did, but she was always seen as the lazy one. ‘They always pretend not to see what I’ve done for this family,’ she thought.
Vincent glanced at her.
Queenie didn’t react. She continued eating her breakfast, as if they weren’t talking about her.
Vincent turned to look at Archie. “Archie, you can’t be picky. You eat whatever is on the table, okay?”
“Okay,” Archie replied unwillingly, clearly intimidated by Vincent.
Queenie paused for a moment, genuinely surprised by Vincent’s response, but she quickly hid her feelings and went back to her breakfast, acting as if nothing had happened.
Even though Vincent clearly disliked her now, he still took Archie’s education seriously.
*****
After dropping Archie off at school, Queenie headed straight to the café to meet Vivian.
Vivian was already there, waving to Queenie as she walked in.
Queenie made her way over and sat down across from Vivian.
Vivian was a huge celebrity, famous enough that she had to wear a disguise, like sunglasses, a hat, and a mask. With the café almost empty, she took off her sunglasses and mask, revealing a slight smile.
Honestly, Vivian was truly stunning. Her beauty stood out so much.
Unlike the many bland idols in the entertainment industry, she had a look that was genuinely one of a kind. Individually, her features weren’t overly delicate, but together, they created a striking beauty.
“Queenie, is this about yesterday? I thought you really trusted Vincent. What changed? Why don’t you trust him anymore?” Vivian asked.
