The Revenge of the Mute Wife by Melanie Paulson

It was a good thing that Caroline knew how to cheer up Deborah. After calming her friend down, Caroline took Deborah to a stationery store-paradise on earth for Deborah, who didn't hesitate to buy several markers and pens of different colors, notebooks, some folders,

and a few other office supplies with adorable designs.

"You never change; you almost bought the entire store," joked Caroline as they packed the shopping bags into the car.

[You're exaggerating.] Deborah was both amused and embarrassed by her friend's

comment.

"Ah... if only you were like this with your clothes and accessories, we wouldn't haveContent protected by Nôv/el(D)rama.Org.

taken so long to

put your new wardrobe together."

[Don't say that. Here you are. I got you something.] Deborah handed Caroline a paper bag with some stationery items. "Thanks," Caroline said, taking the bag. "But am I right or not?"

[Um... maybe.] Deborah laughed, realizing she hadn't had this much fun or bought things for herself in a long time.

"Well, when you get back home, you'll be very busy organizing your stuff," Caroline commented as they got into the car to head back home.

[I'll enjoy organizing my purchases and using my new notebook to jot down my money management.]

"Oh, how I missed this side of you, Deb. Oh, by the way, have you arranged your appointment with the gynecologist?"

[I'll make an appointment tomorrow.]

"Let me know if you want me to accompany you."

[Thanks, Carrie, I'll let you know as soon as confirm the appointment.]

"Oh... now that I remember, are you going to tell that boy where you live?"

[Boy?]

"Your brother-in-law, or rather ex-brother-in-law."

[Oh... I think so since Elliot always liked me a lot. He's a better sibling to me than

Ernest and Cassandra ever were.]

"That pair is not much better than that stupid Roger. Maybe the siblings were. switched at birth."

[Maybe... but I think I'll get in touch with him to tell him about his nephew.]

"Well, your ex-father-in-law is someone respectable and upright. Surely, if you tell him about your pregnancy, he'll support you financially."

[I'll only tell them out of moral obligation because I don't expect anything from that family.]

"Agreed. Three years together and that hypocrite didn't even give you a pair of diamond earrings yet his company is a jewelry design business."

[Well... you know he gave those to her.] Deborah sighed, feeling annoyed. [The finest and most precious jewels for the mistress, a sad fake ring as a wedding ring for his wife."

Deborah grimaced at that comment because Caroline was right. He had never treated her right from the beginning. But she clung to the idea that everything would improve as the days went by. When it didn't, she decided it was best to forget the past and move on. After a while, the girls returned home and unloaded their purchases. Caroline said goodbye and left for home to make dinner for her husband.

Deborah returned to the house and saw that had just enough time to make dessert and dinner. Luckily, she finished with extra time to change clothes and be ready to receive her guest.

Just as she finished setting the table, the doorbell rang. She went to open the door and was greeted by a bouquet of flowers.

"Good evening. You... uh... look beautiful, Deborah."

She blushed at the compliment as she received the flowers. [Surprised?]

"Quite tonight you look more beautiful than usual."

[Caroline helped give me a makeover.]

"You know, if I were your friend's boss, I'd give her a big promotion right now," Jayden joked as he took her hand and gave her a spin so he could admire how that pastel-pink spaghetti strap dress looked on her. "Absolutely gorgeous." +15 BONUS

[Jayden.] Deborah complained, blushing.

"Right, let's go in before dinner gets cold," he said, remembering why he had come

to see her.

Upon entering, he saw the shopping bags which oddly made him happy because it was a good sign she was focusing more on herself now.

[I hope you like dinner; I made beef stew with rice.] Deborah signed to him before placing the flowers in a vase with water.

"Well, the smell alone tells me I'm going to enjoy it a lot," he said as he pulled out the chair for her. "And based on what I can tell from the haul sitting in the living room, this makeover is quite a project."

[I'm serious about my transformation to recover myself.]

"I don't mean to criticize, but did you perhaps get a little carried away with the shopping?"

[Yes and no.] Deborah said, excited to share about her purchases with someone. She stood up to fetch one of her shopping bags and show him. [I got more excited buying. these than clothes.]

"Oh?" Jayden looked into the contents of the bag and smiled at the sight of the contents. Curious about how she would react, he took out a set of colorful pens with heart designs and said, "Oh, so you're a fan of cute stationery." [Yes, I love having different types of stationery and colors as I work on the notes of my finances.] She confessed with a big smile. [Um... do you think I'm weird?]

"Not at all, it's nice to see that you have such interests. And now I know what to give you next time," he said, winking at her as he put the pens back in the bag.

D

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