Chapter 8 8: Exchange for money

ASHER

It has been a week since Emily was discharged from the hospital after her allergic reaction, yet she still hasn't come home. It feels deliberate-as if she's intentionally keeping her distance, wanting me to experience just how painful it is to be ignored, to be shut out.

It's as if she's testing my patience.

Or maybe... she truly no longer feels anything for me, just as Troy had said.

In the three years we've been married, Emily never once mentioned-never even threw in my face-the enormous amount of help her family gave me and the Bennett Group. She was always quiet, always standing behind me, always ready to understand even when I couldn't find the words to explain myself.

But after she woke up in that hospital room, she suddenly forced me to face a truth I had long been avoiding. The very reason I became hostile toward her. The truth I tried so hard to bury, yet one that had been lodged in my mind for far too long.

I wasn't wrong.

She sees me as weak.

In her eyes, I am nothing more than a man who married for money.

I know it-even if no one says it to my face. People talk behind my back. They whisper about how the Hills family saved the Bennett Group. About how Emily's love became my capital, my lifeline, the reason I remained standing when everything else was collapsing.

Yes, Emily loved me. And I loved her too-that was a truth I never denied. But it was also something I never allowed myself to say out loud. Not to anyone. Not to Emily.

What I couldn't bear was the idea that our marriage existed because of money.

All I wanted back then was a loan. A chance to save the company. But not a single bank believed in me. Not a single investor was willing to take a risk on the Bennett name.

Until Mr. Hills spoke.

Marriage.

A transaction in exchange for money.

I didn't want to accept it. My pride was the only thing I had left at that point. But I was desperate. Broken. Cornered. And beyond that... I did like Emily. I always had. Since junior high school, I had seen her as someone quiet yet strong, simple yet carrying a light that set her apart.

I chose the wrong reason for the right person.

I closed my eyes, memories flooding in-moments that should have been ours. Anniversaries. Birthdays. Simple dinners I chose to miss in favor of work. Not because I didn't want to be with her, but because I couldn't stand the feeling of being indebted.

I wanted to repay everything her family had done for me as quickly as possible. I wanted to erase the five years of debt that eventually led to our marriage three years ago-right after she graduated from college.

Back then, I believed that once I had paid Mr. Hills in full, I'd finally have the courage to look Emily in the eye. That I could finally stand beside her without shame. That she could be proud of me, as a husband who didn't rely on her family, as a man who could truly provide.

But even a year after settling everything, the world still saw me the same way.

To them, without Emily, the Bennett Group wouldn't even exist.

Even now, when we are considered one of the most respected companies, I haven't escaped the whispers and ridicule. It's as if that debt is permanently etched into my name-an invisible stain that will never fade.

They can't say it to my face anymore, not with the influence I hold now-not just in the city, but across the country.

My thoughts were cut short by a knock on the door.

"Come in," I said.

The door opened, and my mother stepped inside. In an instant, my chest felt heavier. Whenever she faced me, there was always only one theme-and I already knew who it would involve.

"What do you need?" I asked, forcing my tone to remain neutral.

"Mr. Taylor's birthday is next week," she said bluntly as she walked closer. "You need to attend. Many influential businessmen will be there."

"I already know," I replied immediately. "You don't need to remind me."

"Bring Corrine with you," she added casually, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. "I heard she's close to Mr. Taylor's granddaughter."

I pressed my fingers against my temple, massaging it slowly, trying to suppress the growing headache. "Why? You don't like the idea?" she asked, irritation seeping into her voice.

"It's inappropriate, Mom," I said firmly. "I'm a married man. It's wrong to be seen with another woman."

She smirked, her expression dripping with mockery. "You're only thinking about that now? How long have you been taking that bitch for granted?"

"Stop!"

My raised voice silenced her instantly. Shock flashed across her face.

"Is that how you talk about my wife?" I asked, my voice trembling but resolute.

"You raised your voice at me?" she shot back, eyes wide in disbelief.

"Yes," I answered without hesitation. "Have you forgotten why the Bennett Group is still standing today?"

She fell silent for a moment before speaking again. "Probably because of their money. But you know you worked hard for everything. Haven't you paid them back already? There's no reason for you to keep treating that woman nicely."

Her words hit me like a slap across the face.

I couldn't believe what I was hearing.

My own mother, the same woman who once nearly knelt before other businessmen, who witnessed firsthand how the Hills couple treated us with dignity and restraint, was now speaking of Emily as if she were nothing more than an inconvenience.

And in that moment, I finally realized something I had been blind to for far too long.

It wasn't just me who had hurt Emily. I had allowed others to disrespect her as well-because of my own fear, my pride, and my refusal to stand my ground.

"This is the last time you will ever speak badly about my wife," I said, never taking my eyes off her. "Whether it's in front of her or behind her back, you will respect Emily."

I saw her eyes narrow, but she said nothing. She knew I wasn't bluffing.

"If I hear even a single word that you've done or said something against my wife," I continued, studying her reaction carefully, making sure my message sank in, "I will make sure you regret it."

Silence followed.

"Fine," she finally said. "If that's what you want. But make sure you bring Corrine. She will be very useful to you if anything happens."

With that, my mother turned her back on me and walked out of my office.

I could only shake my head as I watched her leave. It suddenly dawned on me that Emily must have endured far more than I ever allowed myself to believe. Back then, I hadn't taken her seriously when she said my mother treated her poorly. I dismissed it, convinced myself it couldn't be true.

Who would think such a thing?

My mother knew how much the Hills family had helped us. I assumed that alone was enough to warrant her treating my wife with respect.

I was wrong.

Mr. Taylor's seventieth birthday.

I should bring Emily. I needed to start taking her with me to every gathering I had to attend. I didn't want her to think, not even for a second, that I was neglecting our marriage or hiding her existence.

With that thought in mind, I picked up the phone and called Troy. Moments later, he was standing in front of me.

"Any news on Emily?" I asked.

"Last week, she started going on morning runs," Troy reported.

I frowned but remained silent, signaling him to continue.

"Just yesterday, she signed up for a membership to a boxing gym."

"A boxing gym?" I asked sharply, unable to hide my surprise.

"Yes, Sir."

"She just got out of the hospital," I said, my concern surfacing despite myself. "Is she really okay after falling down the stairs? Won't intense physical activity-especially something like boxing- put her at risk?"

"I believe Mrs. Bennett knows her limits," Troy replied calmly. "And one more thing, Sir-based on what I've gathered, she will most likely attend Mr. Taylor's birthday. Mr. and Mrs. Hills have received an invitation."

I nodded, my thoughts immediately drifting back to my mother's words.

All the more reason not to bring Corrine. I refused to add fuel to Emily's suspicions-especially not now.

"Anything else?" I asked.

"As for Devon," Troy continued, "we still haven't gathered any solid information about him. However, he hasn't approached Mrs. Bennett again since the hospital incident."

I let out a quiet breath of relief.

"Don't let your guard down," I said. "Continue investigating him. It's possible he was simply there when Emily had her allergic reaction-but the words he said at the hospital... I can't ignore them."

"Understood, Sir."

Troy left shortly after, leaving me alone with my thoughts once more.

'Do you think I care about that? As long as she's with me, I don't care.'

Devon's words echoed in my mind.

I was certain now, he knew Emily. And worse, he had intentions toward my wife.

And that was something I intended to uncover-no matter what it took.