Chapter 10 Do I Have a Choice?

• If this really is such a great benefit for both sides, would she even need to ask me?
• "Let Charles deal with Eckman Group himself," I added, frowning. "I don't have the authority to meddle in Marcus' work."
• "Marcus is your husband! If you just mention it to him, it'll get done. Why make everything so complicated?" my mom snapped, growing impatient.
• I took a breath and spoke slowly, emphasizing each word, "Not only do I stay out of the Eckman family's business, but I also have no say in it. And to be blunt, the quality of Charles' clothing doesn't even meet basic standards. Thinking it could be sold in Eckman Group's stores is nothing but wishful thinking."
• "Wishful thinking? Marcus is my son-in-law! Why shouldn't our factory's clothes be sold in their stores? It's a win-win situation, isn't it?" Mom asked, baffled.
• I knew there was no point in arguing with her when she got like this, so I reluctantly said I'd talk to Marcus later. She finally let me go, looking pleased with herself.
• As I walked down the street, the last place I wanted to return to was the Eckman Residence. My mind was weighed down, and my emotions were all over the place. After wandering aimlessly for a while, I called Peggy Steele and asked her to meet me.
• Peggy, a close friend since elementary school, was someone I often confided in. When she picked me up, she didn't press for details—she could tell something was wrong. Instead, she suggested we unwind for a while.
• She brought me to Paradise Bar. After a few drinks, I couldn't hold it in any longer. I told her everything that had happened in the last few days.
• Peggy, furious, wanted to march straight to Marcus and confront him.
• I stopped her, managing a bitter smile. "Peggy, his heart isn't with me anymore."
• She stared at me, shocked. "He's been neglecting you for ages, and now he's having a child with Taylor? And on top of that, he expects you to bring up divorce? How could Marcus do this? Does being rich mean he can treat you however he wants?"
• I sighed, drained and tired. "I've always known Marcus and I came from different worlds, but I kept convincing myself that if I waited long enough, I'd be rewarded. I never thought…"
• I took a sip of my drink, blinking back tears. Peggy had always warned me not to give my whole heart to Marcus, but once it was given, there was no taking it back.
• For the longest time, I believed that if I stayed in the house, quietly playing the part of the dutiful wife, Marcus would eventually recognize my worth and look my way again.
• But I was so, so wrong.
• Marcus had passed by many sights in his life, and while he might have lingered at mine for a time, he would never look back.
• "Are you really going to divorce him?" Peggy asked, resting her head in her hands, her eyes filled with sympathy.
• "Do I have any other choice?" I replied, causing her to fall silent.
• We drank until late into the night, and afterward, we checked into a hotel nearby to sleep.
• The next morning, after sobering up, I told Peggy I was thinking of finding a job and asked if there were any openings at her company.
• Peggy worked at Times Group, a company I knew a bit about through her. It seemed like a good fit, aligning well with my educational background and interests in design.
• "With your talent, you shouldn't have any problem getting in." She nodded. "But you'll still need to go through the usual interview process. Make sure to include your design samples from your studio in your portfolio."
• "Alright." I nodded, feeling a flicker of hope.
• I had married Marcus right after graduating from college, and since then, I hadn't held a job. As Marcus' wife, working outside the home was seen as improper—that was what Alice had insisted.
• She had told me that marrying into the Eckman Family meant following their rules. Foolishly, I agreed.
• Still, despite spending most of my time confined within the Eckman Residence, I managed to stave off the loneliness and boredom. To keep my skills sharp and avoid letting everything I'd learned go to waste, I secretly started an online design studio.
• Running the studio wasn't complicated. I'd browse professional websites for clients, design according to their specifications, and submit bids. If a client liked my work, they'd purchase it.
• However, I didn't take on many projects, and my income was modest. Household duties were overwhelming, and there were constant social obligations to fulfill. Fearing Alice's disapproval, I only worked late at night.
• Thankfully, Marcus didn't come home often, so I had enough freedom in the evenings to focus on my designs.
• Now, with divorce looming, I had no source of income. I had to prepare myself to earn enough to support my own livelihood and repay the debts I owed Marcus.
• ...
• "What? The client is not satisfied with the design? Do you even realize we're competing for shelf space in Peldorale? I don't care what it takes—get the design team to deliver something the client approves of, or they're all fired."
• That afternoon, as I returned to the Eckman Residence, I overheard Marcus furiously berating his employees over the phone from his study.
• Seeing the tension written all over his face tugged at something inside me.
• After a brief hesitation, I walked in and quietly asked, "Marcus, is something wrong?"