Chapter 48

Before this, Naomi always greeted Brendan with a smile. But this time, when Brendan visited her at the Goodwin residence, she didn't react as she usually did.

Brendan couldn't accept her changed behavior. He felt she had been treating him like a circus monkey—teasing and toying with him when she was in a good mood, but dismissing him when she wasn't.

He realized that, although she always initiated their interactions, she was actually in control, not him. Naomi did as she pleased, entirely according to her mood.

Naomi chuckled dryly. "Just because I chose to be nice to you before doesn't mean I have to continue indefinitely. I need to maintain my dignity, you know?"

Brendan grabbed the back of her neck, pulling her forward abruptly. "Does being with me mean you lose your dignity?"

Naomi's neck ached from his grip. Looking up at him, she said, "Brendan, your anger is pointless. Let go."

He had never truly respected her. Ignoring her, his fury blazing, Brendan refused to release her.

Naomi struggled to break free, but failed. She could only stare at him, saying, "Don't forget, your father proposed our marriage arrangement. You agreed to it. Don't act like I owe you anything. If you have any—"

Brendan cut her off, pulling her into his arms and kissing her. It was as if he anticipated her words and refused to hear them.

The angry kiss ended, leaving Naomi's lips swollen. She wiped her mouth as Brendan walked to the wardrobe, changed his clothes, and left without looking back.

Naomi fumed silently. How was it always her fault? Brendan was celebrating the holiday with another woman, yet she was the one bearing the blame? She sat helplessly in the chair.

Suddenly, Christine opened the door. "Naomi, I heard noises from your room. What happened?" After glancing around, she added, "Where's Brendan?"

With Christine's arrival, Naomi quickly composed herself. "He went out for some work-related matters."

Christine muttered, "Why is everyone so busy during the holidays?" She chatted with Naomi for a while, then lamented, "Speaking of which, Brendan's behavior is much better this year than the previous two. At least he comes back for dinner."

Naomi yawned. "It's almost midnight, Mom. You should rest."

Christine stood up. "Alright, I'm going to bed. Don't be upset with Brendan. He's just busy with work."

"I understand," Naomi replied. Having been married for over two years, she was used to it; otherwise, she would have driven herself crazy long ago.

After Christine left, Naomi closed the door and sighed.

Chapter 49

In the following days, Naomi stayed with her parents for the holidays. That afternoon, shortly after waking from a nap, Heather called.

"Why haven't you been home these past few days, Naomi?"

Naomi, pouring herself some water, replied, "I went back to my parents' home."

"I see. I came by earlier, but Jennifer said you haven't been home."

Without waiting for a reply, Heather asked, "So, when are you coming back?"

"I'll be back after dinner," Naomi answered.