Chapter 54

When a basin of cold water was poured over her head, Naomi reacted like a startled cat. She leaped from the bed, patting herself dry.

A young maid, trembling and clutching the basin, said, “Mrs. Ludwig, it was Mr. Ludwig’s order.”

The maid nervously glanced at Brendan. Naomi’s gaze followed, and she saw him standing with his hands in his pockets, staring coldly at her. Without a word, she grabbed an ornament from a nearby cabinet and hurled it at him.

“Brendan, are you crazy?”

Water droplets sprayed from her soaked body. Seeing Naomi’s anger, the maid fled with the basin.

Brendan dodged the ornament. Soaked to the bone and furious, Naomi got out of bed and confronted him. Although skilled in martial arts, she was no match for Brendan. She attacked with various objects, only managing to scratch his face.

When she threw her clothes at him, he grabbed her face, coldly demanding, “Am I the crazy one, or you, Naomi? You let someone into our house, into my room?”

His grip was harsh, and Naomi’s cheeks paled.

“I’m crazy?” Naomi smiled ironically, then pushed him away. “Brendan, if you can’t remember last night, ask Mason what name you were calling when you came home.”

Brendan’s expression changed at the mention of his drunken state. But remembering her rejection, his anger flared. “Naomi, you want generosity? Fine. I’ll indulge you. I’ll bring that person back. Pack your things and leave.”

Their two-year marriage had yielded little progress, yet she had already involved someone else. He would indulge her.

Naomi replied coldly, “I’ll leave now.” She slammed the door and left. Enraged, Brendan smashed the room.

Half an hour later, as Naomi prepared to leave with her packed belongings, Jennifer stopped her.

“Mrs. Ludwig, Mr. Ludwig simply drank too much last night. Please don’t be angry with him.”

“Jennifer, I’m not leaving because I’m angry. I’m going to the law firm.”

They had been married for over two years. How many times had she swallowed her pride, tried to seduce him, or broached the subject of children? When had he ever taken her seriously? Respected her? Publicly acknowledged her, introduced her to others, or spent holidays with her family? And had she ever complained?

Lately, his family had pressured her. Though he had returned, he showed no warmth or interest. Why should she continue to bend over backward for such indifference?

Naomi realized the futility. Her enthusiasm and patience had eroded over two years. She’d believed that turning a blind eye and lowering her expectations would improve their relationship. She was wrong.

She couldn’t penetrate his life, his heart. And she no longer cared.

Jennifer looked uneasy when Naomi mentioned the law firm. She whispered, “Mrs. Ludwig, Mr. Ludwig instructed you not to leave the house.”

Glancing at the courtyard, she added, “Besides, Mrs. Ludwig, you won’t be able to leave even if you try.”