Chapter 7

The bar was dark and noisy, a mix of chatter and loud music. Before Naomi could respond, the girl, Madelyn, continued, “Brendan didn’t go home tonight. He must be with another woman!”

Bailey chuckled, putting her hands in her pockets. “Madelyn, are you here to drown your sorrows? You really should; Brendan keeps changing lovers. It’s been two years, and it’s still not your turn.”

Madelyn’s face flushed red with anger. “So what? Do you think Naomi is Brendan’s wife? Is she qualified to be Mrs. Ludvig? Why don’t you ask her to call Brendan ‘husband’ and see if he responds?”

The Sabella family had a closer relationship with the Ludwigs. Their elders had discussed Madelyn's marriage to Brendan, but Naomi married him instead. Madelyn had lost to Naomi repeatedly, causing her considerable trouble. Now, she wouldn't let this opportunity slip away.

Bailey said, “I doubt Brendan would respond to Naomi, but I'm sure he wouldn't respond to you.” Raising her eyebrows, she added, “Madelyn, accept that you’ve lost. There’s no need to stir up trouble.”

Madelyn retorted, “I lost to her? What is she? If Mr. Ludwig hadn’t been confused, she wouldn't have married Brendan. And can she really keep him? Does Brendan treat her like a wife and respect her? They’ve been married for two years, but there’s still no wedding. How many women has he been with during this time? Doesn't she see that? This is Brendan’s protest against the marriage. He doesn’t like her, but she shamelessly clings on. If I were her, I would have left long ago. She really doesn’t know her place. And you, Bailey, you never had a mother to teach you manners? Are you a woman or a tomboy?”

Naomi initially ignored Madelyn’s ranting. But when Madelyn insulted Bailey, Naomi picked up a full glass of wine and splashed it on Madelyn’s face. “Madelyn, have you said enough?”

Had it been Chloe who challenged Naomi, she might have taken it seriously. Chloe had stayed close to Brendan and even became his secretary. But Madelyn? Brendan had never shown any interest in her; it was always the Sabella family trying to create a connection. Naomi wouldn't waste her time.

Drenched in wine, Madelyn flew into a rage. She grabbed her purse and threw it at Naomi. “Naomi, how dare you!”

Naomi and Bailey then scuffled with Madelyn and her six friends. Despite being outnumbered, Naomi and Bailey quickly won.

Leaving the bar, Naomi called. “Mr. Lawson, I’m Naomi from Solaris Law Firm. I need to report an incident…” Mr. Lawson, second in command in Josersey, appreciated her help with his divorce case.

Half an hour later, when Naomi arrived home, news of Madelyn’s arrest for causing trouble at the bar was trending online. Many people joined in, sharing stories of Madelyn’s bullying and boyfriend-stealing. Some even said she belonged in jail. Though the Sabella family quickly removed the trending topic and got Madelyn out of the police station, she received a stern warning. When she tried to blame Naomi, she was told to stay away from Naomi and avoid interfering with her and Brendan’s affairs. Naomi, initially angry, felt better after seeing Madelyn reprimanded.

Her friendship with Bailey began ten years earlier, in seventh grade. A shocking incident they experienced had almost ruined Bailey’s life, making her reserved and changing her image.

After showering, Naomi prepared for bed. The bedroom door opened, and Brendan entered. She looked away.

Brendan said, “Naomi, I need to reevaluate you.” He had only been out briefly, and she’d already caused trouble. Even his grandfather, Jackson Ludwig, had called.

Naomi sat up. “Stop pretending to be good, Brendan. You need to restrain yourself.” Brendan knew about the fight with Madelyn. His actions made Naomi feel disrespected; otherwise, Madelyn wouldn't have been so bold. Seeing Brendan again angered her.

Brendan took off his jacket, rolled up his sleeves, and looked at Naomi with a half-smile. “Are you trying to control me?”

As he approached, Naomi said, “I don’t want to see you tonight. Get out.”

“You don’t want a baby?”

“No.”

Brendan smiled. “Are you sure you want to pass up this chance?”

Naomi felt depressed, frustrated, and upset. What kind of couple were they? She had to beg him for a child and constantly gauge his mood.

Her gaze grew colder. She decided to stand up for herself. “Get out,” she said sharply.

Brendan, amused, picked up his belt and lifted her chin. “Naomi, didn’t you always want a baby?”

Naomi grabbed the belt and threw it at him. “Aren’t you tired of this?” Everyone had emotions; nobody wanted to serve him with a smile all day.

The angrier Naomi got, the more amused Brendan seemed. He leaned close. “I’m in a good mood today.”

(The final line "Act Fast: Free Bonus Time is R" appears to be unrelated and likely an artifact from a different source.)