Matthew belatedly realized his impulsive purchase might be expensive for Valerie. “A friend recommended this brand,” he explained stiffly, his face expressionless. “It’s expensive but very practical. Since it’s for long-term use, I might as well get a good one.”

If someone had told him a month ago that the CEO of Noria Group would be explaining a purchase to his wife, he would have laughed.

Luckily, Valerie didn't say much. Although married, she didn't feel entitled to interfere with his spending. However, she had no intention of letting him buy anything else.

“We’re inviting my brother and sister-in-law for dinner tomorrow,” she said. “If we order now, delivery will take two or three days, which is too late. So let's shop at the market tomorrow morning.”

Valerie’s lack of focus on the dishwasher secretly relieved Matthew. “I’ll drive you there,” he said.

“Okay,” Valerie replied.

The kitchen was clean. Valerie changed her shoes, strolled on the balcony for half an hour, then showered.

Matthew’s room was closed when she emerged; he’d gone to bed early, as he said. Valerie wanted to remind him to relax so her brother wouldn't notice anything unusual tomorrow. At that moment, she realized she was nervous. Telling lies made her anxious about the future.

To be honest, Matthew was a good partner. She remembered her parents bickering for years. Her father managed the finances, her mother stayed home. Every month, her mother begged her father for money, only to be scolded for being wasteful. Unafraid to confront her father, her mother took her frustration out on the children—mostly Valerie.

Her mother doted on her brother, Julian, so most of the money went to him. Having experienced scarcity since childhood, Valerie felt resentful and helpless. She learned the importance of money early on and wished her family were like her classmates', where the mother managed the finances. If her mother had more money, perhaps she would have been treated better.

However, Julian’s situation changed her perspective. He gave almost all his earnings to his wife. His fruit business was profitable—$2000 a month—yet they still bickered, becoming bitter enemies. Julian, the breadwinner, lived a pathetic life.

Valerie agreed with Julian's last point: having control of your money is reassuring. Money prevents hunger and allows independence.

She was determined to earn and save money. Becoming financially independent, she wouldn't live at anyone's mercy again. She would never return to that situation.

Valerie had mentally prepared herself to split every bill with Matthew. Yet, in a few days, he’d already given her a significant amount of money.

Having seen couples fighting over money, Valerie was unsettled by Matthew's generosity. From childhood, only Julian had treated her this way.

She mused, "Aside from his gloomy face, Mr. Grant is a great guy!"

The next day, Valerie woke early to clean the hamster cage. When Matthew emerged, she was holding the hamster.

“My dear little Peanut,” she cooed, stroking its fur. “Why are you so listless? Are you not adjusting well to your new environment?” She was unaware that the reason for the hamster's lethargy was standing behind her.

Matthew sneered inwardly, unimpressed by the hamster.

“Mr. Grant, you’re awake?” Valerie smiled, seeing him.

Matthew was pleased when she put down the hamster and approached him, thinking, ‘It’s just an ugly hamster; it can't even complain.’