So-Called Happiness

"I want to get a job," I said.

Gideon laughed, "Seriously? Maybe come to my company and mop floors. Vesper is fresh out of college, and you're not even on the same level."

Before I could respond, Vesper came out of the bedroom.

"Babe, how do I look? Good?" She was wearing a dress Gideon bought yearly for his first love.

When I once touched it while cleaning, he only slapped me.

Now, he eyed Vesper with satisfaction. "Perfect. Wear anything you like."

Vesper flaunted it, turning to me. "Don't I look amazing?"

"Yes. It suits you." I nodded.

She froze, surprised by my response. I ignored them and went back to my room.

In three days, I'd be gone. It was time to pack up.

...

I had just laid down when Gideon called.

"Vesper needs a ride to campus. Drive her," he said.

I frowned. "Don't we have a driver?"

Rejected by me the second time, he couldn't hold back his anger. "What's with you? Can't do one thing?"

Before he blew up, I agreed, "Okay."

"See? That wasn't hard," he snorted.

I changed and found them in the yard. He urged, "Hurry up! Vesper has got an exam."

Vesper grinned, "Thanks, Selene."

They kissed passionately as they parted.

Once in the car, Vesper started, "Gideon is just so passionate. Is he like that with you too?"

I stayed silent, and she chuckled, "I get it. You're old and boring. No way he'd go for you."

I kept ignoring her, and she shut up eventually.

Near her school, a car swerved into us. I jerked the wheel, but we still got hit.

Pain seared my leg, and Vesper groaned behind me. I looked back and saw a scratch on her hand.

Medics pulled us out. My left leg was broken, while Vesper just had the scratch.

After they bandaged her, Gideon arrived, looking frantic.

He rushed up to ask about her situation. Vesper whined about her hand.

Gideon ordered the driver to take her for a full checkup. He passed me twice but never looked at me.

I gave a bitter smile. The pain in my chest dulled the one in my leg.

At the hospital, I overheard the nurses gossiping.

"Mr. Strathmore is so sweet to his girlfriend. For just a scratch, he is calling in top specialists."

"Marrying a rich, doting guy like that must be a dream."