This lazy woman is hanging on my neck, I’d kick her out, but I feel sorry, she’ll perish without me..

Food cooked from quality ingredients tastes much better. Nicholas even squeezed out something like approval, like, you tried, good job. It seemed like the relationship between the spouses should have improved, since Olivia now brought money into the family on par with Nicholas.

You could even say she started earning more than her husband, but that didn’t please him, it rather angered him. — Wait before rejoicing, — he told her. — Your work is complete nonsense.

Today there’s money, tomorrow none. — I understand, Nicholas, — his wife explained. — But admit I’ve achieved some success.

I have something to be proud of. — Don’t forget that without me you’re nobody, — her husband wouldn’t stop. — You’re a woman first, so you should think about the family.

A woman without a man is nothing. I married you, supported you all that time you weren’t working, and now I tolerate all your whims. They should build me a monument…

Who needs you at forty-five? — We’re the same age, — Olivia decided to remind him for some reason. — Don’t make me laugh, — Nicholas snorted contemptuously.

A woman’s prime is short. No, I’ll still be popular with women for a long time. But you’re done.

He spread his hands and laughed nastily. If I decide to leave you, you’ll perish, live out your days in poverty in some wretched corner. For some reason, Nicholas always emphasized the phrase «you’re nobody without me.»

In her previous marriage, Olivia never had children, just like Nicholas. Only while her husband never wanted kids and was glad they didn’t have any, Olivia often regretted not experiencing the joy of motherhood. She feared being completely alone in old age, without help, without that proverbial glass of water.

What if, if she does decide on divorce, she won’t find personal happiness again? Such thoughts visited Olivia more often, and she postponed making a serious decision. Still, it’s better with a husband than alone, she convinced herself.

However, fate decided otherwise. It all started with Nicholas preparing for his birthday. For his 45th, he invited many guests, including relatives, friends, and colleagues.

A fancy restaurant was chosen for the celebration. Of course, Nicholas loved to boast and show off. His circle considered him well-off and very generous.

He had to meet their expectations. Olivia didn’t object to the expensive restaurant, but inwardly wondered. Would her husband really shell out a hefty sum?

While she pondered this, Nicholas himself clarified. Suddenly her husband became so affectionate and compliant that it was a pleasure to see. About a week before the event, he suddenly approached his wife with this proposal.

«Olivia, honey, I had this thought. You’re probably racking your brain over what to give me. So I’ll give you a hint.

Let’s have you help me pay for the celebratory banquet as a gift.» I calculated everything and realized I got carried away inviting almost 30 people. Well, I can’t cancel the invitations now.

They’d laugh at me. So we’ll definitely celebrate the birthday. But I don’t want to take out a loan…