When Mom woke up that morning and saw my swollen eyes, she weakly touched my face.
“Sweetheart, you didn’t sleep at all?”
“Mom, how are you feeling?”
“Same old heart trouble. I’ll be fine.”
She looked at me, suddenly confused. “Jaxon didn’te?”
I stayed silent.
“That boy…” Mom sighed “When your father died saving his grandfather, he cried and swore he’d take care of us. And now…”
“Mom, don’t<b>.</b><b>” </b>
“Iris,” Mom squeezed my hand, “are you happy in that house?”
I wanted to say yes, but tears betrayed me.
Mom wiped them away and was about to speak when the door opened.
Melody walked in carrying a fruit basket.
“Hi, Auntie! Came to check on you.”
Her smile was picture–perfect. “Jax is swamped, so he sent me to represent him.”
Mom gave her a cold look and said nothing.
Melody didn’t seem fazed. She set down the basket and turned to me.
“Iris, Jax wanted me to tell you–tonight’s anniversary dinner is cancelled. He’s meeting with a major client.”
I’d already guessed. “Got it.”
“Oh, and,” Melody added like an afterthought, “the home system needs upgrading. Jax said to temporarily put you on guest–level ess so you don’t identally mess anything up.”
“Guest level?”
I was stunned. “That means I can’t even do basic things…”
“Don’t worry, I’ll help you remotely.”
Melody’s smile was sickeningly sweet.
“Just text me when you need something adjusted. I’ll take care of it. After all, high–tech stuff like this really needs a professional touch.”
She left, heels clicking on the floor.
Hell Yeah. Forget the Other Woman My Smart House Was Cheating On Me!
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Chapter <b>3 </b>
Mom watched her go and snorted. “That woman’s trouble.”
“Mom?”
“Sweetie, can’t you see? She’s recing you step by step. She controls your house–she’s already the real woman in charge.”
I smiled bitterly. “Jaxon says it’s for work convenience.”
“Work?” Mom scoffed. “What kind of sense does it make to let an outsider control your own home? Iris, you’re too trusting. Too naive about Jaxon.”
Although I felt ufortable inside, considering that Mom had just finished surgery, I thought it was better not to worry her.
After taking care of Mom all day, I didn’t return home until dark.
Click!
The lights didn’t turn on.
“Alexa, lights on.”
“Sorry, guest privileges cannot ess that function.”
Turns out I didn’t even have permission to turn on the lights anymore.
I fumbled for my phone in the dark and texted Melody: [Could you please turn on the living room lights?<b>] </b>
Ten minutester, she finally replied:
[Sorry babe, was in the shower! Just turned them on for you]
The lights came on.
But needing permission to illuminate my own home felt humiliating.
I tried the TV, AC, kitchen appliances…
Everything showed “Insufficient ess.”
In my own house, I’d be an actual “outsider.”
Jazon didn’t get home until eleven, reeking of alcohol.
“Happy anniversary,”
He set a box on the table.
“Your gift,”
Inside was a new insurance policy.
<b>“</b>Critical illness coverage, five million payout, covers all major diseases.”
He said seriously, “I researched every product on the market–this is the optimal n.”
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Hell Yeah Forgot <b>the </b>Other Woman My Smart House Was Cheating On Me!
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I stared at the cold contract.
“This is my anniversary gift?”
He frowned.
“It’s practical. Way more useful than flowers or jewelry. When it matters, this could save your life.”
“I don’t want insurance. I want yourpanionship.”
“I’m here now, aren’t <b>I</b><b>?</b>” He checked his watch. “Actually came home an hour early.”
I took a deep breath.
“Jaxon, why did you downgrade me to guest ess?<b>” </b>
“System upgrade. Melody said guest level is safest–prevents idental interference.”
“Melody said?” Iughed coldly. “This is our home. Why does everything depend on what she says?”
“She’s the expert.”
Jaxon was getting annoyed.
“Besides, it’s temporary. Once the upgrade’s done, you’ll get your ess back.”
“How long?”
“Don’t know. Depends.”
He yawned. “I’m gonna shower. Early morning tomorrow.”
Watching turn walk away, I suddenly asked:
“Jazon, in your mind, am I your wife, or just some problem that needs managing?”
He stopped but didn’t turn around.
“You’re overthinking this. Get some sleep.”