Five Years of Marriage to Mr. Bradford (by Koi Fish) novel Chapter 2

Vance had broken his no-drinking rule. He was obviously drunk, or else he wouldn't have shouted like that.

In Rebecca's memories, Vance in high school was the aloof genius, always focused on his studies. Once, a girl who admired him had offered him water on the sports field, but he had ignored her.

As her husband, he was polite and emotionally steady, never laughing heartily or showing anger. He was so calm, so detached that even brushing his fingers felt cool.

The video panned across faces, capturing a flushed Vance. His eyes were sparkling as he raised his glass with a broad smile. "Welcome home, Cathy."

So, he could laugh, be passionate, and use intimate nicknames.

He just didn't do that to Rebecca. He never smiled at her, never showed passion, and never called her by her nickname.

Nancy's voice came from outside, interrupting her thoughts. "Madam, are you up yet?"

Rebecca's daily routine was predictable. When there was no response, Nancy worried she might need help, especially considering her leg injury.

Rebecca set her phone aside, her voice hoarse. "Coming out soon."

Nancy made sandwiches for breakfast, but Rebecca managed only one bite before losing her appetite.

Nancy handed her a glass of milk. "Madam, what would you like for lunch and dinner?"

"Anything, I guess," Rebecca started, then swallowed her usual response of making whatever Vance liked.

But Nancy understood the implication. That was just the same daily conversation. "Mr. Bradford said he won't be home for dinner. He has a commitment."

Rebecca nodded, having seen the list in that post. Catherine had scheduled a week's worth of dinners, listing who was treating and what she craved.

[The most genuine friendships from the student days. I'm so lucky to have so many boys pampering me.]

Normally, Rebecca's day involved two hours of French study and several more on art theory. Without something to occupy her, how could she endure the endless waiting for Vance to come home?

She had waited before... The ache of it was unbearable. Now her plans were different.

This offer was likely the university's final round of admissions; she needed to confirm quickly.

Her first task was to pay the confirmation fee. When the bank notification popped up, she exhaled in relief.

It was another step closer to leaving Vance.

That evening, she changed her clothes and prepared to go out. Nancy asked wonderingly, "Madam, where are you going?"

Without Vance, Rebecca hardly ever left the house.

"Oh, a college friend is performing nearby and invited me to meet," she lied.

In truth, she was heading to a hotel near the exam center. She'd have the French Proficiency test tomorrow, and it was scheduled for the morning. Rushing there risked traffic delays.

Her previous attempt months ago hadn't met her target score, but with application deadlines looming, she had submitted anyway. Surprisingly admitted, she could now supplement her scores.

That was thanks to the school allowing post-admission updates.

"But..." Nancy hesitated, eyeing her leg. "Should I accompany you?"

Rebecca kept her expression neutral. "No need. It's a girls' night; an extra person would be awkward."

Nancy fretted over potential mishaps. "Then I'll let Mr. Bradford know."

"No, let him focus on his evening. I'll call him after and have him pick me up." Rebecca grabbed her bag and left.

Considering her mobility, Vance had chosen a spacious flat for their home. She took the elevator down and stepped outside.

The sunlight made her instinctively lower her head, hunch her shoulders, and pull on a hat, raising her collar.

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