The Regretful Housewife: Divorce and Rise Again novel Chapter 38

Chapter 38 A Bag Of Strawberries

Preston was speechless.

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Marvin smiled with satisfaction. “Excellent work, Preston. You’ll get both this month’s bonus and the year–end bonus.”

“…Thank you, Mr. Tann.”

Preston looked thoroughly miserable, not a trace of joy on his face.

If it had actually been his idea, at least he could’ve accepted the money with a clear conscience.

Meanwhile, Nina stood off to the side, grinning as if Preston really were the hero of the whole thing–and she’d only been there to watch.

The next day, the contract was stamped without delay, and by the afternoon, the funds were transferred in batches into Mercer Group’s account.

For the time being, the Mercer family’s crisis was over.

Jensen stepped into Nina’s room with a bag of strawberries in hand. She was lounging at her desk, studying at ease. He set the bag down quietly in the corner, but the movement still caught her attention.

Nina pulled off her headphones and looked up. “You’re home early today.”

“School starts the day after tomorrow, so I don’t have to go in starting tomorrow,” Jensen said.

Before he’d even finished speaking, Nina had already opened the bag. Inside was a box of strawberries–washed, with the stems removed.

“They must be expensive this time of year. You work hard for your money–you shouldn’t be spending it like this,” she said, even as she popped one into her mouth.

It was summer break, but Jensen still picked up odd jobs whenever he could. Every time he came back, he’d bring her something–fresh fruit, or a small dessert. She’d told him not to more than once, but he never listened.

“I can afford a box of strawberries,” Jensen said, a faint smile in his eyes as he looked at her. “Take your time. I’ll go study.”

“Wait!”

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10:16 Thu, May 7

Chapter 38 A Bag Of Strawberries

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Before he could react, Nina rushed after him and pushed a strawberry into his mouth.

Jensen froze. The sweetness spread across his tongue–something he’d never quite tasted before.

Nina tilted her head, watching him. “Is it good?”

“…Yeah.”

“Then eat more.”

She split the strawberries, giving him half.

She knew exactly how hard he worked for that money. Even after a full day, he might not make a hundred dollars. And yet the strawberries he bought her cost thirty dollars a pound.

Back in school, Jensen had always been careful with money. Even during high school, when he was still growing, he’d never splurged on things he liked.

“Oh, right,” Nina said. “I noticed your shoes were getting worn out, so I bought you a new pair.”

She reached under the bed and handed them to him.

Jensen frowned slightly when he saw the brand–name sneakers. “Where did you get the money?”

At the Tann household, Marvin and Esther didn’t treat him poorly, but they were strict with Nina. Her monthly allowance was fixed–they didn’t want her developing a habit of spending freely at such a young age.

“I… saved up,” Nina said without missing a beat.

In truth, she’d used the commission Preston had given her. He’d received a five–thousand- dollar bonus this month, and perhaps out of guilt, he’d handed her half as thanks. Combined with her allowance, it was enough to cover the shoes.

“Saved up?” Jensen clearly didn’t believe her.

Seeing his expression, Nina quickly pushed him out the door. “Alright, alright, I need to get back to studying. And hey–when school starts, you have to wear those for me to see!”

Bang.

She shut the door behind him.

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10:16 Thu, May 7

Chapter 38 A Bag Of Strawberries

52

+10 Free Coins

Jensen had always been proud. Even when he was short on money, he never asked for help, choosing instead to take on part–time work. Over the past two months, the things he’d given her were worth far more than that pair of shoes.

She considered it a thank–you gift.

Outside the door, Jensen looked down at the shoes in his hands, his eyes soft with quiet warmth.

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