Chapter 1The Secret Millionaire Husband

"Honey, I failed the interview again. Can you cover the mortgage for a few months?"

Jason threw his briefcase aside and collapsed颓废ly on the sofa.

He has been unemployed for half a year, failing countless interviews.

"My salary only covers living expenses, where can I get money for the mortgage?"

"Take out your parents' pension for emergency."

He said it righteously, as if stating a matter of course.

To maintain the family's life, I work during the day and take night shifts, my hands covered in chilblains from the cold.

Until a congratulatory text from a securities company popped up on his phone.

"Congratulations Mr. Jason, your account profit has exceeded $5 million."

Turns out, he wasn't unemployed.

He achieved financial freedom.

His account, $5 million.

My pocket, $1,500.

* * *

Jason slammed the door and left.

I looked at the empty room, my stomach burning.

Haven't eaten all day.

The phone vibrated, an overdue mortgage notice from the bank.

Mind went blank.

Where can I get these $3,000?

A voice message popped up on WeChat, it was Jason.

I clicked, his voice came from the receiver.

"Honey, hold on a bit longer. I have a few promising interviews. Just survive this month, once I get an offer, our good days will come. You must see the big picture, don't drop the ball now."

I smiled bitterly.

For this family, I work as a cashier at a supermarket during the day, and sell hot dogs at the night market at night.

Hands covered in chilblains, red and swollen, even starting to ooze.

And he, unemployed for half a year, sleeps until he wakes up naturally every day, then plays games, or dresses up like a human to go for interviews like today.

I checked all bank cards, adding up to no more than $1,500.

This is all I have.

I can't ask my parents for money.

They are old, in poor health, that pension is their life-saving money.

To scrape together money, I went to the Pawn Shop at the entrance of the community.

The owner narrowed his eyes at the item I handed over.

That was the dowry my mom gave me, a small gold ring.

"Dead pawn, three thousand."

The owner blew a smoke ring, tone waveless.

"Can't, can't it be a bit more?" My voice was trembling.

"Take it or leave it."

I finally signed, taking that $3,000.

Just walked out of the pawn shop, mother-in-law called.

"Elena! Did you make Jason angry again? Don't you know he is unemployed at home? Instead of comforting him, you give him attitude, is this how you be a wife?"

I held the phone, unable to say a word.

"I tell you, if you make my son uncomfortable and don't serve him well, I'm not done with you!"

The phone hung up.

Ears buzzing.

Heart felt terrible, but no time to think, holding the $3,000 exchanged for the ring, finally paid the mortgage.

At night, Jason came back.

He collapsed on the sofa with a tired face,

"Sigh, failed again, companies nowadays demand too high."

He saw the money on the table, a flash of greed in his eyes, but immediately switched to a distressed expression.

"Where did the money come from?"

"Borrowed from a friend." I dared not say I sold the ring.

Afraid he would know this opening, and couldn't stop later.

"Mm."

He collected the money as a matter of course, counted it, then stuffed it into his pocket.

Then took out a bubble gum from his pocket to me, his eyes shining.

"Hard work, wifey, your favorite strawberry lollipop, very sweet, taste it."

"Thank you."

I took it somewhat helplessly, he rarely brings me things.

For a moment felt a bit moved, exhaled heavily.

Life is hard, but as long as two hearts are together, I can endure.

Returning home from the stall, it was already 1 AM.

I saw Jason sneaking on the balcony making a call, voice pressed extremely low, couldn't hear clearly.

Seeing me back, he hung up immediately, sighed and walked over.

"Honey, you have to think of a way for next month's mortgage."

"Economy is bad now, jobs are too hard to find."

I subconsciously clenched my hand, chilblains hurting.

"I... I really have no way."

Jason walked in and hugged me: "Wifey think of something, I know you are the best."

I nodded stiffly. At night, I lay beside him, looking at his sleeping face.

This face, used to be my entire reliance.

I told myself, as long as he can pull himself together, the family will be fine.

I tucked him in, moved by myself.

Thinking I survived another month.

I thought, hard days will end.

Little did I know, this was just the beginning of a nightmare.