Chapter 4His Game, My Rules

After that day, life grew considerably more interesting.

I was no longer tethered to a strict schedule, returning home at the same time each day; even staying out all night went unremarked. Lydia merely cautioned, ""Have fun, but be safe.""

As a wife, her composure was unnerving. I couldn't resist asking, ""Don't you get angry, or jealous?""

The words sounded foolish the moment they left my lips. It was, of course, far more convenient if she remained unbothered. She wouldn’t divorce me, after all.

""Oh, by the way, I’ve transferred your monthly allowance."" I used money to pre-empt any further conversation.

Lydia was a yoga instructor. She didn't earn much, but she loved her work. Even after marriage, I hadn't asked her to quit. I simply wired her a monthly allowance: initially $1,000, then $5,000, and now $20,000.

Lydia, cradling Mittens on the couch, lazily murmured, ""Thanks.""

At the bar, my friends often praised my adeptness at managing my wife. ""Everyone gives their wives an allowance, but how did Lydia become so understanding?"" they’d marvel. ""Deep down, it’s all about Aaron’s charm.""

They envied me, even as they nervously fielded calls from their own wives.

The young woman who had been perched on my lap was now forced to move to the other end of the sofa, while Lena remained comfortably in my embrace all evening. She was so obedient, as was Lydia.