Chapter 4My Demon Husband
About 2,006 characters (~372 words) — this is Chapter 4, the last of the 4 free chapters on EditWrx Reads.
Startled, I spun around, backing up half a step until my back hit the sink.
"Jason! When did you get back? You scared me half to death."
His gaze shifted to my face. A smile touched his lips, but it felt unfamiliar, alien. His voice was low, chilling. "Why the sudden urge to call Mom?"
"No—no reason. I just dreamt she was sick, so I thought I'd call and see how she was."
He didn't speak, just kept his eyes locked on mine, scrutinizing every flicker of expression.
The small, closed-in bathroom felt suffocating. I dug my nails into my palms, forcing myself to stay calm. I tilted my head up, trying to look casual. "What's wrong?"
After a long moment, he finally stepped back out of the bathroom.
"Nothing. Come on, I'm taking you out for lunch today."
The knot of tension in my stomach tightened again. A huge question mark formed in my mind.
Ever since I'd known him, we never ate out.
I remember once, I was really craving sushi and begged Jason to take me. When his mom found out, she chewed him out, poking his forehead, yelling about him having no self-control, eating garbage from outside.
After that, I never dared suggest eating out again.
Jason called from the living room, urging me to hurry. I didn't have time to think. I grabbed the nearest clothes, threw them on, and went out.
When we ordered, I told the waiter, "Light on the oil, no spicy peppers, please."
Jason stopped me. "No, it's fine. Make it regular."
His mom was vehemently against us eating anything spicy or heavy. She usually made steamed or boiled dishes, especially vegetables. It made me wonder if she was Buddhist.
She used to boast to me that Jason grew up eating her cooking, which is why he was so healthy and smart, and that our future kids would have to follow her personally approved recipes too.
I'd always shake my head and argue that we needed to consider the kids' tastes, not just force her ideas on them. That led to a huge fight, ending with us not speaking.
Her favorite line was: "My son must have been blind to pick you!"