The husband served his wife coffee and joined her in the couch. They started discussing about her thoughts on the merger. As the terms became clearer, he left her to go to another meeting.
Alone again, George tried to go over her notes on the merger once more. As she did this, she stole a glance at Cody's table and recalled the scene with Yvonne earlier.
She did not feel anything when the woman asked her for coffee. Well, nothing except curiosity. She wondered who it was.
However, when she saw her cling to her husband, she felt a slight discomfort which turned into a momentary tightness in her chest as they kissed. She couldn't believe Cody would openly kiss someone else in her presence and acted like it was nothing when he introduced the well-dressed visitor as his childhood friend.
Although she tried to dismiss the thought, it still did not sit well in her mind. "I'm not jealous, am I?" She asked herself. She eventually reminded herself that in her own terms, she actually encouraged Cody to go out and meet other women. Emphasising that their marriage is just a temporary arrangement. He needs to find someone he would be spending the rest of his life with.
But why does she feel a stinging sensation in her eyes? Tears were threatening to fall when she replayed the embrace and the kiss Cody shared with Yvonne.
She shook her head trying to drive the thoughts away. But it was replaced by the memory of their kiss which made Yvonne leave. And the memory triggered by that kiss. Images of the wedding night that started at the library started to fill her mind.
That thought gave her a dreamy look as she continued to gaze at her husband's table. And that was the look she had when he stepped into the office.
She didn't notice him until he was already standing right in front of her.
"Miss me, already?" He teased to bring her out of her reverie.
"I ... no ... I mean, I was just brooding over the details of the merger."
"You know, you don't have to do this, Love," he said. She winced imperceptibly at how he addressed her.
"You keep saying that but I can't just let you do all the work and wait at home. I'm no trophy wife, you know."
"Alright. Suit yourself but don't push it too hard. We both know you have always shied away from business matters. You do have a good eye for opportunities. But this is something that doesn't come naturally for you... What I'm saying is, George, just give yourself some slack. I'm here, anyway. I'll handle these."
"Yeah... Whatever... Since my being here is just a burden to you, then, fine. I'm leaving."
"That's not what I said."
"Really? Then what are you saying?"
"I just want you to continue doing the things you would normally do. Being married to me does not require you to become a magnate yourself."
"Of course, I understand. How could someone as plain looking and as simple minded have some business sense, right?"