Bonus for Another

Nia’s car only stopped at the main gates. She would not even spend another minute to drop me off at the door.

I could tell that she was in a rush. She slammed the accelerator the entire way, as though terrified Jonah would be mad at her for being a little late.

I did not waste my breath, getting out of the car as soon as it stopped.

Somewhat surprised, Nia lowered the car window. “Make some supper, and I’ll eat with you when I get back.”

A while ago, I would have been ecstatic to hear that — but I did not need her company anymore. Once I got back home, I made a simple sandwich, left it on the table, then took my medicine and went to bed.

I thought that would pacify Nia. Besides, she probably was not that keen to have supper with me, anyway.

Not long after I fell asleep, though, Nia yanked me out of bed angrily. “Didn’t I tell you to make supper and wait up for me?!”

I rubbed my bleary eyes. “Your supper’s on the table.”

With that, I wanted to go back to sleep, but Nia pulled me back up incessantly. “That’s just a cheese sandwich!

“Weren’t you always bugging me to spend more time with you? I finally have time today, yet here you are, going to bed early. You’re doing this to spite me, aren’t you?!”

It was no wonder she was angry. Back then, I would have made a feast and downloaded her favorite movie, waiting for her no matter how late she returned.

Now, though, even if my mind was willing, my flesh was weak.

I suppressed my temper, explaining patiently. “I’m tired after a long day, and I still have to get up early tomorrow for work. That’s why I went to sleep early.”

Nia tossed the present onto the bed irritably. “Whatever. I’m going to shower!”

I picked up the present and looked at it. It was the same watch, only with new packaging. Even the new box was left over from her company’s annual party last year.

I tossed the gift aside. To prevent her from disturbing me anymore that night, I took some sheets out of the closet and moved to the guest room.

However, Nia was surprisingly persistent that night. She even pulled me out of the guest room bed. “What are you playing at this time? You didn’t open the present and even moved to the guest room!

“Dylan, I warned you not to push your limits! That car was just a reward to Jonah for signing a big deal! Besides, he’s always been one of our best employees; he deserves that much! Why are you kicking up such a big fuss over something so trivial?!”

I nodded. “Yeah, yeah, I won’t fuss about it anymore. Can I sleep now?”

Nia thought I was being sarcastic, so she slapped me. “I’ve been too nice to you, Dylan! You asked for this!”

I held my smarting cheek. My explanation died on the tip of my tongue, so all I said was, “Youu’re free to think whatever you like.”

After all, it did not matter how I explained myself. She would only scold me harder.

In our seven years together, this was my first time talking to Nia like that. Her face flashed with surprise.

I ignored her and walked back to the master bedroom, returning her gift to her. She would always buy a random gift for me after she messed around with Jonah to appease me. I would accept her atonement every time.

Today, though, when she gave me Jonah’s leftovers as an anniversary gift, I could not hide my disgust anymore.

She could tell something was off about me, but she did not take it seriously. She stubbornly believed I was still throwing a tantrum at her.

In truth, I no longer got mad about anything she did.