She Dodged My Parents, I Changed the Bride

"I was even planning to take tomorrow off so I could properly spend time with your parents," Shirley said as if she was doing me a favor.

I looked at her calmly. "Shirley, don't force yourself. Let's break up."

I threw out that sentence, grabbed a pillow, and left the bedroom for the guest room.

She was stunned for a few seconds, then slammed the door hard behind me to show how angry she was.

…

The next day, just as I was about to ask for a day off to take my parents around the city, Mom texted, "Dad and I are heading back first. Focus on work, and come home when you can."

I froze, then quickly called her. "Mom, why are you leaving so soon?"

Mom replied gently, "Your dad's in a hurry to get back and go fishing with your uncle. Alright, we're about to board. Talk later."

Listening to her hang up, I was filled with shame toward my parents. The city I was working in was barely an hour away by plane from home. But these past few years, I'd revolved my life around Shirley and hardly went back to visit Mom and Dad.

Suddenly, an idea struck me. I quickly got up and went to find my manager, Peter Rothwell.

"Mr. Rothwell, I want to transfer to the Guidon branch."

Peter looked surprised by my sudden initiative. "What's with the sudden change of heart? I've been saying you should go, but you kept refusing. If you go, the project manager position is basically yours."

I scratched my head. "I've figured it out, Mr. Rothwell. There's nothing more important than making money."

Peter grinned, satisfied, and pulled out a form for me to sign.

Right after I left his office, my phone rang. It was Shirley. As soon as I answered, she yelled at me furiously, "Chester, why didn't you wake me up or make me breakfast? I have important clients to meet today!"

Listening to her self-righteous words, I actually laughed. "Shirley, I'm not your maid. It's not my job to do everything you say."

"Chester, you're getting cocky…"

I hung up straight away, not wanting to hear any more.

For five years, I had treated Shirley like a princess. I handled all the cooking and cleaning at home. I even laid out fresh clothes for her showers every night. She had taken all my effort for granted. And if I ever stopped, it was my fault.

Thinking of that, I felt incredibly grateful that I had finally woken up.

…

After I decided to let go of Shirley, my work efficiency soared. Tasks that used to take me more than a day could now be done in half.

When I left the office, I noticed it was raining outside. Right then, Shirley called again. "You're off work, right? I didn't drive today. Go home, get the car, and come pick me and Josh up."

I couldn't believe the entitlement in her tone and the fact that she even mentioned Joshua. How pathetic did she think I was to go home in the rain, grab the car, and go back out just to be their chauffeur?

"I'm busy," I answered before hanging up, then took a cab home.

Once I got back, I ordered something I hadn't had in a long time—spicy buffalo wings.

I loved spicy buffalo wings, but Shirley thought they were "gross" and "beneath her status". She refused to eat it and also forbade me from eating it.

Tell me why I'd seen her on Joshua's Instagram story the other day, wearing a black suit, sitting on a street curb, and chowing down spicy buffalo wings with him?

So, her tastes changed depending on the person. I just wasn't the one she made exceptions for.

I was halfway through enjoying my wings and drinking a cold beer when Shirley came home with Joshua. They walked in soaking wet and miserable, a stark contrast to the relaxed and comfortable me.

Shirly exploded, "Chester, this is what you were busy with? Come on! It's not like I missed meeting your parents on purpose. There'll be plenty of chances in the future. Why are you being so petty? You…"