The Windfalls of Love novel Chapter 10

Harrison was lost in thought again. Just three days with Roxanne, and his understanding of human nature was completely flipped on its head.

Vincent got up, gave his shoulder a light pat, and said again in a tone full of gravity, "Harrison, mate, the company's interests and the family's honor are all well and good, but I don't want you to become some emotionless workaholic, like a damn robot. You really ought to try falling in love. Only with a sincere romance can you truly feel the warmth of the world, can you possibly experience true happiness."

For the first time, Harrison deeply felt Vincent's genuine concern and quietly responded, "Got it, thanks, Dad!"

...

Roxanne arrived at the office on her e-bike.

No sooner had she settled down than Chloe contacted her via WhatsApp.

[Anne, Oliver won't let me go back to work. We had a big fight about it last night. Can you talk to him for me? I really want to return to work.]

Roxanne picked up her phone, found a secluded spot, and called Chloe.

"Chloe, what's happened?"

"Anne…" Chloe's voice was a little hoarse, obviously she'd been crying.

"Chloe, don't cry. Take your time, what happened?"

"Oliver…" Chloe's voice choked up, unable to continue, "He said all I'm good for is taking care of the baby, told me not to embarrass him back at the office. I didn't agree, so we started fighting, and his mother chimed in to scold me. Roxanne, how could I be good for nothing but taking care of the baby? I'm not useless."

"I know, I know, don't be upset," Roxanne hurried to comfort her. "You graduated university, you have a good education, and you know a second language. Don't forget, you earned a bonus of nearly ten thousand dollars at your previous job. Oliver's business wouldn't have taken off if it weren't for that bonus!"

"Exactly." Chloe sounded both wronged and pained. “Oliver said if I insist on working, he’ll divorce me and said if we do divorce, I won’t get the kids.”

Roxanne was about to offer some comforting words when the sound of a baby crying came from the other end of the line.

“Anne, Austin’s wet his pants, I have to change his diaper, I’ll call you back later.”

Without waiting for Roxanne’s response, Chloe hung up. Roxanne could hardly imagine how chaotic and tense Chloe’s life must’ve been after having a baby.

If she were Chloe's husband, she would cherish Chloe double. But Chloe just had to be stuck with a guy like Oliver. If it wasn't for the fact that Chloe had two kids, Roxanne would've urged her to divorce immediately.

By the time Chloe had finished taking care of the baby, half an hour had passed. In that half hour, Roxanne had been waiting for her call.

"Sorry, Anne. I just changed Austin's diaper and fed him. He fell asleep, but the moment I put him down, he started crying. I had to wait until he was sound asleep before I could call you."

"Why are you saying sorry to me? You said Oliver wants to divorce you because you insist on going back to work?"

"I can handle a divorce, but if we really do go to court, the kids might end up with him because I don't have an income. Aria and Austin are my life. I can't leave them, and I can't let that man raise them. He can't take care of my babies."

Thinking of her children, Chloe once again couldn't stop herself from crying. Her voice filled with obvious choking and hoarseness.

Roxanne felt awful, but she couldn’t find any words to comfort Chloe.

Reality was just that harsh. Having met a man like Oliver, even if Chloe wanted to divorce, she would hesitate because of the innocent children.