The Spare Wife

Abigail and Sean arrived at the restaurant Howard reserved that night. Howard was even more scared when he saw Sean. He gave the menu to them and said nothing.

Abigail put the menu down and looked at Howard. “We’re not here to eat. I know you know that.”

Howard nodded, feeling dejected. Abigail leaned back on her chair while Sean looked through the menu quietly, not joining the conversation.

“Have you reflected on yourself, Howard?” Abigail looked at him sternly. She spoke with no emotion in her voice.

“I did. If the worst comes to worst, I’ll resign and be a regular shareholder.” The other shareholders had been bombarding him with messages. They had talked about it. If things didn’t work out well, he would have to resign, all so Alana and L.Moon could continue providing designs for Fairy Meadow. Without Alana’s design, Fairy Meadow would go into decline fast.

The reason Fairy Meadow was well-liked was thanks to L.Moon’s great designs. Most of it was made by Abigail single-handedly.

Meanwhile, Abigail was a little surprised, but she didn’t show it. She nodded. “If things get that far, you will have to consider resignation. Have you seen how the internet is lambasting you?”

“Yes,” Howard said quietly.

do something bad, it’s going to be exposed someday. The more successful a brand is, the more its reputation will be ruined by scandals. It’ll ruin them.” Abigail just wanted to

know,” said Howard.

you made a good tweet, I’ll give you a chance. Give me your word that if you take bribes again,

he tearfully said, “Of course. I

you’re not like us. But tons of people in Capitalis have it rough, and they can barely put food on the table. Some can’t even make rent. They have to crash on balconies and dark, dank basements. Ask anyone. Most will tell you it’s the truth.” Abigail stated slowly. “You can’t keep looking at those better than you and

looked at

keep thinking everyone has it better than you, but do you have any idea how much they have to work for that success? I’ve been doing designs for more than a decade, and L.Moon and Fairy Meadow only got their success lately. My decade of work was the groundwork I put in, and it paid off.” Abigail didn’t like to brag, but Howard was just too in a

table. “She does designs every night after she comes. back from work and won’t stop until she feels

He

order the food,” Sean commented. At this point, Howard would know

up the menu and went through it.

this is fine.” Sean huddled closer

order it?” Abigail asked.

it a couple of times, so you see

grunted, but she said nothing. I had no idea

were getting weird. He pursed his lips and made his order. After