AllFreeNovel
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Confused, I stepped into the hall and followed the notes past the living room and into a luxury theater that was fit for fifty.
On the big screen, my favorite episode from the English-dubbed version played, and a bucket of freshly popped popcorn stood between plushy red seats.
“This is a trap…” I muttered.
“No, it isn’t.” Travis walked behind me, a glass of wine in hand. “I’ve heard it’s not a good thing for a husband and wife to go more than one night without talking to each other.”
“How is that remotely relevant for our situation?”
“Because we need to talk.” He took a long sip of his wine. “I was beginning to think I’d have to place the air conditioning on sub-zero for you to come see me.”
“You turned my room into an igloo on purpose?”
“It worked.” He smiled, and my heart flipped.
My brain begged me to run like hell back to my igloo.
“I assume this is still your favorite show, correct?” He took a seat. “Let’s watch an episode together and have our first real married chat.”
I remained frozen, glancing at a scene where Tuxedo Mask—the hero who honestly serves no purpose—appears with a rose between his teeth.
Travis and I had watched this episode plenty of times in the past, but he neverwillinglyturned on this show.
He patted the seat next to him, and I took a few steps forward. Then a few more.
It wasn’t until halfway through the episode that I gave in and fell into the chair next to him.
Under his gaze, I grabbed a handful of popcorn and stuffed the kernels into my mouth.
“What exactly do we need to talk about, Travis?”
“How nothing in this world is free. Except a view of the sun and the sky, maybe.”
“That’s so profound and moving,” I said. “What’s your point?”
“Well, given the fact that I’m beingchargedfor a favor that was supposed to be free, and I’m practically paying for you to live here, I think it’s only fair that you start contributing,” he said. “Perhaps it’ll make you happier.”
“I’m not following.”
“You’re about to.” He handed me a sheet of paper. “I’ll add up everything at the end of our ninety-day deal, but I’m afraid you’ve already racked up quite the bill.”
Still not following,I glanced at the sheet.
Then I nearly lost it.
Charges for My Dear Wife
Use of luxury theater screen: $20 per minute
Use of kitchen & special chef requests: $50 per minute
Gourmet popcorn: $25 per kernel
Temperature system: $30 per degree
Toilet usage: $40 per flush
“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me, Travis.”
