Chapter 10
The production team delivered task cards requiring each spouse to give their partner a gift.
Marcus chose to make a bowl of noodles by hand.
The other contestants privately sneered, thinking he was taking the easy way
But I felt a wave of emotion.
out without sincerity.
In our second year of marriage, on my birthday, he was away on business. Not bothering to make a fuss, I made myself a bowl of noodles.
Just as I was about to eat, the door opened and he appeared, travel–worn.
I screamed with joy, and he kissed me before even taking off his shoes. We ended up passionately entangled in bed. Afterward, when I complained about wasting the noodles, he kissed me and said, “Till make you a bowl of noodles myself for your next birthday.
On my third birthday, he and Victoria flew to Paris for work.
On my fourth birthday he forgot it completely.
Marcus carefully placed the noodles in front of me.
Looking at this bowl of noodles that came three years late, I felt conflicted.
He had never cooked before, couldn’t even use a
even use a microwave.
I honestly didn’t understand what had gotten into him.
Was he feeling guilty about saving Victoria Instead of me?
Buth had priodized Victoria NEMA ANNtless times halara
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Was it because I no longer desperately sought his attention?
But hadn’t he taught me
about moderation himself?
it because I chose divorce twice?
That seemed even less likely – it was exactly what he had repeatedly instructed me to do.
After consideration, I decided it must be for the show’s effect.
He displayed his usual composed smile and offered me the fork: “This is the first bowl of noodles I’ve ever made. Try it!
Icooperatively took the fork and tasted a bite.
He watched me in
me intently.
“Too much salt, noodles too soft. Not good.”
I put down the fork, apologetically pushed the noodles away, and reached for an orange from the fruit bowl.
His smile became somewhat stiff: “Then don’t eat it. I’ll make you better ones when I’ve learned how,”
I peeled the orange, gave a noncommittal “Oh, and pulled out a box.
“Your gift. See if you like it.”
His eyes brightened as he took it and opened it a blue striped tie.
“You always have excellent taste.” He smiled, putting it on.
I looked embarrassed and decided to be honest.
had the staff buy it for me.”
He froze, murmuring: “You used to never let anyone else handle anything for me.”
“Did I?… This orange is really sweet, you should try one.”
I popped the last perfectly peeled segment into my mouth.
