Cast Out by My Wife, Welcomed by Success

I give up on my position as a higher-up in a listed company just so I can accompany my wife, Jennifer Hurley, to a rural area to carry out a cultural tourism project. I even help her secure subsidies from the government and transform that project into a state-recognized exemplary project.

But the first thing Jennifer does right after becoming the main person in charge of the project is force me to quit.

"I want to tender an application for this project to be recognized nationally. Unfortunately, as the main person in charge, my spouse isn't allowed to take on any roles in the business aspect.

"Either you quit your job or get divorced. You should make your choice."

I don't hesitate to quit my job on the spot. But after that, Jennifer has her assistant, Maurice Gould, take over my position immediately.

Her reasoning is, "Young people know more about coming up with creative ways to promote cultural projects. Our project needs new blood."

At the afterparty, Jennifer raises her wine glass and gives a grand speech on the project's success.

It turns out that I'm the only one who gets kicked out after everything I've done.

After I submitted my resignation, it got approved immediately without going through the usual layers of approval.

I stood there, stunned by the lightning-fast speed.

A core member was about to leave, yet not a single person in the entire team raised any objection?

Jennifer smiled and said quite naturally, "Although I really want you to stay, I am the person in charge of this project, after all. So, I have to be responsible for both the project and the other team members."

As I listened to her, I felt something was off.

After returning home that night, I asked her, "You actually wanted to get rid of me, didn't you?"

Jennifer propped up her chin and raised an eyebrow, saying, "Is that how you see me? You're my husband, so what good would it do me to kick you out? It's just the way things are. I'm also thinking about the whole project team."

I found it laughable and shot back, "Then how come Maurice, an inexperienced assistant, gets to take my place? Is that what you call being responsible?"

"You're right, he has no experience," Jennifer said matter-of-factly. "But I can give him authority. The project needs innovation and fresh blood. You old-timers with rigid thinking should step aside for the younger generation."

With that, she let out a disdainful click of her tongue and turned into the study.

Through the door, I could vaguely hear her speaking softly on the phone to Maurice.

The last remaining shred of feelings I had for her completely vanished at that moment.

About an hour later, Jennifer pushed open the door and came out.

"In a few days, Mr. Clinton Parker, the cultural tourism investor we've been in touch with, is coming for a site visit. You're coming with me," she said, her eyes sparkling.

I knew exactly what she was thinking.

Mr. Parker was a connection I had built back in the day, and I was the only person in the whole country he was willing to deal with. If he found out I'd been kicked out, there was no way he'd keep investing.

"I'm not going. I have no position or title now, so what identity would I even attend under?"

Even though I had put up most of the startup capital for this cultural tourism project, Jennifer had never let me take the lead publicly.

She'd said to me, "You look too old-fashioned and aren't suited for dealing with an international team. It would hurt the project's image."

In this moment, I really wanted to ask, "So, now you're not worried about me looking old-fashioned and hurting the project's image?"

A chill settled over my chest, and I couldn't help but let out a scoff.

Seeing me refuse, Jennifer pursed her lips and rolled her eyes disdainfully. Then, she went back into the study.

I wasn't in the mood to talk anymore either, so I went to bed early.

Late at night, Jennifer suddenly came into the bedroom and shook me awake.

"Archie Richmond, let's have a baby. Once we have one, you'll be happier staying at home, and you'll be out of the drama outside. I'm saying this for your own good. You've worked hard for half your life—it's time to stop and enjoy life. Being a stay-at-home dad is what suits you best."

I nearly let out a cold laugh.

I was an executive who had taken a company public, and the best job for me was to be a stay-at-home dad?

Her real intention for bringing up having a baby at this moment couldn't be more obvious.

She wanted to tie me down with a baby and keep me around to help her hold onto Mr. Parker. And while we were at it, have me finalize the paperwork for the national recognition submission.

I instinctively moved away from her. Suddenly, I remembered the day she came back from her business trip last month.

We hadn't seen each other for days, so I couldn't help but go into her room that night. However, she pulled a pair of scissors from under her pillow and pointed them straight at me.

"Archie, even between husband and wife, you need my consent!" she said, her eyes cold as ice. "What's the difference between you and those men who think only with their lower halves? I'm warning you—if you try to force yourself on me, I'll call the cops immediately."