Just then, the door swung open.
Anthony strolled in, looking extra relaxed in his comfy loungewear and carrying a glass of warm milk. He seemed way too cheerful for how early it was.
“Morning.”
He sat by Charlotte’s side, dropped a kiss on her forehead, and asked in that soft, lazy tone, “Sleep okay last night?”
Charlotte glared at him, tempted to toss the milk right into his face.
“Oh.”
Anthony watched her cheeks puff out in annoyance, and a smile tugged at his lips. He reached over, gently pinched her cheek, and leaned in closer. “Almost forgot… last night was exhausting…”
“Just stop talking!” Charlotte snapped, giving Anthony a death glare.
“Don’t be mad. I’ve got something that’ll cheer you up.” He smoothed her hair, then picked up the red envelopes sitting on the nightstand and grinned. “Already counted all the gift money. You don’t have to bother with it.”
Charlotte just stood there, frozen. Her whole face changed.
No more money to count?
Her only piece of happiness…
Gone.
...
Thirty minutes later, Anthony was still apologizing and coaxing before Charlotte finally agreed to forgive him.
After getting ready, he tugged her gently downstairs.
Patricia and the rest of the family were already gathered in the living room, chatting away in a burst of laughter.
“Charlotte, you’re awake?”
Patricia spotted her and beamed, patting the spot next to her on the couch. “Come over here, sit with Grandma.”
“Lottie…” Anthony moved forward, reaching for Charlotte’s hand, but Patricia swooped in, blocking him and shooing him aside. “Don’t get in the way of me and Lottie having breakfast.”
Anthony stood there, speechless.
So it went. His wife was settled cozily between his mother and grandmother, both of them doting on her, piling her plate high with every delicious thing from the kitchen.
Anthony looked down at his own lonely slice of dry toast, feeling completely abandoned.
“Grandma…”
He frowned, hoping for a scrap of attention.
Patricia just waved him off. “Go on, go find something to do. Don’t get in the way.”
Anthony sat there, completely ignored.
Figures. Apparently, his one real job in the family was just marrying Lottie and bringing her home.

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