Buying My Forever Wife novel Chapter 12

But Ivy wasn't stupid.

If she weren't Alaric's wife and taking care of Stella was just a regular nannying job, she would have agreed in a heartbeat.

But she was his wife now.

If he was happy, he'd toss money at her. But the moment he got annoyed, he could easily kick her to the curb.

What would she do then?

In any marriage, a woman who entirely relied on a man's wallet ultimately sacrificed her dignity and standing.

Ivy knew exactly where she stood in this household, which was precisely why she needed a career of her own.

At the very least, an independent income guaranteed she'd have the financial courage to walk away if things went south.

Meeting Alaric's gaze, Ivy spoke up.

"I appreciate the offer, Mr. Foster, and I promise to carve out more time for Stella. But I don't want to quit my job."

Alaric hadn't expected a rejection. His dark brows furrowed.

"Is the money not enough?"

Ivy quickly shook her head.

"No, it's not that. You're offering ten times my current salary, and it's incredibly tempting. I just refuse to become a housewife who has to depend on a man for the rest of her life."

Once her probationary period ended, she'd be making a decent ten thousand a month anyway.

As long as she worked hard, she could build a solid nest egg for retirement.

But taking handouts from a man meant living at the mercy of his moods.

She had already sacrificed her marriage of convenience for survival.

She refused to forfeit her pride along with it.

Alaric stared at her, masking a scoff.

Didn't want to rely on a man? Then why the hell did she marry one for a payout?

He really thought she was putting on quite the act.

His patience was wearing thin.

"Suit yourself. I just hope you can maintain this little independent streak of yours."

He was never the type to repeat himself when someone refused to listen.

As for his daughter, as long as Stella saw Ivy every day, the tantrums should stop.

Alaric stood up and walked out the door.

Why the sudden VIP treatment to completely remove her from the graveyard rotation?

Was the hospital's management really this accommodating?

As her suspicion grew, the head nurse explained,

"It's an order from upper management. Just follow the schedule. Take tonight off and come in tomorrow morning."

The call ended, leaving Ivy completely bewildered.

She had zero connections and no power. Why would the hospital executives give her such an incredible schedule?

Then, it hit her.

Was this Alaric's doing?

Just so she would have more time to spend with Stella?

Did he really have that kind of influence?

Just what kind of man had she married?

Glancing at the clock, she realized it was getting late.

Ivy headed downstairs and bumped into Mrs. Gable, who was on her way to pick up Stella, so she quickly tagged along.