My Upstart Husband and the Maid

Early summer in Riverstead City was hot and sticky. I clutched a thick stack of flyers, standing in the shade of a tree outside the mall. This was the third part-time job I'd found today. After handing out all these flyers, I could finally scrape together enough for Oliver's living expenses this month. "Hey, just a quick heads-up—the new gym just opened, and they're offering discounts on memberships." I handed out the flyer mechanically, my voice tinged with fatigue. Suddenly, someone grabbed my wrist. I froze the moment I looked up. Yosef Downey stood right in front of me, dressed in a sharp tailored suit that made him look even taller, though the surprise in his eyes was impossible to hide. Next to him stood a little boy who looked just like him—that was Matthew Downey, my son. After not seeing him for five years, he had grown so tall. "Iris?" Yosef's voice was full of disbelief, "What are you doing handing out flyers here?" I yanked my wrist back, voice flat, "Mr. Downey, long time no see." "I'm working, please move aside." Matthew looked at me shyly, his eyes full of unfamiliarity and curiosity. "Dad, who is she?" Yosef's face darkened. He pulled a black card from his wallet and pressed it into my hand. "Take this card. There's enough money on it to support you." His tone had a hint of condescension. "Stop punishing yourself with these menial jobs." I glanced down at the black card in my hand, then looked up at him. "Mr. Downey, that's not necessary." "We separated a long time ago. Between us, we're strangers now." I handed her the black card firmly. Yosef's brow tightened even more: "Iris, you don't need to be so hard on yourself." "I'm not being hard on myself." I smiled faintly. "Life's tough now, but at least it's real." After saying that, I turned to walk away. "Mom!" Matthew suddenly called out, his voice soft but striking me like a hammer. I stopped in my tracks but didn't look back. I can't look back—once I do, I lose. When I got back to the rental, Oliver had already finished school. He saw the blisters on my wrist from handing out flyers and immediately pulled me down to sit, then took out the first aid kit. "Mom, you're not wearing gloves again." He carefully treated my wounds while grumbling. "I forgot." I smiled and ruffled his hair. Oliver Miller is the kid I took in after I got out of prison, and he's the only thing I care about now. "By the way, Mom," Oliver suddenly said, "I found out about Yosef Downey. He's now the richest man in Riverstead City, chairman of the Downey Group." I gripped the flyer tightly, my fingertips turning white. The richest man? So that's how well he's been doing all these years. Memories rushed in like a tide, mixing the beautiful with the brutal past in my mind.