Seeing his sincerity, Jessie decided not to make a fuss.
In marriage, understanding and adapting to each other was essential.
Besides, since he was making an effort to avoid an argument, she shouldn’t have thrown a tantrum either.
"Alright, I'll accept this card. Rest assured, I'll contribute to our living expenses, too."
She didn’t like leeching off others. Kevin nodded without saying more.
"Where is your shop located?" he asked out of curiosity.
Nowadays, running a food business is tough due to high competition, and it’s also an industry prone to issues.
Hearing his question, she showed him a dedicated fan group for her shop on her phone.
"My shop is near the university town. The rent’s a bit pricey, but business is actually pretty good. I got all those university students to join a group where I post small deals daily, and they can even top up for memberships..."
Kevin listened to her enthusiastic explanation.
To the vast Harpers, Jessie’s small shop was nothing. However, he admired her for being a young woman managing her own business with passion in today's society.
"Is it far from here? We can get another car if you need it. For transportation convenience and in cases where the weather’s bad, a car would be useful."
Jessie had thought of this before, but she still shook her head.
"No need for now. I haven’t got so many orders that I need a car for deliveries. A bicycle is quite enough, and a car is just not worth it. Besides, the university town isn’t that far from here; it’s just an hour away by bike, and it’s also good exercise," said Jessie, her eyes brightening.
Kevin didn't expect such varied services from Jessie's tiny shop.
Seeing she already had her plans, he decided not to say anything further and quietly sat, scrolling through his schedule arranged by his assistant on his phone for the day.
Both at work and in his personal life, everything was always meticulously planned out so he could maximize his time.
Time was money to Kevin, and any disruption to this made him upset.
However, Jessie didn’t know any of this.
Seeing him sitting at home, she almost asked if he didn't have work today.
But thinking it over, she chose to stay silent as she knew he disliked people sticking their nose into his business.
Although legally married, they still interacted as if they were strangers, cold and formal.
Despite that, she was in no rush. They both needed time to adjust to their new life and new relationship.
After tidying up the dishes, Jessie tossed yesterday's clothes into the washing machine and casually extended her hand toward Kevin.
"Where are your clothes? I can wash them with mine."
He shook his head. "Just manage your own stuff. Don’t bother with mine."
She pouted as she heard this, but she didn’t say anything and continued cleaning up.
Kevin sat on the couch and watched her scurrying around. He opened his mouth slightly, wanting to say something.
He’d never done housework or anything close. To him, they weren’t worth his time and effort—clothes could be sent to a dry cleaning shop, and rooms could be cleaned by someone he paid for.
He found it more sensible to spend money in exchange for using his time on more valuable tasks.
But he kept his thoughts to himself, choosing to stay quiet.
Meanwhile, Jessie quickly finished cleaning. It was already spotless since it was a new house.
She changed clothes and asked Kevin, "I'm heading to the shop now. Will you stay at home until lunch? Should I prepare something for you?"
She recalled the fridge being a bit empty, needing to stock it up tonight.
"Don't worry about me. Just go, and remember to keep the bank card safe. I texted you the password just now."
Soon, company personnel would arrive to pick him up.
"Okay." Jessie nodded, recalling his earlier words.
She would need to find time to tell Laura about the arrangement of meeting Kevin, just to ease her worries.
"Do you need me to pick you up tonight?"
He asked her just as she was leaving.
She halted in surprise, but she remembered she was going out for ingredients and groceries tonight.
A car would be convenient.
She nodded and replied, "Sure. We can buy the ingredients together in the supermarket, and I can cook for dinner."
Kevin was surprised to see her agree, but he nodded since he noticed he would be free after 7 p.m., according to his calendar.
Once she left, he finally relaxed.
He wasn’t used to being a husband.
Afterward, he called Grandpa Harper to explain his plans for the weekend.
Before heading to the shop, Jessie went to see Laura to discuss when she could meet Kevin.
Checking her watch, she knew William wouldn’t be at home right now. She knocked on the door.
"Jess, what brings you here?" Laura’s awkward look made Jessie suspect something was up.
Ignoring her mother's protests, she walked in. She was shocked seeing the mess inside, looking at her mother in disbelief.
"What on hell happened?"
Her mother gave an awkward smile and explained, "Nothing, really. It’s just that I woke up late this morning and didn’t get breakfast ready in time. Your dad got angry—he’s always so stressed from work. He complained that I can’t even handle the simplest tasks while staying home all day."
"Mom, seriously, Luke’s grown up now—you don’t have to be around him all the time. Remember your successful career back then? Why not try again? Don’t let family and children hold you back."
Jessie couldn’t understand. Her mother thrived as a strong, independent woman when she was alone.
Marriage shouldn’t have changed her like that.
A woman should have her own career and financial independence to be respected. Otherwise, they could end up like her mother: a person constantly stepped on by her husband and in-laws.