I have no idea how many rounds our married life will last. Our family's been at war since day one I clash with the father-in-law, he hates my family, I hate him. Every time we talk about wedding stuff, it's an hour of bickering.
The wife argues with my younger brother too, 'cause that mouth and ego of theirs are just as sharp, though my brother's a bit milder and still speaks politely to his older sibling.
The wife doesn't like my brother, barely talks to my mom, can't eat the food my mom makes says it upsets the stomach. Meanwhile, I'm stuck as the referee in this boxing match. I turned to ask the wife if there's still a will to marry, and the answer? "Gotta do it we already did it."
I don't even know what to say. If it were anyone else, nobody would marry just because they messed up while drunk. Only pregnancy would force a wedding.
But here? Nothing like that happened. The only reason? They're the CEO's kid at my job, where I'm living easy talk, nap, even sneak in some gaming during work and I just go along with the wife's whims.
Expectations? Yeah, I got a few. I figured I hit the jackpot, but aside from the extra work, I don't get anything beyond my salary, free meals cooked by the boss my dear wife and free rent at the condo.
The boss and the president don't get along, classic single dad with a foreign-educated kid. Dad's a total pain, won't bend for anyone, just cycles through cooking, watching movies, playing games, and doing housework.
"Hey, love, I'm going back to the suburban house this weekend. You coming?"
"Nah, I'm staying."
"Knew it… Can you manage being alone?"
"I don't like the food at your place."
"Your place is East Northeastern style, so it's all som tam, larb, koi, following tradition."
"Eat something clean then. If you come back with a mess in your stomach, I'll call the whole house to yell at them."
"I can handle it. Unlike you, fragile stomach."
"Tell your brother too don't piss me off, or he'll deal with you for real."
Fiea's a homebody. Besides cooking, cleaning, and working online, it's all gaming. Fiea and Woon play against each other, taking turns winning and losing. Both have mouths that never shut, always teasing. No wonder there's extra tension on top of the usual bad blood.
"Love, don't take it to heart. Woon's just as mouthy."
"What a fool… twenty-five, still doesn't work, just plays games. Rich family or what? At this age, still asking you for money. If you don't save, how the hell are you gonna survive living with me?"
Every time Fia talks about my family, it always veers off into money. Being an expat kid, doesn't really get the Thai culture where sending money home shows you can survive and also share with your parents or loved ones.
Fia gets some money from their dad, the rest is earned independently. Skilled with programs and online work, could literally work upside down at home all day and wouldn't owe anyone a thing. So, in Fia's eyes, me having a small salary and still helping others is just… naive. Especially coming from someone who's been working since eighteen.
"You're drunk. Go to bed."
I cut it off because we grew up in different worlds, different backgrounds, different lives. We can't control each other's lives.
"Every time I talk about your family, you twist it. When will you understand cost of living is insane? Inflation is high. How would you survive without saving? Your brother can't help he's not even working yet."
"Fia."
Today's been rough. Just dealing with the tasks my father-in-law assigned me piles of important documents, I'm about ready to puke. Then seeing my spouse's ex looking down on me? That just crushed me further. Come home, and my spouse complains about money. Sometimes I just think… maybe I'd be better off alone.
"Don't glare at me and call my name like that. I don't like it."
Fia hates anyone crossing me, and they know it. But I feel it's too much. When giving instructions or advice, Fia should read my mood do I even have the energy to process this right now?
"I don't like it either. If we agreed not to interfere in each other's business, why keep circling back to my family? You think people will get upset every time?"
"Hey, you dare raise your voice at me!"
"Is that what you call raising your voice? This is more like talking with reason. Isn't it, Wai? You never try to understand anything, always pushing your own ideas. Don't you think that's exhausting?"
"Wai!"
"I'm tired. Coming back home this time might finally force me to seriously decide whether to bow to you and the boss or just live life my own way. Oh~ your ex is back today. If you want to make up, try talking to the boss. He seems to like someone named Ung Ing looks fancy, might fit you well, Wai."
"Why the hell are you making decisions for me!"
"I think we should leave tonight then."
"You really want to do this?"
"Better to go now. We won't take anything. Whatever we have, Wai bought, so nothing's left hanging."
Thud thud thud!
Bang!