Chapter 7 Rare Diamond

"A beggar like you deserves to be beaten, Jackson! How could a penniless fool like him ever understand the value of such a fine diamond necklace, Jacob?!" Madam Ester lashed out furiously.

"What are you doing, Dear?!"

Brielle, too, burst out in anger at Jackson's actions. She had been waiting for that diamond necklace to be placed around her neck by Jacob-the genuine diamond necklace she had always dreamed of.

Jackson was stunned. He had just been punched, and yet his wife cared only about the necklace?!

"You are my wife, dear. Why would you accept gifts from another man?"

With boldness, Jackson asked that question. This time, he didn't care if his mother-in-law grew furious again.

"But you've never given me anything, have you, Dear? Let alone an expensive piece of jewelry like this-you can't even afford to buy me simple makeup, right?"

"Darling?! You can't compare things like that. No matter what, we are husband and wife. You must listen to what I say, my love."

"A poor beggar like you has nothing to be proud of! All you do is bring trouble!"

Unable to hold back any longer, Madam Ester stepped forward and shoved Jackson, who was still holding his wife's hand.

Jackson staggered back a few steps but remained standing tall. He had braced himself beforehand.

He was stunned. What had all his efforts been worth, then? Every day he worked tirelessly without choosing what kind of work-doing everything sincerely. He alone managed their vast plantation, cleaning and tending to it himself. The sales profits reached hundreds of millions every month, yet not a single percent ever went to him. Still, Jackson had never complained or kept score.

"Mother. No matter how poor or wretched I am, I am still Brielle's husband."

"Brielle will divorce you! What else do you have to say now?!"

Madam Ester's voice thundered, leaving Brielle utterly shocked.

Not because she feared separating from Jackson, but because if they divorced, they would need to hire servants again-just as before-to clean their large house. Their palm oil plantation would also need several workers, all of whom required expensive wages. No. Brielle couldn't bear to see tens of millions spent each month just to pay for labor again.

Quickly, Brielle bent down, picked up the diamond necklace that had fallen earlier, and showed it to Madam Ester.

"Mother, it's fine. The necklace isn't damaged, just a small scratch. You can't even see it. It's still very beautiful and perfect for me to wear."

Jackson smirked slightly. From the way the so-called diamond from South Africa had glimmered earlier, he had already doubted its authenticity. His suspicion was confirmed after hearing his wife's words.

He stepped forward, pulled some cash from his pocket, and handed it to his mother-in-law.

"This is to repay Jenny, Mother."

Madam Ester froze for a second, then gave a mocking smile.

"Where did you borrow this money from?! Whoever was foolish enough to lend money to someone useless like you must regret it. Hmph! Just don't let debt collectors come here and cause a scene later!"

"Don't worry, Mother."

"Unless he stole it or even robbed someone, Auntie! Haha! To get that kind of money, he must've stooped to the lowest of lows. Pathetic."

Jacob sneered, laughing arrogantly.

"Oh, I just want to remind you all. A real diamond would never scratch so easily-not even if stepped on. Especially one supposedly from South Africa."

Thud.

Jacob swallowed hard at Jackson's words.

Jackson spoke calmly, then walked away.

"Worthless beggar! What would he know about diamonds? This is probably the first time he's ever seen one!"

As always, Madam Ester's words cut deep, aiming to wound Jackson.

But he didn't care. He kept smiling faintly as he walked to the back to wash himself.

The night wore on, but Jackson still couldn't close his eyes. His mind was restless, his heart unsettled since noticing strange things about his wife lately.

He glanced at the clock on the wall.

"Half past midnight," Jackson muttered, deep in thought.

Determined, he rose and left his room.

The house was dim, silence covering every corner-everyone was surely fast asleep by now.

Jackson walked toward his wife's room at the front.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

"Darling. Please open the door for a moment."

He knocked and called softly.

"Darling?"

A few seconds later, the door opened.

"What is it, Dear?!" Brielle asked groggily, her voice heavy with sleep.

Jackson stepped inside, took her hand, and closed the door behind them-locking it.

"What are you doing, Dear? Why did you lock the door?!"

Brielle's eyes widened, startled awake by Jackson's unexpected action.

"Darling, I miss you. We've been married for two years. Tonight, I want to claim my right as your husband."

Jackson placed his hands on Brielle's shoulders, his breath ragged with longing.

After all, he was a normal man. A grown man of twenty-eight, already married. He was grateful he had managed to wait two long years before asking to touch the wife who was rightfully his.

W-what do you mean, Dear?! I'm not ready."

Brielle's voice trembled as she backed away in panic.

"You've finished college, haven't you, darling? I've waited two years for this night. You are my wife, and I am your husband. What's mine is yours, and what's yours is mine. I don't want to delay this any longer. I want us to have an heir."

"W-what are you saying, Dear?! That's impossible. Leave. I'm not ready!"

"Darling, until when will you be ready?!"

"Until you can give me a life of luxury. Until you can buy me a grand palace to live in. Until you can buy me the most expensive car in the world. Well? Can you do that, Dear?!"

Silence.

Jackson's heavy breathing slowed. The fiery passion in his eyes dimmed. His heart, which had been racing with desire, steadied again.

"Don't you love me, darling?" Jackson asked suddenly.

His voice wavered slightly, filled with the desperate need to know the truth. After two years of marriage, he wanted-needed-to understand his place in her heart, here and now.