65 Doubts

The atmosphere turned slightly tense.

A knot of wrinkles appeared on Harriet's brow, and she said, "That's nice, but I will be getting a job. I can't be sitting around the house all day."

"My wife working? What will people think of me?" Alan retorted.

"What will they think of you? Why would me working affect others' perception of you?"

"A woman only works when the man can't provide," Alan replied in a tone that brooked not argument.

Shock was apparent on both Jade and Harriet's faces. That scene that had been so sweet a moment ago had become twice as awkward.

For such a usually simple and sweet man to have such outdated, misogynistic views… well, neither of them knew how to respond.

"Alan, I didn't know you had such views," Harriet eventually said.

"I didn't know they were a problem."

The two harrumphed and turned their backs to each other, the coffee that Harriet had made for her fiancé turning cold on the side.

To break up the tense air, Jade clapped her hands together and said with mock excitement, "Oh, Alan, Mrs Harper wants some more cake. Be a dear and take this over for her, will you?"

She picked up a plate with a slice of the Victoria sponge and pushed it toward Alan. The man accepted the plate with a grunt and did as he was told.

Understandably, Harriet was shaking slightly at the side. Jade put her hand on Harriet's back and comforted her. "That came out of nowhere. How are you?"

"I have never heard him talk like that before," Harriet replied in a small voice. "He's always been so calm and never demanded anything. I hadn't even thought to bring it up with him before…"

Her voice trailed off, so Jade picked up the thread of the conversation.

"Forgive me, but are you sure you're not rushing into this? I'm sure there will be other things that you don't know about each other like this. Most couples spend a lot longer getting to know each other before agreeing to marriage."

Hearing that, Harriet bit her lip. "I know, I know… I just… I do love him."

Jade smiled. "You can still have doubts while loving him. Listen, I'm not trying to talk you out of it. You know him and your heart best. This is probably just a blip on the radar. Just remember, as hard as it might be, it's never too late to say no."

"I know, thank you for the remind." Harriet nodded as she smiled at Jade. However, Jade noticed that the smile did not reach her ears, and there was still shock and confusion swirling in her eyes.

At this point, Patrick walked up to the counter with some dirty cups, so Jade added, "If all else fails, I can just fire the new guy, then you can stay here."

"Eh?" Panic was written all over Patrick's face as it flushed bright red. "Did I do something wrong?"