CHAPTER 39: UNDERSTANDING WIFE

"Also," she added, gesturing as if she had more to say. "What kind of business do you even want to start? I don’t know the full scope of your system yet. I only saw the condition. Not that I mind, I just... you know, for our future," she said softly, her voice barely rising above a whisper.

Dapper paused, thinking carefully about how to approach her concern. "I’ll talk about the business first. Unfortunately, I don’t have a business-related system," he said, casting a small ball of fire into the air–dispersing it, causing Ruth’s eyes to widen.

He continued, "My actual dream is to attend the military academy and become a high-ranking soldier. But I do have several business ideas in mind. That’s why I need your help. If you can use your connections to make me a day student, then trust me—we’ll make a shit ton of money."

Ruth’s eyes flickered between surprise, happiness, and something else. Clearly, a wave of emotions washed over her all at once.

"This is quite the shift from what I expected. But since your system is magic-related, are you sure business is the right path? Why not just focus on the academy?" she asked, a little skeptical.

Dapper leaned closer and whispered something into her ear, causing her eyes to widen.

"Really?!! That’s actually a brilliant idea!" she exclaimed, smiling brightly.

"I’ve got lots of ideas. I just need your help to make this one work. From what I’ve researched, some people attend the academy as day students. They’re still assigned dorms and not allowed out during major events, but they enjoy more freedom than regular students. It beats sneaking out and risking expulsion," Dapper explained.

Ruth tapped her chin in thought. "I think I can pull it off. My late dad’s best friend is a top official in the academy. If I ask for a favor—especially since it’s the first time—I doubt he’ll turn me down. I’ll go and see him tomorrow," she replied confidently.

"Thanks so much, wifey!" Dapper grinned, pumping his fists. He stood up and sat beside her on the bed, wrapping an arm around her waist.

Ruth stared at him, her expression expectant. "You still haven’t answered my first question. Are you dodging it?" she said, then stood up and walked over to her wardrobe. "Look, I haven’t been using any pregnancy meds. I lied. But guess what I found."

She pulled out a small empty vial with residue stuck to the bottom.

"You were using this. I had it analyzed, and the lab confirmed it’s an Impotency Potion. Why?" she asked, her arms folded with a questioning gaze.

’Shit. Good thing I trust my instincts. But now I have to come clean.’

Dapper let out a deep sigh.

"Yeah, I was using it... but not because of you. I used it to avoid getting someone else pregnant. I honestly thought you were taking birth control meds. I’m sorry," he said, sincerity in his voice.

Ruth’s eyes widened. "No, don’t apologize. I’m sorry for not thinking beyond what I saw. That’s actually really thoughtful of you—to make sure no one else gets pregnant. And I’m also sorry for lying about taking the meds. If you’re not ready for kids yet, I’ll respect that," she said, smiling gently.

"It’s not that I don’t want kids. I just want us to wait. I want us to raise them properly, at the right time. I don’t want what happened to our parents to repeat with us. I want to give my kids the best. If I get you pregnant and leave for the academy, how will you handle the business and a child? That’s why I want us to be patient," Dapper explained.

Ruth lowered her head, tears streaming from her eyes. "You’re right. I was being unreasonable. I don’t want our kids to suffer like we did. I’m glad I chose you... you made me realize that," she whispered, hugging him tightly.

After a long moment, she pulled back and stared into his eyes. "I’ll support you with everything I’ve got. Now let’s sleep—we have a lot ahead of us tomorrow," Ruth said, pulling him into bed.

It didn’t take long before she drifted off, snoring softly. Dapper lay there, staring at the ceiling as time moved painfully slow.

Then suddenly, his phone pinged loudly.

He checked the screen—it was a message from Elena. Quietly, he slipped out of bed and went into the bathroom to read it, his heart pounding faster as he opened the message and read its contents.

{I’m sorry to break it to you, Dapper. But we won’t be able to see each other for a while—for your safety. You’ll see me again eventually, especially since you said you’ll be joining the military academy. I can’t say when exactly... but I hope it’s soon. I love you.} A heart-shaped emoji punctuated the end of the message.

"Fuck!! Why?!" Dapper growled, quickly lowering his voice so he wouldn’t wake Ruth. He leaned heavily against the wash basin, his mind spinning from the message.

’What the hell does she mean? My safety? I don’t get it.’ Dapper thought, trying to piece it together. He immediately attempted to text her back, but the message failed to send. He tried calling—but every time, the call dropped instantly.

"What the hell is going on? Everything just keeps getting weirder... First Belinda’s mess, now Elena? She just vanished without saying a word. I hate being left in the dark. And now that I think of it—I don’t even know where she lives. Maybe I should ask Lice and Yavo," Dapper muttered, splashing cold water on his face before stepping out.

He returned to the room, tossing and turning before finally dozing off, unable to come up with any solid explanation behind Elena’s cryptic message.

---

The next morning, Ruth was the first to wake up. She kissed Dapper gently, rousing him from sleep.

"Good morning, darling," she said warmly before heading into the bathroom to shower. After a while, she stepped out and began dressing up quickly.

"Where are you heading this early?" Dapper asked groggily.

"Did you forget? I told you I’d be seeing my dad’s best friend today—about your military academy enrollment. Plus, I need to swing by the warehouse early, so I figured I’d kill two birds with one stone," Ruth explained while fixing her blouse.

"Ah, right. Now I remember."

"And since I already know about your system conditions," she said, turning with a sly grin, "while I’m away... why don’t you spice things up with Lena? I’m not about to sit back and let you die on me," Ruth added with a playful wink.