Chapter 3
Chapter 3
Back home, 1 binned everything Nathan had given me over the past five years.
As the last flame died out, a delivery man called from outside.
The buyer was Nathan, but the recipient was Erin.
1 signed for him. When I opened the package, I found premium maternity and baby products from various brands.
Nathan’s explanation arrived right after. “Sophie, I ordered a package–office supplies. I accidentally put our home address. Don’t open it. I’ll Ining it to the office when I get back.”
1 casually replied with an emoji, then resealed the package,
Having decided to leave, I couldn’t be bothered to expose his poor lie.
That night, Nathan claimed he was working on a case and didn’t come home.
Erin posted an update on social media for the first time in ages. The location tag showed an upscale hotel downtown. In the photo, a man’s shoulder insignia was clearly visible. He had removed his wedding ring, revealing the pale band of skin.
In the reflection of the wine glass, the woman smiled radiantly, the man’s eyes full of tenderness.
As she wanted, I liked her post and continued to pack my bags.
Nathan didn’t message until the next afternoon, asking me to come to the Thompson family home.
As soon as I entered, his parents saw I was empty–handed and immediately became cold. “Nathan spends every day busy with cases, and you, his wife, can’t even bring gifts to show respect? Why the long face as soon as you walk in? Who are you trying to impress?”
His relatives also looked at me with dissatisfaction. “Married for five years and still acting like the Blake heiress? Wake up! The Blake family went bankrupt five years ago! If Nathan hadn’t used all his savings to clear your debts, who knows where you’d be selling yourself now! They’re your in laws. Your parents are gone, but these are your parents now. Were you raised without manners? People might think Nathan chased after you!”
Just then, Erin appeared at the door carrying bags of health products. Nathan’s parents immediately brightened, rushing to welcome her.
“Erin’s here? Tired from the flight? Your sister–in–law will cook later. You’re rarely back, so rest upstairs. Why bring so many things every time? Your father and I are old and don’t need all this. You and your husband should save the money for yourselves. You are so thoughtful, unlike someone who come in like debt collectors! Still crying about parents who died five years ago–it’s bad luck just hearing about it!”
Despite saying they didn’t want the gifts, his mother eagerly accepted them.
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Flajari 9
Erin smiled coyly, linking arms with her “Mom, don’t say the The Vide case remains rendeled after fans pears. It’s natural for Sophie in heupert She’s already offering and latest grow car on key weds We Camilly after all, part of the same Thumper funshuld By the way, I heard Sopher in progress to Mone, one family has double the blessing Inday! Don’t make her cook Nethen will be upset with four when park
At the mention of fiathan, his mother’s smile briefly fathered “A sot forgets his mother when he takes a wit–that’s my son!! worry about him working those diffids cases, and now its crime
Before, I might have believed Nathan avoided his family home to protect the Best now, sowing the truth, i falt nothing he avoided coming home because he didn’t want to interact with Erin as her brother in law. He didn’t want me to bring up the murder case in public and embarrass Erin.
Everyone joined in praising Erin’s excellent appearance that even pregnancy hadn’t made her look tired.
1 was forgotten at the entrance,
As a cold wind blew in, Nathan finally arrived and held me in his arms.
He affectionately touched my forehead.
“Why are you standing here instead of going in? Did my parents scold you again?”
Seeing her son enter, his mother softened her tone.
“How dare I scold the Blake princess? Your wife is too precious. Better invite her upstairs to rest.”
Erin pretended to mediate: “Mom, I’ve booked a hotel dinner that will be delivered soon. You should rest too. Don’t worry about these things.”
Nathan’s relatives busily praised Erin’s thoughtfulness, no longer paying attention to me.
Nathan pushed me into the bedroom to rest and turned back to explain to his mother that I wasn’t feeling well, not intentionally being disrespectful.
His relatives, already disapproving of me, couldn’t be bothered to discuss me further.
They gathered around Erin’s gifts, occasionally praising his mother’s good fortune–to have such a filial daughter–in–law.
Their laughter occasionally filtered through the cracks, making it hard for me to breathe.
As I prepared to go out for some air, Erin suddenly appeared before me. Seeing my pale face, her smile became more triumphant. “Long time no see, old classmate.”
“I should thank you, actually. If you hadn’t brought me home, I couldn’t have found my enemy.”
