Chapter 3

After moving there, I asked Arnold to find a high-end housekeeper for me. Her name was Ruby Moone. She was quite a hard worker, and she made delicious meals.

I was quite pleased with how attentive she was. I even gave her a raise after finding out that she was facing some family difficulties.

But I later came to realize that there was something strange about her.

As I applied my face mask, Ruby casually asked me how much it cost. When I answered, she began lamenting her difficult life, saying that she'd never had a chance to use a face mask before.

I gave her a few boxes, along with some high-end skincare products.

Yet, from time to time, she would go on about how women shouldn't spend money like this.

I understood that she'd had this mindset for years, and since she was so conscientious with her work, I chose to tolerate it.

I'd clearly informed her that I was severely allergic to peanuts and ube.

The moment I took a bite of the food, I realized that something felt amiss. I spat it out immediately and even went to the bathroom to throw everything up.

Meanwhile, Ruby just stood by, berating me for wasting food.

I didn't manage to respond before I passed out. After I came to, she apologized repeatedly.

"I'm sorry. I'm really sorry! I didn't think you would end up like this. There are no such things as allergies. You'll be fine if you just eat them more often. If you can't eat those things, what are you gonna do when you get married? Don't chase me away. I won't do it again!"

When I saw how she was begging me with tears streaming down her face out of fear, I gave in in the end.

After that, she truly did a great job.

Things weren't too busy at work, so I had more time to spare at home. Most of the time, I would just sprawl on the couch, playing games on my phone.

Little did I expect that Ruby would actually start bossing me around.

She told me to handwash my undergarments. After mealtimes, she ordered me to take the plates to the kitchen on my own, and eventually, she made me wash my own dishes as well.

She even made me sweep the floor.

When I refused, she lectured me. "Oh, Nicole, you're a woman. You won't be able to get married if you can't do these things. Plus, these are the basics, and you're already 26 years old. Back in my hometown, women who aren't married by your age are chased out of their families!"

She smiled from ear to ear.

"But don't worry about it. I'll teach you bit by bit. You also have to learn how to cook and clean the house. Otherwise, your in-laws will beat you. I'm telling you this for your sake."

My expression darkened. I was fuming.

I took my phone out and gave my fiance a video call right in front of her.

I said, "I heard women won't be able to get married if they can't do chores. What do you think?"

I angled the screen toward Ruby, showing her my man's charming face.

Dylan was shocked. "Who said that? How could you do the chores?"

I rolled my eyes at Ruby, whose gaze turned grim.

"Will I end up getting beaten if I don't do these things after marrying into your family?" I asked.

"What are you talking about, Nikki? How could that possibly happen? Why would we hire all those helpers at home then? Who is this woman? Let me see your face."

Upon hearing that, Ruby exclaimed in shock, "Who's this?"

I answered, "Didn't you say that I won't be able to get married? This is my fiance. Perhaps you should have a chat with him and explain why you said I'd get beaten up by my in-laws."

She simply stared at me, her expression dark and terrifying. "You're supposed to marry my son! How could you behave like this, you slut?"