Chapter 1

Right after my shower, I grabbed my freshly ordered ice latte by the door. After taking a single sip, my phone started flashing like crazy on the coffee table.

99+ unread messages could be found on “Home Sweet Home.”

I tapped in and got instantly buried under a flood of tags and accusations.

Julia Goth, my future sister-in-law, had sent several screenshots.

It contained my order, the payment details, and everything clearly marked “paid with Alan’s supplementary card.”

She even circled it in bright red, as if anyone might miss it.

[Well, well. Aren’t you quick in ruining my mood?]

[I was just celebrating getting my prenatal results, and then I saw her using my baby daddy’s card to buy herself a coffee. What impeccable timing!]

I called her my “future sister-in-law” because she was pregnant with my brother’s baby, but they were not yet married.

My mind went blank for a second. I suddenly remembered the card I had used when I ordered. It had been a careless mistake.

Oh, no.

I hurried to explain myself. [I really didn’t notice and used the wrong card. Sorry, Julia. I’ll pay you back now!]

I immediately transferred ten dollars to Julia. Almost instantly, Julia accepted it.

However, she clearly was not done.

[So, you used the wrong card? Why is your brother’s supplementary card even linked to your phone? Don’t you know I’m carrying your family’s precious heir and might need that money? Are you really trying to dip into the baby’s formula fund for a coffee?]

That stung. It had just been a few bucks for an iced latte.

My parents were practically worshipping her like a queen just because she was carrying the family’s long-awaited baby boy.

[It’s just ten dollars, and I’ve sent it to you.] I suppressed my anger and replied.

[Iced latte?]

[Don’t play dumb, sweetheart. Since when is that just a drink? Everybody knows it’s the go-to order for clingy couples playing footsie under the table.]

[Nice try, but your little scheme is loud and clear even through the screen. You knew he’s taken, yet you still pulled that ‘oops, I used the supplementary card by accident’ routine? Your fake innocent act disgusts me. You’re not a teenager anymore. Learn some boundaries.]

What little scheme was she even talking about?

I just sent a voice message. “It was one iced latte. One accidental click. What exactly is my little scheme here, Julia? What’s it going to take for you to let it go?”

Then I sent another text message.

[@Alan Say something. Weren’t you the one who told me to link the card in case of emergencies?]

My brother, Alan Isaac, finally stepped in.

However, instead of an explanation, he just sent a screenshot. [Supplementary card access has been revoked for this user.]

He followed up with a message. [Sofia, knock it off.]

Just four words, but it felt like a slap on the face.

Julia immediately followed up.

[Hear that? Even your brother’s telling you to knock it off. Girls from modest families like you really shouldn’t be pulling these cheap, indecent little tricks.]

[She’s right, Sofia.]

An aunt who had not said anything in the group chat in ages suddenly chimed in. [Julia’s carrying your brother’s baby. It’s tough on her. Show some sense!]

[It’s just ten bucks. Stop making a scene. It’s giving everyone a headache.]

An uncle joined in. [Your brother has cancelled the card. Just listen to him and get over it.]

My parents’ messages popped up next.

The first was from my father.

[Why are you kicking up a fuss? Alan’s got enough trouble finding someone. He finally found Julia, and she’s carrying our family’s heir!]

[You’re a grown woman with a job. Why do you need to be using your brother’s supplementary card? Can’t you afford to buy your own coffee?]

My mother’s message came right after.

[Sofia, I know you’ve always got your own ideas about things. But this really wasn’t intentional, right? Your brother finally got engaged, and you just had to order a coffee with his card to annoy your sister-in-law.]