Chapter 2

I told myself it was just one day—one last day of tolerating this driver with zero boundaries.

Early the next morning, I stepped outside and got into the car, only to be hit by an overpowering smell of mustard that made my eyes water.

Three disheveled men were already sitting inside.

I immediately moved to back away, but Chloe shoved me into the car from behind.

"Evan, these are my three brothers. They've been wanting to meet you, so they took an overnight train to get here."

I stared coldly at the three men in the car. They held greasy breakfast sandwiches. They were eating while shamelessly looking me up and down. Their eyes kept drifting to the watch on my wrist.

One of them blew his nose mid-bite and flicked the mucus right there in the car.

I flinched backward, terrified it would land on me.

The man grinned at me.

"I know you city folks like things clean. I'll wipe my hands right now!"

Then, he wiped his fingers directly on the edge of the leather seat. In that instant, I lost it completely.

I whirled around and glared at Chloe. "This is my car! Who gave you permission to use it without asking? Get them out!"

My expression was thunderous, and my tone ice-cold. Chloe's face stiffened slightly, but instead of apologizing, she raised her voice and accused me.

"What kind of attitude is that? They're my brothers. Show some respect! They traveled all this way to see you. Shouldn't you treat them properly? Go book hotels and restaurants right now. Book the best ones in the city."

I was genuinely shocked. How could she have the nerve to say these things? I replied without holding back, "I don't care who they are to you. They have nothing to do with me! I've never heard of hiring a driver and being expected to support her entire family too! Get them out of here right now, or I won't be polite about it! And you're fired!"

I pulled out my phone, planning to have Mom send another driver to pick me up. Chloe snatched my phone right out of my hand.

Her three brothers started pointing at me with hostile tones.

"What's wrong with you?"

The oldest brother, Jack, in the passenger seat put down his bun. His greasy fingers pointed straight at my face.

"Chloe's been waiting on you hand and foot at your house, and this is how you treat her? Our Chloe's a good, honest woman. Back in our village, men were lining up to marry her. And you want to throw her out?"

The second brother, John, chimed in, his eyes sweeping over me like I was merchandise being appraised.

"You have no manners at all!"

The third brother, Tom, slapped the seat beside him, his voice rough and loud.

"Exactly! Just look at how you dress. Anyone can tell you don't know how to live practically. Back in our town, no one would marry someone like you! You're lucky Chloe even wants you!"

Chloe held my phone, her face full of smugness, as if everything her brothers said was the absolute truth.

"Evan, listen to what my brothers are saying. They're looking out for you. You're not getting any younger. Stop being so picky and settle down with me. I'll definitely give you a big, healthy son in the future."

They were all completely insane!

"Give me back my phone!" I reached out angrily to grab it, but Chloe gripped it tightly and refused to let go.

"Promise me first. Don't fire me and don't throw a tantrum. Then I'll give your phone back."

She pushed further. "Come back to my hometown with me today. We'll finalize our marriage."

I was shaking with rage at how shameless this family was.

"Chloe, are you out of your mind? When did I ever say I'd marry you? Give me back my phone right now, or I'm calling the police!"

"The police?"

Jack scoffed.

"Cops don't get involved in lovers' spats. I think you're just guilty and don't want to treat our Chloe right."

I took a deep breath, knowing that continuing to argue with them would only waste more time.

My business partner was waiting for me. This project was critical to the company's development for the second half of the year. Nothing could go wrong.

I stopped wasting my energy on her and pulled out my backup phone to contact Mom. She said another driver would arrive shortly.