Chapter 12: Son-In-Law

"How's your wedding? Tell me all about it, honey," Mom said.

It had been a few hours since I walked out on Nate and his family. I could finally breathe without having those witches breathing down my neck. I'd only consider going back once that house was free of them.

Mom and I were currently sitting comfortably on the sofa, watching some random reality show on TV. Well, technically, the television was on, but neither of us was paying much attention to it. We were far too busy catching up.

"Nothing special, Mom. Everything happened so fast. Dom and I broke up, and the next thing I knew, I was standing at the altar, becoming Camilla's replacement bride," I said with a chuckle.

When I thought about it, the past few days had been absolutely insane. It was the kind of drama you would only expect from rich people. Apparently, even getting married had to come with a truckload of complications when you were wealthy.

"Of course, it's special! It's your wedding, after all!"

"Well, the food was great, and the venue was beautiful. But most of the guests were practically strangers to me. Come to think of it, I was the bride, yet I somehow felt like an uninvited guest at my own wedding." I laughed at the absurdity of it all.

"Oh, honey. I wish I could have been there to witness it, too." Her expression softened. "But don't worry. I'll work hard on getting better and making up for all the moments I've missed, okay?"

She gently tapped my hand, offering me a reassuring smile.

"Don't think about that for now, Mom. Your only job is to get better. Once you're strong enough, I'll be the one making up for all the time we lost," I assured her.

We continued chatting for a while until a knock interrupted us.

"I'll get it," I volunteered, pushing myself off the sofa.

The moment I opened the door, I was greeted by Nate's familiar scowl. Standing beside him was a woman wearing a white uniform. Judging by her appearance, I assumed she was either a nurse or a caregiver.

"I told you to stay home," he said, his brows furrowing.

I leaned against the doorframe. "I am home."

He stared at me for a moment, clearly struggling to keep his patience.

"No. What I meant was... our home."

I raised an eyebrow. "Oh, you mean the house currently occupied by your witch of a mother and her little minions? Hard pass."

"Jesus Christ, woman."

"What? Did I say something inaccurate?"

He let out an irritated sigh and ran a hand over his face.

"Goddamn it." He gestured toward the woman beside him. "Anyway, this is Mary. She'll be taking care of your mother while you're with me."

The woman immediately stepped forward with a polite smile.

"Good afternoon, Ma'am. It's nice to meet you. I'll be assisting your mother with her daily needs and making sure she follows her recovery routine."

I glanced at Mary, then back at Nate.

"Wow. You actually came prepared."

"Did you expect me to come here empty-handed?"

I finally stepped aside, allowing them to enter. After introducing Mary to Mom, I took a few minutes to explain her medications, recovery routine, and the important things she needed to know. I also made sure Mom was comfortable with having Mary around.

Mary greeted Mom warmly before I reluctantly turned toward Nate.

"And this..." I paused, glancing at him. "Unfortunately, is Nate."

Nate shot me an annoyed look.

"Unfortunately?" he repeated.

Mom chuckled before turning her attention to him. "Oh! So you're Nate? My daughter's husband?"

Nate immediately straightened his posture and offered her a polite smile.

"Yes, Ma'am. It's a pleasure to finally meet you. I've heard a lot about you."

I almost choked. He has? From whom? Certainly not me.

"Oh, really? I hope she hasn't been giving you too much trouble," Mom said, smiling.

"Mom!" I protested.

Nate glanced at me, and I could practically see the amusement in his eyes.

"Not at all, Ma'am. Although, I have to admit, your daughter certainly knows how to keep me on my toes."

"That's because she's always been stubborn," Mom said, laughing. "Even when she was little—"

"Okay! I think that's enough family history for today," I interrupted, stepping between them. "We're not here for a reunion or a storytelling session."

Mom gave me an amused look. "What's wrong with you? I'm just getting to know my son-in-law."

"Son-in-law?" I repeated, looking at Nate. "Please don't get too comfortable with that title."

He leaned closer, lowering his voice just enough for me to hear. "Your mother seems to like me."

"Don't flatter yourself. She's being polite."

I shot him a warning glare before turning back to Mom.

"Anyway, Mary already knows your medications and recovery routine. I've explained everything she needs to know, so you don't have to worry."

Mom nodded, still wearing that suspiciously pleased smile as she glanced between Nate and me.

"He's quite handsome, honey."

"Mom!"

"What? I'm just stating the obvious!"

Nate chuckled, looking far too pleased with himself.

I rolled my eyes. Great. Apparently, I'd brought home a husband and accidentally introduced Mom to her new favorite person.

After making sure Mom was comfortable with Mary and reminding her to call me if she needed anything, I finally grabbed my things.

"Come on," I told Nate.

"Goodbye, Ma'am. Take care, and I hope you feel better soon," he said politely.

"Thank you, Nate. And please take good care of my daughter."

"I will, Ma'am."

I gave him a sideways glance. He was getting along with my mother a little too well for my liking.

The moment we stepped out of the apartment, I turned to Nate and gave him a serious look.

"Could you please stop pretending? We're married on paper, but you're not my husband. Don't make my mother comfortable with the idea of having you around," I said without hesitation.

"Easy there. You're feisty." He gave me an amused look. "Let's just get home first. You can lecture me all you want once we're there."

Before I could come up with a decent comeback, he had already stepped into the elevator.

When we arrived at the house, the first thing I noticed was a red car parked outside the gate.

"Oh, I thought you said your family was gone. You can't possibly expect me to go in there, Nate," I said firmly.

"That's not their car."

"Then whose is it?"

He didn't bother answering. Instead, he got out of the car and headed straight toward the unfamiliar vehicle.

I stayed where I was for a moment, watching him approach it. Curiosity eventually got the better of me, so I stepped out as well.

A red-haired woman emerged from the driver's seat and hurriedly opened the passenger door. She then helped another woman out of the car, practically holding her upright.

Judging by the way the other woman stumbled, she was clearly drunk.

I slowly made my way closer, just enough to catch their conversation.

Well, well. Could this be Nate's girlfriend coming over for a rescue mission? Getting drunk and expecting someone else to clean up the mess. How convenient. She even had someone drive her all the way here.

"I'm really sorry for the trouble, Nate," the redhead said apologetically. "But Natasha kept insisting that I bring her here. She's completely wasted and can barely stand, let alone drive. She also refuses to go home. Please, can you let her stay here tonight?"

My eyes shifted toward the woman leaning heavily against her friend.

Natasha, apparently.

She had fair skin, long blonde wavy hair, and the kind of polished appearance that screamed old money. Even in her drunken state, she looked like someone who had never had to worry about anything in her life.

I couldn't hear Nate's response from where I stood, but whatever he said must have been brief because, moments later, he bent down and scooped Natasha into his arms.

Just like that.

He carried her toward the house without giving it a second thought.

I stood there, watching the entire scene unfold.

Seriously?

I followed them inside, and that's when reality hit me.

There was only one bedroom in this entire house.

I looked at the bedroom door, then at the direction Nate had disappeared with Natasha.

Oh, you've got to be kidding me.

So, where exactly was I supposed to sleep tonight?

Fantastic. I had somehow managed to become the third wheel in a marriage I wasn't even interested in having.