Chapter 3

But unexpectedly, the "capitalist" decided to show a bit of kindness.

"I don’t need you for work. Where are you going?"

I replied honestly, "Heading home with my boyfriend for a visit."

I hadn’t dealt with Nicolas, so I didn’t want to reveal anything just yet. If word spread at work, it wouldn’t look good for me. Besides, I had a few good friends in the office, and if they found out, they’d probably be furious. I didn’t want their holidays ruined by him.

"..."

Aaron sent a bunch of dots.

I thought that was the end of the conversation, but he sent another message.

"You two... aren’t married yet, right?"

The fact that my boss was prying into my personal life caught me off guard. Still, considering our history, I could technically call myself his senior from our university days. Maybe this wasn’t too inappropriate.

"That’s right."

Even though my thoughts were running wild, I still kept my reply straightforward.

"Then isn’t it a bit inappropriate to spend the holidays at his family’s house?"

Aaron’s concern seemed to go beyond what a boss typically asked a subordinate or even what a junior would ask a senior. I couldn’t quite figure out what he meant.

After thinking it over for a while, I came to a conclusion:

He was probably considering promoting me after the New Year and wanted to evaluate me in advance!

Overjoyed, I thought I should put on my best behavior. I couldn’t let my boss think I was someone who didn’t know where to draw the line.

"Don’t worry, boss. I’m just taking care of some business and will be back before the New Year."

Aaron sent a sticker—a muscular rabbit wearing sunglasses, nodding coolly.

I nearly burst out laughing. For some reason, that rabbit reminded me of Aaron himself.

At the airport, I met up with Nicolas. Not wanting to engage in conversation, I pretended to be drowsy the entire time.

Once on the plane, I went straight to sleep, completely ignoring Nicolas when he subtly hinted about whether I’d prepared the gift. I didn’t budge an inch.

He didn’t say anything else, pretending to stay calm on the surface, though I could only imagine the things he was muttering about me in his head.

Nicolas’ hometown was a moderately wealthy third-tier city, but because it wasn’t close to the city we lived in—and since both of us had been busy with work throughout our year-long relationship—this was my first visit.

As soon as we got off the plane, I booked a hotel while Nicolas wasn’t paying attention.

Today’s visit to his house was bound to be a battlefield, but thankfully, I was well-rested and ready for it.

Still, I had a slight headache. I’d never met Nicolas’ parents before and didn’t know whether they were aware of their son’s intentions. Since they were elders, and it was the holidays, I didn’t want to embarrass them unnecessarily.

The moment I stepped through the door, I saw a middle-aged woman sitting on the couch, watching TV and munching on crackers.

She was slightly overweight with a head of tight curls—she had to be Nicolas’ mother.

When she saw us come in, she just gave us a glance before turning back to the TV.

This was definitely not the look of someone who had been excited to meet me.

Nicolas’ expression darkened as he took off his coat and asked, “Why isn’t dinner ready?”

His mother brushed off a few cracker crumbs and motioned toward the kitchen.

“There’s a little left. If it’s not enough for the two of you, make more yourselves.”

I was someone who had been well taken care of by my parents growing up. Even after a few years of navigating the corporate world, I’d never encountered in-laws as bizarre as this.

At that moment, a little boy burst out of one of the bedrooms, holding a toy in his hand.

“Vroom vroom—Ultraman’s here to fight monsters! Take this!”

He hurled the toy straight at me.

Fortunately, I had quick reflexes and dodged it in time.

“Nicolas!”

I put on my best pale, delicate, and heartbroken expression. “What’s the meaning of this? Maybe I should just leave.”

“Don’t! Just sit down,” Nicolas said anxiously, his expression tense as he shot his mother a pointed look. “Mom, can you come here for a second?”