Chapter 4

Paige ordered me around like it was the most natural thing in the world. "Go make my dad a cup of tea. Not too hot, just warm enough."

"Why are you so slow with that fruit? My brother's hungry, hurry up and get the snacks out!"

Her parents didn't hold back either, settling in like a dowager empress and her consort.

First they complained the water I poured was too hot, then that the fruit I'd bought wasn't fresh enough.

And when her brother grumbled that his phone was lagging,

she didn't say a word, just pulled out Mr. Lawrence's brand-new phone.

"Bet you didn't expect that? Your big sister had it ready for you! Here, go play with it!"

Her brother jumped up, over the moon.

Then she shot me a look, daring me to say something.

I looked away and said nothing.

I'd cooked a full spread for dinner, six dishes and a soup, and by the time I brought the last bowl to the table, Paige and her family had already dug in.

Her father picked up a prawn and frowned as he inspected it. "Noel, this is way too bland. You forget the salt?"

"My daughter's an independent, self-made woman. She's out there grinding all day, and she can't even come home to a decent meal? Then what's the point of having a man around?"

"Oh, come on, Noel's still young, he's still learning." Her mother swatted her father's arm, then turned to me. "Noel, once you two are married, I'll teach you myself."

"You know how it is in our family. Women handle the money, men do the cooking."

"Our Paige likes strong flavors, she likes it spicy. You've got to cook to her taste first."

"You two have been living together most of a year now. Why not just go get the license before the new year?"

"As for the bride price, we won't ask for much. Five hundred thousand, a nice lucky number. We're not into all that empty show, but the money's a sign of good faith."

"You're an only child, so your parents will be leaning on our Paige to look after them in their old age. That means the marital home goes in Paige's name."

"And have your parents buy you a car, something around five hundred thousand, in Paige's name too. Once she gets promoted, she'll want to drive something that looks good."

Her father chimed in. "After the wedding, your paycheck goes to Paige. A man shouldn't have money sitting in his hands."

"You take care of all the housework. Our Paige never lifted a finger growing up. You've got to know how to treat a woman right."

Paige glanced at me and put on a little show of protesting. "Oh, stop, why are you saying all this? Noel already knows. He's a good sport, he won't give me any trouble."

I didn't argue. I just gave a faint smile.

That night, Paige started divvying up the rooms like it was hers to decide.

She put her parents in our master bedroom, her brother in the guest room, and herself on the living room couch.

She looked at me. "Noel, just suck it up and lay out a mat in the bathroom."

"The bathroom?" I repeated.

Paige lowered her voice, irritated. "Do you know how to behave or not? My parents finally make the trip out here, and you, the junior in this house, can't give up a little space? What's the big deal?"

"Besides, I'm the one paying the rent on this place. You sleep wherever I tell you to sleep!"

I let out a short scoff and pulled out the suitcase I'd already packed.

"No need. I've got a business trip today, as it happens."

Paige shot up, furious. "My parents just get here and you take off on a business trip? Who are you putting that attitude on for? We're not even married and you're already acting like my parents don't matter?"

I looked at her. "The company arranged it. If I don't go, I get fired. You planning to support me?"

That shut her up. She waved a hand, annoyed. "Fine, fine, go. Real mood-killer, you are."

The next morning, I woke up in the hotel.

Paige texted me: 【I'm at the store. Transfer me some grocery money, quick. My mom says she wants two free-range chickens.】

I opened the transfer screen and calmly sent her twenty-five dollars.

She lost it instantly, ringing me up in a rage.

"What's twenty-five supposed to buy? You handing me spare change like I'm a beggar?"

I checked the time.

By now, my father should already be at the door with the agent and the property manager.

I explained, all innocence. "Twenty-five isn't enough?"

"Your best friend's husband feeds his whole family for two bucks a meal. I already doubled it for you."

She choked on that, then exploded. "Are you out of your mind, Noel? You just wait!"

She slammed the phone down.

About half an hour later, her call came again, her voice frantic.

"Where are you? Why did a whole crew of security guards just throw my parents out of the apartment?"

"They're saying the place isn't for rent anymore! And they want me to pay some tens of thousands in back charges! What the hell is going on?"