Chapter 4

Caleb’s brows furrowed slightly. He hadn't expected me to fold this easily.

Knowing me, he probably expected a screaming match. He expected me to throw things, smash his laptop, and kick him out.

For the past five years, that was how we fought. I would explode with emotion, only to slowly break down in the face of his cold silence.

But this time was different.

Only Caleb didn't know why.

Chloe had a secret medical condition.

She couldn't get pregnant.

It was diagnosed when she was eighteen. Helen had dragged her to every specialist in the country, but the diagnosis was final.

She could never have children.

Helen kept this under wraps. Chloe knew, I knew, but absolutely no one else did.

Caleb’s mother, Martha, only had one son. Every time she saw me, she nagged about wanting grandkids as soon as possible.

I had planned to slowly ease Martha into the idea after the wedding, even preparing myself for a childfree marriage since Caleb used to say he didn't care about kids.

But now? I didn't have to worry about that anymore.

Let Chloe bear the brunt of Martha’s grandkid obsession.

Let Martha nag Chloe for the next ten years until their marriage crumbled into dust. It had absolutely nothing to do with me.

Furthermore, Caleb had no idea that Chloe couldn't do a single household chore.

Since childhood, Helen had spoiled her rotten, never letting her lift a finger.

Caleb wanted a docile, domestic wife, right?

I couldn't wait for him to experience exactly how "domestic" his precious Chloe really was.

As for me? I’d treat the last five years of playing maid to Caleb as charity work.

Did he think our clean apartment and home-cooked meals just magically appeared?

When his mother was hospitalized last year, I was the one who took two weeks off work to nurse her.

Meanwhile, he excused himself because he was "too busy with a launch."

"That's my girl," Helen said, her smile returning as she poured Caleb another glass of wine.

"We’re family, after all. Caleb, don't feel guilty. Our Chloe is sweet. She’ll definitely be more obedient than some people."

I didn't reply.

I just stood by the foyer, watching this absurd circus.

My mother was pouring wine for my ex, my sister was blushing, and Caleb maintained his usual smug, emotionless face.

"Since it's settled, let's get things moving," Helen declared authoritatively.

"Tomorrow is a good day. Let's get the engagement announced."

"And we can schedule the wedding for next week!"

"Mom!" Chloe protested cutely, her face turning redder.

"Don't be shy. We have to strike while the iron is hot."

Helen rolled her eyes playfully at Chloe, then turned to Caleb.

"Caleb, what do you think?"

Caleb nodded. "Whatever you arrange, Helen."

"Still calling me Helen?"

My mother laughed, ecstatic.

"Time to change that."

"Mom," Caleb called out, incredibly natural.