Chapter 2

At ten in the evening, Oliver finally came home.

He paused when he saw me, rolling up his shirt sleeves as he came over to hug me.

I stiffened but didn't pull away.

He leaned in to kiss my ear. "Hug me, baby. Why aren't you asleep yet? Have you eaten?"

I shook my head, frowning.

His clothes reeked of smoke, alcohol, and a familiar perfume I had smelled earlier today.

It seemed he had a wild time with Vivian.

Oliver pulled out his phone, looking worried. "It’s so late. Are you feeling sick?"

He opened a food delivery app, but I pressed my hand over his.

"Oliver, make me some sweet hot cocoa."

He blinked, then laughed helplessly. "You know I don't know how to cook, baby. Let me order it for you."

I pulled my hand back, disappointed. In the past, whenever he cutely claimed he couldn't learn to cook, I would always spoil him.

But now, suspicion was like a thorn, piercing through my self-deception.

Oliver had once learned how to play chess overnight just to impress a client, even playing them to a draw.

He was perfectly capable of learning.

After ordering the food, Oliver said he was going to take a shower.

I called out to him. "Why didn't you reply to my text today?"

Oliver froze, then tugged at his collar and sat down beside me.

"I wanted to explain Vivian's situation to you in person."

"Stella, if she told you anything about some bet we had, that's all in the past."

I clenched my fists, instinctively wanting to block it out.

"She's just a girl from next door. I did like her once, and when she moved abroad, I was bitter. That's why I agreed to that stupid 'baby syndrome' test. But later, I genuinely fell in love with you. I really do rely on you."

I kept my lips sealed and said nothing.

Oliver rubbed the back of my hand. "Do you have any other questions?"

...No.

How honest, how comprehensive.

A perfectly prepared answer.

If I pushed further, I would look like the unreasonable one.

Oliver let out a sigh of relief. "Actually, there’s something else I want to discuss. I want to change our wedding venue to the mountain resort."

"What?" I stared at him, dumbfounded.

Oliver didn't notice my shock.

"Vivian's parents aren't in good health, and they’re currently recuperating at that resort. Since they’re our elders, it’s just easier for them."

I was utterly speechless.

It had taken me half a month just to choose the hotel. From the theme down to the floral arrangements, I had reviewed everything five times before finalizing it.

And he wanted to change it just like that!

Noticing my terrible expression, Oliver explained gently, "Baby, my parents already agreed to it."

I swallowed the suffocating lump in my throat. "Fine."

As a future daughter-in-law, I had to keep the peace with his parents.

Oliver kissed my cheek, satisfied. "I knew you loved me. I’m going to shower. Grab my pajamas for me, baby."

I stared at his retreating back, taking a deep breath.

My parents were running themselves ragged, yet he told me to handle them.

But when it came to Vivian, he was more than eager to be thoughtful and accommodating.