Chapter 4
530words
After picking me up, they drove me toward Nathan’s hometown.
My phone buzzed every few minutes, I knew that it was Nathan calling to urge me to go back quickly. The ridiculous thing was that he never worried about me having an accident, all he could think about was their precious Christmas dinner.
This time,I didn’t answer, I just silently turned off my phone, and the world suddenly became quiet. .
In less than three hours, the traffic police safely sent me back to the community and even specially escorted me to my doorstep.
The moment I opened the door,Nathan’s complaints hit:
“You’re finally back?Look at the time! Mom and Dad are starving waiting for your cooking.What kind of daughter-in-law are you? Olivia Bennett,you—”
He stopped short,spotting the two cops behind me,his tone softening:
“Excuse me, sir. Is there anything wrong?”
One frowned at him. “You’re the guy who left his wife on the interstate?”
Nathan blinked,confused,then saw me and erupted:”You called the cops?”
I stared at him silently, neither confirming nor denying.
His face darkened,but before he could lash out,an officer cut in:
“What kind of husband doesn’t notice his wife’s not in the car? You’re thinking about dinner while she’s stranded?Shame on you! Pay attention next time. If you waste police resources like this again, you’ll be fined.”
Nathan nodded meekly,not daring to argue,though his icy glare stayed fixed on me.
The officers left after their lecture.
The door slammed shut.
Nathan’s face was thunderous.”An Uber wasn’t enough—you had to call the cops?”
“What’ll people think of me now?”
I rolled my eyes.You’re embarrassed to be exposed but not to do it?
Before he could continue,Mr.Carter’s voice boomed:”Olivia,do you even see yourself as a Carter?”
“Your parents are gone,and we didn’t judge you for it.We let Nathan marry you.Where’s your gratitude?”
“It’s Christmas Eve,and you’re out gallivanting instead of cooking.Where else do you even have to go?”
Mrs.Carter piled on:”I told you not to marry a rich girl.She’s useless at housework!”
“She’s going to starve us old couple to death on Christmas Eve. My life’s so hard!”
“Chloe is so sweet. She knew to buy me some fruits to satisfy my hunger.”
She pulled Chloe into a warm hug.
Even that stray dog,Shadow,was tearing around,leaving muddy prints everywhere.
Chloe smirked:”Since Olivia is back, you should start cooking quickly. Everyone is starving.”
“Fine!”
I agreed so readily that the Carters didn’t spare me another glance,lounging on the couch to watch the Christmas special.
I stepped into the kitchen,their laughter echoing.
Nathan’s voice carried,issuing orders:
“It’s Christmas Eve, We can’t have a meal without turkey, ham, the works. Olivia, hustle, or we’ll miss the special. Get Dad’s favorite whiskey. Oh, by the way my mom and Chloe only drink soda—grab some.”
I”accidentally”knocked over a bottle of soy sauce.
Mrs.Carter shrieked:”Are you rebelling?Breaking things on Christmas?”
Nathan just glared:”Clumsy as ever.Clean it up.”
After saying that, he turned around and went out.
Time to clean out the real mess—not the soy sauce.
I picked up my phone and called the property manager:“Hello, is this the property management? There are people breaking into my house without permission.”
