I drove my car and arrived at my apartment by forcefully keeping my eyes open as they kept closing off.
I wished I had a driver or maybe hadn't driven to the workplace and instead had taken a cab.
My feet were killing me and my head was pounding. The first thing I wanted to do after getting home was to just throw my body on my soft mattress.
As I got out of the car, out of the cool air conditioning atmosphere, I changed my mind a little.
"I'll have a shower before going to bed."
Taking a shower was a chore but at the same time was necessary, as it washed away all of the tiredness and brought a peace to one's mind.
Thinking that, I approached the elevator and pressed the button for where my apartment was at.
As the elevator started to move, my thoughts started to wander around, and since I was in an elevator, I thought about the day I first met with Alina and how I wished to undo the things I had done that day.
But...
"Why would she want to go for inspection with me?"
I didn't care where would she go and neither if I had to go for inspection myself, but me accompanying her? No, thank you.
Nothing would come of associating with her—at least, it hadn't benefited me in any way. Except for how she saved my wedding, but should I consider myself as saved?
I didn't know. Sometimes I think that I would be faring better if I didn't get married to her…or anyone for that matter.
The elevator stopped, and as the door was opening my stomach grumbled loudly and my heart also felt a betrayal pain.
Oh my god, how could I forget about my baby? No, I wasn't pregnant—I was talking about my stomach, whom I was taking care of for a long time. I rubbed my stomach as a sadness appeared on my face.
"Guess I have to eat before going to bed, then."
Most of the time, I was working late and ate with other members or had Ella eat with me, so I forgot about the food.
What was I, a fool?
Then I dragged my body to the front door of my apartment, and after opening it, I kicked off my heels at the corner and slumped onto the couch that was placed in the living room.
"I am beat."
I sighed loudly but then when I inhaled deeply, a faint aroma of cooked food hit my nostrils. My eyes snapped open as I looked towards the kitchen.
"Huh? What's cooking?"
After I joined J&K, I bought this apartment, and until now, I was living alone, so the kitchen should be empty but something was definitely cooking.
Before I even walked towards the kitchen, a plump but slender figure with unique blue hair—she dyed her hair from time to time—came into my view. She was wearing an apron with lace trimming at the straps and hem.
That was definitely a maid's apron that I have seen in all those kinky videos. Was it here all this time?
I should investigate my home thoroughly sometimes. Who knew how many things like that were taking shelter here?
"Welcome back, sweetie!"
A crisp voice resounded as I froze in the middle.
"Mom?"
Smiling happily at me in that weird getup was none other than my mother.
"What are you doing here?"
And most importantly, what was she doing there—in a kitchen, no less? Cooking? But she was a terrible cook. And also it was odd of her to be wearing...that thing much less cooking. And just like that I felt my appetite getting ruined.
"Of course, I'm here to meet my lovely daughter—why else?"
Not only the way she was looking but she was also acting strange. Was there something I was missing? And what was with all the smiling?
I walked up to her and took her hand in mine.
She definitely felt fine. I was worried since my mother had a weak constitution, but I didn't let it show on my face.
I only look at her in surprise mixed with some confusion until I hear her next words.
"Are you alone? What about my daughter-in-law?"
Daughter-in-law?
It didn't take me any time to understand what was happening. Why my mother was wearing this and why she was acting all strange. It was because she was expecting to meet her—well, daughter-in-law.
But she wasn't here...no, I even doubt if she had one...well, she did, but...
Anyway, my expression broke as I felt nervousness creeping into my body. My mind ran in full throttle to what answer—excuse—I could give her.
"A—Angelica...well, she had to work. Umm, there was this meeting, and she had to go out of the city to attend it. So, she wouldn't be coming today."
Thankfully, I think of a plausible explanation in time.
"Oh?"
Her face fell, and the smile from her face vanished. The disappointment was clearly written in her face. So, that was why she was dressed up like that? Thank God, I didn't take after her or Clara.
"But I wanted to surprise her."
She mumbled. Seeing my mother's gloomy face, a smile formed on my lips. I linked my arm around her and slowly started walking towards the sofa.
"Mom, you aren't really cooking anything, are you?"
My mother didn't protest and quietly let me drag her.
"No, you know I can't cook."
She shook her head, but her mood didn't lighten up a bit. Well, I admit that question wasn't something to lighten the mood but most importantly, I wanted to change the topic and I believe it worked.
"I brought some dishes on my way here and was only heating them up."
I figured as much. My smile widened as I leaned my head on her shoulder as I hugged her arm.
"I believe you bought this apron too on your way here?"
"It's lovely."
She smiled slightly as she caressed the soft cloth between her fingers.
"Yeah, it is."
I didn't know about my mother but her unexpected visit did improve my mood though.
"How could your boss send her alone out of the city when you are still newlyweds?"
After a silence as I cozied up beside her, my mom suddenly asked.
Maybe I spoke too soon. I didn't know how to answer that—because both were the same people, maybe?
I laughed awkwardly, but it actually coincided with an embarrassed expression as she mentioned newlywed.
"She's not alone, though. There are still other employees with her."
At that, she looked at me with pity—it was obvious what she was thinking. It would be along the lines of "You are not with her" or something.
"It was sudden, so they didn't know they had to stay the night."
Too sudden that I too even learned that after seeing my mother's face.
Haaa, I was too ashamed of myself.
I snugged my face into her—trying to hide my expression and also because I felt rejuvenated. I used to live alone but it was not bad to have someone with you at home after a tiring day.
"Don't worry, she will come back tomorrow."
I said in a muffled voice and felt my mother's hand patting my head.
"Tell her to be careful."
I felt a pang in my heart. I knew why my mother had come to visit me. It was almost a week when she asked me to bring my wife to meet her, so now, she came here to see her.
Suddenly, my arms tightened as I snuggled deeper into her embrace. I couldn't bring myself to ask her why she was visiting, but maybe I would have. No, I absolutely should have.
"I have to visit the company for renewal of our contract. So, I will be staying tomorrow too and would leave early in the morning."
A cold sweat broke out on my back, and now I wasn't as relaxed as I was anymore, and my mother continued.
"So, I guess I will meet with my daughter-in-law tomorrow."
Damn it, I should have said two days, no, a week or maybe a month. Why would I have to say tomorrow?
"S—so, you really came to just meet her and don't really care about your own daughter now?"
Maybe I could get out of this if I played my cards right. Thinking that, I tried speaking, but my mother cut me off.
"Andrea Patson, I know what you are trying to do. You never brought her home and when I come to visit her, you are trying to hide her?"
Shit, maybe I take it too far.
"What? No, I am just messing with you."
Angelica was a customer of my mother's, whom she adored so much, so I wanted to surprise her and so I didn't let her meet with her. It was already stupid how understanding she was about only meeting her at the wedding, and now if I refused her, even a fool would become suspicious.
"Alright then, make sure to bring her tomorrow. I'll be waiting."