As soon as she finished speaking, Charlotte chimed in.
“So you have something to do? Let's reschedule our dinner for tomorrow then. Evan, please wish your father a happy birthday for me. I won’t disturb you any further.”
In front of Evan, Charlotte always maintained her composure, and this time was no exception.
Sophia, perhaps intentionally, said, “Charlotte, you’re mistaken. It’s my dad’s birthday, not my father-in-law’s. My dad doesn’t know you.”
Upon hearing this, Charlotte's steps paused for a moment before she continued walking.
Though Sophia couldn’t see Charlotte's expression, she was certain it wasn’t pleasant at that moment.
But so what?
Charlotte’s previous words were clearly implying something. Sophia wasn’t stupid, just lazy—too lazy to bother with others’ thoughts.
But now, since Charlotte had come to provoke her directly, she couldn’t just tolerate it.
She lifted her eyes and met a pair of deep black ones.
Those eyes carried curiosity and doubt, which quickly disappeared, but Sophia had seen it.
Her heart skipped a beat, and she was about to explain when she heard the man’s deep voice, “I’ll take the afternoon off and go to the mall with you.”
Sophia's eyes widened abruptly.
They had been married for half a year, and this was the first time he had suggested going to the mall with her. Was he trying to make up for last night?
Thinking of this, Sophia felt a bit stuffy inside.
That afternoon, Evan indeed took time off and went to the mall with her. Besides picking gifts for her parents, he also bought her two sets of clothes.
On the way home, Sophia looked at the clothes he bought for her, feeling a sudden pang of guilt.
“Um, Evan, today is my dad’s birthday. Could you not mention what I said to you this morning?”
“What?” The man was driving, his shirt sleeves rolled up, revealing a strong arm. He kept his eyes on the road as he spoke.
“Just… well…”
“Forgot it.” Evan interrupted her.
Sophia breathed a sigh of relief. Forgetting was good. Otherwise, bringing up that issue again might affect her performance in front of her parents later.
When they arrived, Mr. and Mrs. Lancaster welcomed them warmly.
“You shouldn't have, but I'm so glad you did!”
Sophia's lips twitched, and she pretended to take the gifts back. “Oh, if you don't like it, we will take it back.”
Mrs. Lancaster lightly slapped her hand, pretending to be angry. “There’s no such thing as taking back given gifts. Go, bring out the washed fruits from the kitchen. I’ll start cooking soon.”
“Got it.”
In the living room, Mr. Lancaster was already playing chess with Evan.
After retiring, Mr. Lancaster had no particular hobbies except for chess. Since Sophia got married, he loved playing chess with Evan.
From Sophia’s observation, in every set of three games, Mr. Lancaster always won the first game, Evan won the second, and Mr. Lancaster won the third.
Each time, Mr. Lancaster would smile and pat Evan’s shoulder, telling him to practice more. But Sophia always felt that Evan did it on purpose. Otherwise, how could the results be the same every time?
Sophia sat beside Evan with a fruit plate, occasionally saying a word or two as she watched them play chess.
“Why are you just eating by yourself? Give Evan some too.” Mrs. Lancaster came out of the kitchen and couldn’t help but remind her upon seeing Sophia eating alone.
“Oh.” Sophia offered a piece of watermelon to Evan. “Want a bite?”
Evan turned slightly and took a bite.
Sophia looked at the half-eaten watermelon in her hand, feeling awkward about whether to eat it or not.
