Angel Floyen: Emerald, stay for the night.

Emerald: Mom, you need to take permission from my husband. If he says I can stay, then I will.

Emerald Floyen

Or I should say Mrs. Royam Ashet had never once stayed at her parents’ house after marriage. Countless times Angel asked her, but Royam always refused.

Angel (sighing): Tonight, I must have my daughter by my side.

The Floyen residence rang with children’s laughter and adults’ chatter. All of Angel’s children had gathered, the hall alive with warmth.

Men’s Gathering

Rhys: See how troublesome women are? I regret marrying.

Lysander: Women are just hungry for love. You don’t know how to handle your wife, Rhys.

Rhys (snorting): Oh really? As if you can handle yours.

Cassian (laughing): Mine doesn’t bother me at all just my card and the malls.

Lysander: Cassian brother, at least she doesn’t stay home inventing problems that don’t exist.

Rhys erupted in laughter.

Royam, seated silently among them, only curved a faint smile at their poor gossip.

Then—

Ding~

A special ringtone chimed. Royam’s lips softened into a real smile.

[Little Gangster: Mom’s asking me to stay.]

Ding~ The screen glowed again on the other side with the name “Mr Perfect.”

[Mr Perfect: You can stay if you want.]

Emerald’s green eyes crinkled. Her fingers typed swiftly.

[Little Gangster: Do whatever you want but get me outta here, Mr Perfect \=⁠_⁠\=]

Royam’s smile deepened.

Ding~

[Mr Perfect: Don’t complain afterwards.]

(A pouting bunny sticker popped on the screen.)

Royam stood up.

Cassian: Where?

Rhys: You okay, Royam?

Lysander: Bro, what happened?

Royam: Just remembered something important.

And with that, he left the garden.

Women’s Room

Hazel (Rhys’s wife): Emerald, if Mom is asking, why don’t you stay?

Lina (Lysander’s wife): Just whine a little, he’ll give in.

Halay (Cassian’s wife): She’s scared of her husband.

Emerald (sweetly): Dear sisters, you’re here for the night-out. Accompany Mom.

The women giggled among themselves until Royam entered the chilled room.

Angel (brightening): Royam, my son!

Emerald didn’t even glance at him, keeping her chatter with her sisters.

Royam (politely): I’m honored, Mother-in-law, but we have to leave. It’s already late.

Angel: Royam, how about leaving Emerald and little Ehaan for tonight?

Royam (smiling thinly): Sorry, Aunty, but I can’t. I’ve an important meeting tomorrow.

Angel sighed. She was used to this bland refusal.

Royam (turning to Emerald): Emerald, let’s go.

Lina pinched Emerald’s arm, urging her to whine. Emerald looked at her husband, her heart screaming take me with you.

Emerald (hesitant): I… I want to stay with Mom.

Angel (clapping her hands): Oh, my Emerald! Royam, let her.

Royam’s brows drew together.

Royam (low voice): Excuse me, ladies.

He stepped forward, his smile sharp, dimples curving dangerously.

Royam: I’m really sorry, but I have to take my wife.

And before anyone could react, he bent and swept Emerald over his shoulder.

Emerald (shrieking): Ro–Royam!!

Her feet kicked helplessly in the air, his grip iron on her waist. The room fell silent in shock at his audacity though none were surprised. They all knew: he would never let her go.

Royam (calmly, over his shoulder): Ehaan! Bring Mama’s sandals and bag in five minutes. I’m waiting in the car.

“Yes, Papa!” five-year-old Ehaan darted off on command.

Royam strode out, ignoring Emerald’s flailing. When she grew too wild, he pinched her side; her face flushed crimson.

In the Car

Royam dropped her into the passenger seat. Emerald yanked him down by his tie, kissing him hard and biting his lip.

Royam (softly): My Little Gangster?

Emerald (pouting): Took you long enough to get me out of there, humph!

The back door opened. Ehaan clambered in with the bag and sandals. Emerald instantly sat back in her seat, pretending innocence.

Her phone lit up.

Ding~

[Mr Perfect: We’ll settle this in our room after we’re home.]

Emerald’s cheeks heated, and Royam’s smile told her he’d already seen it.