The next day was a Saturday.

Shelly rushed through breakfast, then went to put on makeup and change her clothes.

Before leaving, she stood at the door putting on her heels.

Watching her carefully made-up face, I slowly asked, "Will you be back for dinner?"

She pulled the door open without looking back. "Not sure. Depends on how much work there is. I might not make it back. Don't wait for me tonight."

The door clicked shut.

I walked to the window and looked down.

Shelly didn't head toward the bus stop. Instead, she got into a black Mercedes that had been waiting by the curb.

I took out my phone and made a call.

"Hello? I need your help with something."

The noon sun was a bit glaring.

Carrying the carefully prepared gift, I went to Shelly's parents' house alone without telling her.

Her mother, Nadine Drake, froze for a moment when she opened the door, then immediately warmed up.

Her father, Franklin Hartman, also stood up from the couch and walked over with a smile to greet me.

Mrs. Hartman took the noticeably expensive gift from my hands, her tone growing more cordial.

"Emory, what brings you here? Why didn't Shelly come with you?"

"She's working overtime today. I realized I hadn't visited you both in a while, so I thought I'd drop by."

"What perfect timing! I'll whip up a few more dishes—you have to try them."

The table was laden with a generous feast, and Mrs. Hartman kept piling food onto my plate.

As we chatted, the conversation gradually turned to serious matters.

Mr. Hartman set down his fork and asked tentatively, "Emory, you and Shelly have been together for several years now, so don't you think it's time to get married?"

I swallowed the food in my mouth and replied with a measured smile, "Mr. Hartman, Mrs. Hartman, don't worry. I've already got the wedding date in mind. I just need to finalize it with Shelly. As for the wedding gift…"

I paused, noticing them subconsciously lean forward.

"My family and I have discussed it, and we've decided to give 1.8 million dollars in cash," I said casually, as if I were talking about the weather.

Mr. Hartman and Mrs. Hartman were both stunned. They exchanged a glance, unable to hide their surprise.

I continued, "Plus a fully paid-off two-thousand-square-foot apartment downtown and a BMW—both will be under Shelly's name alone."

"1.8 million dollars? And an apartment and a car?" Mrs. Hartman repeated in a trembling voice. She could hardly believe it. "Emory, Shelly never mentioned your family being this well-off before."

I'd come prepared with an answer.

"We just got lucky, I guess," I replied with an easy-going laugh. "There was a demolition on some old property back in my hometown, and we got a settlement. My parents said it worked out perfectly, as it could go toward starting our life together as a married couple."

This reason was simple, straightforward, and hard to verify.

The doubt on their faces vanished in an instant, replaced entirely by a pleasant surprise.

Mr. Hartman gave my shoulder a firm pat, his face beaming with happiness.

"Good! Wonderful! We don't have to worry about Shelly anymore now that she's in good hands."

Mrs. Hartman was smiling from ear to ear, looking at me as if I were a treasure.

I sneered inwardly. Although they had always been polite to me before this, there had always been a subtle judgment—the kind reserved for a lowly office worker.

Now that the money, apartment, and car were laid out, their attitude toward me had completely changed.

Like a dutiful and devoted son-in-law, I continued to raise the stakes.

"Mr. Hartman, Mrs. Hartman, once the wedding is behind us and we're settled, I'll send you two on an all-expenses-paid luxury tour across the country. You just have fun and buy whatever you like."

"An all-expenses-paid luxury tour?" Mrs. Hartman exclaimed, her eyes lighting up.

"That's right. Since you're both retired and don't have much going on, you might as well get out and have some fun."

I smiled, painting a picture they had never even imagined for themselves.

"Oh my, we couldn't possibly accept the offer," Mr. Hartman said politely, but a smile was already plastered all over his face.

"It's only right," I said sincerely. "Shelly is the best thing that's ever happened to me, so it's my responsibility to take care of her family as well."

I spoke so genuinely that even I almost believed it.

Mrs. Hartman tightly grasped my hand. "Emory, you're too kind! Shelly is truly lucky to be with you."

I flashed them an impeccable smile.

It was past 1:00 am when Shelly finally returned home, reeking of cigarettes, alcohol, and men's cologne.

She kicked off her heels, her steps a little unsteady. When she saw me sitting on the sofa, she stopped.

"You're still awake?"

"I was waiting for you." I set down the book I hadn't actually been reading and said calmly, "I want to talk about getting married."

She froze for a second before asking, "Why bring this up all of a sudden?"

"It's not really that sudden, is it? We've been together for years. I went to see your parents today, and we worked everything out."

She turned around, looking surprised. "You went to my parents' place? Why didn't you tell me first?"

"I wanted to surprise you." I walked up to her, watching her expression change. "I told them I'd give them 1.8 million dollars as a wedding gift."

Shelly's hand tightened around her glass.

I continued, "Plus a fully paid two-thousand-square-foot apartment in the city center and a new BMW for you. Both will be in your name only."

The surprise on her face slowly gave way to barely contained joy.

"Emory, where did you get so much money?" she asked, her eyes shining bright.

"The old place back home was torn down, and we got a settlement," I replied, keeping my tone light. "I didn't bring it up earlier since it wasn't final. But now that the money's in, we should finally set a date for the wedding."

The last trace of doubt in her eyes vanished, replaced by an excited gleam.

"Honestly, you should have told me something this important sooner. But since you've already talked it over with my parents, what more can I say?"

She stepped forward and leaned gently into my chest, her arms wrapping around my waist.

"I'll do whatever you say."

After her shower, Shelly came out wearing a silk nightgown.

She lay down beside me and her hands on my chest. With a sultry look, she said, "Honey, I want to…"

She tilted her head up and pressed her lips toward mine.

Suddenly, I remembered her saying to Russell on the phone, "Unless you say so, I won't let him touch me." My stomach churned, and I nearly threw up.

Before her lips could touch mine, I pushed her away.

She froze.

I sat up and took a deep breath. "I'm not feeling well today. Let's just go to sleep. We've got a ton of things to take care of tomorrow."

In the darkness, I could feel her bewildered gaze, along with a hint of indignation at being rejected. However, she didn't say anything. Instead, she turned over and lay down with her back facing me.

Before long, the sound of steady breathing came from beside me.

I lay awake all night, staring at the ceiling until dawn.

On the morning of our engagement party, I quietly picked up Shelly's phone while she was getting her hair done. The passcode was still the one we'd set when we first got together.

The latest texts were from Russell, sent in the early hours.

"The thought of you marrying him makes me sick."

"Where is the makeup room? I'll come find you before the ceremony."

"I want you there in that dress."

"I won't wear a condom. If you get pregnant, consider it Emory's engagement gift."

I smirked coldly and silently put the phone back in its place.

Then, I took out my own phone and sent a message, "They'll be meeting at the makeup room before the ceremony. Proceed with the rest according to plan."