Temporary Boyfriend

　　“Brother, Jack will be 8 next year, and you still haven’t taught him any manners?”

　　My sister-in-law immediately shot me a disapproving look.

　　“Oh, come on, Norah. It’s New Year’s. Don’t be so strict with the kids.”

　　Before I could respond, Zachary pulled me close and looked at me with affection.

　　“Norah loves kids so much. I keep saying our future children will be just as sweet and well-behaved because of her.”

　　His words really touched my parents.

　　They’ve been worried about me for years, so hearing that I’m not only getting married but also thinking about kids made them overjoyed.

　　“That’s wonderful to hear.”

　　My parents beamed and started bringing out a feast for us.

　　“Mr. and Mrs. Light, you’re too generous.”

　　Zachary quickly started chatting and laughing with them.

　　Meanwhile, my brother and sister-in-law looked a bit tense and fell silent.

　　Soon, it was time for New Year dinner.

　　Since I had mentioned bringing my boyfriend home, my parents had gone all out, preparing a table full of seafood, chicken, duck, fish, and meat.

　　Zachary was polite and charming, and he had my parents laughing nonstop.

　　“Wow, talk about favoritism. When Luna first came for New Year’s, we didn’t get this kind of welcome.”

　　Just as everyone was enjoying the meal, my brother suddenly commented, sounding a bit resentful.

　　Luna Fisher, my sister-in-law, added, “These days, young people break up all the time. Who’s to say if they’ll even end up getting married?”

　　The smiles on my parents’ faces instantly froze.

　　Zachary wrapped me in his arms and spoke up.

　　“Our new house is all set. How about we pick a wedding date with your parents today?”

　　He then turned to my parents, his eyes full of warmth and sincerity.

　　“If it’s all right with you, I’d like to ask officially. Dad, Mom, I promise to take great care of Norah for the rest of my life.”

　　Hearing this, my mom’s eyes welled up with tears, and my dad moved, raised his glass and took a big sip.

　　“Zack, hearing that from you makes us feel so reassured.”

　　After dinner, Dad was so pleased and a bit tipsy that Mom had to help him to bed.

　　My brother and his wife weren’t happy and wore long faces.

　　I started unpacking the gifts I had brought: sea cucumbers, bird’s nest, skincare products, cashmere sweaters, and thermal underwear.

　　The more I revealed, the more uncomfortable my brother seemed.

　　I made sure to speak loudly.

　　“Don’t be upset. These are all gifts Zack specifically got for Mom and Dad. I remember when Luna first came over, she didn’t bring anything.”

　　My brother forced a chuckle. “We can’t compete with you. Money’s easier to come by in the big city.”

　　“That’s not really fair,” I shot back. “No one’s money just falls from the sky. While I was working late, you and Luna were out drinking and playing cards.”

　　I let it all out, speaking my mind without holding back.

　　After I finished unpacking, I returned to the room and felt a surge of awkwardness.

　　Tonight, I was supposed to share a room with Zachary.

　　Looking at the cozy, well-made bed, I felt incredibly uneasy.

　　“Um, Zack, we have underfloor heating here.”

　　“Oh?”

　　“So, if you decide to sleep on the floor, it won’t be cold.”