Chapter 5 Misunderstanding

"Right, sweetheart?"

That annoying man repeated the same question to Naomi. But this time, there was a slight emphasis in his tone. His gaze was a bit piercing, paired with a clearly forced smile. And... it felt coercive.

"Are you okay, Naomi?" Josh asked, looking at his daughter-in-law with a hint of concern. He had heard her gasp earlier.

"Oh, it's nothing, Dad," she replied, brushing off her husband's question.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, Dad. I just bit my tongue a little. It's no big deal," she responded with an awkward smile.

Meanwhile, Brad rolled his eyes dramatically.

"Dad, I'm moving out tomorrow." Feeling ignored, Brad repeated his statement.

Thankfully, dinner was already over, so it didn't ruin the atmosphere or anyone's appetite.

A long sigh escaped the middle-aged man's lips. "Brad, can't you both just stay here? I'll be lonely without you," he replied reluctantly.

In her heart, Naomi felt a surge of relief. At least if she stayed with her father-in-law, she would have a protector from her cold, self-centered husband. Besides, she wouldn't feel as lonely, since her husband would at least act sweet-if only in front of his father.

"When a couple starts their own family, it's best for them to live in their own house, Dad. You shouldn't live under the same roof as your in-laws-people might start gossiping," Brad chuckled, glancing at his wife, who was holding back a smile.

Brad's performance as a loving husband deserved applause-so convincing and natural. It was hard to tell why he acted so sweet in front of his father.

"But I'm sure Daddy isn't like that, Brad," Naomi finally spoke, standing up for her father-in-law, who had always been kind to her. This was in stark contrast to her husband's well-known arrogance and sharp demeanor.

"My dear Naomi," Brad said gently, "your husband has already prepared the best home for you. It might not be as big as this one, but it's valuable and will definitely make you feel comfortable because it's your own. We also need to learn to be independent, sweetheart."

The thinly bearded man gently stroked Naomi's head, covered with a light gray instant triangle hijab. Yet, hidden behind his smile was a subtle insistence-a silent command that she needed to obey her husband.

The round-eyed woman struggled to swallow her own saliva. Brad's behavior toward her was undeniably sweet. If only-if only this weren't all just an act, she would be genuinely happy and even more devoted to her husband. It might also make it easier to forget Lukas, who had long claimed a deep place in her heart.

"Well, if that's your decision, what can Daddy do but agree?" the middle-aged man said resignedly.

Since his wife passed away years ago, he had only lived with his only child. So, after Brad married Naomi, he had hoped the couple would stay with him.

But clearly, Brad didn't share his sentiment. His only son insisted on moving his wife to his own apartment.

"Daddy was young once too. I know what it feels like to be newlyweds," he chuckled. "But stop by sometimes, okay? Or maybe I'll visit your apartment instead."

"Of course, Dad," Brad replied with a wide smile, thrilled to finally live in his own space, free from the need to pretend.

Meanwhile, Naomi could only sigh deeply. She already knew what Brad would do once they were living on their own.

After the evening prayer, Brad and Naomi began packing their belongings for the move the next day, ensuring nothing was left behind. Each of them handled their own things-Brad his, and Naomi hers.

Once everything was packed, Brad immersed himself in his phone. Naomi, leaning against the head

Honestly, when Naomi first met Brad, she couldn't help but admire him. But once she got to know his personality, she quickly lost interest and found herself leaning more toward Lukas, who was equally handsome but so much kinder.

Unlike Brad, who was often harsh, Lukas was gentle and always respectful toward women.

"Oh God... why am I thinking about him again?" she muttered softly, closing her eyes. "I need to forget Lukas. No matter what, he's probably already happy with the woman his parents chose for him."

Not wanting to overthink or dwell on why her husband was grinning at his phone, Naomi decided to lie down and close her eyes, letting herself drift off to sleep.

Once Naomi was deep in her dreams, Brad, who had been texting his lover on the balcony, came back into the room. As usual, he opted to sleep on the long, soft couch in the room, refusing to share a bed with the woman he despised-a woman he saw as a country bumpkin taking advantage of the situation.

Brad was convinced Naomi had only agreed to marry him because of his father's status and wealth, which would eventually become hers as well.

Unintentionally, his gaze fell on Naomi's peaceful face. For a moment, he studied her serene expression-her long, curled eyelashes, her small, perfectly shaped nose, and the one distinctive feature that few people had: her cleft chin.

The corners of Brad's lips lifted unconsciously. Then he blinked, realizing what he had been thinking.

"Ugh, Brad. What the hell are you thinking?" he scolded himself.

Eventually, he decided to close his eyes as well, preparing for the day ahead.

The next morning, after breakfast, Brad immediately took Naomi to his apartment, located in the heart of Manhattan.

"Take care, both of you. Let me know when you arrive. I'll visit you sometime soon," Josh said, patting his only son's shoulder.

"Will do, Dad. But don't forget to let us know first if you plan to visit. We might not be home," his son replied.

"Okay, that's easy enough." The middle-aged man gave his son a serious look. "But remember, Brad-remember your promise to always treat Naomi well and with love. If you don't, you'll deal with the consequences. Got it?" Josh reminded him firmly while Naomi was busy arranging their belongings in the car's trunk.

"Don't worry, Dad, you've got nothing to fear. Leave everything to Brad," he replied confidently, tapping his chest with pride.

Then, he turned to his wife with a sly, mocking smile.

I won't let you enjoy your life as a rich woman, you country bumpkin.