Marrying Without My Eight-Year Boyfriend Knowing novel Chapter 2

Sophia's petite figure trailed right behind him, both of them laden with bags from Whole Foods. They looked exactly like a young couple settling into their first home together.

Just then, Aunt Marie came down to greet me and caught sight of the scene. She was about to speak up when I cut her off. "Mom sent over some care packages from Boston. Make sure to check the expiration dates – she tends to go overboard."

I deliberately avoided looking at Nathan, though this time he surprisingly took the initiative to explain.

"Ellie, it's not what you think. Sophia's old neighborhood had some safety issues, so I helped her find a new place. I had no idea your aunt lived here too. What's with all these packages?"

As I directed the delivery driver where to take the boxes, I replied with practiced indifference, "You don't need to explain your work relationships to me. My mom went a bit crazy with the shopping; we're not sure when we'll be back this way."

Seeing that I hadn't jumped to conclusions, Nathan visibly relaxed.

"That's fine. Back Bay isn't far from downtown. Just let me know whenever you want to visit."

He still had no clue I was moving back to Boston permanently, and I had no intention of telling him.

Aunt Marie was about to say something, but seeing how attentively Nathan was hovering around Sophia, her expression darkened.

The four of us stood in uncomfortable silence until Sophia, feigning exhaustion, finally broke it.

Nathan immediately told the delivery driver to pause, saying they had fewer items and should take the elevator first. Seeing their grocery bags, I stepped aside to let them pass.

Nathan looked momentarily surprised, then hurriedly stepped into the elevator.

As the doors closed, I couldn't help but see my former self in Sophia. When Aunt Marie first moved out, Nathan had been just as attentive with me – running errands, taking care of all the details, moving my things into his place with a bright smile while calling me his "future Mrs. Blackwood."

Watching the elevator ascend, Aunt Marie sighed heavily.

"Ellie, what's with the attitude toward Sophia? She's my employee, and I'm just helping her get settled. The company's corporate housing isn't ready yet – isn't it normal for me to help out?"

"Since when did you become so petty? At her birthday party, you claimed you weren't feeling well and wanted to leave early. I let that slide, and now you're causing drama again?"

I could hear Sophia's soft sobs in the background.

Her demeanor now was nothing like the sweet, innocent junior employee Nathan had described.

Taking a deep breath, I finally understood her game but was too exhausted to call her out.

"You're right, my bad. I was just asking. Don't worry about it – I'm already heading home. Don't rush back on my account."