BRIDE FOR A SEASON

Title:An Unexpected Visit I was suddenly jolted awake by a loud, piercing shriek. My heart raced as I sat upright in bed, still disoriented from sleep. For a moment, I wondered if I had imagined it but then I heard voices. Without thinking, I threw off the covers and rushed out of the bedroom, still dressed in my pajamas. The cold floor beneath my feet barely registered as I hurried toward the living room. The sight that greeted me froze me in place. An elderly couple sat comfortably on the couch, as though they had always belonged there. The man looked cold and stern, his posture straight and his expression unreadable. Beside him, however, was a woman who seemed to radiate warmth and cheerfulness, her eyes bright with curiosity and excitement.it didn’t take long for realization to dawn on me,My boss’s parents. But… they weren’t supposed to be back until Sunday….Today was only Friday. As if sensing my presence, both of them turned to look at me at the same time. For a brief second, everything felt suspended like time itself had frozen. Before I could even process what was happening, the woman suddenly stood up and rushed toward me. “Oh my goodness!” The next thing I knew, I was pulled into a tight embrace. I stiffened in shock, my mind struggling to catch up with the situation. I didn’t even have the chance to respond before she pulled away slightly, holding my shoulders as she examined me with sparkling eyes. Then, without giving me a moment to breathe, she dragged me toward the couch where they had been sitting. I glanced at my boss, silently pleading for an explanation. My eyes asked the question my lips couldn’t form,what is going on?… He simply shook his head, just as confused as I was. Before I could press him further, his mother turned to me with a bright smile. “How are you doing, darling?” she asked warmly. “I hope my son hasn’t been stressing you too much, because I know he can be quite difficult sometimes.” “Mom!” my boss exclaimed, clearly embarrassed. “What?” she replied, unfazed. “I’m just asking my daughter-in-law a question. It’s not like I’m lying.” I couldn’t help but let out a small, nervous chuckle. “No, ma’am,” I said politely. “He hasn’t stressed me at all.” She gasped lightly, placing a hand over her chest in mock offense. “Please, darling, don’t call me ma’am. It makes me feel old,” she said dramatically. “You can call me Charlotte… or better yet, Mom. After all, you’re my child now too.” I hesitated for a split second before nodding. “Okay… Mom.” Her face lit up instantly. “Oh, I like you already!” she said, clapping her hands together in delight. “And you’re so pretty too. You two are going to have such beautiful babies together. Honestly, you should hurry up and give me a grandchild already!”My face burned with embarrassment at her words, and beside me, my boss suddenly started coughing violently, choking on his own saliva. “Honey,” the older man finally spoke, his tone calm but firm, “let the children be. They just got married. Let them enjoy their time together before you start talking about grandchildren.” She pouted slightly but eventually relented. “Fine, fine. I won’t talk about it anymore,” she said, though the mischievous glint in her eyes suggested otherwise,My boss let out a quiet sigh of relief before turning to them. “Mom, Dad… why did you suddenly decide to come back early?” he asked. “Oh, that’s simple,” she replied cheerfully. “I was just too excited! You’re finally married! Do you know, I almost thought you were gay?” “Mom…” he groaned, rubbing his temples. “So when you told me you got married, I just couldn’t wait. I had to come and see for myself!” “Okay, Mom,” he said quickly, trying to regain control of the situation. “You’ve seen her now. Please, you should go. You woke us up really early, and we both have work.” She waved her hand dismissively. “Alright, alright. We’re leaving now,” she said, standing up. The older man followed, giving us both a brief nod before they made their way out. As the door finally closed behind them, a heavy silence filled the apartment. My boss turned to me, running a hand through his hair. “I’m really sorry about that,” he said sincerely. “I was just as surprised as you were when I saw them. And… I’m sorry about my mom. I know she can be a bit much sometimes.” I shook my head lightly, offering him a small smile. “No, it’s fine,” I said. “Yes, I was surprised, but… it’s okay. And I think your mom is actually really nice.” He raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. “Really?” “Yes,” I replied with a soft laugh. “She’s… energetic.” He let out a quiet chuckle. “Well, if you say so.” He paused briefly before continuing. “Anyway, we should start getting ready for work,” he said. “And there’s something else.” I looked at him attentively. “To avoid unnecessary attention,especially from people at the office or the media.we’ll have to leave the apartment and arrive at work separately.” “Oh,” I nodded. “That’s fine. I don’t have a problem with that. It actually makes things easier for us.” “Exactly,” he agreed. “And before I forget… later today, the contract and the marriage certificate will arrive. You’ll just need to sign them, and everything will be official.” My chest tightened slightly at his words, though I kept my expression calm. “And don’t worry,” he added quickly. “After the contract ends, you’ll still be free to get married. There won’t be any record that affects your future.” I nodded slowly. “Okay.” But as I turned away to get ready, I couldn’t shake the strange feeling settling deep within me. Because somehow… this arrangement was already starting to feel more complicated than it was supposed to be.