Page 181 of My Ruthless Neighbor

Archer definitely got his silky straight hair from his mother. I knew Asians look a lot younger than their age and the proof is standing in front of me.

Dressed in a full sleeve navy dress, she doesn’t look a day more than forty. Her chin length hair is parted at the side, showcasing her diamond studs. She is slim and shorter than me by few inches.

“Omo,”Her eyes go big when Goldie sprints toward her.

“Goldie, no!” I catch him before he could get any closer and lift him in my arms.

“I’m so sorry.” My cheeks warm with embarrassment.

Jesus H. Christ.

I am in Archer’s robe, my face flushed and a dog in my arms. My messy bun is messier and I am sweating even when the climate is chilly.

Nobody should see me like this, least of all the mother of the man I love. She must think I am a homeless person squatting in her son’s apartment.

She puts the bags on the floor she was carrying and smiles at us. “Gwiyeowo.”

“I’m sorry?”

“Sorry.” She holds out her palms, chuckling softly. “Sometimes, I forget to switch in English. I said you both are cute.”

“Ohh,” I release a breath. “Thank you so much.” I walk backward. “Please have a seat. Would you like a drink? Water? Coffee? Tea? Beer?” I cringe at the end.

Her shoulders shake with silent laughter. “I’m good. Thank you for asking, dear. Let me put these in the pantry. I’ll be back.”

“Just a minute, Mrs. Kim. I’ll help you.” I bend and set Goldie down.

“No, no. I’ve got it. You sit here, I’ll join you in a few minutes.” She smiles.

I can only nod as she sets to work.

I should change but the clothes from last night’s party isn’t that better from this robe. The mini skirt is too short and the top is too revealing. At least this big robe covers most of my body.

Mrs. Kim joins me when she’s done and sits on the sofa chair beside the couch.

“This is for you.” She gives me a container.

“What is it?”

“Kimchi. I got it for Archer because he loves it.” Then, “It’s a Korean—”

“Oh, I know Kimchi! I’ve seen it in lots of Korean dramas but never tried it. Thank you so much!” Then my smile vanishes. “But you brought it for him.” I attempt to give it back but she stops me by placing her hands on mine.

“I packed plenty. You take this.”

“Okay,” I say and keep it on the table.

She says something in Korean again before standing. At my puzzled expression, she says, “I made tea for us and forgot to bring it.”

“Oh, I’ll come with you.” I jump up before she can say no and follow her to the kitchen.

After we’re back in the living room, she pets Goldie who’s sitting by her chair.

I’m sipping my tea when she asks abruptly, “Are you my son’s girlfriend?”

I choke on the hot liquid, coughing, tears stinging my eyes.

She is beside me in a blink. Taking the cup from my hand, she rests it on the table before patting my back gently.

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