"I don't care about your objections. I've already settled your engagement with Mrs. Levine."

"You're making a terrible decision."

"So what if I am? You don't even have a girlfriend at your age."

"But I do!" Nathan declared loudly.

"What?" Yulia was completely taken aback.

"I'm telling you the truth. I stayed at my girlfriend's place last night."

"Who is she?"

"Our relationship isn't fully established yet. I'll introduce her to you once things are more certain," Nathan knew this wasn't the right moment.

If his mother discovered he rejected Cora because of Elizabeth, she would absolutely lose her temper.

"Don't you dare lie to me about this."

"I can manage my own personal life. Please stop interfering," Nathan said, frustration evident in his voice.

"You can handle your own affairs? Since you were a child—"

"Besides, Cora isn't interested in me either. You can call Mrs. Levine to confirm if you don't believe me." Nathan didn't want to continue this conversation. "I'm hanging up now."

He ended the call abruptly.

Nathan took several deep breaths to calm himself before returning to the dining area.

"Was that your mother?" Elizabeth asked.

"She was questioning why I didn't come home last night."

"What did you tell her?"

"I told her I spent the night at my girlfriend's house."

Elizabeth's face flushed crimson with shock. "You didn't tell her it was me, did you?"

"Not yet. I'll wait—"

"Wait a little longer before telling her." Elizabeth finished his sentence. "The timing isn't right."

"I won't put you in a difficult position," Nathan assured her.

"I trust you," Elizabeth smiled warmly.

After they finished breakfast, Nathan voluntarily cleared the dishes.

Just as they were settling on the couch to watch television and make up for lost time from the previous night, Nathan's phone rang again.

"Mom, what is it now?"

"Come home immediately!"

"I'll come back later."

"If you don't come right now, I'll kill myself!"

Nathan had no choice but to tell Elizabeth, "My mother is demanding I return home."

"Of course," Elizabeth said understandingly.

"I'll come back after I've dealt with my mother."

"Alright."

"About last night—"

"I'll be waiting for you." Elizabeth's smile held complex emotions.

"That's a promise." Nathan's heart began racing.

He couldn't conceal the bright smile spreading across his face.

He quickly grabbed his jacket and slipped on his shoes while telling Elizabeth, "I'll crawl back here tonight if I have to. You must wait for me at home, you absolutely must!"

"I will."

"Nathan, I love you so much."

"Me too," Elizabeth responded with a soft smile.

Nathan left reluctantly.

Elizabeth watched his retreating figure with equal reluctance.

She had thought he would be able to spend the entire day with her...but it was fine.

She would wait for tonight.

Nathan would return in the evening.

Elizabeth waited at home with growing anticipation.

In the afternoon, her doorbell rang.

Elizabeth opened the door excitedly, but her smile immediately froze when she saw the visitor standing there.

It was Yulia Davis, Nathan's mother.