Chapter 4

Chapter 4

Julian’s curiosity only intensified as Valerie struggled to provide answers.

Eventually, her sister–in–law, Ashley

hley Warren, intervened, “Stop grilling Valerie, will you! She’s 24 and fully capable of handling her own stuff.

Valerie quickly chimed in. “Ashley is right, Chill, Julian.”

Though Ashley seemed to be defending Valerie, her tone soon shifted. “Seriously, Valene, you need to talk these things over with the family. How could you not even tell Ruth about getting married! That kind of behavior makes us look bad..

Valerie thought to herself, “Talk it over? What, so I can be auctioned off?

Ashley went on. “A woman’s prime doesn’t last as long as a man’s. For men, aging isn’t a drawback, and they’re more sought after with time. Getting 60 thousand dollars in price means his family’s loaded. You could really live the high life with him.”

High life! Take it if you want it, Valerie replied internally with a smirk, keeping her peace.

Valerie had always known she was viewed differently by her parents. To them, a son was their pride and joy, but a daughter was just a burden, destined to be passed off to another family.

She once thought she had angered Ruth somehow, but no matter how hard she tried, Ruth never softened. She had even forced Valerie out of school to work in a factory when she was just a teenager

Refusing, she was kicked out in the dead of winter, left without food or money. Homeless, she survived by taking odd jobs and nearly dropped out of school. Thanks to her aunt taking her in for two years and Julian secretly giving her his meal money, plus her own scholarships, Valerie managed to graduate college and secure a job.

Ironically, her friends envied her slim figure, not knowing it was the result of years of malnutrition that had left her with severe stomach issues

Now, Ruth was ramping up efforts to cash in on her marriage. Valerie had written her parents off. Julian was the only true family she recognized. She would meet her obligations to her parents, but nothing more.

Ashley, aware of Ruth’s past actions, felt disheartened when she couldn’t persuade Valerie and excused herself to wash some frust

When Ashley left, Julian took Valerie’s hand, looking troubled. Ignore Ashley….

Valerie smiled reassuringly, “Don’t sweat it, Julian. I mean it about this marriage. He is good to me.”

Seeing her earnest expression and then glancing at the marriage license, Julian sighed, resigned. He discreetly pulled out a card and handed it to ber.

“What’s this?” she asked, puzzled.

Julian’s voice softened as he said, “Valerie, there’s 10 thousand dollars on this card. I’ve been squirreling away a little from every paycheck since I got my first job, including the money you paid back. Consider this your wedding gift, alright I hope it’s enough”

Valerie was stunned, quickly pushing the card back toward him. “Julian, I can’t take this!

“Take it,” Julian insisted firmly. “Look, you’re married now. You need some assets to your name, otherwise, your in–laws might not respect you. And hey, stop sending money home every month. If Mom needs anything. I’ll handle it. Just throw in a ladle something once in a while. If you give too much, it might rub your husband and his folks the wrong way. You’ve got your own family now. Just focus on making a good life with your husband. I’ll deal with Mom and Dad. Remember, I’ve always got your back, Valerie

Julian was acutely aware that while he had received the lion’s share of the family resources, Valerie had gotten virtually nothing. Parents might be biased, but he was determined not to be

Tears welled up in Valerie’s eyes.

Despite owning a fruit shop, Julian was under significant financial strain, with most of the shop’s earnings going straight to Ashley. She left him barely enough to cover his meals while regularly splurging on her own family. Strapped for cash, Julian rarely dared to join his friends for a meal

When Valerie started making her own money, she repaid Julian for his support during her education. She never imagined that he not only saved all of it but also scrimped enough from his modest meal money to put aside some for her.

12:15 PM

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