Chapter 374 An Unwelcome Call
I wanted to sit up and straighten out my clothes. Just then, Michael removed his coat and placed it over me. He then gently coaxed me to recline and rest.
After that, he got into the driver’s seat and drove us home, leaving the chauffeur behind.
Confused, I asked, “Michael, what about the chauffeur?”
The chauffeur had been waiting for half a day. Michael didn’t forget about him, right?
“He’ll be fine. He can get himself home,” Michael replied curtly. He continued driving steadily, seemingly unconcerned over ditching the chauffeur.
I sighed in resignation as I stared at his profile.
“Still, that can’t be nice of us; he waited for half a day.”
Unlike Michael, I was a softie through and through, and I was uncomfortable about leaving the chauffeur behind to fend for himself.
Michael’s tone left no room for argument as he gritted out, “How can I let someone else in the car with my wife looking like this?”
He stared at me briefly, and I read the determination in his gaze.
I returned his gaze wordlessly, only realizing that Michael’s possessiveness had fueled his earlier decision to leave the chauffeur behind.
I swear, his jealousy borders on irrationality.
Still, I could not help but find his behavior endearing. I was pleasantly surprised to have underestimated his concern for me.
Once we got back to the mansion, Michael carried me all the way into the house.
After our last argument, Michael showered me with more love than before. He was sweet, considerate, and the picture of an absolute gentleman. I counted my lucky stars to consider him my partner.
As time passed, my belly swelled, increasing my anticipation for the birth of our child.
Josephine still disliked me, but for the sake of my unborn child, she seemed to have called a ceasefire of sorts.
Alas, the peaceful days were too good to last.
My mom called as I was eating breakfast alone in the mansion one day.
Our recent phone conversations revolved around Steven’s blossoming relationship and some trivial household updates. Thus, I answered her call with little thought to the presence of any ulterior motives.
I greeted her, “Mom, why are you calling so early today? Have you had your breakfast?”
“I have, I have,” came my mom’s reply.
She paused for a moment before continuing, “Anna, your brother is getting married.”
“Really? That’s great news!”
I was pleased for him. He was my only sibling, after all.
“Of course. We’ve fixed the wedding date, by the way. We’re planning to have it on the tenth of next month. You must attend with Michael.”
I barely thought twice of her invitation as I replied, “Of course, we’ll be there. Steven’s marriage is an important family occasion.”
Mom fell into silence once more, sounding like she had more to say.
I prodded, “Mom, what’s wrong? Why are you quiet all of a sudden?”
My mom should have been bubbling with joy over Steven’s impending nuptials. Instead of being elated, she sounded like something was troubling her.
Finally, she lamented, “Anna, I’m worrying over our finances. Holding a nice wedding isn’t cheap, you know, and it’s not like your father and I have much savings.”
It was impossible not to catch on to her not-so-subtle attempts at wangling money from Michael.
Fearing her wrath, I replied cautiously, “Mom, what about Michael’s betrothal gift? Two hundred thousand is more than enough to hold a lavish wedding.”
After what seemed like an eternity, my mom replied sheepishly, “Well, we’ve almost spent every dime of that. Your father and I have fifty thousand left.”
“What? It has barely been a few months! How did you and Dad spend everything so quickly?” I exclaimed in horror, my eyes widening in disbelief.
“Steven’s girlfriend has a taste for branded goods, you know. They cost a pretty penny.”
My rage ballooned after hearing her explanation.
I sputtered, “Mom, that’s a lot of money!. They were only dating when you showered her with such expensive gifts. What will happen after they’re married?”
My impression of Steven’s girlfriend took a sharp nosedive as I immediately pegged her for a gold-digger.
She must have known about my family’s poor roots. Her audacity in demanding lavish gifts irked me, and I suspected that she loved the money more than she did Steven.
“She’s dating your brother, and we can hardly be stingy toward his girlfriend. What if she dumps him? He finally brought a girl home after so long. Of course, I want them to get married as soon as possible.”
My mom’s indifference toward my concerns exasperated me. Can’t she see that Steven’s girlfriend only wants his money?
I summoned all the patience I could muster and said, “I want Steven to get married too, but I don’t think he’s marrying the right person. I haven’t met his girlfriend before, but judging by your description, I don’t believe she truly loves him.”
How will Steven ever manage to support her lifestyle if she can squander more than a hundred thousand in a few months?
Mom barreled on, “Anna, I’m calling you today to see if Michael would be kind enough to fork out some money for the wedding. We’ve already fixed the date, you see, and we can’t possibly cancel the wedding now.”
