After hearing my words, Michael’s mouth curved into an ironic smile. He leaned toward me, staring at me. His eyes were dark with unfathomable emotion. “Did you think that I couldn’t afford to take care of your family?”
I forced myself to look him in the eye and explained in all seriousness, “What I meant was, you don’t need to give my family money. They have misunderstood our relationship, so if you keep giving them money, they will ask you for more next time.”
Well, people are greedy for money, especially my lazy, good-for-nothing brother! I’ve been settling his problems all these years, and he’s getting worse. If he knows he can easily get money from Michael, he will definitely ask for more next time.
After I finished my words, Michael frowned and fixed his penetrating gaze on me.
I stared at him, feeling nervous and having no idea what was going through his mind. Suddenly, a pleased smile flashed across his face. “Anna, are you helping me to save money? Well, other women would definitely wish I could give more money, but you surprised me!”
I had never heard of these scandals about him. However, from the way he casually treated me as a friend with benefits in the first place, I guessed he must have had many sexual partners before.
Is he trying to say that all his previous sexual partners asked him for a lot of money?
I was curious but did not dare to ask him. After all, Michael did not like me asking about his personal matters. Besides, I was not his girlfriend, nor did I have the right to ask.
“I just don’t want others to know that we’re friends with benefits. Didn’t you forbid me from telling others about our relationship? If you keep giving my family money, they’ll know about it sooner or later!”
Little did he know that I did not want him to give my family money because it was impossible for us to be together, and I was reluctant to reveal our shameful relationship. Besides, if he kept giving money, I would feel as though he was my sugar daddy!
“Even if your family knew about it, they live in the countryside and can’t spread the word. So what?”
Initially, I thought Michael would understand after I explained it to him. Much to my surprise, he did not mind if my family knew about our relationship.
“Well, even if you’re not worried, I’ll still be worried. You should know we can’t be together. Perhaps, you don’t know our neighbors in the countryside love gossiping when they get together. What if my parents told them about our relationship? I’ll be so embarrassed that I dare not go home!”
Knowing that Michael and I could not be together, I was so worried that my parents had told those neighbors I was dating a rich guy. By the time we end our relationship, how am I going to answer them if they ask me about him? If I tell them we broke up, my reputation will still be tarnished.
Though I was no longer chaste, pure, and clean, I cared about what others might think of me. I did not want them to backbite or gossip about me when I got home in the future.
After hearing my words, Michael remained silent and looked seriously at me.
I knew him well. That man would not simply change his mind just because of my few words. Well, what else can I do? He’s so stubborn!
After a while, he responded, “Alright, I get it!”
Then, he started the car and drove off in silence.
Indeed, his words stunned me, and I could not react. I kept staring blankly at his profile and wondered if he had agreed to it.
With that, we did not talk anymore on the way back to Birchwood.
After we arrived home, I carried my suitcase to the bedroom. When I was about to rest, my phone rang.
It was Natalie, so I immediately answered the call. I did not contact her the whole day and was worried about her.
“Hey, Nat!”
“Anna, are you back?”
Her voice was dull and monotonous. Though she did not cry, I knew she was still sad.
I took a long time to calm myself down when Justin cheated on me last time. As for Natalie, it happened two days ago. Oh dear, she must be heartbroken!
“Yeah, I’m back!” After I replied to her, I asked with concern, “Nat, how’re you? Are you alright?”
“Anna, could you accompany me tonight? I don’t want to stay at home alone!”
When she spoke, small choking sobs escaped from her as she began to cry.
“Okay, wait for me! I’ll come over now!”
Knowing that Natalie was sad and depressed, I could not bear to leave her alone, though I was tired and wanted to rest after the long journey. As soon as I ended the call, I rushed over to her place.
When I passed by the living room, Michael took a bottle of water from the fridge and drank it.
Seeing that I was about to go out, he furrowed his brows and asked, “Where are you going?”
“Natalie just called and asked me to accompany her. I’m going to her place now,” I replied while putting on my shoes in the doorway.
“So you’re not coming back tonight?” Michael sounded displeased.
“Natalie just broke up. She’s my best friend, so I should accompany her!”
I did not answer his question directly, but I had indicated that I would stay overnight at Natalie’s place and would not come back.
“What about me? I haven’t had dinner yet! If you’re not coming back, who shall I sleep with?”
Michael furrowed his beautiful brows and looked displeased.
Is he freakin’ serious right now? Does he always think of having sex when he is not working? It’s just one night, for crying out loud!
“Can you bear with me tonight? Natalie needs me!”
Initially, I wanted to roll my eyes at him. Instead, I talked to him nicely when I thought of his bad temper.
Natalie is my best friend! There is no way that I’ll leave her alone! I’ll definitely accompany her tonight! That’s what loyal friends are for!
Michael glared at me. Clearly, he was annoyed. If something crossed him, his expression would darken. Looking at his expression, I sighed inwardly. I really pity the woman who is going to marry him and bear with him! Just the thought alone is tiring enough!
He remained silent for quite a while. When I thought he would not let me go, he suddenly responded, “Anna, this will be the last time. You must stay here tomorrow night!”
