Probably because of Michael, I was firm with my stance this round. In an instant, my parents’ faces turned grim. Even though they were gazing at me with an unmissable sense of guilt in their eyes, I could foresee that they would not easily change their minds.
“Let me put it this way. As long as you are willing to cut ties with that man, we won’t be bothered no matter where you intend to go for your career advancement in the future. After we receive this one million, you don’t have to transfer us money again. By then, your burden will be eased as well. It’s a win-win situation for us, isn’t it?” My dad voiced his opinions and negotiated with me in a way. All this while, he was the core decision-maker at home as the patriarchy concept was deeply ingrained in our family.
“I won’t leave him, so you won’t be able to get that one million as well.” I took a firm stand by emphasizing my decision. I had made up my mind to turn a deaf ear to them this round and would not give in to them no matter what. They could only blame themselves for letting me down.
“Anna, you are really adamant! Since Dad and Mom have made themselves clear, why are you still so persistent? What’s the point to continue staying by his side? Will he give you one million because of that? Fine then, if you insist, get him to give us one million first. By then, I’m sure Dad and Mom won’t force you again.”
I had had enough bickering with Dad and Mom, and now Steven was adding oil to the fire. All of them were forcing me to leave Michael!
“Is money all that you care about—that you would rather sacrifice everything else just for the sake of money?” I scoffed.
They are all the same. Their minds are preoccupied with one million, and they never spare any thoughts for me! At that very moment, I felt dejected like a deflated balloon.
“Money is the most important thing in the world! Tell me—what can one do without money? Do you think you can survive without a single penny?” My mom refuted in great displeasure, and my heart fell upon hearing her words.
Undeniably, we can’t survive without money. Even so, money can’t buy everything in this world. Don’t they know that there’s a price to pay for everything? If they get that one million but ruin my future, won’t they feel guilty about it?
“I can work hard to earn that money. As long as I maintain my good work performance in Joyful Success, I foresee that I can earn one million within a few years.” I retorted.
Even though one million was a large sum, as long as I had good career growth, I was sure it was a gainable sum within just a few years.
I refused to leave Michael mainly because I did not wish to end my relationship with him. Apart from that, I could not let go of my current job.
“Hmph! By the time you manage to earn one million, we might’ve already starved to death! Anna, do you even hear yourself!” Steven mocked with narrowed eyes. He had apparently lost his patience in me.
“No matter what, I won’t give in this round!” I lashed out at them and stood up at once. Deep down, I knew that they would not consider my words, what’s more, to change their minds. Thus, there was no point for me to waste time arguing with them. Without hesitation, I stormed out and slammed the door.
The moment I stepped out of my parents’ house, tears started to roll down my cheeks. Right that instant, it struck me that I was worthless in their eyes.
Taking a deep breath, I tried my best to hold back my tears. It’s not worth shedding my tears for them!
Since my family members were treating me inconsiderately all this while, I talked myself into behaving more selfishly for the rest of my lifetime. From now onwards, I will not be soft-heartened and give in to them again! Of course, I will continue to play my part well as a filial daughter, but I won’t force myself to do anything beyond my capability. On top of that, I will not sacrifice myself for anyone’s sake anymore.
Recalling what my parents had mentioned to me earlier, my gut instinct told me that it must have something to do with Emma.
Talking about a well-to-do woman who intends to let me leave Michael, I can’t think of anyone else but her. Hmph! This manipulative woman even thinks of bribing my parents. She has apparently investigated me earlier on and knows well about my family issues!
After taking a few more deep breaths, I managed to cool down and cheer myself up. Then, I took out my phone and gave Emma a call.
“Ms. Garcia, what a surprise to receive your call! Is there anything that I can help you with?” The moment my call got through, Emma answered it almost at once languorously.
A wave of fury surged from within me at the thought of how she set me up by bribing my parents. I tried to cool my head off by tamping down the rage within myself. “Stop putting on a show! I’m sure you know the reason I call you now, don’t you?”
“How would I know? Ms. Garcia, if there’s nothing else, I will hang up now. I’m too busy to entertain you,” she replied insolently.
Infuriated by Emma’s insolence, I could not hold back any longer and snarl, “You’re the one who bribed my parents with one million so they can talk me into leaving Michael, aren’t you? How could you do this?”
“Oh, I see, so it’s about this. Yeah, you’re right, I was the one. So what about it?” she admitted without any sense of guilt.
“You despicable woman! How could you stoop so low? Your main intention is to force me into leaving Michael. But, why do you have to drag my family members into this mess?” I gritted my teeth and bellowed at her.
I was already having a strained relationship with my family members lately. Yet, her sudden strike was adding fuel to the fire, causing me to burn the bridges with my family members.
Even though I rejected them on the spot and left immediately after that, I knew that things had not come to an end. I was pretty sure that my mom would not easily let go of the opportunity to gain such a large sum of money.
“Me? A despicable woman? Hah! If I’m despicable, then you are definitely shameless! Anna Garcia, who do you think you are? May I remind you that you’re just Michael’s f*ck buddy, whose only job is to satisfy him in bed! So don’t you dare think too highly of yourself!” Emma retaliated with oppressive words. My anger was exacerbated by her harshness, yet I was at a loss for words to refute.
“Emma Jones, watch your manners! The more you provoke me, the more I’m determined to be with Michael. It doesn’t matter if I’m only his f*ck buddy, ’cause at least we’re f*cking each other, unlike you with him! He’s not even interested to even touch you at all… And I was the one who thought too highly of myself! Hah! Just look at you!”
No matter how badly I was chided by others, I would never let my weaker self be exposed to them. Furthermore, I wasn’t good at pretending to be innocent, and I didn’t have to do that as well. I would rather defend myself, especially when I was facing Emma, and retaliate her provocations firmly.
“Anna Garcia, you watch your mouth! After all, I’m still an heiress, and you—you’re just a nobody!” Emma raised her voice in agitation. I had apparently triggered her emotion with my words. Ah! As expected, she is upset because Michael is not keen on sleeping with her!
“I’m not interested in this bicker with you, Emma. But let me get one thing straight—no matter what kind of plots you are scheming, I won’t let you succeed!” I scoffed while glaring at her coldly. I hated those who set me up and those who exploited my family to threaten me even more.
“Anna, even if your parents fail to talk you into giving in to them, don’t be complacent and think that I can’t do anything to you! There are still many other methods!” Emma’s icy-cold voice sounded from the other end of the line.
