Chapter 8

My high school was in a secluded area, and my mom moved us there again.

In Grandma’s eyes, this meant we weren’t doing well.

She had more than once spread rumors in the village that my mom was a worthless drain, a lowly person who wasn’t destined for a good life.

My senior year of high school, Aunt Brenda suddenly showed up at our house with my cousin Brad.

Aunt Brenda, radiating arrogance, plopped herself onto my mom’s carefully chosen sofa.

“Big Sister, you haven’t been doing so well all these years, have you?”

“Look at your place, how many square feet is this? The monthly rent must cost you two a fortune, right?”

My mom’s face went cold as she tried to shoo them away.

“What? Did someone steal your crap, making you so hungry you came all the way here?”

Aunt Brenda’s face darkened with anger at my mom’s words.

She calmed herself down before continuing.

“Big Sister, look at you, doing such a lowly job, working so hard for so little money a month?”

“Iris’s schooling must cost a lot, right? And the child’s food, clothes, and everything else—it all costs money.”

“You don’t need to worry about our family matters.”

My mom didn’t want to bother with her and simply told them to leave.

Aunt Brenda’s mouth curled into a cold smile; only then did she reveal her true purpose.

“Big Sister, I’ll be honest with you. Brad has taken a liking to his cousin.”

“See, the two kids are about the same age, and Iris can barely match Brad. Our mom also agrees to this marriage.”

“I’ve come to discuss the marriage of the two children with you.”

“Who do you think you are?!”

My mom’s voice suddenly rose. “My Iris is one in a million, a truly good girl. How dare you even think such a thing?”

“Your son, with his rotten character, dropped out of school, became a hoodlum. Even a dog passing by wouldn’t look at him. And he dares to dream of marrying my precious girl?”

“I’m telling you, Brenda, because I’m in a good mood today, you get out of my house right now.”

“If you ever show your face in front of my daughter again, I’ll make sure you die without knowing how!”

My mom’s words fired off like a machine gun, spewing insults.

Aunt Brenda’s face turned green then pale, before she picked up the water glass on the table and smashed it to the ground.

“Elara, what is your attitude?!”

Aunt Brenda shrieked, drawing out the curious gazes of the neighbors.

“What do you think you are? My son taking a liking to your daughter is *her* blessing!”

“My Brad is handsome and tall; the girls chasing him could line up from one end of the village to the other!”

“Your daughter is just like you, a worthless burden! If my Brad hadn’t taken a liking to her, do you think *I* would even look at her?”

Aunt Brenda got more and more worked up, spitting saliva as she spoke.

Brad was not to be outdone, his burly figure blocking our doorway.

“Auntie, I’ll be upfront with you too.”

“Grandma has already agreed to this marriage, so your opinion isn’t that important.”

“What’s the use of a girl going to school anyway? My family will give twenty thousand dollars for the bride price. Cousin is only worth that much.”

“Auntie, I trust you can see the bigger picture. You should be sensible and not make a fuss.”

My mom let out a short, angry laugh.

“Twenty thousand dollars? That wouldn’t even be enough to buy pocket change for a street bum.”

“Ugly as a monkey, with a pointy nose and cheeks. How dare you think you’re worthy of my Iris?”

“Why don’t I recommend a plastic surgery clinic? If you mention my name, you’ll even get an eight percent discount.”

“Elara!”

“Auntie!”

“What are you yelling for?! Your Auntie is right here!”

My mom stood with her hands on her hips, her aura not weak in the slightest.

“I’m telling you, Brenda, don’t you dare try to scheme against my Iris again.”

“You and your son, get as far away as you can.”

Aunt Brenda and Brad were driven away in a rage.