Chapter 70

Chapter 70

Matthew… Valerie looked over at Matthew, her expression filled with surprise and her heart sinking. She had never imagined Ruth would turn up unannounced. Although she was used to Ruth’s commanding nature, the last thing she wanted was for Matthew to see this side of her family life

“Who are you?” Ruth demanded, eyeing the man in front of her. Initially taken aback by his presence, her tone soon shifted to one of increased irritation. “So, you’re the man Valerie has married?”

Valerie had briefly mentioned her pregnancy and the decision to marry, but Ruth had dismissed them as idle talk. The reality of Valerie’s marriage, however, was a different story. Losing control over Valerie was not something Ruth was ready to accept.

Matthew’s brow creased in displeasure at Ruth’s haughty attitude. He didn’t expect that Valerie, usually so gentle and cheerful, had a mother who was quite the opposite.

“Mom, this is Valerie’s husband, Matthew, Julian interjected, hoping to calm the situation. “How did you find out about this?” he added.

Valerie had explicitly asked him not to tell Ruth about the wedding just yet. He knew Ruth’s tendency for drama all too well and had braced himself for her reaction. Despite their secrecy, Ruth had somehow discovered their plans. Julian hadn’t spilled the beans, and neither had Valerie, which left only one suspect–Ashley

Julian glanced at Ashley, catching her self–satisfied smirk. His anger flared. “Did you tell Mom?”

Ashley, feeling the weight of his stare, quickly justified herself. “Why are you upset? I did it for Valerie’s sake. If Ruth wasn’t informed about her marriage, it would have caused a str”

Julian’s anger intensified. “You just thrive on stirring up trouble!”

Ruth interrupted, her voice sharp, “Enough, Julian. Don’t blame Ashley. This is all Valerie’s doing. What kind of daughter keeps such a secret from her own mother?”

Hearing Ruth’s harsh criticism, Julian bit back his frustration and cautioned. “Mom, please don’t talk about Valerie like that in front of Matthew

“How can she get married without even telling met Does Valerie think she can just ignore me? She’s brought this on herself Ruth slammed her hand on the uble, spittle flying in her fury. She longed to slap Valerie, but Matthew’s commanding presence held her back.

Turning her attention to Matthew. Ruth’s gaze darted around before sending on him. She plopped down on the sofa with a huff, looking him squarely in the eye. “So, it’s you who married my daughter. Let me make one thing clear marrying my daughter isn’t as simple as you might think. I’ve put my heart and soul into raising her. You took her away without so much as a word to me. I simply cannot accept that!”

“Mom” Valerie’s voice cracked, frozen by the predictability of Ruth’s outrage.

Valerie had suffered Ruth’s verbal lashings in silence, witnessed only by her family. She could usually brush off the hurt, pretending nothing ever happened. But now, her personal grievances were exposed to the one person she wished had never seen them–her husband.

Ruth, ignoring Valerie’s plea, stood with her arms crossed, her tone smug. “Valerie is quite the catch, you know. She’s good–looking and capable. So, here’s what we’ll do: you hand over 120 thousand dollars as a dowry, and I’ll overlook this whole affair“.

“120 thousand dollars? You’ve gone so far? Valerie’s eyes brimmed with tears.

“Don’t speak to me like that. After all. I’ve done raising you, asking for a dowry is reasonable. The man next door was ready to pay 60,000 dollars?” Ruth reminisced about the lost opportunity, but seeing Matthew, who looked well–off, she boldly demanded double.

As Ruth spoke, Valerie felt a cold dread spread through her. It was as if she were nothing more than an item for sale. She felt stripped of her dignity. reduced to mere, merchandise.

Humiliated, Valerie couldn’t bring herself to meet Matthew’s gaze, terrified of the look she might find on his face.