“Everyone calm down,” he said. “This is Ashley’s first visit—she’s not familiar with our customs. I’ll explain things to her.”
Then he pulled me into a corner.
I glared at him. “What did you mean just now?”
He held my hand and whispered, “Ashley, Grandpa just passed. My mom’s not in a good place emotionally. Just do what she asks—for my sake, please?”
I stared at him in disbelief. “Ivan, say that again?”
His face clouded with frustration.
“Just kneel, alright? You’re my girlfriend—you should understand how our family works.”
“And come on, you’re not short on money. Your company’s doing great. What’s two hundred thousand to you? Give it to my mom so she can save face in front of the relatives.”
So in his eyes, I was nothing more than a convenient ATM.
I let out a cold laugh and intoned coldly, “No. I refuse.”
His expression immediately turned gloomy. “Ashley, don’t be so ungrateful. Just do what I said.”
Looking at the man in front of me, I felt a wave of disappointment. I didn’t want to stay another second.
“Ungrateful?” I sneered. “Then go find someone who isn't.”
As I turned to leave, his mother’s eyes darted—then she lunged forward and snatched my bag.
“You don’t want to give money? I’ll get it myself!”
She rummaged through my belongings and pulled out my wallet. Her eyes lit up.
“Well, well! So much cash—and bank cards too!”
“What’s the PIN? Spit it out!”
Furious, I was thundered, “What gives you the right to go through my things?!”
She smirked proudly. “I’m your future mother-in-law. I have every right to go through your stuff!”
Future mother-in-law?
Who gave her the confidence to call herself that?
I had no interest in arguing with her. All I wanted was to leave. I stepped forward, reaching for my bag.
But to my shock, Ivan’s mother suddenly threw herself to the floor with a loud thud.
“Help! She’s killing me! My son’s fiancée is beating up her mother-in-law!”
Ivan rushed over and, without warning—he slapped me across the face.
“Ashley! How dare you lay a hand on my mother?!”
A sharp, burning pain exploded on my cheek. I stood there in complete shock.
We’d been together for three years. He’d always been gentle, and attentive. I never imagined he could hit me.
His mother sat up, clutching her thigh as she cried out dramatically, stirring the crowd.
“She hasn't even married in and she’s already attacking her elders! What will she do after she joins our family?!”