bChapter /bb396 /b

    Sana hadn’t expected that even after agreeing to go on blind dates, her parents would still be hung up on Wesley. Feeling utterly drained, bshe /bcould only keep lying to get them off her back..

    With that, before her parents could press further, she stood up and hurried back to her bedroom.

    In the living room, Lionel and Celeste exchanged a knowing nce, their eyes sparkling with undisguised curiosity. They hadn’t believed a single word bof/b. Sana’s hastily thrown–together story.

    “There’s definitely something going on between those two,” Lionel said firmly.

    “So… should we still arrange all those blind dates for her?” Celeste asked hesitantly.

    “Of course. We’ll book every single one,” Lionel dered decisively. “Show that kid how many people are lining up for our daughter. Maybe then he’ll learn to treasure her.”

    Celeste mulled it over and realized he was absolutely right. Nodding, she immediately picked up her phone and started calling her circle of friends, busy lining up blind dates for Sana.

    Over on the other side of town, Grace was already bustling in the kitchen, preparing a grand feast to wee her future daughter–inw.

    “What? We’re out of shrimp? Candice loves shrimp the most. Dad, hurry up and go buy some right now,” Miguel ordered.

    Their only son stood in front of the fridge, scrutinizing the contents like a picky restaurant critic, frowning and barking orders every few seconds..

    And every time he spoke, Peter and Grace–who were usually so domineering and vicious toward Madeline–immediately lowered their heads and agreed meekly, promising to do whatever he wanted.

    Finally, Miguel seemed satisfied, but he immediately started nitpicking about their current house.

    He whined. “Mom, Dad, I’m getting married soon. You should tell Maddie to hurry up and buy me a house. And a car too. Candice almost dumped me when she found out I had neither. I barely managed to talk her out of it.”

    Grace nearly jumped up. “We’ll get it all. Son, just keep Candice happy for me, okay? I can’t wait to hold my grandchild.”

    After all, this was the first time Miguel was in a serious rtionship, and Candice’s family background wasn’t bad either. Hence, Grace couldn’t wait to seal the deal.

    “Exactly! Don’t you worry about a thing–house, dowry, you leave all that to us. Your only job is to keep my future daughter–inw happy,” Peter chimed olliin. /li/ol

    Then, he pulled Miguel closer to share his so–called “tips” on winning a woman’s heart.

    Miguel listened for a moment before impatiently waving him off. “Dad, those ideas are ancient. These days, it’s all about having a house and a car.

    “If you really want me to get married, go ask Maddie for another three million dors. Get me a house and a car, and I guarantee Candice will say yes immediately.”

    “Alright. Your mom and I will go ask your sister for the moneyter.” Peter agreed without hesitation.

    As dinner time approached, a knock echoed at the door. Madeline thought it was just the delivery guy, but the moment she opened it, she was greeted by two all–too–familiar faces–the ones that only showed up when they wanted money, and her face turned grim i olliy. /li/ol

    “What are you two doing here again? Didn’t I just give you moneyst week?” Madeline demanded, her patience already bfraying/b.

    “Used it all up,” Peter replied bluntly, striding into the apartment without a hint of shame. Grace followed right behindb, /bshoving a bag of fried meatballs into Madeline’s hands.

    57

    b23 /bbJUI /b

    b“/bMaddie, I made your favorite fried meatballs today. Have a taste,” Grace said.

    Madeline nced down at the meatballs, carelessly tossed into a stic bag, and most burned beyond recognition. A bitter, suffocating rage rose in her chest, so heavy she could barely breathe.

    “You made these for my brother, didn’t you? And now you’re just giving me the leftovers as a ‘gift‘? Mom, do I really mean nothing to you?” Madeline

    snapped.

    Grace’s expression turned awkward and embarrassed.

    But a secondter, a foul–smelling leather shoe flew past Madeline’s face. She barely managed to dodge it when she heard Peter roar, back to your mother like that? You’re out of line!”

    “How dare you talk

    Pinching her nose, Madeline fought back the urge bto /bbgag/b, her stomach churning violently. She seethed inwardly, though she remained expressionless, ‘This is disgusting. No matter what it takes, I have to escape this family!

    Suppressing her nausea, she brought the stic bag of meatballs into the kitchen and dumped them straight into the trash. After taking several deep breaths to steady herself, she finally turned back around and faced them head–on. “Alright. How much do you want this time?”