Chapter 78
Valerie held back her frustration and reminded Ruth, “Mom, we can’t afford that much money”
“Can’t afford it? I checked the housing prices in your area- it’s like 280 dollars per square foot. Even if the mortgage ain’t paid off yet, the down payment alone must’ve been like sixty to eighty thousand dollars. If he’s really broke, just sell the damn house, Ruth blurted out
Valerie’s anger surged as Ruth brought up selling the house again. “If we sell the house, where are we supposed to live! Out on the streets?”
Ruth snapped, “I don’t care where you live. You chose to marry that broke loser, so being homeless is on you. If you’d listened to me and married that guy from the next village, sure, he’s got a kid, but at least their family has a big house. You’re just blind and stupid”
Valerie couldn’t believe her mother still harbored schemes to pawn her off to some village guy, even at this point. Her voice turned icy. “Moon, quit your pipe dream. If you keep pushing. I quit my job, get a divorce, and move back home. Then I will be known as the knocked–up and divorced woman. That shame will be all on you and Dad”
There was a minute of silence before Ruth exploded. “You ungrateful bratt Are you trying to kill your father and mer
Valerie calmly ended the call, knowing her mom’s bark was worse than her bite, Once she hinted at quitting her job, her mom would back off a bit. That was because Ruth cared more about the money than anything else, especially since she’d been taking nearly half of Valerie’s income for years.
Valerie was relieved she hadn’t shared Matthew’s company details with Ashley. Otherwise, her mom might have caused a scene there directly. Despite their domestic troubles, she couldn’t avoid her mom’s influence. However, she was determined not to involve Matthew in the mess. After all, they were in a marriage of convenience, and he was a good man.
Despite the morning call dampening her spirits, Valerie siceled herself, patted her cheeks to wake up, and zoomed off to the company on her scooter. With her new job at Noria Group starting next week, she needed to tie up loose ends at Arcton Cars this werk
As Valerie had time to spare that day, she drove cautiously for safety. While waiting at a traffic light intersection, she suddenly heard someone calling out. “Hey there, girl, wait up”
Valerie wasn’t sure if the call was for her, so she hesitated, looking back to see a granny with a floral purse and a velvet dress, hustling over with a huff
Valerie recognized her – it was the same elderly woman she’d rescued from the pedestrian crossing earlier that morning
Concerned for her safety. Valerie maneuvered her scooter over and offered a hand to steady her. “Granny, it’s you. Take a moment to catch your breath, no need to rush
The old lady took a couple of breaths, then tightly gripped Valerie’s hand, as if fearing she might vanish. Then, she grinned. “Miss, I’ve been coming out here bright and early these past couple of days, waiting to run into you again.”
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