Marrying The Supposed Gold Digger (Valerie)

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Ruth stood to the side, feeling a mix of guilt and frustration. She knew Julian blamed her for unsettling Aiden and for her greed. She muttered, "Do you even understand what I've been trying to do? I thought a 120-thousand-dollar dowry would help ease your burden, especially with Valerie's careless spending!"

"Mom!" Julian snapped, cutting her off sharply. "I might not be a hero, but I won't trade my sister's happiness for our comfort!"

His stern words left Ruth speechless. Julian then turned to thank Matthew again, just as the ambulance doors closed and headed toward the hospital.

After a brief moment of consciousness, Aiden drifted back to sleep, worn out.

Julian tucked him in gently, then confronted Ashley. "Why did you bring Mom along today? What were you thinking?"

Ashley was taken aback by his directness and shot back, "Why shouldn't I? It's only right she knows about her daughter's wedding. Imagine the talk in the village if Valerie married without even telling her mom. I was thinking of her reputation."

"Her reputation? Don't think I'm blind to your schemes. When Mom talked about that 60-thousand-dollar dowry for a new house, you were already counting that cash. Let me be clear, Ashley-Valerie is my sister, not some commodity to be bartered. Anyone who tries to sell her off will answer to me!"

Julian, typically a calm and collected man, was more furious than Ashley had ever seen him. His anger stemmed entirely from his protective feelings toward Valerie.

Ashley was visibly shaken by Julian's unusual firmness. She nodded timidly, whispering, "Okay, okay, I'll listen. Just keep it down; Aiden's still very fragile."

Julian's expression softened as he thought of Aiden, a wave of relief washing over him. He felt thankful for Matthew's timely intervention that had averted a crisis. Despite his initial reservations about his stern-faced brother-in-law, gratitude now filled his heart. Valerie had chosen Matthew, and Julian was ready to respect and accept that choice.

After Julian and the others had left, Ruth felt her resolve weakening. She knew pushing matters further would only infuriate Julian. She cared little for Valerie but was deeply concerned about her son's well-being, seeing him as her future support. Yet, the idea of leaving without any gain was unbearable.

After a moment of thought, she cleared her throat and approached Matthew. "Since you two are already married, I can't change that. But we have our roles. Let's settle at 100 thousand dollars, and I'll stay out of your business," she declared, then turned and left with her head held high.

Valerie was about to bit back her response but was halted by Matthew. They were in a residential area, and making a scene would only draw unwanted attention. Reluctantly, she followed Matthew upstairs.

Matthew led the way, his tall frame just ahead. Valerie, looking up, could only see his back, his expression unreadable.

A sudden sadness overwhelmed Valerie. She had always portrayed herself as strong. Despite her parents' opposition, she persevered in her education, splitting a single bun into two meals to survive and still managing to secure a university spot. She was a top salesperson at Arcton Cars, a testament to her capabilities and proof that she could match any man. Her resilience was evident as she faced down challenges from Isabel and the cunning Dylan without ever backing down.

Outwardly gentle, her inner strength was deep-seated. She had always been self-reliant, never depending on others. While she admired girls who were doted on and cherished, she was determined to prove she could flourish on her own. However, at that moment, as her mother demanded a 100-thousand-dollar dowry, her carefully maintained facade of strength shattered.