Chapter 5

The living room was filled with several women who looked a bit rough around the edges, their clothes dusty and out of place.

"Mom, you're finally back. Eric's parents and his four sisters have been waiting for you forever. They had to travel all the way from their village, through the town, the county, and the city, crammed into hard seats on the train all day just to get here. They must be exhausted," Isabelle said, sounding a bit annoyed.

Just as I was about to say something, two chickens suddenly flew past my face, making me jump.

"Mom, these are the chickens they brought you. Aren't they lively?" Isabelle said, grinning.

I rolled my eyes inwardly, but kept a big smile on my face. "Thank you for making the trip. It must've been tough."

Eric's mother, Linda, had been sizing me up the whole time. When I finally spoke, she just gave a dismissive snort and replied, not bothering to hide her attitude.

Linda said, "Mrs. Chapman, Eric is the only one for miles who made it to a top college. Back in the day, he'd be like a respected scholar. Your family might have more money, but Isabelle is still marrying up by joining our family. We won't pay a cent for their wedding.

"My husband and I talked it over. The house in our hometown was just fixed up using the money from his sisters, so that'll be their house after the wedding. His sisters will each buy a bit of furniture, and that's all."

Seriously, I almost burst out laughing at that.

Was this what Isabelle called true love? If Eric had even a shred of real feelings for her, he wouldn't be trying to marry her without putting in any effort at all.

Before I could even respond, Linda added, "Oh, and Mrs. Chapman, you really shouldn't show up at the wedding.

"I asked around, and since you're a widow, it's considered unlucky. The fortune-teller said you shouldn't attend Eric and Isabelle's wedding."

She actually had the guts to suggest that I, the mother who raised Isabelle all by myself, shouldn't be allowed at my own daughter's wedding. I almost had to admire her nerve. I couldn't help wanting to snap back at her.

But when I turned and saw Isabelle's face, looking like she'd throw a tantrum if I didn't play along, I forced myself to bite my tongue and switch gears.

I said, "Alright, as long as Isabelle's happy, that's all that matters. Guess that's what true love looks like. As her mom, all I can do is give them my blessing.

"By the way, I've always treated my children equally. Whatever Charles got for his wedding, Isabelle will get the same. I'll give her a villa, two high-end apartments in the city, and a car worth 500,000 dollars. I won't ask for the wedding fund from your side. It's up to Isabelle. Does that sound fair to you?"

Isabelle hadn't expected me to go along so easily. She hugged my arm, acting all sweet and close.

She said, "Mom, it's so great to have your blessing. We'll definitely be happy, and we'll always be good to you."

Eric's family looked genuinely surprised and happy at first. They hadn't expected me to be so generous. But when they heard about the wedding fund, their faces turned worried.

Eric's dad finally spoke up, "Do people in the city still ask for the wedding fund?"

Eric's face went cold. "Mrs. Chapman, you know my family can't come up with that kind of fund. Are you just trying to make us look bad?"

Isabelle panicked, quickly pulled her arm away from me, and hurried over to grab Eric's hand. She tried to reassure his family.

"Don't worry, Mr. and Mrs. Young. We're not doing some old-school arranged marriage. Eric and I are together because we love each other. I'm not asking for any funds from you at all."

Eric's whole family finally looked relieved.

Linda said, "You're a good girl. You grew up without a father, which is tough, and honestly, not really good enough for our Eric. But once you marry into the Young family, I'll treat you like my own daughter. As long as you and Eric live well together and give us at least three boys, I'll handle all the childcare. You two won't have to lift a finger."

Every word she said felt like a stab to my heart.

I hated myself for raising a daughter who'd sell herself short like this. Seriously, was there no other man in the world for her?

If they treated their own daughters like nothing but a tool, how could they ever be good to Isabelle?

Just a few sweet words, and she was already completely brainwashed. Had she totally lost her mind over this guy?

Isabelle was in such a rush to marry Eric that his family just discussed it among themselves and then informed me. They'd set the wedding for next month, with a traditional feast held right in their hometown courtyard.

Since I was considered unlucky, I wasn't allowed to attend, and there was no need for a separate ceremony on our side.

When the newlyweds came back, they'd simply invite some relatives and friends over for a meal.

Isabelle was absolutely thrilled, and naturally, I agreed without hesitation.

Once the wedding details were mostly settled, I made up an excuse that my house couldn't fit so many people and had my secretary book them rooms at a nearby hotel.

I just couldn't stand having that tacky bunch staying in my house.

Watching Isabelle drive off in her luxury car with them, I couldn't help but smirk. Let them keep dreaming their little fantasy just one last time.