Chapter 3

In any relationship, the party initiating contact is often perceived as less powerful and more desperate. Therefore, upon seeing Emmanuel and his family at her house, Milani Zimmerman adopted an even haughtier expression than she had at the café. "Ha!" she thought, "I knew this loser wouldn't get over my looks, so he's come to badger me again!"

Milani's mother, Melody Claus, was equally smug upon learning of the Lowes' intentions. "If your son wishes to marry my daughter," she declared, raising her palm, "you'll have to give us a betrothal gift of five hundred thousand. We won't accept anything less!"

Emmanuel's heart sank. Five hundred thousand? he thought. Is she trying to sell her daughter?

Alessandra, however, gritted her teeth and nodded. "T-That's fine!" she stammered. "As long as my son can get married, I'll do anything to make up for the betrothal gift, even if it means selling the house!"

How would she pay for the couple's car and home? "Sure, that's no problem!" Roselynn interjected, even pulling her brother back when she saw him about to object. She was equally eager for Emmanuel to marry and, at thirty, had saved enough for the necessary down payments. "Since Mom is settling the betrothal gift," she reasoned, "I'll help Emmanuel with the car and home!"

"Lastly," Milani declared, "he will bear all household expenses after the wedding!"

That was the final straw for Emmanuel. "Are you guys marrying off your daughter or selling her? I don't mind paying this much if she's coming to work for us as a housekeeper, but if she expects to be treated like a princess or queen, you can forget it! I don't need that!"

"Look at your son! What's with that attitude?" Milani yelled. "We aren't even married yet, and he's already so domineering. Wouldn't it be worse down the road?"

"No, no, no The marriage will work out. It'll be fine!" Alessandra pleaded, desperate to finalize the wedding. I can't wait any longer… I must fulfill my husband's dying wish by the end of the year!

Seeing the situation, Roselynn knew she had to intervene. "Mom! Stop forcing it! Manny's right. There's nothing wrong with a betrothal gift, car, and house. However, asking him to be the sole supporter of his family after the wedding is too much! What about his wife? Why can't she contribute? Will she be sending her own money back to her parents?"

Just then, Milani's younger brother, Jacob Zimmerman, appeared with a cocky grin. "Haha! Don't forget about me, Milani! When it's my turn to get married, I'd be counting on you guys to buy me my car and house too!"

Emmanuel exploded with rage. "What the f*ck! Am I marrying your sister or your entire family? I may as well support all of you!"

Although intended as an angry remark, Milani decided to hold him to it. "Hah! You'd better remember what you just said! In that case, I'll leave you to plan and pay for the wedding banquet and honeymoon. Don't tell me you can't afford that…"

"Get lost! I'd rather marry a pig than a woman like you!" Emmanuel retorted, the ferocity of his battlefield days returning. He didn't know what the Zimmermans were playing at, but they were undoubtedly monstrous.

"Look at yourself! You're just an uncultured brute!" Milani snapped back. "I'd rather marry a boar than you! Given my qualities, I have no problem marrying a rich man, so why should I settle for a pauper like Emmanuel? I'm only too happy that he wants to break things off!"

After an exasperated laugh, Emmanuel stormed off, leaving Alessandra and Roselynn to follow. To their surprise, three luxury cars pulled up outside the Zimmerman residence.

The Zimmermans rushed out to investigate, nearly dropping their jaws at the sight. Oh, damn! Those cars are worth tens of millions! What's going on? Since when were the Lowes that fancy?

Emmanuel recognized one of the cars. Hmm… Didn't I see that car outside the café?

Terence emerged, surrounded by bodyguards. He smiled and said politely, "I'm here to return the favor, Mr. Lowe, after you helped me outside the café!"

Everyone was stunned. Roselynn, thrilled, gripped her brother's arm. Ah! Isn't this like those rags-to-riches stories?

Emmanuel frowned. Wow… Who knew this old geezer was a millionaire? Could he have intentionally fallen at the café?

Terence gestured, and his subordinates unloaded boxes overflowing with precious stones, jewelry, famous paintings, antiques, and even a Porsche key. The total value was at least ten million. For someone earning eighty thousand a year, this was an unimaginable sum.

The Zimmermans were shocked. Milani's family was average; ten million was astronomical. Sht. If I had known Emmanuel would become a multi-millionaire, I'd have married him straightaway!*

Snapping out of her daze, she smiled and grabbed Emmanuel's arm. "What's the matter, darling? Oh, wow… You're so kind to help the elderly! I love that about you!"

"Who's your darling?" Emmanuel asked, embarrassing Milani. He pushed her away. "Didn't you just reject me? Why are you using honeyed words?"

Milani muttered, speechless. Her family was equally frustrated; they'd missed a wealthy son-in-law.

Alessandra was about to speak when Roselynn stopped her. As much as I want Manny to start a family, I can't let him settle for the horrible Zimmermans! Besides, he's rich now! I'm sure he can find an even better woman!

"Mom, Roselynn, let's go!" Emmanuel said, ushering them into the car. He didn't want the gifts, but it wasn't the time or place to refuse.

Once the Lowes left, a cold wind swept over the Zimmermans.

"How could you have made such remarks earlier, Milani? Do you think it's easy to find a millionaire these days?" Melody scolded.

"W-What should I do now, then?" Milani was lost. She'd been on numerous blind dates seeking a rich husband. Alas, she'd let a multi-millionaire slip through her fingers.

"What else can we do? They've already come to our place to ask for your hand in marriage. Can't we do the same?" Melody suggested.

Jacob, equally anxious, exclaimed, "I don't care, Milani! You have to marry that multi-millionaire! When my girlfriend and I get married, you must give us a house and a luxury car! Otherwise, I'll disown you!"

"Okay, okay. I got it!" Milani sighed. Argh! Emmanuel and I left on such bad terms… Would he still care about me?