Chapter 3

After considerable thought, I realized the relationship between Drew and me couldn't withstand his parents' overt disdain. The idea of breaking up again solidified; Kolby and Scarlet clearly looked down on me, despising my lower income and higher spending. Breaking up seemed best for everyone.

I planned to wait for Drew's return to discuss this. I'd explain it in front of his parents, keeping our shared housing arrangement a secret for now. If necessary, I'd disappear for a few days, considering it an act of filial piety towards Drew.

When Drew returned, he excitedly announced he'd successfully explained my situation. His parents now understood my work-life imbalance and would be more understanding. He asked me to be patient for a few days, to avoid upsetting them. I agreed; I'd speak up after his parents left.

My agreement stemmed solely from my appreciation for his filial piety. However, things didn't unfold as Drew anticipated. The source of the new conflict? My wardrobe.

That night, Drew slept on the floor in my bedroom. The next morning, as he tidied the bedding and left to wash up, I was applying makeup when Scarlet barged into my bedroom.

"Excuse me! This is my bedroom," I protested. "You can't just walk in like that!"

Her gaze fell upon my open wardrobe. Coldly, she asked, "Are all these clothes yours? How did you buy so many?"

Without turning, I explained that different occasions, seasons, and styles necessitate different clothing.

"But you can't buy this much! You only make three thousand dollars a month. Where did you get the money for two closets full of clothes? And Drew only has a few suits?"

I was speechless.

She then grabbed a jade bracelet from my dressing table, exclaiming, "Oh my God! This is outrageous! Such expensive jewelry!"

"Oh my goodness! It's terrible! Come and see, it's a disaster…"

Drew and Kolby rushed in, alarmed.

Chapter 3 (continued)

Scarlet, holding my bracelet, excitedly asked Drew, "Can you explain this?"

Drew, confused, replied, "This bracelet was a gift from Penelope's mother. What's wrong, Mom?"

Scarlet's face flushed. Incredulously, she asked, "Did your mother give it to her?"

Before I could respond, Scarlet pointed to my wardrobe and asked Drew, "What about these clothes and cosmetics? Did you pay for them?"

Drew casually said, "Penelope bought them."

"How much did that cost? Drew, what is wrong with you? We've always told you to save money! You haven't saved a penny; you've spent it all on a woman! I don't know what to say!"

"Penelope bought everything herself, and it wasn't expensive. If she likes it, let her buy it. Stop talking about it, Mom…"

"Her own money isn't enough! How can we afford anything if something goes wrong in the future? We eat out every day, buy so many unnecessary things… What kind of image are we portraying? When will you be able to buy a car and a house? Who will we rely on if we can't afford a decent place to live? What will our neighbors think?"

This was the second time they'd mentioned buying a house and car since arriving. Their words crossed my line. I am a young woman in my prime. Why should I buy a car or a house for their family?