Chapter 11
“Aunt Rita, Uncle Zander, you guys are overthinking. My marriage has nothing to do with my cousin Jeffery. I’m not getting any younger, and when I met the right person, I decided to get married.” Ines said, feeling a bit guilty.
“Come on, I know you better than you think. Your Aunt Rita and I aren’t as poor as you imagine. We’ve worked for decades and can afford a house in A City. We’ve been staying in the school welfare housing because it’s close to the school, and we know all our neighbors. We like the lively and convenient location. After your brother gets married, we’ll help him buy a house, and he’ll move out, but you’ll still live with us. If you’re rushing to get married because of this, just end it. Not many people know about your marriage anyway.”
Zander disagreed and tugged at Rita’s arm, “What nonsense are you saying? You can’t ask a child to get a divorce.”
“I don’t care. I only have one niece, and I can’t let Ines be cheated.” Rita’s eyes were red.
Ines pursed her lips and leaned gently on Rita’s shoulder, “Aunt Rita, I know that you’re worried. You’re afraid I’ll follow in my mom’s footsteps. People’s hearts are fickle, whether they’re men or women. Men can be just as ruthless as women. Even if the relationship is great now, who can guarantee that things won’t change in the future? You’ll never know whether someone will abandon you someday. We both know this all too well.
“I didn’t believe in love at first, but you and Uncle Zander have always reminded me that people are different. I don’t believe in fate, but I have to admit that love is not the only passport to marriage. Nothing is certain in this life. I have made my choice, and i won’t give up easily.”
Rita sighed deeply and pinched Ines’s face, “When did you get so bold?”
Zander smiled slightly, “You know this confidence is unique to the Page family. You had a big fight with your parents when you wanted to marry me. Everyone advised you to give up on me, but you never looked down on me for being poor.”
Mentioning the past, Rita glared at Zander, “Stop flattering yourself. I regret it now.”
“Izzy, Aunt Rita doesn’t want to say anything else now. Since you’ve made your choice, cherish it. Love is the foundation of marriage, but marriage also needs to be managed. After marriage, you’re no longer alone, so you need to think things through. You’ll be going to A City. You might have to meet his family. Did you think about that?”
Ines’s heart warmed up, “Aunt Rita, don’t worry. I have no impression of them and won’t do anything shameful.”
Rita smoothed Ines’s hair, “Silly girl, don’t mind those rumors. Aunt Rita believes you’re not that kind of person. B City is your home. Call us if you’re ever mistreated, and we’ll have your cousin Jeffery pick you up. You’re not alone; you have us.”
“I know that now. Thank you for taking care of me all these years.”
“We’re all family; it’s our duty to take care of you.”
Ines was worried about Ethan and went into the kitchen to check on him. She was surprised when she entered; his sleeves were rolled up, and he was chopping vegetables quite well. “Can you really cook?”
“I’m not stupid. I wouldn’t expose my weaknesses on the first meeting.” In other words, not only could he cook, but it was also his forte.
