"Who doesn't know how smart is Helly? You're lucky to have such an intelligent and caring daughter. I'm not as lucky." Matthew's mother took over the conversation and engaged in small talk with the upper-class women.I wondered if it was really that impressive to study at Jesselton College. Their children were just among tens of thousands of students in that college. There was nothing to boast about.I was uncertain if they were doing it intentionally. They left me out and only talked about topics that interested them. They pretended I didn't exist.Being ignored like this, I felt like this was the same as being humiliated.Although I wasn't a daughter from a prestigious family, I was still cherished by my parents. I didn't depend on anyone and relied on my efforts to study and earn money. Thus, I wouldn't tolerate any disrespect from anyone. Plus, I only came here because Matthew had begged me to.I didn't envy these people's social standing or money. Thus, I didn't want to but
I raised my eyebrows without a word.She had casually labeled me as petty and aloof through that."Mom, it's nothing like that. Don't talk nonsense," Matthew said in a low voice while gripping my shoulder.Brenda glared at Matthew before saying with a smile, "What are you embarrassed about? Who doesn't know about this? You can't ignore Helly just because you have someone you like. Let me remind you that Helly is my goddaughter. "No matter who you marry in the future, she'll still be your responsibility. Thus, you're not allowed to neglect her at any time."The other women praised Brenda for remembering old friendships and being broad-minded, especially Helen's mother. She looked satisfied given how big her smile was.Helen was a decent woman, but her mother lacked the dignity a woman from a prestigious family should have. She was too narrow-minded and lacked grandeur.As slow as I was, I understood what was happening right now.Brenda was telling me that the daughter-in-law sh
To be honest, I could have better career prospects if I directly pursued a PhD after my undergraduate studies at Lincoln University. However, I wanted to be closer to my parents.Jesselton College was just my backup option. I didn't think studying there was anything to boast about either. Otherwise, I wouldn't have given up Jesselton College and chosen Lincoln University for my undergraduate studies back then.I didn't expect that studying at Jesselton College would make these wealthy mothers so proud.Perhaps in these socialites' minds, Jesselton College should only be reserved for the children of high-ranking officials or the wealthy elite. At least, someone as normal as me shouldn't be studying there.It seemed that they had been looking down at me from the start. Perhaps in their hearts, I had seduced Matthew with my looks. They didn't think I was as talented as their daughters. I didn't deserve to study at Jesselton College, let alone date Matthew.Well, excellence and social
I took out my phone and opened my bank account, patiently waiting for Matthew to tell me the price."I gifted you the dress, so I don't want you to pay me back. Mom, everyone, Lulu is the best woman in this world. She isn't materialistic at all. She doesn't care how much money I have, and I can't even dream of trying to win her heart using gifts."It took me days to convince her to wear this dress. You guys are just insulting her by saying that. I'm very unhappy about this."Matthew could barely keep the smile on his face. His expression was stiff, and he was trying to suppress his anger. His etiquette prevented him from driving people away, but he sent warning gazes to everyone in the room."Matthew, we watched you grow up. We're just worried that you'll be deceived. Young ladies nowadays seem innocent, but all of them are secretly scheming. You need to protect yourself, especially since your family is a prestigious one." This woman's behavior was absolutely disgusting. I wonder
"Lulu, don't go. Hear me out," Matthew called out angrily and chased after me.But I wasn't in the mood to talk to anyone. My pace quickened when I heard his footsteps. I hoped that a pair of wings would grow on my back and take me away from this gilded cage.And since I was in such a hurry, I didn't check where I was going. I ran into the person who was entering from the living room.The other person rubbed her forehead with a hiss. "Ouch! Today is not my day at all. It's not just me, is it? Huh? Luna? Are you alright? Why were you running?""Helen! Are you hurt? Sorry, I was running and didn't see you." After I greeted Helen, I walked past her, cutting off further interaction."I'm fine. I'll feel better after I massage the area. Where are you going? I couldn't talk to you just now, so I came back to look for you. Should we admire the flowers in the garden? It's beautiful over there," said Helen as she clung to my arm.My small conversation with Helen allowed Matthew to catch u
"Matthew, I did consider dating you. I considered spending the rest of my life in a joyous union with you. But you saw what happened just now. I have no place in your family. We're from two different worlds."You look down on my world, and I can't tolerate yours either, let alone be a part of it. Being ex-classmates is the best choice here. Matthew, let's not see each other anymore."I broke free of Matthew's grip and left stubbornly, leaving the heartbroken man behind me.I was devastated too when I turned around. I regretted attending this birthday party.It was never my wish to hurt someone who had been loving me for years. I didn't have it in me to break his heart, but I had no other options. I was just a person, and I had my dignity too.Matthew's parents had trampled on my dignity.My eyes were red and misty. I bit my lip hard to stop the tears from falling.I could cry, but definitely not before those who looked down on me.Helen looked at me and then at Matthew. Her mou
"Sure, you can do what you want, but I don't want this relationship. I don't want to spend the rest of my life being doubted, belittled, and insulted. And I dread to see the day you regret the decision you make now."Matthew wanted to continue arguing, but I silenced him by shaking my head.I had made up my mind and would not be dissuaded.This birthday party had killed the relationship between Matthew and me before it budded.Unfortunately, I couldn't help Matthew anymore. There was no future for our love."Trust me, Matthew. I've truly considered being with you. I considered loving you like you loved me. But there's a gulf between us. I don't want to be an accessory to your successes, nor do I want you to abandon your family for me."If you do that, we can never be truly happy even if we're together. So let's end things here. No need to chase after me. You know me. Once I make a decision, I'll never change my mind."Something inside his eyes shattered into a million pieces.I
I pretended to be asleep and ignored Helen."Stop pretending. I know you're awake," she slurred and flopped onto her bed."How did you find out?" I propped myself up. Helen lay on her bed. Her glamorous attire failed to conceal the disappointment and sadness she was feeling."Your eyes were moving. And your breathing was odd too. You don't breathe like that when you're asleep." Helen sat up and ruffled her hair out of frustration.Her nose was red, and she spoke with a nasal voice. I wondered if the autumn wind had given her a cold or if she had cried for a long time.Given her looks and her family background, Helen was prideful and confident. But her unrequited love for Matthew might have dealt a huge blow to her ego. I was also certain that Matthew was the reason why she was so upset now. However, there wasn't much I could do.To ask a guy who liked me to like another woman was very cruel. I couldn't possibly do that."It's getting late. Go to bed." I turned to the other sid