Chapter 2

I didn't want to bother with him and just said, "Suit yourself."

Sure enough, on Penelope's birthday, Jonathan didn't show up. He didn't even send a WhatsApp message to wish her a happy birthday.

To keep Penelope's birthday party from being spoiled, I muddled through with vague excuses.

After all the relatives had left, I told my parents the whole story.

At first, I could tell it calmly. But as I went on, my tears streamed down.

I shouted, "Mom, Dad, I had no idea a two-sided marriage was like this before. I thought it just meant no engagement gift or wedding gift. The last time his family came over, I did everything, from booking the hotel to showing them around. I never thought that when it came to our family matters, he'd just say I couldn't ask him to do something. He's such a jerk!"

That night, the more I talked, the angrier I got, cussing like crazy.

I thought my parents would angrily side with me against Jonathan. But to my surprise, they were much calmer than I expected.

Penelope said, "Don't cry. Isn't this a good thing? From now on, you don't have to worry about what to give Jonathan's parents during the holidays. Let him handle his family's affairs. That's pretty great, isn't it?"

I never thought my parents would be so open-minded. They broke it down for me, and I suddenly saw the light.