Chapter 66


    Chapter 66


    Valene turned to Ashley, asking. “Are you sure you don’t want some?”


    “No, thanks. Im really not hungry.” Ashley’s tone was tinged with embarrassment. She felt the need


    to maintain herposure. But as she watched everyone else savoring their meal, she found


    herself feeling increasingly irritable.


    “Mommy, I want the crab… Aiden tugged at a crab leg, looking up at Ashley expectantly.


    In her sour mood, Ashley ignored him, which nearly brought Aiden to tears.


    Valerie, witnessing i


    g this, sighed sofily and intervened. “Aiden, let me help you with that, okay?”


    “Yes, please!” Aiden beamed at Valerie, who carefully cracked the crab leg and ced the tender


    meat on his te. His delighted grin spoke volumes: Auntie was his hem.


    Children always had a way of showing pure gratitude, smiling brightly at those who care for them


    Ashley, watching this, felt frustrated that her son was so quickly charmed. Her attention then shified


    to Valerie’s hand, her eyes narrowing at the sight of the diamond ring. “Ashley, did Mathew give


    you that ring?”


    Valerie nced down at the simple prop ring she had purchased. “Yes, he did. It’s our engagement


    ring”


    Ashley’s voice carried a tinge of envy as she responded, “That’s really lovely Diamonds just have a


    special sparkle, don’t they? When your brother and I got married, we only had in gold bands.


    They’ve lost their shape over the years and look quite worn now


    Julian, overhearing the conversation, simply offered a polite smile, choosing to remain silent.


    Valerie, however, felt a pany of sympathy with Julian. She remembered all too well thevish


    demands Ashley’s family, from a humble background. had made for their wedding–a dowry of 40


    thousand dors, none of which Ashley had brought with her to the marriage.


    N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    Julian had always been a hard worker, saving diligently for years until he could afford a house and a


    car. He often said that since Ashley hade from far away to be with him, it was his duty to make


    her lifefortable


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    When they got married, Ashley chose a gold ring over a diamond, arguing that gold held its value


    better and could be sold in tough times if necessary. Initially, my brother admired her practicality,


    but he soon realized that after the wedding, she took possession of all the gold and rarely wore her


    wedding ring, as if she distrusted his intentions. Despite financial hardships, he never once asked


    her to contribute financially.


    As time passed and they had their son Aiden, Ashley stopped working to focus on raising their


    child. Julian, feeling that homemakers were undervalued by society, doubled his efforts to support


    and pamper her, often taking on household duties after long days at work.


    Years went by, and the toll of his efforts began to show. While he aged visibly, Ashley maintained


    her appearance with regr visits to beauty salons and using expensive skincare products, all


    while managing their finances.


    Valerie held no ill will toward Ashley. She simply hoped that Ashley would reciprocate his devotion


    and remember the importance of their family, especially for Aiden. After all, a happy family is the


    foundation of a prosperous life.


    During the family gathering. Valerie tried to steer the conversation away from contentious topics.


    “Diamond rings might look shy, but they lose value the moment you buy them. They’re just for


    show, unlike the practical gold you chose before,” she said, hoping to ease any tension.


    Ashley responded with a rare smile, “True, but there’s something about the sparkle of diamonds


    that’s just irresistible,”


    Seizing the moment, Julian chimed in, I’ll work extra hard and try to get you one before Christmas,


    “You better remember that promise!” Ashley teased, her satisfaction evident in her smile. Then,


    turning to Valerie, she asked. “Can I see your ring” I might pick a simr style.”


    Valerie handed over her ring, saying, “It’s nothing special, just a basic designs. You’ll find a wide


    range at the store


    Ashley examined the ring closely, her expression suddenly shifting to a sneer. “Valerie, you don’t


    need to worry about what style I choose. But let’s talk about you for a moment. I’m surprised you’re


    so vain that you’d wear a fake diamond ring!”


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