Chapter 66
Valene turned to Ashley, <strong>asking</strong>. <strong>“</strong>Are you sure you don’t want some?”This content ? N?v/elDr(a)m/a.Org.
“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, <strong>Ashley </strong>ignored him, which nearly brought Aiden to tears.
Valerie, witnessing i
g this, sighed sofily and intervened. “Aiden, let me help <strong>you </strong>with that<strong>, </strong><strong>okay</strong>?”
“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.
<strong>Children </strong>always had a way of showing pure <strong>gratitude</strong>, 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 <strong>Valerie’s </strong>hand, her eyes narrowing at the sight of the diamond ring. <strong>“</strong>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 <strong>a </strong>special sparkle, don’t they? When your brother and I got married, we only had in gold <strong>bands</strong>. They’ve lost their shape over the <strong>years </strong>and look quite worn now
Julian, overhearing the conversation, simply offered a polite smile, choosing to remain silent<strong>.</strong>
Valerie, however, felt a pany of sympathy with Julian. She remembered all too well thevish demands Ashley’s family, from a humble background. had <strong>made </strong>for their wedding–a dowry of 40 thousand dors<strong>, </strong>none of which <strong>Ashley </strong>had brought with her to the marriage.
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 <strong>gold </strong>ring over a diamond<strong>, </strong><strong>arguing </strong>that <strong>gold </strong>held <strong>its </strong>value better and could be sold <strong>in </strong>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 <strong>working </strong>to focus on raising their child. Julian, feeling that homemakers were <strong>undervalued </strong>by society, doubled his efforts to support and pamper her, often taking on household duties after long <strong>days </strong>at work.
Years went by<strong>, </strong>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, <strong>all </strong>while managing their finances.
Valerie held no ill will toward Ashley. She simply hoped <strong>that </strong>Ashley would reciprocate his devotion and remember the importance of their family, especially for Aiden<strong>. </strong><strong>After </strong>all<strong>, </strong><strong>a </strong>happy family is the foundation of a prosperous life.
During the family gathering. Valerie tried to steer the conversation away from contentious topics. <strong>“</strong>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.
<strong>Ashley </strong>responded with a rare smile, “True, but there’s something about the sparkle of diamonds <strong>that’s </strong>just irresistible,”
Seizing the moment, Julian chimed in, I’ll work extra hard and try to <strong>get </strong>you one before Christmas,
<strong>“</strong>You better remember that promise!” Ashley teased, her satisfaction evident in her smile. Then, turning to Valerie, she <strong>asked</strong>. “Can I see your ring” I might pick <strong>a </strong>simr style.”
Valerie handed over <strong>her </strong>ring<strong>, </strong><strong>saying</strong>, “It’s nothing special, <strong>just </strong>a <strong>basic </strong>designs. You’ll <strong>find a wide </strong>range at the store
Ashley examined the ring closely, her expression suddenly shifting to a <strong>sneer</strong>. <strong>“</strong>Valerie, you don’t need to worry about what style I choose. But <strong>let’s </strong><strong>talk </strong>about you for a moment. I’m surprised you’re so vain <strong>that </strong>you’d wear a fake diamond ring!”
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