In Love With My Evil Stepbrother

Chapter 43: Arranged Marriage

Oh. My. God.

I almost don’t know if I should laugh or spit in her face. But there’s one thing I’m sure of: she has absolutely no self-respect. She can reduce herself to Eason’s play toy all she wants. I’m not following her example.

Yet before I can voice out my thought, Eason speaks up before me, “Val just cut if off.”

Valerie widens her eyes in surprise, as if she didn’t expect Eason to go against her. But Eason has already risen up from his seat and walked up to her with one hand in his pocket. He takes the dress from Valerie’s hand and hands it back to mom with a faint smile, “Mrs. Ramirez, you have really a good taste. I’m sure everyone would fall for this dress. But we shouldn’t step in like this. Sorry about that.”

Mom’s face remains cold even in front of his compliment. I’m sure she’s just as offended as I

am.

“Don’t worry about it dear,” mom gives him a polite yet frosty smile. “If your girlfriend likes it, it’s totally fine she can keep it. Like I said, there are plenty of other choices for us to choose from.”

She ignores Eason’s hand and turns to me, “Nat sweetheart. Are you ready to leave?” I immediately stand up, “Yeah totally.”

I follow mom and march outside without even looking back. I didn’t change my mind about Eason simply because he stopped Valerie’s madness. He’s still an asshole. I guess he was just embarrassed by Valerie’s behavior.

When we left the store, mom lets out a long sigh, “Dear lord-what was that? That girl has absolutely no courtesy.” “Yeah…that’s Valerie.” I respond with a bitter tone. Guess Eason really likes the bitch type. “And she’s in the same school as you right? Has she ever treated you badly?” “A bit. But I don’t care much about what her.”

ignore her,” Mom gently pats my shoulder.” Because soon enough there’ll be someone else to take

whom my mom is referring to,

ago. He can date whoever he wants when he’s still young. But you guys are going to college next year,

mouth parts in shock hearing

fuck…arranged marriage? And this is already the 21st centuries? “Are you serious?” I gasp in a rather shrill voice, “A marriage partner? Is Eason aware?

OK with this?”

and I quickly hide away the panic on my face, “I- I was

Caroline Griswold is a very strong woman. If she has picked the right daughter-in-law, I’m positive that she’ll force Eason down the aisle if

ahead of Eason before he can officially take control of his own life,” mom pauses and looks at me again. “Since when do you care so much about Eason?” My lips twist with bitterness, “I don’t…just a little

to actually believe that there’s a

after graduation. Then he will marry the girl that his mother has chosen for him

have is nothing more than a short summer

get home, I go straight up to my room and lock myself in. Mom calls me for dinner once, but I simply tell her that I’m not hungry. I’ve lost all my appetite because

my voice. Then the doorknob turns, and someone just open the door open and walks

He closes the door behind him, walks over and sits down on the bed, like he’s the

me? Hello?” I sit up and

on his lips. “And you didn’t ask for

breathe in frustration. I don’t have the energy to

what