After the Split-up, I Spurned His Third Try

The engagement party was at a hotel my family booked. Erasmo said it was their custom for the bride's family to handle it. The wedding would be the groom's family's responsibility.

At the party, my relatives barely filled one table.

Erasmo's family took up eight.

"Hmph, my daughter-in-law does all the housework. I scold her if she messes up. Emma, you're too soft," said the woman who'd checked my pulse before.

She was talking to Emma but eyeing me.

She was trying to put me in my place.

I thought, "If you're laying down rules, don't blame me for breaking them."

"Your daughter-in-law must be miserable. A young widow bullied by a nasty mother-in-law," I said, ignoring her fiery glare.

Then I turned to Emma.

I said, "Emma, don't be like that. We shouldn't be so cruel."

Another of their relatives tried to cause me trouble.

He said, "Emma's worked hard for years. Raising a son isn't easy. You should serve them well and do all the chores."

I glanced at the speaker, probably Erasmo's uncle.

My eyes swept over their relatives.

I said flatly, "Oh? Because raising a son is hard, the daughter-in-law should repay? What kind of logic is that?

"Maybe customs differ. Where I'm from, we call that a maid.

"Marriage isn't about hiring help. Housework isn't just for women."

I turned to Erasmo.

I said seriously, "If this is your family's attitude, maybe we shouldn't get engaged."

Erasmo tugged at my sleeve.

He whispered, "Madeline, don't take it to heart. They're country folk with old-fashioned ideas. Don't stoop to their level."

I'd put up with his family for our seven-year relationship. But my patience only made them more arrogant.