I Rather Toil Than Love

Hearing my mother's harsh tone, David suddenly seemed to realize something and sneered, "Ha! So that's why you're being so generous, Hannah. Turns out you're just waiting for this moment? Yes, your family did help me a lot when I first came to the countryside—but that doesn't mean I owe you my whole life!"

Ben also looked displeased. "I'm grateful your family took me in and raised me, but my heart belongs to Karen. I can't betray her. Hannah is just like a little sister to me."

My mother turned red with anger, pointing at the two of them as if she might faint. "You ungrateful brats!"

Afraid they would make her fall sick, I kept my face stern and said, "I won't marry either of you. Please leave my house. Now. From today onward, I want nothing to do with all three of you!"

Not bothering to look at their reactions, I helped my mother back to her room and comforted her softly, "Mom, I really don't want to get married. I just want to live for myself now. I want to follow my teacher's advice and go to the Northwest to serve my country, not tie myself to two men who don't love me."

In my previous life, my parents ensured I received an education, but I gave it all up for David.

I had turned down my teacher's offer and stayed in this little village because he couldn't go back to the city. After our surprise wedding, I tossed aside everything I had learned and became a housewife.

And yet, none of that earned me their respect or love. Instead, my life became a joke.

My chest tightened painfully just thinking about it.

My mother stared at me for a long time, then finally sighed. "Alright, my sweet girl. Go live your life and let those two regret it later. I consider everything we spent on those two throughout the years wasted."

Soon, news spread through the village that Karen was going to marry both David and Ben.

People gossiped nonstop about them.

Some said it was shameless for a woman to have two husbands. Others claimed I must have something wrong with me—why else would my fiancé and my childhood friend both leave me?

But none of that had anything to do with me anymore.

My appointment letter for the Northwest had arrived. I would be leaving in just a few days, and gathering supplies was my top priority. Things were scarce out there, after all.

So, with the money from my parents and my own savings, I got on my old bicycle and headed to the stores alone.

With enough coupons and cash, I didn't hesitate. In the past, I had always saved everything for David, Ben, and Karen. Thinking back, I couldn't help but feel I had been incredibly foolish.

Maybe to make up for how I had let myself down in my past life, this time, I bought everything I wanted. My mood only got brighter after each time I paid.

This was the life I should have had. Suffering for men was pure stupidity.

Just as I was enjoying myself, someone grabbed my wrist, the grip painfully tight.

"Hannah, why are you following us to the store? Don't think I'll change my mind just because you keep on latching onto me! My heart belongs to Karen, and we're getting married in seven days. Nothing you do will change that," David snarled.

"David, Hannah just can't let go yet. Don't be so harsh with her, okay?" Karen chimed in.

I impatiently shook off David's hand as I watched the two of them act like I wasn't there.

Who cared when they would get married? In seven days, I would be on my way to the Northwest. Would they pay for my wasted time if I were delayed?

"Can you please move? I'm shopping here and you're disturbing me," I snapped.

David looked irritated at first when I shook off his hand. When he saw all the bags I was carrying, he suddenly seemed to get an idea and snorted, "What, are you buying all this for our wedding?"

He started eyeing my things. I could see the obvious greed and arrogance on all three of their faces.

David even reached for my things. "Well, since you've already bought it, no point wasting it. We'll just take it off your hands. But really, you shouldn't spend so much on useless stuff. Better to save the money for wedding gifts. If we want anything, we'll buy it ourselves."

"That's right, Hannah. You're still living so lavishly. Karen isn't like you at all. She's thrifty and knows how to run a household," Ben added.

I almost found it comical as I watched them put on such a show. Still, I clung tightly to my bags and refused to let go.

David got more impatient when he couldn't snatch my things away. "Let go, will you? Why are you insisting on carrying everything yourself? We can take it back ourselves."

"These are mine! I'll take them home myself," I said.

David blinked foolishly. "You're just going to bring them to us anyway, so what's the point?"

Hearing his shameless words, I forced a smile and turned to leave.

"That's fine, she probably biked here. It will be easier for her to take the things back and deliver them to us before the wedding. Saves us the trouble," David said.

"Speaking of which, Hannah is quite thoughtful. She already bought everything we need. Now, we don't have to spend extra. Since it's still early, why don't the three of us use the money to have a nice meal at the restaurant instead?" Ben suggested.

David and Karen both lit up at the idea.

Who wouldn't want to save some money for a good meal?

David waved me off. "You can go now. Take care of our things. If you lose anything, I'll hold you responsible."

With that, the three of them left without looking back, chatting and laughing.

I glanced at the things in my hands. Hearing their voices chatting and planning what to eat, I found everything to be so ridiculous.

What made them think that after everything, I would still be the same self-sacrificing pushover?

The Hannah of today just wanted to stay far, far away from them.

But since they misunderstood me, I didn't bother to explain. I hadn't said a word. Everything was their own assumptions.

If their wedding turned out shabby, they had only themselves to blame.