Chapter 31

"I'm glad to see you again."

"Me too. I miss home."

They had a nice chat and Penelope was obviously happy. Even the children had no problem talking to their cousins.

Now that I remember... Pangasinan is supposed to have a different dialect, but now they use Tagalog. Maybe because I'm living in another world, our country has only one language.

"Looks like you're having a happy life. I'm happy for you."

"Thanks, brother."

I was happy to see them talking to their relatives. At least they had a strong bond, unlike me. I had already made up my mind and cut all ties with my family. I didn't have any news about them.

It was good that they had a big dining room and everyone could eat.

I see three generations of the family having a party. That is quite honorable. They haven't forgotten their roots. Well, considering that everyone was going to get a lump of money tomorrow, they made sure to attend this dinner.

I can't judge them. After all, that was the reason we were here. Because we needed money.

Everybody needs money.

Living in this world required money. It was impossible to maintain a decent lifestyle without money. For our family's future, we need money.

"Tch. They act like everything is happy. Plastic people."

Unfortunately, I heard a tongue click. I looked around and found Señorita mumbling.

She was sitting in the corner next to her husband.

I can't see her son. I hope she hasn't done anything bad to him.

The two were quiet, eating their dinner. They didn't talk to anyone, as if they were keeping their presence low.

However, it was obvious that Señorita's expression was ugly. She grumbled and rolled her eyes as she listened to their conversation.

"We are doing well. My husband works as a taxi driver. But as soon as we get the money, we are thinking of starting a business."

They tackled the issue of 'money' and Penelope replied. I already resigned, so our intention to start a business was firm.

-- Slam!

"Punyeta!"

Señorita cursed so loudly that everyone stopped talking. They looked at Señorita in confusion.

The woman slammed her hands down on the table. Fortunately, almost everyone had finished eating.

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"Hick--!"

Sophia, who was in her mother's arms, hiccupped. Tears began to form around her eyes.

"Wwuuuuu... Mommy... Auntie is ugwy."

She was shocked and hurt. She began to cry against her mother's shoulder.

My fists were shaking. She made my daughter cry... But I decided to control my emotions.

I approached my wife and stood beside her. This could be a conflict between sisters, and I'm an outsider.

But my position was clear. I'm on my wife's side.

"Mommy..."

"Hush, sweetheart. Mommy's here."

Penelope had a complicated look on her face as she comforted Sophia.

Then she looked at Señorita.

"Sister, if you have something to say, you can say it. You don't have to act like everyone owes you money!"

I knew my wife very well. She would fight anyone to protect our children.

"What did you say?"

Señorita stood up angrily.

"H- Hey, I think you need to calm down."

"Yes. Let's settle this peacefully."

The other siblings tried to mend their relationship. Unfortunately, the two women were stubborn.

"Hah! What an arrogant woman! You eloped and came back with a child, and then you acted as if nothing had happened!"

"I didn't do that. You know what happened. I apologized to our parents and they forgave me. I even talked to our brothers and sisters, and they forgave me as well. But you... Why do you hate me so much?"

Penelope began to cry. She didn't have it any better. She knew her mistakes and wanted to make up for them. That's why she contacted her parents every week.

She even talked to me about sending some of our money to her parents every three months. To be honest, I was reluctant at the time, but in the end I decided to agree. We had enough money to live on.

"I'm not a successful person, but I want to show our parents that I love them, so..."

"That's the problem! You are not successful!"

"Sister!"

"Señorita! Shut up!"

My father-in-law and Simeon tried to stop Señorita, but it was too late. She had already reached her last fuse.

"I won't! Do you remember what you told us? That you would make our family rich! That you would take us out of poverty! Well, look what happened to you. You have become nothing but a housewife dependent on your husband! What about our dream?"

Señorita let out all her frustration.

Now I understand why she was angry. It was a fucked up reason that made my stomach turn!

I looked around and noticed that some of Penelope's siblings were looking away.

Do they feel the same way? They put a heavy responsibility on my wife and expected everything to work out. What the hell is that? They want to rely on my wife to get out of poverty?

"Of all of us, you're the only one who can go to college because you're smart. But you disappointed us. Now we are poor because of you! And now you're asking for money? You have a thick skin!"

"Señorita!"

"Sister, why do you blame Penelope? Don't blame her for being poor. You didn't study hard and you didn't finish elementary school because you don't want to go to school! You didn't go to college because you can't read and write! You're the one responsible for your life!"

Simeon stood between them and argued back.

"You're just like me! You didn't finish elementary school either!"

"That's right! But I never blame Penelope because I know she didn't do anything wrong. I'm responsible for my own choices. I'm an adult."

"Hah!"

Señorita scoffed and turned around. It seemed that no reason would convince her.

That bitch! She wants to leech off her sibling and then blame Penelope for being poor!

Her reason was too petty. She held a grudge against Penelope because Penelope failed in college and didn't help her.

You didn't even help Penelope back then. Her tuition and pocket money came from her own pocket. Only her parents helped her. You don't have the right to blame her. If you want to be rich, work your ass off!

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