I thought I had kept my feelings well-hidden, but Natalie was always the first to notice whenever I was in a bad mood.

“This is about your family, isn’t it? I bet you gave in again, didn’t you?”

 

Natalie was so smart that she figured it out without me saying anything. After all, my family matters were the only things capable of stressing me out.

Seeing as she had already guessed it, I decided to not keep it from her and said helplessly, “Nat, I know it’s best if I just ignore it, but… they’re my family, and I can’t bring myself to be so heartless toward them. My parents would be so upset if anything happened to Steven.”

I sometimes hated myself for being so soft-hearted as Steven probably wouldn’t have turned out like this if I stood firm back then.

 

Natalie gave me a pitiful look and grumbled, “Your parents are taking advantage of your filial piety. That’s why they always count on you to solve every little problem. Honestly, I don’t understand them at all! You’re both their children, yet they treat you and your brother so differently. Is it really just because of your genders?”

“You know how it is, Nat. Patriarchy is a very serious problem in the village, and every family there practices it. If my brother would just get himself a proper job and work hard like he’s supposed to, I wouldn’t have to work my butt off like this!” I said with a helpless sigh.

Although I had gotten used to the patriarchal ways of my parents, Steven gambling away all the money I sent them took a huge toll on me over the past few years.

 

wasn’t that bad when he first started out, so I was still able to afford them. However, his gambling addiction worsened over time, and I found

really bad for you, Anna. I really want to help you out, but… Well, you

 

sincere about lending me a hand, but Steven owed way

okay, Nat. You’ve helped me out a lot over the

was always the first to come to my aid whenever I found myself in trouble, so

but it’ll have to do for now. As for the remaining amount… Well, I’m sure we’ll figure something out!” she said while handing me a bank card

these are your savings. I can’t take

didn’t have a lot of money left for herself, and I couldn’t possibly pay her

then. Just let me know if

my decision and not force the money on

saw Yuval’s car parked outside my residential

it was over between us as it had been a few days since he last contacted me, so I was

opened the

I couldn’t help but wonder if he had come to break up with me or if

car after getting into the driver’s seat, and the atmosphere

of silence, I looked at him and asked, “Um… So, why did you come

I was in court most of the time. I’m sorry I haven’t had the time to contact you. I hope you’re not mad at me,” Yuval replied, his tone as

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