Rather stay single forever

Chapter 5 Rather Stay Single Forever

Bella's POV:

When I got home, Mom was glaring at me like steam might shoot out of her eyes, and my sister, Alice Shane, looked worried.

"Bella! Marcus just called! Not only were you late, but your attitude was awful as well! What's wrong with you? I went through so much to pull some strings and find you such a rich match!" Mom's voice was full of disbelief and blame.

I sighed tiredly and gave her a quick rundown of what happened at the café-how I ended up at the wrong table and how Marcus had splashed water on me, humiliating me.

"What? He actually splashed water on you?" Alice jumped up, her face red with anger. "That's ridiculous! Let's go confront him!"

"Forget it," I said, pulling her back down. "People like him aren't worth the trouble. It's better if we never see him again."

"No way!" Mom's voice sounded firm, way more than usual. "Bella, you're already 28! The Smiths are wealthy. Marcus's dad's an exec, and his mom's a socialite. You won't get another chance like this. You must have messed up somehow. We have to go apologize in person and fix this!"

"Mom!" I couldn't believe what I was hearing. "He insulted me and splashed water on my face, and you want me to apologize?"

"So what? Women have to put up with stuff like this Marriage matters more!" Mom said, leaving no room for argument. "I already got their address. We're going now."

Seeing how stubborn Mom was and Alice looking helpless, 1 gave in. I knew Mom meant well, but her way was hard to accept. Maybe she thought she had to marry me off to a rich man to secure my happiness-even if it meant ignoring my feelings and dignity.

The three of us went to the Smiths' house. It was a villa on the town's edge, which definitely showed off their wealth.

The door opened to Marcus's mom, Victoria Smith-a middle-aged woman with perfect makeup and a sharp. judging look. She didn't seem warm at all, more like she was looking down on us.

"Oh, Dr. Shane's family? Please come in." Her voice was cold, with a hidden sneer.

Marcus sat on the couch with a smug smile, like he was proud. His dad, Vance Smith, was nearby, casually reading a newspaper and acting like we didn't matter.

"Mrs. Smith," Mom said with a forced smile, quickly explaining. "Bella was a bit immature. She was late for the meeting and upset Marcus. We came to apologize."

Only then did Victoria slowly put down her teacup and look at me. "I heard Ms. Shane is a doctor An andrologist." She dragged the last word, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "A woman in such a public role isn't exactly respectable. If you marry into our family, it'd be best to quit that job."

I felt my anger rising, but I held back. Who were they to judge my career? Vance finally lowered his paper and said slowly. "And since this is about marriage, there are conditions. Bella's income is small, but Marcus is in his prime and has many social expenses. After marriage, it's best that Bella's salary is managed by us. That way, she'll be contributing to the family."

"What?!" Alice couldn't hold back either. "What do you mean? Why should Bella's money be managed by you?"

Victoria said with a graceful smile, "You don't get it, young lady. Once married, a woman naturally focuses on her husband's family. Besides, Marcus is exceptional, and Bella marrying into our family is her blessing. She should give back a little."

Marcus added with a smug tone, "Bella, don't be offended. But your family doesn't even have a car or a house. Living with us will upgrade your life big time. Your salary might seem small to us, but handing it over shows goodwill."

I was shaking with anger. This wasn't about marriage; it was about treating me like property to be used!

I said coldly, "Sorry! I think we're done here! My career is nobody's business but mine. I control my own money. And if marriage is based on this kind of deal, I'd rather stay single forever!"

"Look at that attitude!" Victoria's expression darkened. "If you're already acting like this now, what will you be like later?"

"Mom! Stop wasting time on these people!" Marcus stood, sneering at me. "They show no respect at all! Women like you don't deserve to get married, Bellal

"Let's go!" I grabbed Mom and Alice, desperate to leave this disgusting place fast.

As we turned to leave, loud engines roared outside. Several black SUVs, big and fancy, pulled up in front of the villa.

Doors opened, and a group of tough-looking bodyguards escorted an older woman out.

It was the same old lady I helped earlier that morning!