After marrying my boss (Anna) novel Chapter 132

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.

My parents would always have me pay off his gambling debts. It 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 myself no longer able to pay them anymore.

“I feel really bad for you, Anna. I really want to help you out, but… Well, you know how much a regular office worker makes, right?” Natalie said regretfully.

I knew she was sincere about lending me a hand, but Steven owed way too much money for her to be of any help.

“It’s okay, Nat. You’ve helped me out a lot over the years we’ve known each other for.”

Natalie was always the first to come to my aid whenever I found myself in trouble, so I was grateful to her even if she couldn’t do much this time.

“Here, take my card, Anna. It’s not much, 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 from her wallet.

“No, these are your savings. I can’t take this money!”

I refused her offer as I knew she didn’t have a lot of money left for herself, and I couldn’t possibly pay her back anytime soon either.