After marrying my boss (Anna) novel Chapter 293

Chapter 293 Betrothal Gift

“Thank you, Anna.”

Upon seeing that I had agreed, Steven regarded me in surprise and thanked me for the very first time.

“Anna, you and Michael are going to be married soon, and a betrothal gift is customary in our village. Have you discussed this with him?”

The atmosphere had eased. However, the attention landed on Michael and me when my mother brought up the matter of money.

According to the wedding traditions in our village, the groom had to give a betrothal gift. I didn’t want things to be so traditional between Michael and me. After all, we were together because we loved each other, and it had nothing to do with a dowry.

My brows furrowed slightly, but I didn’t respond to my mother’s question. In truth, I said nothing to Michael since I had no desire to receive one.

Naturally, he could fork out tens of thousands, considering his status. I couldn’t shake off the feeling that I’m selling myself off if I were to ask him for a betrothal gift. And I didn’t like that feeling.

My mother knew from my silence that I hadn’t said a single word to Michael about the matter. All at once, she grew chagrined.

“Don’t tell me you’ve never brought that up with him? A betrothal gift from the groom is customary in our village, so you can’t disregard the tradition.”

While saying that, her voice sounded a tad urgent, and the look in her eyes was anxious as she stared at me.

“Mom, is it important? Michael and I love each other. The wedding will proceed with or without the betrothal gift.”

Despite my mom’s determination to have her way, I just couldn’t bring myself to agree to her demand. Michael had already spent hundreds of thousands on my family, which was several times the amount of a betrothal gift.

“So, you don’t plan on making him pay, huh? You haven’t even married him, yet you’re scrimping on his behalf. Have you forgotten the hardships your father and I faced to raise you? It’s only right for Michael to show his appreciation.”

My mother was obviously irked and she wasn’t mincing her words.

Every time she spoke in such a manner, I found her unreasonable. Even now, I felt rather irritated, for I loathed how money-minded she was.

“Mom-”

“I don’t care! If you want to marry Michael, a betrothal gift is indispensable. Besides, parents from both parties should at least meet before the ceremony, no? You failed to observe the basic courtesy.”

I initially wanted to argue, but my mother gave me no opportunity to say a single word. She would cut me off unceremoniously whenever I was about to speak.

Only then did I realize her motive for calling me home that night was to talk about the wedding.

The lack of genuine concern from my own mother hit me even though I had long since grown accustomed to it.

Mom is right about one thing. Michael and I are getting married. He should meet my parents regardless of the gap in our statuses.

“How about this, Mom? I’ll arrange for Michael to meet you both in a few days when he’s not so busy with work.”