Trading My Ex for His Uncle (Nyla) novel Chapter 1368

Michelle hung up after delivering her threat.

Stefan stood frozen, his body tense with despair.

No matter what he did, it seemed he could never truly escape the Snowdens.

If it weren't for them, he wouldn't be able to pay for his mother's treatment. Yet, they were the people he hated most. He despised them.

He also despised his mother, Lily. If she had never given birth to him, he wouldn't be trapped in this nightmare, stuck in the mud with no way out.

And yet… she was the only person who had ever shown him kindness.

That fragile thread of family—thin and fraying—still tugged at his heart, holding him back. Even though it hurt, he couldn't bring himself to sever it.

…

Valarie had just returned home when her mother called her over. She changed into her house slippers and sat beside her.

"Valarie, when are you and Brandon getting married?" Phoebe asked.

Valarie frowned. "Mom, we haven't even discussed that yet."

"You're not getting any younger." Phoebe huffed. "You rejected every guy we introduced you to, and now that you've found someone on your own, you still won't settle down? What exactly are you waiting for?"

Valarie looked down, silent.

Phoebe's frustration grew. "You always do this! Do you think ignoring the problem will make it go away?"

"No," Valarie said flatly. "But apparently, marrying someone just for the sake of it will. You just want me to marry anyone. Everything else doesn't matter."

"We just want what's best for you! Your father and I aren't getting any younger. We don't know how much longer we'll be around. Can't you at least let us see you settled before we go?" Phoebe lamented.

"So I should get married just to put your minds at ease?" Valarie shot back.

"You!" Phoebe's face flushed red with anger. "I don't care anymore. You either get married this year, or I'm done worrying about you!"