The first time I visited my boyfriend's house, I came prepared with generous gifts to make a good impression.
What I didn’t expect was to walk straight into a funeral.
As soon as I stepped through the door, Ivan's mother shoved a set of mourning clothes into my arms.
“The old man passed away last night,” she said matter-of-factly. “You’ll kneel here for the next three days to keep vigil. Consider it doing your part as a filial future daughter-in-law.”
Before I could even react, she stuffed a bill into my hand.
“The funeral costs totaled three hundred thousand dollars. We’re not unreasonable people—just pay two hundred thousand, and we’ll call it even.”
Stunned, I stared at her. “Auntie, Ivan and I are just dating. This isn’t something I should be responsible for.”
Her eyes narrowed, and she spat sharply, “What do you mean shouldn’t? My son is a high-level executive with a bright future—you should feel lucky he even chose you.”
“If you won’t show some basic respect and filial piety now, how do you expect to serve us after marriage?”
“I’m telling you, if you want to marry into this family, this is the bare minimum.”
I was speechless.
Your son works for me. That ‘executive position’ was something I promoted him into.
Where did you get the confidence to talk to me like this?
——
Considering she was Ivan's mother, for his sake, I swallowed my irritation.
“Auntie,” I said as calmly as I could, “I haven’t even officially joined your family. I won’t wear these mourning clothes, and I won’t kneel. As for the two hundred thousand? That has absolutely nothing to do with me.”
Her face immediately darkened. “You think this has nothing to do with you? The old man died last night—right before your visit. Maybe you’re the one who cursed him!”
“You should be grateful I’m not asking you to pay the full three hundred thousand!”
I actually laughed out of disbelief. How was this being pinned on me?
The commotion drew the attention of the relatives in the mourning hall.
They gathered around, pointing fingers and whispering.
“Who is this woman? So arrogant.”
“No respect for the dead. Where are her manners?”
“Why would Ivan bring home someone like that?”
I turned to Ivan, expecting him to defend me. After all, I was his girlfriend, and this was his family.
Sure enough, he walked over and stood in front of me protectively.
“Everyone calm down,” he said. “This is Ashley’s first visit—she’s not familiar with our customs. I’ll explain things to her.”
Then he pulled me into a corner.
I glared at him. “What did you mean just now?”
He held my hand and whispered, “Ashley, Grandpa just passed. My mom’s not in a good place emotionally. Just do what she asks—for my sake, please?”
I stared at him in disbelief. “Ivan, say that again?”
His face clouded with frustration.
“Just kneel, alright? You’re my girlfriend—you should understand how our family works.”
“And come on, you’re not short on money. Your company’s doing great. What’s two hundred thousand to you? Give it to my mom so she can save face in front of the relatives.”
So in his eyes, I was nothing more than a convenient ATM.
I let out a cold laugh and intoned coldly, “No. I refuse.”
His expression immediately turned gloomy. “Ashley, don’t be so ungrateful. Just do what I said.”
Looking at the man in front of me, I felt a wave of disappointment. I didn’t want to stay another second.
“Ungrateful?” I sneered. “Then go find someone who isn't.”
As I turned to leave, his mother’s eyes darted—then she lunged forward and snatched my bag.
“You don’t want to give money? I’ll get it myself!”
She rummaged through my belongings and pulled out my wallet. Her eyes lit up.
“Well, well! So much cash—and bank cards too!”
“What’s the PIN? Spit it out!”
Furious, I was thundered, “What gives you the right to go through my things?!”
She smirked proudly. “I’m your future mother-in-law. I have every right to go through your stuff!”
