"Jamie, what... What are you saying?" Rosalie suddenly panicked. "We're best friends. How could I—"
I casually interrupted her, "Good things should be shared among friends. Haven't you always said that you want to find a man who's ambitious, filial, and kind to you? Matthew perfectly meets all your requirements."
"But... But he's your blind date!"
"I've rejected him." I watched the people coming and going on the street, feeling that the whole world had brightened up.
"So, he's free now. You have Miriam's phone number, right? Hurry up, or you'll miss out on such a great opportunity." After saying that, I hung up without waiting for her reaction.
I could imagine how shocked and secretly delighted Rosalie would be on the other end of the line.
In my past life, she spoke highly of Matthew countless times in front of me, urging me to settle down quickly. However, she had just wanted me to clear the obstacles ahead for her first. After I helped build Matthew's success, she swooped in and reaped the benefits.
I would grant her wish in this life. I wanted to see how Rosalie would live the good life she desired with her beloved bachelor without my family background and savings as start-up capital and without my connections and sacrifices paving the way for him.
Back home, my mother was sitting on the couch waiting for me. Seeing me return, she immediately asked, "How was it? Was Mr. Zackman alright?"
My father also peeked out from his study.
My parents were ordinary workers with a traditional mindset. They always believed that a stable family mattered the most for a woman. In my past life, they were satisfied with a cultured son-in-law like Matthew.
I sat down beside them and calmly said, "Dad, Mom, I don't like him."
"Huh?" My mother looked disappointed.
"Why? Ms. Winston said he..."
"He said his mother is in poor health and takes medication year-round. He also has a younger brother in university, and the family relies entirely on his salary."
I ripped apart Matthew's filial and responsible facade, revealing the stark reality.
My mother's expression changed. "Well… is the burden that heavy?"
I nodded. "Yeah. Besides, I don't want to get married so early. Dad, Mom, I want to pick up my paintbrush again. I want to apply for a postgraduate program at an art academy."
It was a dream I had kept hidden in my heart for 20 years.
In my past life, I gave up my guaranteed postgraduate admission for Matthew.
He had vowed, "Jamie, once my career is stable, I'll definitely support your further studies."
However, when he became a professor, he told me, "You're almost 40. What's the point of all this fuss? Isn't it better to stay home?"
My dad listened to me, remained silent for a long time, and finally nodded. "Okay, go for it if you want. Don't worry about things at home." He had always been more open-minded than my mom.
My eyes welled up with tears as I nodded heavily.
…
The next day, I was looking for postgraduate entrance exam materials in a bookstore when Matthew suddenly appeared and blocked my way. "Ms. Linsworth, I know I'm being presumptuous, but I still want to try again."
I closed my book and looked at him. "Mr. Zackman, I've made myself very clear."
"I know." He smiled bitterly, his voice carrying a hint of pleading. "My mother found out yesterday that you disapproved of me, and she didn't sleep at all. She fell ill this morning."
I sneered inwardly.
In my past life, I was too soft-hearted and went to visit his mother after she fell ill. As a result, I was surrounded and guilt-tripped by his family. I ultimately agreed to the marriage against my will.
I looked him straight in the eye and uttered, "Mr. Zackman, your mother is sick. She should be taken to the hospital to see a doctor. You shouldn't come to me, a stranger you've only just met. I'm not a doctor; I can't cure her."
