After Getting Pregnant, My Boyfriend's True Colors Were Exposed

After I told my boyfriend I was pregnant, he brought me to his place.

I thought his mom might support me, but instead, she demanded $100,000 as a dowry. I could hardly believe it. It already felt like too much.

The next day, it got even worse. She shoved me down the stairs and as I lay there bleeding, she stood over me with a cold smirk.

“You still have the nerve to talk back?” she hissed. “Carrying a worthless girl?”

Part 1

“Lysander, I’m pregnant.”

I glanced at him, my heart racing. He stared back, clearly shocked, his emotions hard to read.

“Are you upset?” I asked quietly.

He blinked, then broke into a wide smile, pulling me into his arms.

“Upset? How could I be? I’m just caught off guard by the news!” Lysander exclaimed.

I searched his eyes and relief washed over me. The moment had been overwhelming, but now, seeing his reaction, I felt at ease.

After all, I was just as shocked when I first found out about myself.

Lysander and I had been in love since our freshman year and over the past three years, we had created so many beautiful memories.

He had brought me a little snack every day to make me smile, and on my birthdays, he had gone all out with huge surprises that always touched my heart.

Still, I kept asking myself, “Are you sure he’s the one?”

But then again, I never found the answer.

Not until recently, when I wasn’t careful about the ingredients and ate something I was allergic to.

After a while, I was swollen and struggling to breathe.

Without a second thought, Lysander scooped me up and rushed me downstairs, determined to get me to the hospital, even though he ended up breaking his leg in the process.

When I woke up and saw him by my bedside, dark circles under his eyes, I knew for sure. He was the one.

Lysander held me in silence for a bit. I couldn’t see his face, but I heard him whisper, a little excited, “I’ll take you home tomorrow.”

The next morning, we showed up early, carrying bags full of things. But as soon as I opened the door, his mother stood there with a deep frown.

She glanced at me and said, “You don’t look like someone who knows how to take care of others.”

Part 2

I frowned, about to say something, but Lysander quickly stepped in, handing over the supplements he was carrying.

“Mom, Elira bought all these for you as a sign of respect,” he said.

His mother, Ariana's expression softened at the sight of the expensive gifts. However, she still snorted and turned away without even acknowledging me.

Lysander leaned in and whispered, “Don’t mind her, she’s always like this.”

I nodded, but the discomfort lingered in my chest.

At the dining table, Ariana had stir-fried three dishes, all poorly made. The only one with a bit of meat was placed farthest from me.

“So, are you two planning to get married? What’s the dowry?” she asked.

I knew marriage talk was normal, but this was my first time visiting and I just wanted to meet the parents, not dive into dowry discussions.

Looking at Ariana's sour expression, I calmly replied, “That will have to be discussed with my parents.”

Ariana slammed her utensils down. “My son is the best student around here, you don’t…”

Before she could finish, Lysander quickly stood up, pulling her aside and flashing me an apologetic smile.

They stepped out onto the balcony, talking in hushed tones. When they returned, her attitude seemed a little better, but not by much.

As soon as I finished eating and was about to get up, Ariana barked, “Where do you think you’re going? The dishwasher doesn’t sit at the table.”

I usually help wash the dishes out of politeness, but after two hours in the car with Lysander, I felt nauseous. On top of that, the food didn’t sit well. Feeling drained, I said, “I’m not feeling well.”

“Mom, let me do it,” Lysander offered.

But Ariana stopped him. “No, a family must have rules. She’ll wash the dishes!”

I had been holding back all morning, but her attitude pushed me over the edge.

I exclaimed, “I told you, I’m not feeling well!”

“Oh, already yelling at me and you’re not even married yet? I knew you’d be difficult!” she shot back.

I stood my ground. “Have you been polite to me since I walked through the door? Respect is mutual. If you don’t respect me, why should I respect you?”

“Show off your love to whoever you want,” I added. “I’m not here to serve you!”