Chapter 14: Disgust

Anna had just returned home from school when she saw a black Maybach driving away. She couldn't see who was inside, but the sight of such a luxury car piqued her curiosity. She walked into the living room to find her father, John, and her mother, Mary, sitting on the couch. There were three teacups on the coffee table, indicating a recent visit.

John looked at Anna, hesitated, and then sighed. Anna frowned and asked, "Dad, Mom, what's going on? Who was here?"

Mary sighed deeply and replied, "The Gu family came to visit. The old master's health is failing, and he wishes to see the wedding happen soon. This marriage was arranged when your grandfather and the old master were young. They were close friends and war buddies, and they wanted to unite our families."

Anna's face showed a look of distress upon hearing this. She knew the rumors about the Gu family's son being disabled and unattractive. She had no desire to marry into that family.

Mary, understanding Anna's thoughts, said, "We can discuss this. Anna, you are preparing for your piano exams and are very busy. I think Kit is a suitable candidate. Her grades aren't great, and marrying into a wealthy family would allow her to live a comfortable life."

John, feeling for his daughter, agreed with Mary. Though the Gu family was wealthy, Anna was outstanding and deserved a better match. He pondered for a moment and said, "You're their mother, you know them best. Do what you think is right."

John's attitude clearly showed that he approved of Kit marrying into the Gu family. Mary nodded, having made up her mind.

Mary was Kit's biological mother, and Anna's stepmother. Kit had been abandoned by her mother at a young age, enduring hardships alone, which made her feelings toward Mary complex. When Mary approached Kit about the matter, Kit's eyes turned cold, and a faint smile of derision appeared on her lips.

"Kit, I have something to discuss with you," Mary said softly, trying to appear gentle.

Kit glanced at her, her tone icy, "Just say it."

Mary sighed, putting on a troubled expression, "The old master of the Gu family wants the wedding to happen soon. But Anna is preparing for her cello exam and is really busy. Your father and I discussed it and thought you'd be a good fit. Marrying into the Gu family will give you a comfortable life."

Kit laughed coldly, "You've really thought this through. You abandoned me for wealth when I was a child, and now you want me to marry in place of your precious daughter to enjoy this so-called comfort? I'm really touched by your concern."

Mary's face changed slightly, trying to explain, "Kit, I'm doing this for your own good. The Gu family's conditions are excellent; you'll be very happy there."

Kit's smile deepened with sarcasm, "For my own good? How can you even say that? You abandoned me to marry into the Zhu family for a life of luxury. Now you want me to replace your stepdaughter and marry a disabled person, all for your own face and benefit. You're really something."

Mary's expression turned hurt, trying to reach out to Kit, "Kit, I know you hold a grudge, but this is a great opportunity. You could—"

Kit shook off her hand, her eyes full of disdain, "Don't touch me. You play the victim so well. Now you suddenly remember me and claim it's for my good? I won't marry into the Gu family for Anna, nor will I be used by you anymore."

Kit had mentally prepared herself for this confrontation but still felt nauseous facing Mary's actions. Mary usually cared for Anna attentively, remembering her every preference, while showing no concern for Kit. She didn't even know Kit's dietary restrictions. Now, Mary suddenly remembered her, pretending it was for her benefit, arguing that her poor grades meant she should marry into wealth.

Kit took a deep breath, trying to control her anger. She coldly stared at Mary and said, "You really know how to console yourself, Mary. You care for Anna meticulously, but you don't even know what I can't eat. Now you think of me, claiming it's for my good. How ironic."

Mary's face showed embarrassment, trying to justify herself, "Kit, I'm thinking about your future. Your grades aren't great. Instead of struggling at the bottom, you could marry into a wealthy family and live comfortably."

Kit laughed again, "Thinking about my future? You're really something. You abandoned me for wealth and now want me to marry someone you deem unfit for Anna, all for your own gain. You make me sick."

Mary, hit where it hurt, turned pale but forced herself to remain calm, continuing, "Kit, it's already decided. The Gu family agreed. Don't be stubborn."

Kit stared at her, eyes filled with determination and disdain, "I said, I won't marry into the Gu family for Anna. No matter how well you plan, it won't work."

Mary, unable to argue, watched Kit leave the room, filled with selfish plans and future worries. She thought about how to persuade or force Kit to comply, continuing to pave the way for her own schemes.