The Marriage That Never Was (Leonard and Lisa )
Chapter 78

Chapter 78

“I’m feeling much better now,” Celine said as she set the table. A strand of hair was hanging down her face, which looked haggard from the fight.

Lisa noticed that Celine had lost weight since summer vacation and seemed to be in a difficult me ntal state.

“So tell me what’s going on. When did you return to Queenston? You’re even working part-time as a delivery person telling me,” Lisa said.

without

“Although delivering food is hard work, it pays better,” Celine replied, looking exhausted. “I don’t have enough money for next semester’s fees,”

Lisa sat up in shock. “Didn’t you save 1,500 dollars from working the first half of the year? You also got a scholarship for a grand. You don’t spend much on food and other expenses, either. Was it still not enough to cover tuition?”

Celine shook her head, her eyes filled with despair. “When I went home, my brother stole all the money I saved and used it for games.”

“He used 2,500 dollars for games?” Lisa gasped.

Celine forced a bitter smile.

Lisa was furious. “If I were you, I’d beat him to death for using your hard-earned tuition money.”

“I got angry and slapped him, but that got me in trouble with my parents. My mom even hit me, saying he’s my younger brother and should be able to spend my money since the family has fed me.

“Apparently, he’s doing well in gaming and making some pocket money. She said he could be a professional e-sports player someday and achieve more success than I ever will.”

“Bullsh*t!” Lisa cursed. “There are plenty of gamers around, but only a small fraction become successful. Anyone can make the small amount he does gaming.”

Celine wiped her tears away and looked helplessly at the ceiling. “My brother is the only one who matters to them. They’ll think he’s amazing even if he earns 20 dollars.

“In my short breaks, I usually bring some things home, but they think it’s too small and cheap. I’m a burden to them. Even though my brother spent my tuition on games, they never said they’d pay me back.

“They asked me why I study so much when women are supposed to get married off. They want me to replace a job sooner to help my brother save for a house.”

Lisa felt heartbroken. She knew about Celine’s family background, with parents from a small town with high patriarchal values. She would not have gone to college if not for her excellent grades and part-time earnings.

Lisa and Celine became close friends during their part-time jobs, bonding over their unfortunate childhoods. However, Lisa was much luckier than Celine. At least she had a mother who loved her, no matter how impoverished they were.

On the other hand, Celine’s father worked at a steel factory in a small town, earning around 1,500 dollars per month, which was reasonable where they lived. However, her parents let her brother squander their money while refusing to give Celine a

penny.

Celine had been helping with housework and caring for her younger siblings since she could walk. On the other hand, Lisa had to endure her parents’ violent fights throughout her childhood before finally replaceing peace in their divorce.

“Why didn’t you tell me about such a big issue?” Lisa said seriously, “We’re good friends, and you can come to me for help. I can lend you money if you don’t have enough for the fees. I got some from Sebastian, and I don’t need the money right now.”

“I wanted to try to earn the money myself.” Celine forced another smile. “I’ve earned more than five hundred dollars. It’s just that after last night’s incident, the company probably won’t pay me anymore. I’m almost there. I just need a little more.”

“Don’t worry about it. I’ll lend it to you.” Lisa said, embracing Celine’s shoulders.

Chapter 78

Celine smiled, her eyes tearful. “Thank you. I’ll pay you back.”

Lisa comforted her and replied, “Don’t say that. We’re good friends, and I believe your current difficulties are temporary. One day, you’ll shine with your brilliance.”

Celine turned to Lisa and said, “Yesterday, as I climbed to the 50th floor, they kept calling and yelling at me on the phone until I almost cried. Why was there such a big difference between me and them?

“I work hard to earn money and change my fate, so why must I endure their mockery? Am I dirty? I don’t think I’m dirty at all.