Chapter 3

I had given everything I had. Now that I truly couldn't support it anymore, I just wanted him—as a husband, a father, and a son—to take on a little of his responsibility and obligation.

How could that look like me not working hard enough and wanting to be lazy in his eyes?

I was about to speak when my in-laws' bedroom door opened.

They had clearly heard my conversation with Anthony just now. As soon as Polo opened the door, she said to me earnestly:

"Juliet, this really is your fault."

"Anthony is a famous philanthropist. Instead of being proud of him, how can you scheme for his money?"

My chest felt stuffy with frustration, but I still explained gently:

"Anthony is also part of this family. You're his parents. I just want him to consider our family a little while he's donating. How does that make me a schemer?"

"And besides, the money isn't even for me."

"Dad's heart condition requires long-term medication. That imported medicine costs over six hundred dollars a box. Your insulin has run out too. If there's no money, I can't even afford your medication."

Polo waved her hand impatiently:

"Enough, enough. We know our own bodies."

"You're using us as an excuse because you're being precious and afraid of hard work, aren't you?"

Father-in-law Anderson also snorted disdainfully:

"Exactly. I've never seen anyone as selfish as you."

"The reason Anthony became a household-name philanthropist is because he donates his entire salary without keeping a cent. If you ask him to keep some for household expenses now, aren't you just ruining his persona and reputation?"

"Anthony finally became a philanthropist everyone respects. As his wife, instead of following his example, how can you hold him back over this little bit of money?"

The three of them took turns attacking me like I was some unforgivable criminal.

Looking at them, I felt like someone had struck me over the head with a club. I instantly became clear-headed.

All these years, Anthony had been busy with donations every day. As soon as he got off work, he went to various charity galas and donation events.

Meanwhile, besides frantically working, I had to squeeze out time to take Anderson and Polo to the hospital for appointments, checkups, and prescriptions.

I often used even my company lunch breaks to take them to the hospital.

Whenever that happened, Polo would hold my hand and say:

"Juliet, Anthony only has his charitable work in his heart. This family is so lucky to have you."

"Without you, Anderson and I wouldn't know what to do."

Anderson would also look grateful:

"You've sacrificed so much for this family. If Anthony ever wrongs you in the future, tell us. We won't let him get away with it."

Even Anthony often sighed:

"Juliet, marrying such a considerate and understanding woman like you is the greatest blessing of my life."

"Don't worry, I'll treat you well in the future and make up for all your hard work these years."

They said it so sincerely, and I believed them.

So all these years, I gritted my teeth and bore all the suffering and exhaustion alone.

Because I thought they genuinely understood me, appreciated my efforts, and needed my help.

I thought once Anthony's charitable work stabilized, he would turn back to look at this family, share the burden with me, and keep his promise to never let me suffer any grievance.

But today I finally realized—I was wrong. Terribly wrong.

Those grateful words and heartfelt promises were nothing but pretty lies to deceive me from beginning to end.