PROMOTED (MXM) ✔️

Chapter 27

HENERSON

"When are you planning to get married?"

Mayvel and I nearly choked on our wine as her mother dropped the question before the food even arrived.

Mom and Auntie waited eagerly for our response, but we didn't really know what to say. We've never really thought about it because it's not something we'd planned.

At first, we used Mayvel's plans to finish her doctorate to avoid being pressured all the time, but for some reason, these two middle-aged women were becoming impatient.

What's gotten into them?

I nudged Mayvel under the table, signaling for her to answer first, as I always do, and silently promised to support whatever she said.

"What's the hurry? I'm busy with college."

"You're already 23. You should have a child by now."

Mayvel hated hearing that the most. Her mother just couldn't understand that this girl had plans for herself.

Why won't they let her be?

"My brother had kids when he was in his 30s—"

"He's a man, Mayvel. Girls your age should focus on starting a family, not wasting time on pointless things."

I stared at Aunt in disbelief, shocked by how she pressured her only daughter.

Mayvel's eyes filled with tears, and I nearly glared at my mother's friend.

How dare she say that to her?

"If I may," I intervened, my voice cold with irritation. "Mayvel is working hard. She's a woman with big dreams, and I would hate to ruin it for her."

My mother looked at me with concern as I struggled to hide my anger.

There's no way I'd sit back and let this woman say whatever she wants.

All she cares about is making sure Mayvel marries a wealthy man. If I didn't play along, I'm sure she'd find someone else for her to marry.

How could I let that happen?

Mayvel has always been like a sister to me. I promised to help her until she finishes school and escapes her family.

But this is getting out of hand.

"Hener, please don't misunderstand. Josephine just wanted to ensure Mayvel's future—"

"She'll be fine without our unasked opinions." Aunt almost gasped at my words. "Mayvel has dreams of her own, and if we really care about her, we won't stand in her way and support her." I interrupted, grabbing Mayvel's purse from the table, preparing to leave this toxic situation.

Staying here won't do any of us any good.

I helped Mayvel out of her chair, gently holding her hand as she teetered on the edge of breaking down.

"We're already playing along with your selfish plans, so please, be more patient with us."

Their eyes widened in silent shock.

"Henerson!"

I said my goodbyes without looking back, guiding Mayvel out of the restaurant as she let her tears flow.

The drive was filled with her quiet sobs as she remembered her mother's harsh words.

How did this angel end up with a mother like that?

Since we were young, Mayvel has always been sweet, obedient and smart. It wasn't forced; that's just how she's always been. She was flawlessly playing the role of the perfect daughter.