The Billionaire's Bundle of Joy

Chapter 27

JUSTIN

I didn’t immediately respond and weighed what she said. She is right. Even anyone who gets married has no guarantee that they will be together forever. It’s just a piece of paper. It depends on the two people involved how they will uphold their vows. Trust, respect, and love should be there, along with commitment. Riz and I are working on that at the moment.

“Who called you again?”

“Mom.” She was clearly annoyed, but I wanted to know who was bothering her.

“Why?” Maybe she found out that her daughter is pregnant.

“She needs help. Her husband lost his job. And then the usual, no food, no tuition for my brother, and the rent is due.”

That reminded me of my mother’s relatives who didn’t help us at all, not even by watching over me while she was at work. But when Dad married Mom and our lives improved, they suddenly became nice and started giving compliments. Not only that, they suddenly said they needed help and so on.

Mom told me that there’s nothing wrong with helping others when they’re in need. But her relatives are lazier than a water buffalo and it’s just in their nature to be idle. They know nothing but to have children and hang around the corner, gamble, and gossip, doing things every day that won’t earn them money. It’s much more rewarding to help those who are striving to improve their lives.

“That’s not your responsibility. What does your mom do?” It feels awkward for me to call her mom when I don’t even know her.

“Nothing. When I was in high school, I saved up from my allowance. I gave it to her so she could open a small store. Nothing happened because she couldn’t collect from those she lent money to. When I went to college, she asked for money more often. I did it without complaints because Dad gave me a lot of allowance. But my life now is different. I can’t just think of myself anymore because I’m going to be a mother. And I don’t want to be like her that… just, you know.” I didn’t say anything and let her think. “Am I a bad daughter if I don’t give her anything?”

“That doesn’t make you a bad person. She’s not on her deathbed, so she can’t work. I haven’t met your mother, but I don’t think she has any disabilities. And even her husband can find a new job. She doesn’t have to be picky about work as long as it’s decent and pays. Parents have a responsibility to care for their children.”

“But is it the child’s responsibility to take care of the parents?”

“No. But it’s up to the child whether they will neglect their parents. And the question is, do they really need help?” Riz remained quiet. “There’s nothing wrong with helping others. But if your help is making them dependent, you’re not helping them; you’re teaching them to rely on you when they have the means to support themselves. Instead of helping them, you’re crippling them because they can’t maximize their potential. Do you get what I mean?”

“I understand. I just… I feel guilty when I don’t give what Mom wants. You have no idea how many times I rehearsed in my head that this time, I would say no. But every time she calls, it doesn’t happen.”

Now I’m really mad at her mother. That’s guilt-tripping. How dare she manipulate her daughter like that?

“You shouldn’t feel guilty. You’ve done more than any daughter would for their family. And now it’s time to focus on yourself. Whatever money you have left, don’t give it. Say no. And if you can’t say no verbally, send her a message. Isn’t that why handwritten letters existed? Only it’s more modern now with text messages, so they’re faster to read.” Riz remained quiet.

There are things that are better said in writing so they stick in the reader’s mind. Sometimes, when conversations are verbal, it’s hard to express what you want because emotions take over. You might end up crying or hesitating to say something because you don’t want a fight.

“If you don’t want to do it for you, do it for the baby,” I added.

“I’ll try.”

“Don’t try, do it. This is also for you. I’m not trying to take the lead. Just think about it this way: the world needs you, but your baby needs you more. Who will you prioritize?”

“The baby.”

I didn’t say anything else and let her figure out the rest. It’s not easy to change what you’re used to, but her circumstances have changed, and her priorities are different now. I won’t scold her for what she wants to do because I have no right, nor does anyone else. I can suggest, but I don’t hold her decision. I just hope she makes the right choice because in the end, she will be the one to suffer.

“So tell me, this hottie CEO, what does he look like?”

Riz’s face soured. “I don’t know. I can’t remember. Ask Matet when she gets here tomorrow. She’s the one who never forgets a face.”

I didn’t give up. “Is he tall?”

“Maybe.” Riz clearly had no interest in discussing that guy.

“Does he have dark hair?” I asked her again.

“It’s dark at Club Pyre. How am I supposed to know his hair color?” she asked me with a frown.

“Okay. What was he wearing?”

“He’s a CEO, right? He’s probably wearing long sleeves. Most likely in a coat, like your office attire.”

Last question. “Is he handsome?”

“Matet said he’s a hottie. He might be handsome; I don’t know! We have different definitions of handsome, anyway.” She scratched her head and looked uncomfortable with our topic.

“And what is your definition?” I could barely breathe as I waited for her answer.

“Naturally, someone who doesn’t look like you. You’re not my type, just like your fiancée said, so I’m not your type either. Let’s just leave it at that.” She chuckled when she said the last three words.