The Apple of My Eye
Chapter 820 Life Is Not A Bed Of Roses

Peggy paused for a few seconds, and then continued, "As for the wedding, the girl's family prefers it to be held in Y City. The venue has already been established. We met with the event planner a few days ago and asked for a budget. We will need about 200, 000 dollars. So you have to get the money ready. Oh, and yes, you need to keep 100, 000 more on reserve in case they decide to start a family right away." Without even consulting Sue on her thoughts, Peggy stated, "So it's settled then."

As soon as she finished saying that, Peggy glanced around the house and added, "You know, this house is a little small but it's enough for your brother and his wife to live in. After the baby is born, I can sleep on the couch and help them take care of their child."

Fed up, Sue began arguing, "Is that how it is, huh? You came here just for taking away my apartment! To convince me to marry the idiot! And betrothal gifts... They're all a means to your real end, aren't they?!" Peggy was not about to back down from that argument. "What's the point of holding onto these things? Just go get the money ready. We only have 15 days left till the wedding. You don't have much time." "What makes you think I will pay for his wedding?" retaliated Sue. She was slowly falling into despair thinking about the entire situation. After all, she was only another regular person living day by day. Frustrated by Peggy's ridiculous requests, she tried to get her to be rational. "Where do you want me to get all this money from? Are you trying to ruin me?

Even this apartment is given to me by my company. If you all move here, what about me? What shall I do then?"

"Easy. Go replace another place to live by yourself," Peggy answered impatiently. "You were financially on your own at an early age. You'll figure out a way, won't you? Worst-case scenario... You can borrow money from your friends. I'm sure you'll manage," she added.

Exasperated, Sue shouted, "How can you be so... ugh! Can't you see the situation you're putting me in?"

"Stop exaggerating!" Peggy commanded. She then sighed, in an effort to compose herself. She paced over to the window and, on a lower tone, asserted, "I have called Doris, your brother's girlfriend. She will come tomorrow. Make sure your house is spotless. Then go get some groceries because tomorrow you're cooking, right before you take me to the station to pick her up."

Peggy assumed a straight, confident posture as she spoke. Her chin was slightly elevated, eyebrows raised and eyes squinted, indicating no room for negotiation. She had everything arranged and didn't need Sue's consent.

As she walked into the bedroom, Allen stepped forward and asked, "Mom, how did it go? Did she agree?"

"Don't worry. She can't say 'no' to me," confirmed Peggy. She gave him a brief smile and then insisted, "Now get your stuff together. Doris is coming tomorrow and I don't want her to feel uncomfortable." Listening to their conversation, Sue turned anxious.

She wasn't sure what else to do. Reaching out to Sheryl was her first thought. She did say that Sue could ask for her help no matter what.

Sue took out her phone to call Sheryl, but right before pressing the dial button she hesitated.

After staring at the screen for a few seconds, she convinced herself not to make the call.

She still couldn't afford the 300, 000 dollars, and would never let them live in that house. So she had to replace a way to get out of that conundrum.

If Sue allowed Peggy to get what she was asking for, then she would have more demands coming later on.

It all had to end and soon.

Sue choked down her anger and decided to play along at that moment. She cleaned up the house and bought some groceries, preparing to meet Doris the following day.

A woman like her, who could charm both her mom and brother with just a few words, was definitely not someone to be underestimated.

At Roger's villa

Roger was holding his party at his villa, where various stars could be seen everywhere, including famous politicians and businessmen. Sheryl and Charles showed up a bit late.

Her entire purple dress that evening was an accent piece. It made her stand out among all the dignitaries there.

The soft velvet trail at the bottom, her back cutout, and the figure-hugging shape of the dress began turning heads as soon as she came in.

In response to all that threatening attention, Charles wrapped his arm around Sheryl's waist, pulling her closer. He wanted everyone to know that she was already taken.

Roger was making small talk and greeting everyone when he suddenly saw Sheryl by the entrance door. Awestruck, he lost his train of thought and couldn't take his eyes off of her anymore. Even Charles, who was right next to Sheryl, seemed invisible to him.

Sheryl was oblivious to all the commotion she had been causing and to Charles' jealousy. She took a glance around the villa and, upon noticing Roger, she walked over to greet him.

He was the host of the party after all, so it was only proper to greet him first.

"You look amazing today, Miss Xia," Roger remarked. That compliment came out of nowhere. Charles didn't expect it. He also wasn't too thrilled with the way Roger looked at Sheryl. But Sheryl smiled and gently diverted the topic, "Thank you. Charles actually got me this dress. I have to say, I trust his taste more than mine. He never ceases to impress me."

Charles' face brightened up at her words. He reciprocated the smile and modestly took the compliment, "It's my pleasure. Everything looks good on you, so you make it easy."

Their cheesy conversation made Roger feel awkward. They were also acting as if he were not even there. So he excused himself, "That's beautiful. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll go greet the newly arrived guests. Please enjoy the party."

Sheryl had always disliked these kinds of parties. Charles was constantly running into people he knew. So she found a corner and started munching on some fruits by herself.

"Is it really boring?" A soft, close-by voice startled her. She raised her head and, upon recognizing Roger's face, she replied, "No, I just... don't like these events very much."

"Neither do I," he mentioned. Smiling, Roger sat down beside her and explained, "I have no choice, though. Being in this industry, people expect these things from you. All these celebrities and dignitaries are also here because that's what is expected of them. Sure, they enjoy socializing to a point, but how much of that is real, I couldn't tell you."

Sheryl glanced sideways at Roger. She hadn't seen him for three years. He had changed quite a bit.

Trying to escape the silence, Roger quickly changed the subject, "You know what? Today is my birthday." He let out a deflated laugh and continued, "The brokerage company told me that I'd better hold a party to celebrate the occasion. But I know it's all for their own benefit. Look at that fat man over there. That's the director of my next play and, over there, the producer. All these are people I need to butter up and please."

Puzzled by his confession, Sheryl turned her full body to face him. She then asked, "So you're not enjoying yourself? This doesn't make you happy?"

"Happy?" he replied with a surprised tone. He looked her deeply in the eyes and began answering with a serious face, "It's impossible to be happy if you're part of this industry. The gossip and rumors that you hear within these social circles only show the tip of the iceberg. The reality is much darker. If you want to survive in this world, you have to claw your way above them."