Chapter 4: Awkward Comments

The aroma of roasted lamb filled Valeria’s parents’ house as the lively laughter and chatter of her family echoed throughout the living room. Valeria, impeccably dressed in a designer ensemble and heels that perfectly complemented her figure, entered with her characteristic air of confidence. It was her younger sister Lucía’s engagement celebration, and although their relationship was merely cordial, Valeria couldn’t help but feel the weight of family expectations whenever she attended these gatherings.

Lucía greeted her with a radiant smile and a tight hug.

“Valeria! You made it. I thought you might change your mind at the last minute.”

Valeria smiled, a bit tense.

“I wouldn’t miss your big day, Lucía.”

Deep down, she already knew what awaited her. Family gatherings were always a rollercoaster of passive-aggressive comments and unsolicited opinions about her life. But this time, she was determined not to let anything or anyone affect her.

Valeria took her seat next to a couple of her aunts while Lucía and her fiancé were the center of attention. Not even a minute had passed before the first veiled jab landed.

“Well, look who decided to show up! The rich one who doesn’t need anyone,” Aunt Clara said, her tone aiming for humor but barely concealing a hint of resentment.

Valeria, accustomed to such remarks, raised an eyebrow and smiled.

“That’s right, Aunt Clara. Glad you remember.”

Valeria’s cousins giggled quietly, exchanging knowing glances.

“Well, not all of us can afford the luxury of being single and traveling the world, right?” added Marta, one of her cousins, gesturing toward her husband, who was engrossed in his phone, utterly uninterested in everything around him.

“True, not everyone is that lucky,” Valeria replied, pretending not to notice the mockery in her cousin’s tone.

The situation worsened when her mother, trying to ease the tension, approached Valeria and commented nostalgically:

“Do you remember how stunning you looked in your wedding dress, sweetie? You were so beautiful that day. That dress was like a dream.”

The atmosphere in the room grew heavy. Valeria felt a knot tighten in her stomach. The stifled giggles and sympathetic glances exchanged among her aunts and cousins brought back memories of that day with the force of an unexpected blow.

Before she could respond, another aunt, Mariana, chimed in:

“It’s true, Valeria; you were gorgeous. Such a shame things didn’t turn out the way you hoped. But, well, it’s been a while now, hasn’t it? Time to leave the past behind and focus on the present.”

“Yes,” added Clara with a fake smile, “you wouldn’t want to end up a bitter spinster, would you?”

The words echoed in Valeria’s mind. Bitter spinster. A comment laden with judgment, summing up all her family’s expectations and criticisms about her life.

Valeria shifted in her chair, crossing her legs elegantly. She took a sip of wine before responding, trying to remain calm.

“It’s funny how everyone always has something to say about my life, isn’t it? But how many of you can honestly say you’re happy with the lives you have?”

The room fell silent. Her mother tried to intervene.

“Sweetie, that’s not what we mean. We’re just worried you’ll be alone forever…”

“Alone?” Valeria interrupted with a sarcastic laugh. “Mom, I’m not alone. I’m surrounded by friends, I have an amazing career, and I’m living the life I’ve always dreamed of.”

“But, Valeria,” insisted Clara, “life isn’t just about money and travel. Someday you’ll want kids, someone to care for you when you’re older.”

Valeria stood, her heels clicking against the floor as she moved to the center of the room.

“And what’s wrong with not wanting what you all think I should want? Is that so hard to understand?”

The tension was palpable. Her sister Lucía tried to diffuse the situation.

“Valeria, I think we all just want what’s best for you. Don’t be so defensive, sis.”

“Defensive?” Valeria retorted with a bitter smile. “No, Lucía, what I want is for everyone to understand something once and for all: I’m rich, free, and single by choice. Not because I can’t find a man or because I’m incapable of it.”

Then, Valeria turned to Clara, whose discomfort was now obvious.

“Aunt Clara, you have a drunk husband who has never worked a day in his life and kids who only know how to ask for the little inheritance you have left. Do you think your life is better than mine?”

Clara’s face turned red with indignation.

“Valeria, that’s very…”

“Cruel?” Valeria interrupted, raising an eyebrow. “No more cruel than insinuating that I’m bitter just because I haven’t gotten married.”

She then looked at Marta, her cousin.

“And you, Marta, always flaunting your ‘perfect life.’ How many times have I seen you crying because your husband ignores you and your kids don’t even respect you?”

Marta avoided her gaze, visibly affected.

Finally, Valeria took a deep breath and addressed the entire room:

“I’d rather be single, gorgeous, and living life on my own terms than end up bitter and defeated like all of you.”

The silence that followed was absolute. No one dared to respond. Awkward glances of discomfort and shame were exchanged throughout the room. Valeria grabbed her bag, put on her coat, and headed for the door.

Before leaving, she turned to her mother, who looked at her with evident sadness.

“I don’t need you to agree with me, Mom. But I do need you to respect me.”

And with that, she left the house, leaving everyone behind, speechless.

On her way home, Valeria felt a mix of emotions: anger, relief, and a tinge of sadness. She knew her reaction had been strong, but she also knew it was necessary. For years, she had allowed her family to judge her without truly standing up for herself. But that day, she had drawn a line.

When she arrived at her apartment, she took off her heels and poured herself a glass of wine. Looking out at the city from her window, she reflected on what had happened.

“Maybe I was too harsh,” she said aloud, “but I can’t keep letting them belittle me.”

She took a sip of wine and smiled to herself. It was a reminder that no matter what others thought, her life was hers, and she was determined to live it fully, on her own terms.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***