Chapter: 122

“There's no need. You're staying with me! And if you really want to pay rent, you can pay me!"

When the conversation turned to money, Bethany pulled a stack of cash from her purse. She had withdrawn it from the bank earlier that afternoon. Now, she handed it across the table to Jayson. "Thank you for all your help. I'm not sure if this covers the cost of those gifts for my mother. If it's not enough, I'll pay you the rest next month."

Aimee saw the exchange and shot Jayson a sharp look. “Jayson, that's not fair. How can you let Bethany pay for the gifts?"

Jayson appeared to be taken aback. “Bethany, what are you doing? Those gifts were meant for your mother."

"I already owe you enough. I can't let you incur expenses on my behalf as well." Bethany placed the money on the table and turned to Aimee. “Aimee, if you really consider me a friend, have your cousin accept this money. Otherwise, I won't be able to continue our friendship without feeling uncomfortable."

Jayson hesitated to accept the money, but Aimee quickly grabbed it and pushed it into his arms.

"Okay. My cousin has accepted it!"

"What?" Jayson was taken aback.

With a smile, Bethany stood up and said, “I need to use the restroom.”

Once Bethany had left, Jayson stared at the money and frowned. "I shouldn't have accepted this."

"You don't understand Bethany! She's always on edge. She hates being in debt to anyone. If you want a future with her, you'll need to be patient." Aimee felt somewhat powerless about changing Bethany's approach.

Having known Bethany for years, Aimee recognized that Bethany was deeply insecure, though she often masked it with a show of strength.

"She's short on money. Her mother's treatment is costly. Does she really need to repay every cent?" Jayson realized that Bethany was not the kind of woman he had previously envisioned.

She seemed to be isolating herself from deeper connections.

It appeared that she was scared of getting too emotionally involved with someone.

“Anyway, just keep the money. Is it enough?"

“It's enough. I didn't spend much." Jayson pulled out a few bills.

"Give her the rest back."

"Alright."

In the restroom, Bethany splashed water on her face to clear her mind.

Perhaps because she hadn't slept the previous night, she felt dizzy, as if she might faint at any moment.

Staring at her swollen and bruised face in the mirror, Bethany clenched her fists. Suddenly, she pulled out her phone and dialed Jonathan.

She told herself she just wanted to discuss the end of their marriage.

That was all!