บท 29: Money Saved for Her
Alla, fearing her anxiety, hastily consoled, "Isn't this to shed some weight for your wedding?"
Maggie, furrowing her brows, admonished her, "You're rapidly thinning to a point of resembling a bamboo pole, cease this weight loss nonsense. Heed my advice, hereafter, each meal must consist of three bowls of rice!"
Vincent chuckled, "Three bowls of rice per meal? Pray, how rotund would that render our dear Alla?"
Maggie hummed, "Regardless of how plump, my Alla would still remain a sight for sore eyes."
Vincent nodded in agreement, "Indeed, indeed, your Alla is forever beautiful. Might we now proceed to the makeup trial?"
Distracted by Vincent's interjection, Maggie ceased her lecture towards Alla, and dragged her towards the dressing room.
Following their makeup trial in the bridal shop, they ventured to the hotel to rehearse the wedding's itinerary. After the busy day, Vincent took Maggie and Alla to a restaurant for a meal, and later escorted them back home.
Upon returning home, Maggie took a brief rest before commencing her packing. Having purchased a house, Maggie would move into the marital home after the wedding.
"Alla," she spoke, "once I move into the bridal house, the stewardship of this small home falls onto your shoulders. I trust you will safeguard our home."
For Maggie, this small two-bedroom flat, guarded by Alla, felt akin to her maternal home, instilling a sense of tranquillity within her.
"Understood," Alla responded, smiling as she took the clothes from Maggie, folding them neatly.
Maggie picked out a few frequently worn clothes from the wardrobe, deciding against packing the rest. Notwithstanding her marriage to Vincent, she still intended to frequently return to keep Alla company. Alla, perceiving her intentions, chose not to comment further.
After helping pack the clothes into the suitcase, Alla, with a smile, told Maggie, "I have a wedding gift for you."
Maggie smiled softly, "What gift?"
"Wait a moment."
Alla turned towards her bedroom, opened a drawer, and presented a bank card to Maggie.
"This represents a sum of money I've saved for you."
Every woman, she thought, should have some personal savings after marriage. Over the years, she'd divided her salary into several portions: one for paying back Casiano, one for Maggie, and one for daily expenses. Despite her annual salary nearing three hundred thousand, she'd managed to save almost two hundred thousand after repaying Casiano. It wasn't a large sum, but it would provide some financial security for Maggie if ever she encountered difficulties after marriage.
Seeing the bank card, Maggie was taken aback. She had assumed Alla would be left with little after repaying Casiano's million. She had been considering giving some money to Alla, never imagining Alla had saved a sum for her. It must have been the result of frugality and self-denial. No wonder Alla had become so thin; she must have endured hunger for this.
Regret filled Maggie as she caressed Alla's cheek, "Alla, you've suffered."
Alla, however, smiled softly, "I earn a substantial salary and rarely spend, so saving this amount wasn't difficult. Please, take it."
Maggie pushed away the bank card Alla extended towards her, "I cannot accept this money. I am older than you, your sister, and it is the sister who should prepare money for the younger sibling, not the other way around. It's not proper."
Knowing she wouldn't accept, Alla ceased her persuasion, and directly stuffed the card into Maggie's suitcase.
ของขวัญ
-- ได้รับของขวัญแล้ว สถานะพลังงานรายสัปดาห์
-- การจัดอันดับด้วยพลัง 
-- หินพลัง