Lilian always knew how to manipulate me. Every time she gave me that pitiful look, I couldn't help but stand up for her and get her what she wanted.

But this time, I didn't want to be the one taking the hit anymore. So, I pretended not to notice and turned my head away.

When Lilian saw that I didn't respond for a long time, she looked a little flustered.

Genevieve, growing impatient without the answer she wanted, snapped, "What? Are you not satisfied with the money I suggested? It seems you don't love my son that much, after all! Let me tell you, don't get too greedy. If you're not willing, plenty of girls are eager to marry my son!"

Lilian grew anxious at Genevieve's words. After all, Ethan was tall and handsome and earned a good salary. He was one of the best prospects among the men she knew. She hurriedly explained, "No, Mrs. Winslow. What you said is right. Gigi, don't you agree?"

Perhaps because Lilian saw that I didn't give her the response she wanted, she suddenly cued me.

Seeing the hopeful look in Lilian's eyes, I smiled, "I've never been married, so I'm not sure about the money. But I think 8,800 dollars is sufficient."

A flicker of disappointment crossed Lilian's face at my words while my mother looked at me with approval.

Ethan smiled and patted Lilian's head, affectionately saying, "Don't worry, Lilian. I'll be good to you for the rest of my life."

Seeing there was no room for negotiation, Lilian could only nod in feigned understanding.

After seeing Lilian off, my mother patted my shoulder and cheerfully said, "Good job today, girl. Finally, you're on the same page as me. When Lilian asked you, I thought you'd speak up for her again!"

My father looked at me approvingly and added, "I also thought you, silly girl, would embarrass your mom in front of everyone again."

Look at that. My reputation as Lilian's mouthpiece was firmly established at home. I sighed and said, "I used to be foolish, always wanting to stand up for her. But now I realize that being the first to stick out never ends well."

My parents were very pleased with my epiphany and praised me for finally growing up. Little did they know that this so-called growing up came at the cost of my life.

I remembered how, in my previous life, after I had stood up to my mother for Lilian, my mother had been sarcastic with me for weeks, and my father had been deeply disappointed.

Yet they had praised Lilian for suggesting forgoing the money, boasting to everyone about what a good wife their son had gotten.

I angrily confronted Lilian then, asking why she had undermined me. She explained, "I was afraid your parents and Ethan would think I was after money. Besides, we've been friends for so many years. You're so good, so your family must be good too. They will surely treat me well, and as long as they do, the money doesn't matter."

I had called her foolish at the time, thinking she should value something more reliable than people's goodwill. After all, human hearts changed, but money stayed loyal. Yet, why had her expression changed today if she didn't care about money?

Thinking back, it wasn't she who was foolish but me. The incidents where she betrayed me were countless. Since she claimed to be so modest and never chased after fame or fortune, I would let her be just that this time.

Genevieve was always efficient and decisive. Given that Lilian's parents had passed away early and she was raised by her grandmother, who had little say in the wedding arrangements, it took less than a month for my family to finalize the details of Lilian and Ethan's wedding.

There was no romantic proposal like Lilian had once dreamed of, nor the elaborate venue decorations, officiant, flower girls, bridesmaids, and groomsmen she had hoped for.

It was just a simple wedding procession and a feast. I saw Lilian's displeasure when Genevieve informed her of the wedding plans. It was evident that Lilian was not happy with the forthcoming wedding.

In my previous life, besides the 188 thousand dollars, I had also helped Lilian persuade my parents to have a grand wedding, booking a star-rated hotel in advance, decorating it nicely, and hiring an officiant to give her a spectacular wedding.

My frugal mother was naturally reluctant, but couldn't say it outright in front of Lilian. That was when Lilian jumped in, saying it was unnecessary to waste money and that a simple ceremony would suffice.

This gesture earned Lilian even more favor with my parents, while I got severely scolded.

I was furious and asked her if she didn't want a romantic wedding the most.

She replied lightly, "Gigi, we're not kids anymore. Now that I'm getting married, I must understand the importance of being frugal. We need to know which expenses are necessary and which aren't."

My parents felt extremely fortunate when they saw how sensible Lilian was and insisted on giving her and Ethan a grand wedding. That wedding brought her immense pride and joy.

Faced with Genevieve's arrangements, Lilian once again gave me that familiar pleading look. I ignored her and continued to play with my phone.

Lilian had no choice but to nod and agree.

On the wedding day, Lilian's face showed no happiness but embarrassment.

I knew precisely why Lilian felt this way. Her ex-boyfriend had sent her a wedding invitation, and she had taken me to attend.

That wedding was held in a five-star hotel, and everything from the venue decorations to the ceremony exuded extreme romance. It was the kind of wedding every girl dreamed of. Lilian tore up and told me it would be even more grand and spectacular when she married, outshining her ex's wedding.

But now, her ex was sitting in some obscure corner of the room, witnessing her ordinary, lackluster wedding. The simplicity of it all had robbed her of any sense of pride or triumph.