“How dare you tell me it’s not your fault when you’re the reason she has changed her mind?”
Mom refused to believe me and held me accountable for her loss once again.
Apart from Steven, money was the next thing she cared about the most. Since she wasn’t able to get her hands on the one million, she was devastated by the loss.
“Your opinion has nothing to do with me! I’ll repeat myself for one last time! This has nothing to do with me! I won’t agree to leave even if Emma doesn’t change her mind! It’s time for you to give up!”
As infuriated as Mom might be, I was equally irked. She had placed my future at stake for her personal gain.
Is she indicating that my future is nothing as compared to a million? Has she any idea of all the sacrifices I have made over the years? After spending years to get to where I am, she’s asking me to start all over again!
“You’re such an ungrateful daughter! How dare you get full of yourself and talk back against me? Have you forgotten that I’m your mother?”
No matter how irritated I was back in the day, I would listen to her. That was the first time I made myself clear I wouldn’t give in. She was taken aback by my response.
“Mom, if you think I’m taking you for granted, so be it! Over the years, I have tried my best to fulfill your demands! Stop pushing your luck unless you’re ready to live a life without me!”
I had made up my mind to sever ties with them if she continued bringing up the absurd request. No longer could I stand them and their demands anymore.
They had never considered me a member of the family. In fact, they had brought upon nothing apart from misery in my life. Michael was right—no one, not even my parents, was in a position to mess with my life.
I won’t tolerate them any further! I have been trying my best to please them over the years! It’s about time to put an end to everything!
I had no intention to forsake them, but I thought I needed to consider my needs instead of placing others before myself. With that being said, I would no longer entertain any of their absurd requests.
Mom, who was on the other end, got increasingly infuriated. A few seconds of silence later, she yelled, “Are you trying to threaten me? Stop getting ahead of yourself just because you’re an adult!”
“Mom, I’m not! Instead, you’re the one who’s pushing your luck! I can’t believe you’re willing to ruin my future over one million! What makes you think I’ll agree to listen to you?”
I started burning with rage when I recalled Mom was about to turn my life upside down over one million. No one in their right mind, including me, would give in to their absurd demand.
“Y-You!”
“Mom, if there’s nothing else, stop calling me in the future! I’ll transfer two thousand to you on a monthly basis and nothing more! I won’t entertain any of your silly requests anymore!”
I interrupted her before she could finish her sentence. As soon as I made myself clear, I wrapped up the conversation and hung up the call.
Two thousand was more than enough to cover their expenses living in the suburbs. I wouldn’t mind giving them extra if they needed it for something else, such as visiting the doctor.
I had generated every single cent through working my ass off. It wouldn’t be ridiculous to take care of Mom and Dad, but I wouldn’t do the same for Steven. He had to stop relying on me when he was capable of making a living. I couldn’t possibly support him throughout the rest of his life.
After blurting out the things I had in mind for a long time, I wasn’t in the mood to sleep anymore.
Although I was upset things seemed to have gotten to the point of no return between Mom and me, I was glad to take it off my shoulders. I jumped out of bed and got myself dressed before heading out to make myself something to eat. After going through an entire day without having a meal, I couldn’t stand it anymore.
The moment I reached the living room, Michael showed up in the foyer.
I asked, “Where have you been?”
I guessed Michael was the one behind Emma’s sudden change of mind. Therefore, I was grateful for the things he had done behind the scenes.
If it weren’t because of him, Mom would continue forcing me into submission with everything she had under her disposal.
He answered my query with an indifferent look, “I was out with Emma.”
I knew he had resolved the issue on my behalf.
Smiling, I expressed my heartfelt gratitude. “Thanks, Michael! If it weren’t because of you, my parents wouldn’t have given up!”
“Actually, I’m not trying to do you a favor. I’m just resolving an issue of mine. I hate it when others poke their nose into my business. This is the second time Emma tries to cross the boundaries.”
Michael had warned Emma to mind her own business. However, she continued pushing her luck after another few days. Thus, Michael couldn’t stand it anymore.
Although he ensured me he had been doing it for his sake, I was glad to have him around. After all, I was the one who benefited the most.
“Actually, I’m afraid we won’t be able to keep our relationship confidential if Mom shows up at the company and make a fuss out of it.”
I was afraid she would show up at the company and stop me in person again since I had made myself clear that I wouldn’t give in no matter what.
Upon a simple glance, Michael nonchalantly replied as if it wasn’t a big deal, “Do you think the security guards are paid for standing around idly? If they’re not even able to stop your mom from making a scene, it’s time to terminate them and hire someone else for the job.”
“Have you forgotten the last time-”
I was about to tell him the time Mom managed to sneak into the company when the place was heavily guarded.
Aware of the things I had in mind, Michael asserted before I could finish my sentence, “They have been fired for not carrying out their duty. The ones I have hired won’t let anyone can’t identify themselves into the company without my consent.”
I heaved a long sigh of relief when I heard him. Otherwise, it was about time for me to leave the company should Mom show up and make a fuss.
Michael stared at me with his face scrunched up as I started losing myself in a train of thought.
He asked, “Aren’t you supposed to be getting our meal ready? Hurry up and get going!”
“O-Oh! I’ll do it at once!”
Seconds after I returned to my senses, I sprinted in the direction of the kitchen.
As it was way beyond lunch hours, I wondered why he had not had his lunch with Emma when he was out with her.
Unable to keep my curiosity to myself, I asked in anticipation of his reply, “Haven’t you eaten with Emma?”
He answered with his brows furrowed, “Huh? Do you think I’ll dine with someone who won’t stop getting on my nerves? How am I supposed to enjoy my meal when she’s around?”
