Kate felt like an outcast in her household, where her mother and sister got all the attention. After her father’s death, her life altered dramatically. Kate’s husband betrayed her with her sister for an inheritance, then begged her to take him back, shocked by the new circumstances.
I always felt unneeded in my family, and as I got older, I was more sure of it. My mother constantly prioritized Angela, my younger sister.
Angela was always described as gorgeous, smart, and great. She was the perfect golden child. I was only a shadow there.
My father, George, was my only support, but my mother always had the upper hand.
My mother refused to pay for my college education since I was “stupid” (despite though I had mostly A’s and a few B’s).
She made me feel useless with her statements. I had to work but lived with my parents. I worked hard to figure out my future while working a difficult job.
After high school, my parents sent Angela to a private college. I broke down when I heard this, not understanding why we were treated differently.
“You caused this. I always outperformed you. Angela advised studying more if you wanted to attend college.
Despite her poor marks, I knew our parents would have sent her to college. It was their bias, not our accomplishments.
My mom frankly added, “I want you to pay for Angela’s tuition too.” “You work and are her older sister, so it’s your duty. Additionally, you never bought groceries or offered us money.”
That night, I cried for hours. I was heartbroken. Fearful and unhappy, my father entered my room. Sitting on my bed, he gently grasped my hand.
I’m sorry. I tried to persuade your mother that this is unfair, but she’s stubborn, he replied softly.
That’s when I decided to leave them. I moved away after saving money. Though small, the one-bedroom apartment with a faulty faucet and creaky floors was my home.
Most importantly, my family wasn’t there, so I didn’t have to pay Angela’s tuition. I felt free and peaceful for the first time.
My father helped me with money occasionally. It was small but significant. Money stopped coming one day.
Confused and frightened, I called him but got no answer. Later, my mother wrote: “Your father sent you money without my permission. Don’t deserve it because you didn’t pay for your sister’s education. I’ll send you all your debt statements.”
A heavy envelope arrived that night. I received pages of statements stating every dime they claimed I owed. The sum was astonishing.
My mother calculated everything to the penny, including grocery and electricity bills from when I lived at home. How could someone be greedy? I recognized then that my mother’s manipulation was limitless.
Later, I moved into a new apartment with my work-acquaintance Tom without telling my parents. We were happy, and I thought I could forget the past.
After we got married, I resolved to cut connections with my family forever. I asked Tom to support me. He agreed, and I felt more comfortable addressing my parents.
When we entered my parents’ house, tension was high. Memories flooded back after a long absence. When Tom saw Angela, I disappeared from his life.
He took in all she said and praised her beauty. I felt queasy seeing this, but I knew Angela influenced all males.
I approached my smug mother on the couch. “Mom, I need to talk to you,” I began, attempting to speak clearly.
She stared at me without interest. Kate, what is it?
I married. I have a family. I don’t want to see you anymore,” I responded emphatically.
Anger filled my mother’s eyes. “You can’t hurt us! Especially now! she called.
“Why not?” My gaze was steady as I asked.
Your dad had a heart attack. He requires attention. You’ve always been selfish!” she yelled.
My heart dropped. Dad had a heart attack? Why didn’t you tell me?
Mother crossed her arms and scoffed. It doesn’t matter. But now you must care for him.”
After that, I saw my dad virtually daily. I observed my mother and Angela use his money without telling him.
Why not take action? I asked him once.
He appeared exhausted and discouraged. “We both know it’s useless. They won’t stop wasting my money, he said.
Sadness hit me. I expected him to improve, but he became worse. We hospitalized him. Despite his money, my mother refused to pay for the hospital, so I did.
“Stop worrying about him. She often mentioned we’d obtain insurance if he died.
How she could talk coldly about her husband was beyond me. It hurt my heart. I received a call while driving to visit my father. The number was unknown. I answered and a calm hospital voice spoke.
“Is this Kate?” inquired the voice.
“Yes, it is,” I said, heart racing.
“I’m sorry to inform you, but your father has passed away,” stated the voice.
I felt my world crumble. I stopped abruptly. Cried wildly as tears fell from my cheeks. I felt emptiness and terrible sorrow that words couldn’t explain.
Sitting in my car, I thought about our memories, his generosity, and how he was the only one who ever stood by me. Devastated.
I felt directionless. Fear appeared. My mother and sister would do what with what was left? I knew they would take what they wanted quickly.
My father’s death started a fight. A struggle to preserve his memory and what he left me.
However, two days later, an unknown number called again. I answered nervously.
A voice inquired, “Hello, is this Kate?”
Yes, it is. Who’s calling? I replied.
This is your father’s lawyer, Mr. Johnson. I manage his will. I have vital news.”
My heart jumped. What’s it? I asked calmly.
“Your father left you $1.5 million,” Johnson added.
I thought it was a joke. That’s impossible. I replied that my father didn’t have that much money.
The lawyer said, “He opened an account when you were born and kept adding to it over the years.”
“My mother and sister would have spent that money long ago. “It’s impossible,” I said, still stunned.
It was unknown to them. No one did. Your father kept it a secret to protect you. We need your and your father’s documents to obtain the money. Can you bring them to my office? Mr. Johnson asks.
I answered, “I think so,” overwhelmed.
I was in s.h.o.c.k after talking to the lawyer, not believing it. My father did this discreetly for me for years. Now I was crying with thankfulness.
Tom approached me curiously that night. Not sure if I should tell him about the inheritance.
“Did you get anything from your father?” he inquired, his eyes scanning mine.
“No,” I lied to observe his response.
He mocked. “I knew. You were unworthy of family. I no longer want a poor female roommate. I want to divorce you since Angela and I have been talking so much.”
He gave me his signed divorce papers. I was furious and relieved. Without speaking, I signed them with a pen. I didn’t need a husband who would leave me immediately.
I watched him leave, feeling strangely free. I was done with unappreciative individuals. From my father’s legacy, I would build my future.
I visited my folks the next day with the lawyer. I was initially denied entry by my mother, but the lawyer forced her to.
We have nothing for you! We got the house from Father!” Angela yelled when we entered.
I breathed deeply and said, “Father left me one and a half million dollars.” Tom, standing nearby, became pale.
“What?! My mother shouted, waving a paper, “That’s impossible.” This is his will. It says we get everything!
She handed me the document, which I examined. Angela’s handwriting was evident, not my father’s. The lawyer looked closer and nodded.
Your father left me his will, and I have the only copy. “I don’t know what this is,” he continued, holding the bogus will.
This is his last will! It’s valid!” Angela yelled, furious.
Lawyer stayed calm. “Can I take it for verification? You know this is a major crime punishable by law, right?
My mother and Angela went silent and paled at these words. They knew they were captured. After gathering my documents, I left the house.
Just before I left, Tom kneeled before me. Kate, forgive me. Was wrong. I adore you. Try again?” he pleaded, crying.
I stared down on him, indifferent. “I don’t need any of you, and I never want to see or hear from you again,” I said clearly.
“Kate! Please!” I ignored Tom’s pleading and left. I didn’t want to hear from him or other hurtful people. I finished them all.
I left the house feeling free and relieved. I wanted a new life where I was in charge and surrounded by people who cared.
I opened my own business in an oceanfront mansion, as I always dreamed. A charming little home with a sea view provided me comfort. I woke up to waves every morning and felt free and happy for the first time.
Never spoke to family again. It was better that way. However, my mother and Angela wasted all my father’s money within months, I heard.
Tom needed another job to survive. Since they couldn’t afford a house, Angela’s twins lived with my mother. It was hectic, and they struggled daily.
I sometimes contemplated the outcome. My mother and Angela had always mistreated me, and now they were struggling. I sensed fairness. Everyone received what they deserved.