Chapter 1

The day I got a job offer, Cindy, my cousin’s wife, announced she was pregnant.

Just as the whole family was celebrating, Cindy suddenly said:

"Now that Sierra has found a job, and I'm pregnant, it’s going to be inconvenient to live together once the baby arrives. Maybe Sierra should move out?"

The room fell silent.

Seeing that no one agreed, Cindy backed down a little:

"If you insist on staying, fine, but you’ll need to pay $10,000 a month for living expenses!"

But the house we’re living in now is mine, and the money we use comes from me.

Who should really be paying whom?

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The day I received my offer letter, Uncle Mark made a huge feast, bringing out his best wine.

Even Jason, my cousin, who was usually too busy with work, rushed home before dinner.

After a few rounds of drinks, Cindy, who had been quietly eating, suddenly spoke.

“I’m pregnant.”

The room went silent for a few seconds before it burst into laughter and excitement.

Jason’s face turned red with joy as he stared at Cindy’s belly.

“Really? Cindy, why didn’t you tell me?”

Cindy smiled shyly. “I wanted to surprise you.”

No one was happier than Uncle Mark and Aunt Linda. Jason and Cindy had been married for three years without having any children. Finally, they had something to brag about to the relatives.

I was genuinely happy for Cindy and thought to myself, I’ll definitely give my future niece or nephew a big gift.

As the joyful atmosphere grew, Cindy suddenly put down her chopsticks.

“There’s one more thing I want to mention,” she said.

Aunt Linda, her eyes still full of joy, asked, “What is it?”

“I think Sierra should move out,” Cindy said with a cold expression.

“She’s already found a job, and now that I’m pregnant, it’s going to be inconvenient after the baby is born.”

The room instantly became silent, and Uncle Mark and Aunt Linda’s faces grew awkward.

Cindy, though usually quiet, had never spoken to me with such a cold tone.

I had always thought she was nice, so I responded kindly, "There shouldn't be any inconvenience. I’m not a guy, and when the baby arrives, I can even help take care of it.”

“When the baby comes, there won’t be enough room for everyone.”

“How could that be?” I said, trying to be considerate. “We can clean up the attic floor and make room for your little family. There will be more than enough space.”

This estate house was large, with several rooms on each floor. We had been living comfortably on the second floor for years.

Cindy shot me an inexplicable glare.

Aunt Linda chimed in to reassure her, “Cindy, don’t worry, we’ll make sure neither you nor the baby is uncomfortable.”

Cindy wasn’t finished. “When I have the baby, I’ll be recovering and won’t be able to move around or dress properly. It’s just not right to have an outsider in the house.”

Suddenly, her expression softened again.

“Sierra, I’m not trying to force you out, but you’ve been living here for so many years. Isn’t it time you moved on?”

Seeing my face darken, Cindy added, “Your parents passed away early. When you were in college and grad school, my in-laws covered all your living expenses.

"Nowadays, young women are all about independence. It’s time you learned some self-respect and started living on your own.”

I looked around at Uncle Mark and Aunt Linda.

Uncle Mark, who had been silent for a long time, finally slammed his hand on the table, yelling at Cindy:

“That’s enough! You’re getting out of line. Jason, take your wife back to your room!”

Jason quickly stepped in to defend her.

“Dad, Cindy’s pregnant! Why are you yelling at her? Besides, she’s not wrong.”

Uncle Mark lost it. He slammed his glass down and shouted at Jason, “Then you can get out too!”

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