Chapter 6

My cousin has been in a relationship for three years now. He’s turning 29 this year, and with 30 looming on the horizon, his entire family is in panic mode.

My mom, of course, has joined the frenzy. If you didn’t know better, you’d think *he* was her son.

The girlfriend’s family laid out their requirements: a fully paid, move-in-ready house with her name on the deed, a BMW, and a $70,000 cash dowry.

My uncle’s family couldn’t come up with anywhere near that amount of money, so naturally, my mom turned her sights on me.

Even $20,000 wouldn’t make much of a dent in their demands, but to her, every little bit helped.

I knew her game plan inside and out.

She was still rambling on about what a “great guy” my cousin was, even pulling out pictures to show me. I couldn’t bear to look and turned away, suddenly standing up and grabbing her hands.

“Mom,” I said seriously, “I support you. Dad’s been gone for years, and I’m not the type of kid to stand in your way. If you like this man, then I think you should go for it. Move in with him, and you’ll even have his two kids to look after. It’ll give you something to do.”

My mom froze like a jammed machine, her words cutting off mid-sentence. Her face turned red as she stammered, “W-what are you talking about? This isn’t for me! It’s for you!”

I stared at her in disbelief. “This guy’s old enough to be my dad!”

She avoided my eyes, wiping imaginary tears as she slumped onto the couch and started her usual sob story.

“Your dad’s gone. The only family I have left is your uncle. When I was a kid and had nothing to eat, it was your uncle who gave me half a piece of bread and saved my life. Now that he’s in trouble, how could I not help him?”

She sniffled dramatically. “It’s all my fault. I’m useless. What’s the point of me even being alive? I’m just a burden to you, and I can’t even help little Mikey. I should just die!”

I clenched my fists so tightly my nails dug into my palms.

“Mom, stop crying. I’ll go borrow money to help Mikey get married.”

Her eyes widened in shock. “Sweetheart… that’s not what I meant.”

But inside, I was laughing coldly. *Not what you meant? Then what was it? You’re practically selling off your own daughter to fund his wedding.*

“Mom, you don’t have to say anything. I get it.”

“I don’t have any other family. When I get married and move out, I’ll need Uncle’s family to have my back. Mikey is like a big brother to me, and if he’s in trouble, it’s my duty to help him, no matter what it costs me.”

My mom’s face softened as tears welled up in her eyes. For the first time, she reached out and held my hand.

“You’ve grown up, sweetheart. You finally understand the sacrifices I’ve made for this family.”

I couldn’t stand looking at her fake, pitiful expression any longer. The very next day, I told her I was going on a work trip and moved out of the house entirely.

I wired $20,000 to Mikey, who called me personally to thank me.

“Nancy, you’re the best. With a sister like you, I’m so lucky. Don’t worry—when I’m doing well, I’ll make sure to take care of you.”

Then, as if it were the most natural thing in the world, he added, “By the way, could you lend me a little more? My fiancée says she wants a nicer car. Nothing too crazy—just another $50,000 should do it.”

Feigning hesitation, I told him I’d check my finances and get back to him. A few hours later, I wired him another $50,000.

On the phone, he was over the moon, showering me with compliments. My mom, overhearing the call, chimed in, saying I was the best daughter in the world.

Neither of them seemed remotely concerned about how I’d repay the $70,000 I’d borrowed.

I watched them from afar, their faces glowing with excitement and greed.

Go ahead, enjoy yourselves.

It won’t be long before you realize the price you’ll have to pay.