Chapter 17

"This is all your fault!"

Napapikit ako nang naramdaman ang hapdi sa aking pisngi. I touched my cheek as tears fall down my cheeks. I looked at her like I was questioning my worth.

Tinuro ako ni Mama. She is crying, her face is red, and she's also breathing heavily.

"How can you be so selfish! Alam mong nababaon na tayo sa utang! Pero ano ang ginawa mo?! You broke the engagement!"

I stared at my dearest mother, wide-eyed. Growing up, I looked up to her. Pero ngayon, I hate how she is. How she chose to raise me with tough love instead of gentle parenting.

I hated how she made me feel so little. Na kahit sa isang bagay na dapat talaga ako ang magdedesiyon, ay hindi ko magawa!

"Ma! Am I really that selfish to refuse the engagement? I have the right to! He cheated on me—"

"Pero malulugmok tayo sa kahirapan! Hindi ka ba nag-iisip?!"

I stared at her helplessly.

"And instead of making a solution, you're going to sacrifice me?! Ma! I am your daughter! I am not your sacrificial lamb!"

Isang