Chapter 3

I sat alone in the living room and stared at those so-called gifts. I started to tear up.

I doted on my daughter for half of my life.

Since the day she was born, people around me have tried to persuade me.

“Have another child now while you’re still young, so you’ll have more company when you’re older.”

I was holding her in my arms, and I decided to give all of my love to her.

My husband and I were frugal, and we always prioritized her in everything.

When she got married and wanted to buy a house, we did not hesitate to give her all of our money.

Then, they said they could not afford a car loan. I silently gave her a supplementary card and helped her with their car loan.

Even when she said she wanted to celebrate the New Year’s with her in-laws, I volunteered to prepare gifts on her behalf.

I was the walking source of a hefty retirement fund, and she eyed it for a long time.

From paying her car loan to her daily expenses, she had been using the money from my account.

I never made a sound. She was my only child, so it only made sense for my money to go to her.

However, I did not expect to be taken for granted.

In the past, I tried my best to tolerate it.

However, they finally broke the camel’s back!

She said she would draw lots for fairness, but I would make it fair for her!

As her mother, I had spent every single cent on her, and in return, she had treated me like I was nothing!

It was upsetting.

That night, I looked at my bank transaction notifications for the past month.

[Car loan - 600 dollars]

[Meal at an expensive restaurant - 1500 dollars]

[Caviar - 300 dollars]

[Massage parlor membership card - 1500 dollars]

All her expenses were for her husband or for her mother-in-law.

All these years, she had already grown used to treating me like an ATM to buy gifts for her in-laws.

I turned around and gave the bank a call.

“Please cancel all the auto-debit payments from my retirement account.”

“Madam, we’d need you to come to our branch with your ID.”

“Alright.”

The next morning, I put on my shoes and got ready to head out.

Lydia rubbed her eyes and walked to the living room. She looked sleepy.

“Mom, what’s for breakfast?”

I did not turn around and continued tying my shoelaces.

She seemed to recall the fight we had the day before. She then softened her tone as she used to.

“Alright, Mom. I’ve discussed it with Ben. We’ll bring you along to my in-laws for the next New Year’s celebration.

“Are you happy now? Go, make breakfast for us.”

I sneered and walked out the door.

When the door was shut, I heard her mumbling.

“Isn’t it just a small matter of spending New Year’s? Why is she being so calculative…”

She still felt like it was not a big deal.

She had not realized that it was because of my money that she was cherished by her in-laws.

Very soon, I reached the end of the queue.

After I was done with the procedure, I immediately headed back to the countryside.

The next morning, my phone rang.

Lydia sounded anxious.

“Mom, the gifts that you’re supposed to buy before the New Year’s haven’t arrived yet!

“I need to bring them to my boss!”

I answered her calmly.

“That’s your responsibility. Figure it out yourself.”

After I said that, I immediately ended the call. I blocked and deleted their contacts without any hesitation.

It was like clockwork.

I sat next to the window and let the sun shine on my face. It was beautifully warm.

From my peripheral vision, I saw a pamphlet for a group tour. I immediately signed up.

I had worked so hard all of my life. It was time for me to see the country and its beauty.