Semua Bab The Family I Outgrew: Bab 1 - Bab 9

The group chat finally went quiet.My mother called almost immediately. She sounded so worried that she was close to crying."Nala, saying something like that could ruin Brian! You shouldn't accuse him of something he didn't do.""Oh? So we shouldn't accuse people of things they didn't do? Then why were you silent when Paulene implied I was a thief? Ruining me is fine, but ruining Brian isn't?"She sniffed softly before answering, "It's just family in that chat. Nothing went outside…"I laughed. "Neither did my text. Just say what you really want."Her voice grew smaller. "It's nothing… It's just… Could you take the blame for the jewelry?"I dug at my ear, thinking I had misheard.She kept talking."Brian and Paulene just decided to try for a baby. If something like this happens now, I'm afraid Paulene might change her mind. Just admit it. We won't tell anyone else. Don't worry. I'll pay Paulene back for you."I was so angry that I wanted to reach through the phone and shake

Paulene sat in the middle of the mess like a queen who had just claimed a throne. She looked at me and spoke with feigned sweetness. "Who am I to deserve an apology from the princess of the family? You stole my jewelry and slapped me in the face. I'd love to see what kind of man you'll end up with someday."The more she talked, the angrier she got. She grabbed the remote and hurled it at me.My mother rushed forward and blocked it."You're still protecting her?" Paulene's eyes went wide. "She's spoiled because of you. I told you from the start that she took the jewelry. You kept saying no way. And now look!"My mother was already shaking. She glanced at me, then forced a weak smile at Paulene.I glared at Paulene. "You told her I stole it?"Then, I turned to my mother."What did I say last night? Mom, am I really your daughter? Growing up, every time Brian messed up, I took the blame. Does it ever end? And why would I steal Paulene's jewelry? Did she even pay for it herself?

My mother said to me, "You've always been a good girl. Can't you just do this for me?"I looked at her, searching her face for even a trace of love meant for me.There was none.There was only anxiety, pleading, and guilt, all for Brian.After a long silence, I took a deep breath and spoke as calmly as I could."If you want me to cooperate, fine. Then tell me why Brian had no idea the engagement gift came from me."My mother hesitated. "I was protecting you. If Brian knew you had money, he might've asked to borrow some."I laughed softly."And knowing you have money stops him from asking? Didn't Paulene just say everything you have belongs to her future son?"Mom, where did your money come from? Other than what I gave you, the only thing you have is the bank card I let you use."Did you really promise my money to Paulene?""No." She stood up unsteadily, still avoiding my eyes. "Why would I give away your money? Stop overthinking. You're my daughter. What's yours is mine. As

Ignoring the judgmental stares from the relatives, I took my phone back from my mother and called the police.They arrived quickly.Right there in front of Brian and Paulene, I pulled up the transfer record of 60 thousand dollars. The note clearly read, "Brian's engagement gift."Brian stared at the screen, then looked at my mother."Mom, what's going on? You told me that was your retirement savings."My mother covered her face and cried.I let out a short laugh."Her retirement savings? She's already poured everything into you. What retirement savings?"I paid for your engagement gift. And on your wedding day, when Paulene suddenly refused to step out of the car unless she got another ten thousand for her wedding gift, Mom dragged me aside and groveled in front of me. She forced me to take out an online loan for you."I'm still paying it off every month."I showed the officers my loan records. The borrowing date matched the date of Brian's wedding exactly.Meanwhile, my mot

The separation papers sat unsigned for weeks.My mother never signed them. I never went back.Through a younger cousin, I heard what happened next.My father came home and got into a screaming match with Brian. He said he wanted a divorce, that he was going to marry the woman from the salon.Brian refused, so they fought. My mother tried to break it up and ended up getting punched, too.All three of them landed in the hospital before spending the night at the police station.Paulene went back to her parents and filed for divorce. She also sued my father for the money from the jewelry.During that time, my mother called me again and again.I didn't answer once.Brian's fists hurt. She knew that now.A week later, I walked out of work and saw her standing under a streetlight.She stepped forward awkwardly, wearing that careful, ingratiating smile she used to reserve for Brian and Paulene."Still angry?" she asked softly. "Mom knows she was wrong. Come home. I made a whole din