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“She blew $100,000 of her dowry on that shady insurance company!It’s non-refunded—either she pays the rest or loses it all.Where am I supposed to get $100,000 from?”
Mom sobbed over the phone.
I lounged in my cozy apartment,watching a movie,halfheartedly consoling her.“I’ll talk to Rachel.Calm down…”
She brought up money issue again.Last time,she demanded $30,000;I’d gave her $250 to just mock her.Now $100,000?
I laughed.
I wouldn’t give her a dime.
Stifling a chuckle,I said,“Mom,I’ve paid tuition and living expenses without a cent from you.I missed the student loan deadline,so I borrowed $10,000.Interest is $20 a day,due in a year,or it jumps to $100.I’m working myself to the bone,even getting nosebleeds all,but I can’t help you out…”
“Want to borrow?I can recommend the lender.You could take out a big loan and cover mine while you’re at it.”
Mom wailed louder,saying she’d check the family graves for bad luck.
Her daughter-in-law was a wastrel,and her college-educated daughter was a debt-ridden fool.
I was absolutely delighted.Real life was better than any movie.
After hanging up,I called Jessica,giving her Rachel’s workplace,our home address,and the exact prenatal center details.
“Don’t bother when she’s alone.Go after her when she’s with people to demand the balance.”
“If Mom makes a scene at your office,record it,send it to Rachel,and threaten to call reporters.”
“Don’t worry—Rachel hates being embarrassed.You’ll get the money fast.”
Jessica followed my plan,collecting the balance in two weeks and wiring me a hefty commission.
Rachel tried borrowing from her family,who called her crazy and refused.She sold her wedding jewelry and Mom’s,but it still wasn’t enough.She took out a loan to cover the insurance.
None of that matter to me.I was just a“broke,indebted student.”
Through the cameras,I watched Rachel and Mom’s fights escalate to blows.
Mom,once meek,unleashed her true venom,cursing Rachel as she had me.
Rachel,no pushover,hit back when words failed.Mom,mindful of her“grandson,”took the brunt.
Their chaos made my days brighter.
As winter approached,I planned to return home on the very day Steven got caught soliciting,just like in my past life.
He’d been the muscle,dumping my dying body in the river.
The security cameras wouldn’t capture his downfall.I had to see it myself.
