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If I were truly ill, my parents would step up—that's their love. But my in-laws tried to shirk responsibility , which was disheartening.
My mom grabbed my hand and started crying.
"My girl, how'd you marry such a heartless family? You slaved for them, and this is how they treat you?"
Our son, hearing her, shoved my mom angrily.
"Old hag, you dare call us Thompsons heartless? How bold!"
Unprepared, my mom nearly fell.
My dad steadied her.
They stared at our son, stunned.
"Tommy, how can you be so rude?"
When my in-laws heard my parents scold our son, they turned aggressive, urging Robert to finalize the divorce immediately. Facing their hostility, my parents, usually reserved, stood firmly by my decision.
Swapping the red marriage book for a green divorce one took minutes.
My in-laws told our son I was a bad mom, abandoning him. He lunged to hit me, but I pinned his hands.
He was spoiled by them, reasoning was pointless, but I had to speak.
"Son, believe it or not, you're my son, and I love you. You chose Dad—I respect that. If you miss me, tell me.I'll visit.I'll pay child support on time."
I released him, left with my parents, their curses fading behind me.
I could handle their abuse, but dragging my parents into it hurt.
"Mom, Dad, I'm sorry for hiding it…"
They didn't blame me, comforting me to let go and look forward.
Learning I'd been in a motel, they were heartbroken, helping me check out and taking me home.
Their support became my rock, and I threw myself into work.
Months later, I went from assistant to streamer. Grace gave me my own account.
Focusing on vintage-style women's clothing, tossing in heartfelt quotes, I carved out a unique style. Fans skyrocketed, and so did my income.
My parents had lived in a rundown suburban top-floor apartment forever. With my first $500,000, I bought them a spacious flat.
On the day we moved in, I smiled while they cried tears of happiness.
When Robert called, I'd just finished a livestream.
"What do you want? Is it about our son?"
Sobbing, he said," Wife, I should've listened! My sister borrowed $50,000, promised to repay in a month, but she still hasn't. When I went to ask, and her husband beat me up."
"My parents'$30,000—they won't repay either, saying it's theirs. Dad's in the hospital, Mom's crying daily…"
I cut him off coldly." Don't call me wife.I'm your ex. Your family's mess has nothing to do with me!"
As I moved to hang up, he wailed," I got laid off. We're starving. You can ignore me, but our son? Can you let him starve?"
"I send$1,000 monthly for him—plenty for his needs! If you can't care for him, send him to me.I'll raise him!"
He went silent, hanging up.
I debated but decided to check on our son.
He might see me as the enemy, but he's my flesh and blood—I had to care.
At the house, a stranger opened the door, not my ex-in-laws or Robert.
He said he was my ex-brother-in-law's creditor—the house was signed over for debts. He didn't know where Robert's family went.
I called Robert. He said they were at his sister's.
When I arrived, a crowd surrounded her house.
Police were there. My in-laws were bruised, Robert's face swollen, our son crouched in a corner, crying.
He spotted me, running over, arms outstretched.
Though he'd broken my heart, seeing him like this softened me. I knelt, hugging him.
"Mom, I've got nowhere to live. Can you take me in?"
Not because he loved or missed me—just no place to go.
I touched his head and smiled bitterly.
Seeing me, Robert rushed over with a hopeful look.
"Wife, you're back! I'm sorry. Forgive me—let's start over, okay?"
