“Books didn’t teach me to just endure humiliation,” I said calmly. “Real relatives don’t constantly mock you; they only wish you well. Aunts like Virginia and Madison only humiliate us. Cutting ties isn’t a loss.”
“You… you’re talking nonsense!” my dad shouted, shaking with anger as he yanked off his belt. “I’ll beat you today, you unfilial son!”
My mom hurried over and grabbed his arm. “Honey, don’t hit him! Tristan is still young and doesn’t understand…”
“He’s over twenty and about to start working. Still a child, you say?” My dad cursed, but my mom stopped him, so the belt didn’t hit me.
That night, I went to my room and my phone kept buzzing. I checked it and saw the “Loving Family” WhatsApp group was full of messages.
Virginia was the first to comment: [Wow, the Gildon Family has a big shot now! He’s going to Akso City and becoming a big boss, amazing!]
Madison added: [We poor relatives won’t even try to associate with him now, or people might think we’re jealous.]
[He doesn’t respect us elders anymore! His words are getting harsher; how can we say anything now?]
[Yes, I’ll never attend family gatherings again, so I won’t get in his way.]