In my past life, I longed for family, gave them everything, and ended up with nothing. Now, looking at their disgusting faces, any trace of affection I had left was gone, replaced with pure disgust.
I’ve always been easy to talk to, but this time I was firm. My mom’s face went pale, tears streaming down her cheeks. “Claire, what’s gotten into you? You’re going against everything I say. Let me tell you, if you dare adopt a child, I’ll pretend I never had a daughter!”
In the past, those words would’ve broken me, and I would’ve immediately backed down. But things are different now. I looked at her smug face and smiled. “That’s perfect—I can finally move out.”
Her face froze, and she glanced nervously at Lilith.
I calmly added, “Mom, cutting ties is fine, but let’s be clear. I won’t be responsible for any of your expenses anymore, and you can forget about getting a single penny from me!”
Before my mom could respond, Lilith frowned. “Claire, how can you talk to your mom like that? You’re an adult still living at home, relying on others. How do you justify talking to her like this?”