My frugality, my compromises, my endless giving—none of it had earned me gratitude. Instead, my kindness had become a weapon they used against me.
Jonathan didn't give me time to process the betrayal. He shoved his phone in my face, the QR payment code glowing.
"Mom, this ginseng cost two thousand dollars." His tone left no room for argument. "Pay me back. Now."
I stared at the code, then slowly shifted my gaze to my daughter.
"Aria." My voice trembled despite my best efforts. "Do you really think I owe you this money?"
Aria met my gaze. Her expression didn't soften.
"Mom, Jonathan and I work hard for our money," she said. "Just because you're my mother doesn't mean you can bleed us dry. Pay back the two thousand."
Bleed them dry?
Memories of her wedding flooded my mind. Jonathan's family had been poor. Because Aria loved him, I waived the traditional bride price. I gave them fifty thousand dollars of my savings—my entire nest egg—so they could afford the down payment on this very apartment.
I drained my retirement account for their renovations, penny by penny.
I remembered the day they moved in. Aria had hugged me, tears streaming down her face.