"My Shocking Discovery: Parents Demand Half My Salary for College Costs, But the Truth Unravels"

I remember the day lily was born like it was yesterday I was eight a skinny girl with white eyes and a head full of dreams my parents John and Sarah were ordinary folks dad worked at a local Factory and Mom stayed at home life was simple until Lily came along look at her Sarah she's got your eyes dad had said holding Lily for the first time mom had smiled a tired but triumphant smile and your nose John I stood by the door clutching my ragged Doll waiting for someone to notice me can I see Lily I asked timidly mom glanced at me her eyes barely registering my presence not now Linda Lily needs rest and so do I School wasn't much better kids can be cruel when they smell vulnerability hey scarecrow Linda Jack the class bully would sneer as he tugged at my faded dress did you get your clothes from the trash I tried to ignore them but words hurt more than punches at home Lily grew into a Pampered princess she'd scribble in my textbooks and giggle Look Linda I'm helping you with homework she'd say Lily please don't do that I need those for school I'd sigh but one day she went too far pouring paint over my only good dress I yelled at her but she just cried that's when Mom stormed in what's going on here she demanded her eyes flashing Lily ruined my dress I said holding up the stained fabric mom didn't even look at the dress how dare you yell at your sister go to your room Linda no dessert for a week grandma was the only one who understood don't let them get you down Linda she'd say her house was my refuge filled with books and love she taught me to escape into stories to live a A Thousand Lives within those worn Pages the day Grandma passed away was the day I lost my true home I remember coming back from school my heart heavy walking into a house filled with her absence my parents were in the living room already talking about her belongings we should start clearing out her stuff dad said his voice devoid of any sadness mom was looking through a list and her Library those Dusty old books I lingered at the doorway listening a tightness growing in my chest just get rid of them dad Shrugged who needs all that old paper I couldn't hold back anymore can I have Grandma's books I blurted out stepping into the room please they both turned almost surprised to see meure take them mom said dismissively we don't have any use for them anyway I spent the next days transferring Grandma's books to my room room each one a piece of her I wasn't ready to lose life moved on in its cruel Pace as high school came to an end my parents made an offer I didn't expect we'll pay for your college mom announced one evening you can study accounting or something practical I remember feeling a mix of surprise and suspicion really why I asked it's our duty dad said just don't expect any more handouts after after this college was my escape a chance to be more than just the overlooked sister but even that came with its price a few weeks into my part-time job at the library mom cornered meou making money now it's only fair you start paying us back for your tuition I was stunned but you said you'd pay for my college I didn't ask for this don't be ungrateful she snapped half your salary that's the deal the Injustice of it burned in me but I had no choice half of what little I earned went straight into their pockets years passed in this exhausting cycle work study pay my unfair dues my graduation was supposed to be a celebration but it felt more like a reminder of the shackles I couldn't escape at the dinner table with Lily smirking beside me my parents dropped another bombshell now that you're working fulltime we expect you to continue paying us dad said as if it was the most natural thing in the world what I was incredulous but I've been paying you all through college when does this end mom said coldly it ends when we say it does Linda you owe us I felt a mixture of anger and helplessness this isn't fair I protested life isn't fair dad retorted you live under our roof you follow follow our rules and just like that my dreams of independence of a life where I could be my own person were crushed under the weight of their greed and entitlement in my room that night surrounded by Grandma's books I realized the stark contrast between the warmth and love they represented and the cold calculating nature of my own family these books were my only Legacy the only thing that connected me to a sense of belonging of being understood Life After College became a monotonous cycle of work and fatigue Every payday the same scene would unfold at home Linda have you got your paycheck yet mom would ask her hand already outstretched the moment I stepped through the door I'd hand over half of my earnings without a word it had become a routine a bitter pill I swallowed each month one evening I mustered the courage to confront them mom dad I I've been thinking I began hesitantly maybe I can start keeping a bit more of my salary I need to save up maybe for a place of my own mom's expression hardened your own place don't be ridiculous Linda you owe us we paid for your education but I've been paying back isn't that enough I protested feeling a surge of frustration enough you think a few thousand cover your debt to us dad's voice Rose we raised you fed you clothed you you owe us for a lifetime I felt my heart sink but I never asked for any of this I just wanted to go to college and who do you think paid for that you think that was free mom snapped no Linda you'll continue paying us just as you have been the unfairness of it all was suffocating I had hoped foolishly that they might see reason but their entitlement knew no bounds Lily ever the favored child never missed a chance to taunt me look at our little accountant can't even afford a new dress she'd sneer flaunting the latest gadget or outfit they'd bought her I remember one particularly hard day at work I had stayed late trying to finish a complex report exhausted I reached home to find my family had ordered takeout my favorite Thai food for a moment my spirits lifted is there any left for me I asked hopefully mom Shrugged you should have been here earlier besides you can buy your own food with your big salary I retreated to my room too tired to argue dinner that night was a stale sandwich and a cup of tea alone in my room surrounded by the comforting presence of my grandmother's books I felt the full weight of the life I was trapped in I long longed for more for freedom for a chance to live for myself but every attempt to break free was met with guilt trips and reminders of a debt that I was beginning to realize might not even be mine my life at home had become a ceaseless routine of work and servitude each day I'd return from my job as an accountant mentally drained only to be greeted by the chaos of my family's demands one evening I came home to find the living room in a mess dad was lounging on the sofa watching TV while Lily was sprawled on the floor surrounded by a pile of clothes Linda you're back finally dad said without looking away from the screen clean up this mess will you and start dinner we're hungry but I've just got back from work I protested weakly my shoulders slumping work you call sitting in an office all day work Lily scoffed not bothering to lift her gaze from her phone try doing something useful for a change their words stung but I was too tired to argue silently I began picking up the clothes my mind heavy with resentment as I cooked dinner The Familiar sense of Injustice gwed at me I was more than just their housekeeper more than their source of income but in their eyes I was nothing more than an extension of their will a means to an end the next morning I was met with another List of Demands Linda take Lily shopping today she needs new clothes mom instructed as I was about to leave for work but I have a busy day at the office I said my voice strained with frustration oh what's more important your job or your family mom retorted her tone is sharp the irony of her words wasn't lost on me my job was was important only when it benefited them reluctantly I agreed to take Lily shopping after work sacrificing the little personal time I had left at the mall Lily flitted from store to store her excitement in stark contrast to my growing despair isn't this dress cute Linda she gushed holding up an expensive designer dress buy it for me you owe us after all I looked at the price tag and felt a pain in my chest Lily this is too much I can't afford this can't afford it but you're the big earner in the family she taunted her voice dripping with sarcasm stop being so stingy I bought the dress my heart heavy with the knowledge that this was just another Link in the chain that bound me to them that night as I lay in bed I realized that my life had become a cycle of giving giving my time my money my energy with nothing in return I was trapped in a life of servitude catering to the whims of a family that saw me as nothing more than a resource to be exploited the day of my 30th birthday dawned just like any other day I woke up early hoping maybe just maybe this day would be different that my family would remember and we'd have a small celebration a moment of happiness I walked into the kitchen where mom dad and Lily were already having breakfast good morning I said softly dad glanced up morning make sure you're not late for work I waited hoping for more but there was just silence my heart sank they had forgotten it was just another day for them I tried to hide my disappointment as I prepared my breakfast the clock ticked away each second a reminder of how little they cared as I was about to leave for work I must read up the courage to remind them you know toy is my birthday I said my voice barely a whisper mom looked up a flicker of surprise Crossing her face before it vanished oh is it well happy birthday don't expect us to throw a party Lily snickered yeah happy birthday Linda maybe you can treat yourself to something nice with your big paycheck their words stung like a thousand needles I left the house holding back tears feeling more alone than ever the day at work was long and tiring when I returned home I hoped maybe they'd have a change of heart but the house was just as I'd left it I found mom dad and Lily in the living room ordering food from a fancy restaurant over the phone are we expecting guests I asked a glimmer of hope reigniting no just felt like ordering something nice mom said casually you can join us if you want I watched as they ordered dish after dish my heart sinking with each click of the phone should I get the lobster or the steak Lily mused aloud you should get both mom encouraged I stood there a bystander in my own home they hadn't just forgotten my birthday they didn't care I retreated to my room the walls echoing with their laughter and chatter I sat on my bed surrounded by Grandma's books the only gifts I'd ever truly treasured in the Silence of my room I called my Aunt Mary the only other person who had ever shown me kindness she answered with a warm happy birthday Linda how are you dear her words so simple yet so full of warmth brought tears to my eyes we talked for a while and she shared stories about Grandma bringing a smile to my face then she she said something that stopped me cold you know your grandmother would be so proud of you she always wanted the best for you that's why she left the money for your education I was confused what money Aunt Mary the money she saved up for your college didn't your parents tell you she was so determined to give you a good start in life my world spun Grandma had paid for my college all these years my parents had lied making me believe I ow them I hung up the phone my mind racing the truth was a key unlocking the chains I'd been bound with for so long my parents had manipulated me used me all based on a lie that night I couldn't sleep the Revelation churned in my mind a mix of anger betrayal and a new found sense of determination I couldn't let them control me anymore I had to break free to find my own path the next morning I confronted them I know about the money grandma left for my education why did you lie to me their reactions were a mix of shock and defensiveness we did what we had to do Mom said coldly we your parents it's your duty to support us dudy you lied and made me your servant I exclaimed my voice trembling with emotion dad just rolled His Eyes Drama Queen you should be grateful we let you live here that was the final straw I was done being their scapegoat their Cash Cow it was time for me to take control of my life the morning after my birthday was a new beginning the sun seemed brighter the air fresher as if the world was acknowledging my resolve I had packed my things quietly trying to avoid any early confrontations but as I was about to leave Mom and Lily confronted me in the hallway block blocking my path where do you think you're going with those bags mom asked her eyes narrowing I'm leaving I stated my voice steady despite the pounding of my heart mom's tone turned pleading Linda you can't do this to us we your family where will you go anywhere but here I said stepping around them I deserve better than this I deserve a life as I walked out the door I felt a w lift off my shoulders the shackles of guilt and obligation that had held me down for so long were finally broken I didn't look back I walked towards the bus stop my heart filled with a mix of fear and excitement I was stepping into the unknown but for the first time it was a path that I had chosen for myself on the bus I called a number I had written down a few months back an advertisement for an apartment rental the voice on the other end was friendly and understanding by the time the bus reached my stop I had arranged to view the apartment later that day the apartment was small but cozy a stark contrast to the coldness of my family home as I signed the lease I felt a sense of ownership and Independence I had never experienced before that night in my new apartment surrounded by my grandmother's books I finally felt at peace I cooked a simple dinner for myself enjoying every bite without the weight of judgment or expectation my phone rang several times that evening the caller ID showing my family's number but I didn't answer I was done letting them control my life instead I curled up on the small sofa with a book losing myself in a story of Adventure and courage it was like Grandma was there with me her spirit encouraging me to live the life I I was meant to have in the quiet of my apartment I made a promise to myself I would live my life on my own terms find my own happiness I would no longer be the overlooked child but a woman strong free and in control of her Destiny settling into my new apartment was like starting a fresh chapter in my life I had my own space and for the first time I could use my salary for myself it was a revelation to realize how far my earnings could stretch when I wasn't giving half of it away to my parents and sister I could afford good food stylish clothes and even indulge in a bit of self-care one of my first acts of Independence was giving myself a complete makeover I got a stylish haircut something I had always wanted but never dared to do I bought clothes that made me feel confident and happy every morning I Dr dressed for work with a sense of Pride and excitement at work my colleagues noticed the change immediately Linda you look fantastic what's your secret Sarah one of my closest colleagues asked me one day just enjoying my life and embracing the change I replied with a smile feeling a sense of accomplishment but the most important thing I did after moving out was to take my grandmother's books with me those books were more than just literature they were a connection to the happiest part of my childhood and a reminder of my grandmother's love every evening after returning from work I would make myself a cup of tea and curl up with a book from Grandma's collection it was my way of keeping her memory alive and cherishing the love for reading she had instilled in me Life in my new apartment was peaceful and fulfilling I relished in the small Joys like cooking my favorite meals decorating my space and losing myself in a good book the sense of Freedom was exhilarating one afternoon as I was arranging my books on a new shelf I came across an old photo of my grandmother tucked inside a novel tears welled up in my eyes as I held it I knew she would have been proud of me for finding my own way I placed the photo on my nightstand a nightly reminder of where I came from and the strength I carried within me my grandmother's enduring love and the lessons she taught me were my Guiding Light as days turned into weeks I found myself evolving I was no longer the overlooked burden daughter and sister I was Linda an independent woman who had taken control of her life I had a job that I enjoyed a Cozy home filled with memories and the freedom to be myself life was no longer about surviving it was about living thriving and finding joy in the little things my transformation was not just external it was a deep internal change that had reshaped my view of the world and myself every morning as I looked at myself in the mirror I saw a confident happy woman staring back at me I was finally at peace living a life that was truly my own I had been living in my new apartment for a month when my phone rang one evening the caller ID showed my parents number a site that now stirred a mix of emotions bracing myself I answered Linda this is ridiculous you need to come back home we can't manage without the money you were giving us mom's voice was both pleading and demanding I am sorry you're finding things tough but I've moved on maybe it's time you both looked for jobs I suggested trying to keep my voice calm how dare you talk to us like that after all we've done for you my dad's voice boomed through the speaker I've done my part for years it's time for you to take responsibility for your own lives I replied firmly their response was a barrage of insults and accusations but I held my ground I'm not responsible for your financial problems I repeated before ending the call a few days later there was a knock at my door opening it I found my sister Lily standing there her expression one of expectancy Linda I need money for a new Gadget just transfer it to me like before she said as if nothing had changed I couldn't help but laugh at the absurdity Lily I'm not your personal bank anymore you should try earning your own money her reaction was immediate and intense she began screaming at me hurling insults and accusations you owe us you're just just a selfish heartless monster her screams were so loud that they attracted the attention of my neighbors concerned one of them called the police soon two officers were at my door questioning us about the commotion after explaining the situation the officers escorted Lily out who continued her TI raade even as she was led away I blocked my family's numbers on my phone after that I was done being their scapegoat and ATM the next few weeks brought Whispers of my family's worsening situation mutual acquaintances shared stories of their mounting debts and desperate attempts to find money my parents who had never worked a day since I started earning were now doing odd jobs Lily too found herself in a situation she had never imagined the sister who once mocked me for my old clothes was now selling her designer outfits and expensive gadgets just to make ends meet despite a fleeting sense of pity I reminded myself of their years of neglect and exploitation they had chosen this path and it was their responsibility to navigate it in my world life was blossoming my job was going well and I was enjoying my newfound freedom and Independence my apartment once a distant dream was now my Haven of Peace filled with memories of my grandmother and her books one evening as I sat in my reading note a sense of profound contentment washed over me the once overlooked and undervalued daughter had transformed into an independent woman I had broken free from the chains of familial manipulation and emerged stronger

Channel: Revenge Reverie

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Keywords: reddit top posts, problems in relationships, reddit stories, reddit real voice, reddit, relationshipsaita, top posts of all time

Id: hffJa4OwhVk

Length: 24min 43sec (1483 seconds)

Published: Wed Feb 21 2024