My Mother Stole My Future to Secure My Cousin’s SuccessChapter 1
Introduction
After returning from a holiday trip, my mother suddenly told me my cousin was studying abroad.
She used my savings.
I strongly objected, but my parents ignored my protests and handed my bank card to my aunt.
Three years later, my cousin returned, having completed her studies. She met a wealthy man in Atlanta City and built a successful career and a comfortable life.
Meanwhile, my parents’ interference cost me both my postgraduate entrance exam and my civil service exam. I was forced into an arranged marriage with a man my aunt introduced, becoming nothing more than a "yellow-faced woman" burdened with endless housework.
During Memorial Day, when I returned home to pay respects to our ancestors, I overheard my mother kneeling before my grandfather’s tomb, crying:
“Dad, don’t worry. I took good care of my sister. I did everything you wanted me to.”
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Main Text
I silently made my way up the hillside toward the middle of the mountain, where my grandfather’s tombstone stood.
From a distance, I saw my parents kneeling before the grave, burning paper money in their hands.
“Dad, don’t worry. I did as you asked—to be patient and care for my sister.”
“Now, her daughter Julia Long has returned from studying abroad. She has a good job and married well. She’ll have a lifetime of happiness.”
My father, busy preparing offerings, bowed to my grandfather’s tombstone.
“Dad, please watch over us and bless Nadia Nolan from heaven.”
My mother scoffed. “Enough. Don’t mention that unlucky girl. Just look at Julia and then at her—what an embarrassment. She failed the civil service exam, failed the postgraduate exam. At least Julia had the drive to stay abroad and bring back a rich husband. If we let her come, she’ll just bring bad luck.”
My father chuckled, trying to calm her down.
“Yes, yes. Don’t be angry. Dad is still watching.”
But my mother was indifferent. “If I hadn’t paid for Julia’s education, would she be this successful now? Julia was destined for wealth. It proves my decision was right.”
“You can’t blame the child,” my father sighed. “It was Nadia’s money you used for Julia’s studies. Of course, she’d feel resentful.”
“But I couldn’t let Julia suffer. My sister is my only sibling!”