My girlfriend of four years broke up with me right after meeting my family. Before my aunt arranged an "ideal marriage" for me, she convinced my mother by saying, "I had someone read his fortune. Your son is destined for a life of hard labor. My son is destined for greatness. He should just marry and farm like a good, honest man. That’s his fate."
While I was away, they went behind my back and paid the bride price.
That night, my mother made an elaborate feast and personally cooked the food. It was something she never did. She even drank with me and swore, "As long as you listen to me, I’ll have your father find you a good job. We’ll even pay for your wedding."
I was naive enough to believe her. I thought she had finally broken free of my aunt’s manipulation. I had no idea she had baited me herself and set the trap to keep me caged forever.
The next morning, I woke up with a splitting headache and there was a woman lying next to me. She threatened me, "Take responsibility, or I'll call the police."
Later, I found out she was called Tia.
***
Suddenly, a commotion broke out at the table.
"O … oops ... Sofia ..."
My daughter was coughing violently, her tiny face flushed red. She was at my aunt’s feet, choking.
My aunt chided, "This girl is so fragile, can't take a little prank. It’s just a little mustard! Why are you so dramatic?
I rushed forward and scooped my daughter into my arms. She was choking and sobbing. I frantically searched the table for water but there was nothing except alcohol.
"Aunt! She’s only a year old! How could you let a baby eat mustard?! You’re her great-aunt! Do you have no conscience to treat a child like this?" I shouted angrily.
A sharp slap landed across my face.
SMACK!
In a rage, my mother yelled, "How dare you speak to your aunt like that?"
I barely felt the sting because I was too worried and said without restrain, " She is just one year old! What if she chokes? If that’s not heartless, then what is?!"
"Enough! Your aunt only comes to the old house a few times a year and you and your daughter just had to ruin everything! How many times have I told you to respect your aunt? Stop embarrassing me!" my mother roared.