I gave up the opportunity for promotion, willingly transferring from the design department to the more relaxed logistics department to spend more time with Ashton.
After Ashton went to junior high school, I quit my job and devoted myself to taking care of him at home.
I didn't ask Ashton to be grateful for my sacrifice, and I just wanted him to grow up happily.
Later, I used evidence of Erik's infidelity as a threat and forced him to give up custody of Ashton. I was afraid Erik would neglect Ashton after remarrying. I could not bear the thought of Ashton growing up under the influence of someone who had betrayed our family, and I wouldn't allow Ashton to refer to the mistress as his mother.
Sadly, the child whom I raised with almost all my efforts stole all the surgery money I raised from selling the house and vanished after my father fell ill and was hospitalized.
Later, I saw the wedding video posted by one of Ashton's friends on social media.
Ashton changed back to Erik's surname and used all of my property for an extravagant wedding. He married the niece of the mistress in a grand ceremony.
Erik and Kayla, the mistress, sat at the center, wearing gentle expressions on their faces. Ashton held Erik's hand as if they were a real family.
On that winter day, as Ashton kissed his bride, my father passed away suddenly because I could not afford the hospital bills.
I ran to their house and wanted to confront Ashton about why he treated me like this. However, he grabbed me by the collar and kicked me out.
He harshly retorted, "I will always be my father's son. If you hadn't insisted on supporting me, how could I have endured such poverty throughout high school and college? How could I have been looked down upon by others?
"It is your laziness that has destroyed this family. I am a man as well, and from my father's perspective, I don't wish to be tied to a parasite like you who remains idle at home all day.
"Consider this money as compensation for the years of mental loss I have endured. You should be grateful that I have found a good stepmother and a loving wife."
Lamia's relentless scolding brought me back to reality.