Mom's voice went shrill. "Liam, your brother's right. Whatever grievances you have, swallow them. We already agreed on the terms—the dowry includes three villas and nearly ninety million in cash. If you back out now, what about your brother? Where's he going to get money for a bride price? Are you trying to cut off his future?"
I looked at them. These familiar faces. No warmth. No concern. Just hunger.
For years, I'd paid for everything. Their food. Their bills. My brother's tuition. Every expense. Out of my pocket.
And this was what I got in return: three greedy mouths demanding I sell my dignity.
I'd planned to leave them the several million I'd saved for a marital home before I left.
Now? My heart turned to ice.
I walked out.
Behind me, they screamed.
"Where are you going? We say a few words for your own good and you throw a tantrum?"
"Dad, ignore him. Let him go. He's forgotten who he is. Once he leaves that rich lady, who's gonna treat him like a human being?"
The door slammed shut, cutting off the venom.
The streets were empty. Wind-swept. Bleak.
The night was cold.
But the loneliness was colder.
My phone buzzed.
One in the morning.
Natalie.