My Mom Sacrificed My Future for My Cousin — Novel

About

In a world where familial loyalty is nothing but a façade, one man's dreams are shattered for the sake of another's success. After years of sacrifice and silent suffering, Santiago returns home only to find himself overshadowed by his cousin Mateo, the golden child who has it all—wealth, status, and a perfect marriage. As Santiago grapples with the weight of his parents’ betrayal, he must confront the truth of his existence: is he just a pawn in a game rigged against him?

When the Day of the Death Festival arrives, Santiago's painful past resurfaces amid family gatherings filled with laughter and disdain. The very people who should champion him mock his struggles as he clings to the remnants of his shattered self-worth. Can he ever break free from the chains of his mother's favoritism and reclaim the future that was stolen from him? Or will he remain trapped in a life defined by others’ choices, forever haunted by the shadow of the cousin who stole his dreams?

As tensions rise and secrets lurk beneath the surface, Santiago must decide: will he continue to play the role of the invisible son, or will he finally step into the light and carve out his own destiny?

My Mom Sacrificed My Future for My CousinChapter 1

When I got home for the holidays, my mom dropped a bombshell that my cousin was going abroad to study using my savings.

My parents didn’t care that I threatened to die rather than accept it. They shoved my bank card into my aunt’s hands like it was nothing.

Three years later, my cousin returned after his overseas education was complete. While abroad, he even met the daughter of the wealthiest man in Albertine City. Now, he had both a successful career and a powerful marriage.

As for me, since my parents sabotaged every chance I had, I failed my graduate school and civil service exams. Moreover, I was forced into a blind date and married the woman that was arranged by my aunt. So, I was doomed to live the same backbreaking, dirt-covered life as my parents.

——

When the Day of The Death Festival came, I returned home to visit the grave and remember the death. That was when I overheard my mother, sobbing in front of my grandfather’s grave.

“Dad, don’t worry. I took good care of my little sister. I fulfilled all your expectations.”