Severing Ties: My Mother Wanted to Drag Me into Family's Greed — Novel

About

In a family bound by greed and expectation, Cordelia finds herself on the brink of a breaking point. After years of hard work and sacrifice, she’s finally carved out a life for herself, only to be pulled back into the toxic web of family loyalty and manipulation. When her cousin Whitney demands an outrageous sum to fund her extravagant dreams, Cordelia’s refusal ignites a bitter feud. But it’s her mother, Rosalind, who complicates everything by choosing sides, leaving Cordelia feeling betrayed and isolated.

As tensions rise and alliances shift, Cordelia grapples with the weight of familial obligation. Can she stand firm against the expectations that threaten to drown her? Is loyalty worth the price of her own happiness? With every message exchanged in their family group chat, the stakes grow higher, and Cordelia must decide whether to sever ties or bend to the pressures of her family’s demands.

In a world where love and greed intertwine, Cordelia’s journey becomes one of self-discovery, resilience, and the quest for freedom. Will she reclaim her voice, or will the ties that bind her become her undoing?

Severing Ties: My Mother Wanted to Drag Me into Family's Greed1

My cousin Whitney Barnett finished her SAT exam and asked me for a hundred thousand dollars.

She said all the other sisters rewarded their younger sisters, so she wanted one, too.

I flatly refused in the group chat: [I said I would reward you, but I can't give you what you're asking for.]

But my mom Rosalind replied: [It's okay, I'll give you the money you want.]

The next second, I was kicked out of the family group chat by Rosalind.

——

In the family group, Whitney sent a long message that specifically mentioned me.

[Cordelia, you promised to reward me, so I want a hundred thousand dollars. Here's why.]

[First, after the SAT, I want to go shopping for dresses.]

[Second, I want to buy clothes for my boyfriend because we want to wear matching outfits.]

[Third, I want to travel with my boyfriend, but we don't have any money.]

[Fourth, there are expenses while traveling...]

Whitney added: [Cordelia, I already promised my boyfriend. You wouldn't want me to be embarrassed, right?]

I was furious at Whitney's shamelessness.