I just smiled and said, “I bought these two sets of houses, and they’re in my name. So, how could they have nothing to do with me? I’m actually here to sell them to pay off my debt.”
The atmosphere in the room began to intensify after I said that.
“I don’t care, Mom. This house is reserved for your grandson’s school enrollment; those who live in a school district have rights to get their children enrolled,” Kate shouted.
“Bella, this house was meant for your nephew’s schooling,” my brother, Howard, chimed in. “Plus, you lost all that money; how can you think about selling our house?”
I looked at him and asked, “I bought this house with my own money, didn’t I?”
“What do you mean ‘your money’? I raised you all these years, so shouldn’t you contribute something?” my mom snapped. “How can you be so selfish? This house belongs to your brother now, don’t you get it?”
“I won’t sell this one for now, but what about the other house?” I said, “I’m really deep in debt, and I need to sell it.”
They all looked shocked.
“That other house was my dowry when I got married,” my sister-in-law blurted out. “Besides, my parents are living there—are you going to make them move out?”