"Thank you, Mom," she'd promised. "I'll take care of you forever. I'll make you the happiest mother in the world."
Forever had ended too soon.
No care. No gratitude. Only schemes and accusations.
A small figure suddenly barreled into me.
Lily rushed forward and slammed her little fists into my waist.
"You're bad!" she screamed. "You stole Grandma's stuff! I hate you!"
Pain exploded in my lower back. I gasped, cold sweat beading on my forehead. I stumbled backward, barely catching myself.
Aria didn't move to help. She pulled Lily behind her protectively, glaring at me as if I were the threat.
"Mom, look at what you've done. Even the child can't stand you." Her voice was ice. "Just pay the money."
I looked at the two of them—the daughter I had raised, and the granddaughter I had practically raised again.
I had cleaned their messes. Wiped their tears. When they learned to walk, I hunched over until my spine screamed, guiding their every step. When they babbled their first words, I taught them, patient and tireless. When they refused to eat, I cooked meal after meal until they were full.
And now?
The mother looked at me like a stubborn nuisance. The daughter looked at me like a criminal.