Chapter 3

Mom opened her mouth to argue but was silenced by my sharp gaze.

She looked down, hands nervously twisting her clothes.

Brother's face turned red, veins bulging on his forehead like an angry bull.

"You heartless brat, if you don't agree to pay today, you'll regret it!"

Sister-in-law, instead of stopping him, fanned the flames.

"Exactly, you can't be so selfish. Think about the family."

The kitten trembled in my arms, letting out frightened cries.

I gently soothed it.

"Try anything, and I'll call the police. You'll regret it!"

"Your wings have hardened, huh, you little brat?"

He gritted his teeth but didn't dare to lay a hand on me.

We stood in a standoff until he suddenly smashed a cup on the table to the ground.

With a loud crash, glass shattered everywhere.

My nephew jumped, hiding behind Sister-in-law.

"You think calling the police will solve anything? You can't escape this debt!"

"Fine, let the police sort it out. Let's see what they do about you trespassing, vandalizing, and threatening others!"

I gently stroked it, feeling a pang of sympathy.

"You dare lay a finger on me? I'll call the police, and you'll regret it!"

"Think you're all grown up now, you brat?"

He was seething with anger but didn't dare make a move.

After a tense standoff, he suddenly smashed the cup from the coffee table onto the floor.

With a loud crash, glass shards flew everywhere.

My little nephew was startled and quickly hid behind my sister-in-law.

"You think calling the police will sort this out? You're not getting away from this debt!"

"Fine, let the police come and see how they handle your trespassing, destruction, and threats!"

When "call the police" was mentioned, my mom's face turned ashen.

She rushed over, grabbing my hand.

"Sweetie, don't call the police. It's my fault, let's talk this over."

Even my sister-in-law panicked, her fake smile fading into a worried expression.

My little nephew, frightened by the scene, started crying loudly.

I wasn't swayed and clearly stated the address on the phone.

They were too late to stop me and could only watch me with anger.

Soon, the police arrived.

I explained the situation in detail.

The police inspected the damage to the house and checked the threatening messages on my phone.

"Your actions are illegal."

The officer said sternly, "Breaking into someone's home and making threats is a legal matter."

My mom and sister-in-law began pleading, while my brother stayed silent with his head down.

"Because this is your first offense and the victim is considering not pressing charges, you must leave immediately and never harass her again."

Under police supervision, my mom and sister-in-law exchanged reluctant glances.

My brother clenched his fists, seemingly wanting to lash out, but held back.

"Fine, see if we care!"

He gritted his teeth, spitting out his words, "Don't expect us to be there for you anymore!"

With that, he pulled my nephew and headed for the door.

My mom and sister-in-law quickly followed.

At the door, my mom glanced back at me.

Her eyes seemed to carry a glimmer of hope, but I ignored her.

With a heavy thud, the door slammed shut.

I sat on the floor, hugging my cat, tears once again blurring my vision.

I thought I had scared them off this time.

But I didn't expect them to escalate things.

It was the weekend when I received a message from my mom.

"I've been thinking these past few days. We're family; you shouldn't bear all the debt alone."

"We plan to sell the house to repay the debt."

I was skeptical.

"Your aunt is also here. She rarely visits; you should come too."

I couldn't refuse anymore.

The family had pressured me to drop out of school early.

My aunt covered my living expenses in high school.

In college, I relied on student loans and part-time jobs.

Without my aunt, I couldn't have even finished high school.

So my aunt is very important to me.

"Okay."

To ensure everything was safe.

I sent a message to my aunt, asking if she was really going back.

She replied: Yes.

Relieved, I packed my things to go back.

I didn't realize this decision would almost ruin me.

When I returned to the old house that night.

Everyone was there.

The food was ready, neatly placed on the dining table.

My aunt warmly greeted me as I came in.

Even the others, usually so harsh, smiled and greeted me.

Even my usually bossy brother was speaking kindly.

No matter how I looked at it, it felt strange.

I got goosebumps.

I didn't feel touched, just uneasy.

But with my aunt there, I felt a bit calmer.

She pulled me to the dining table.

She sat next to me, occasionally glancing my way.

"Our Sweetie has grown up beautifully."

For some reason, I felt like my aunt was looking at me like I was prey for sale.

But I quickly told myself I was overthinking it.