Chapter 7 My anger didn't destroy me. On my second try, I got into my dream college with my dream major. With money in my pocket, I could finally enjoy college life properly. I could take naps, stroll around campus after meals, watch guys play basketball, go on trips... Instead of being dead tired like a beaten dog every single day! After graduation, I laid out exactly how I'd be treating my parents going forward. Dad had only supported me for ten childhood years plus that thirty grand. So I'd give him the absolute minimum-two or three hundred bucks in monthly support. But I made it clear this was only because the law required it. I didn't want to give him a single penny. Dad went ballistic, but I just asked him: 'Don't you have your precious little princess to take care of you?" 'You'd actually want your older daughter caring for you?" 'Not worried I might 'accidentally' spill hot soup on you?" He was furious but didn't dare accept my "care." mean, I already hated the mom who'd actually raised me. What did he expect from this old bastard? As for Mom, she wasn't completely terrible. Just biased as hell. Even after all my crazy behavior, she never gave up on me. I guess she really did have strong maternal instincts. After four years of college and getting beaten down in the real world, I'd mellowed out a bit. "You can live with me when you're older." "But Cassandra HAS to pay support money too." "Since you wanted to be such a 'fair' mother, except for living arrangements, Cassandra and I split taking care of you 50-50." I wasn't being polite about it: "Whatever standard of care she gives you, that's what you get from me." "I'm not trying to lose money on this deal." My parents had given me about 25% of their love and resources combined. I was only willing to give back that same 25%. Fair trade! Mom started tearing up: 'You're still holding onto all that." 'You really want to break my heart like this." I looked at her impatiently: 'How am I breaking your heart?" 'You're my mom, I'm taking care of you, aren't I?" 'I just want Cassandra to help too. What's wrong with that?" 'Isn't she your daughter as well?" That shut her right up. She couldn't say anything for the longest time. I didn't bother engaging further. I'd said what I needed to say. Whatever happened next, we'd deal with it later! I didn't hate the idea of family. Actually, I cared about it more than most people. In my third year working, I married my boyfriend. Fourth year, we had a beautiful baby girl. The moment I saw her tiny face, I made a decision- She'd be my only child. didn't want any "fair and equal" bullshit. I wanted her to never go without. To give her the best life possible, I threw myself into building my career. Besides work and my daughter, nothing else mattered. What I didn't expect was for my parents to remarry at their age. When I heard the news, I didn't feel that explosive anger anymore. ust thought: great, now Mom doesn't have to live with me. No loss for me. But then I realized something weird- Why was I always calculating whether I'd "lose out" when dealing with the mom who'd raised me? Maybe that feeling-of giving everything while they only gave me half-really had left permanent damage. Plus, now I had an even clearer comparison... While I was working myself to death to provide for my daughter, Cassandra got handed massive gifts from Dad- House, car, savings, trust fund. Dad had even written his will early, leaving everything to her. Just to make sure I could never fight his precious baby for anything. Cassandra and I weren't even in the same social class anymore. She was a millionaire heiress with people kissing her ass left and right. And me? Just another working stiff. Same parents, same blood. They'd even gotten back together. But I still got absolutely nothing. Maybe it was because of that huge scene I'd caused in college, I'd "hurt" them. But even if I hadn't made that scene, I probably wouldn't have gotten anything anyway. Like Dad said-you're closest to whoever raises you. Even if I'd been the perfect daughter and they'd remarried, he still wouldn't have seen me. Back then, I'd have been stuck in a career I hated, watching Cassandra get everything. I probably would have gone completely insane! Playing favorites means constant comparison. And comparison? That's what kills happiness. Getting away from parents who pick sides was my ticket to actually being happy! Title: The Good Girl's Dirty Secrets (English-dubbed) In CrushReel's ongoing romance, "The Good Girl's Dirty Secrets," a young woman ensnared in a decade-long struggle against familial constraints finds unexpected solace in a man who appears as her pathway to freedom. Initially leveraging his presence for escape, she is gradually swayed by his unwavering faith and unwavering dedication. Exploring themes of liberation and trust, the narrative delves into the complexities of breaking free from oppressive environments. The protagonist's evolution from using the man as a means of salvation to embracing genuine connection offers a poignant portrayal of emotional transformation. Amidst the backdrop of romance, the story skillfully weaves a tale of self-discovery and resilience, capturing the essence of human vulnerability and strength. What sets "The Good Girl's Dirty Secrets" apart is its nuanced depiction of intricate relationships and internal struggles, resonating with readers seeking depth and authenticity in romantic narratives. Available to read online at CrushReel, this captivating tale promises a journey of self-realization and love amidst adversity.