After Monica married Sam against her parents’ wishes, they acted as if she no longer existed. Eight years later, her mother unexpectedly called with a chilling question that made Monica’s skin crawl.

Diary Entry

I remember the day I first bumped into Samit was in a neighbouring town, during yet another work trip. Despite the twelve-year age gap, we fell completely for each other. Sam started travelling down to my city, Bath, just to see me as often as he could. Three months in, he proposed. He promised me hed always look after me and make sure I never wanted for anything.

My familymy parents and my brotherwerent pleased at all because of our age difference. Still, I followed my heart and moved in with Sam. It wasnt long before we registered our marriage and made everything official. Sam was financially secure, respected at a reputable company, and even owned a thriving little grocery shop. He let out his old single-bedroom flat and had a steady rental income coming in. With his success, he bought a spacious two-bedroom flat and drove around in a fancy, expensive car.

Eight years passed. I finally graduated from university, and Sam helped me land a job at a firm owned by one of his friends. We seemed settled and happy, but even then, my parents never forgave me for going against their wishes; they stopped talking to me entirely. From old friends, Id hear that my brother had married, lived with Mum and Dad, and was doing very well financially. He travelled abroad frequently and was always upgrading his car.

Only a few weeks ago, my mum rang and asked if we could talk. During our chat, she made hints about me helping my brother out, suggesting I could loan him enough money to buy a flat, or send him a generous amount. Mum implied I might borrow from Sam to mend bridges with the family. But I hesitatedfor many reasons. My brother hadnt made any effort to get his own place, and Id spent eight years living without my parents’ support, carving out a fulfilling life with Sam.

In the end, I decided not to give in to my relatives demands. Their reaction was harsh: they criticised my choice and told me the family homes doors were closed to me forever. Still, I stood my ground. Life has moved on for me, and Im genuinely happy to leave the past behind.