After cutting ties with my family, I'm doing better than all of you

On the eve of my engagement, I handed over a payroll card with $300,000 in savings to my family with both hands.

Mom counted the zeros without even lifting her eyelids, then let out a snort of laughter.

You've calculated this pretty precisely.

My chest tightened. What do you mean?

You bring back this little bit of money and want to play the hero. Retirement, medical billsare you planning to just dump all that and never care again?

She flung the card into my face, eyes full of wariness and disgust.

"Not like your sister. She didn't want a single dollar and just went with someonethat's real character. Not like your cold-blooded scheming, using money to buy out family ties. Stop always throwing money at people like it proves how capable you are. You reek of it."

The sharp edge sliced the corner of my eye. Blood ran down my cheek.

I covered the wound and slowly bent to pick up the card.

It wasn't like that.

The truth was, I had severe depression. That $300,000 was the retirement money I was leaving thembecause I wasn't planning to live past this winter.

1.

"Georgia Coleman, cut it out with the pathetic act. Three hundred thousand? Who are you trying to brush off, a beggar?" She crossed her arms. "Isn't that Colin Delgado running a company? I heard the bride price he gave was several times this number. You've climbed up to a high branch yourself, and you bring back this little bitare you trying to buy off us poor relatives?"

Pain shot through the top of my foot. My chest twisted tight. Blood smeared my vision as it ran along my eyelids.

"Mom, this is everything I saved from five years of work and part of it is from Colin too. It's all here. For your retirement"

"Pah!"

Spit landed by my foot.

"Retirement? Your dad and I aren't dead yet! Already cursing us to need coffin money?" She grabbed my collar, the smell of kitchen grease hitting my face. "Your sister is still drifting around out there, and you're the one who's greatlocking the money under 'retirement.' You're just guarding against her, afraid she'll benefit from you even a little!"

"Mom! Georgia's back?"

The front door slammed open. Caroline rushed in wearing a hip-hop coat, carrying two bags of fruit. Her face was frozen bright red. Behind her trailed a man with bleached yellow hair.

Mom's expression transformed instantly. She released me and kicked the bank card across the floor.

"Oh, my sweetheart! It's so coldwhy are you wearing so little? Get inside!"

Caroline tossed the fruit onto the shoe cabinet without glancing at me and threw herself into Mom's arms.

"Mom, I missed you to death! I came back to spend the New Year with you guys." She gestured behind her. "This is Dylan. He does musicsuper talented!"

Dylan grinned, flashing a mouthful of yellow teeth. "Hello, Auntie. Came in a hurry, didn't bring any gifts. How about I sing you a song?"

I stood in the living room, blood running down my face, gripping the bank card that had been stepped on and cracked. Across the room, the whole family fussed over warmth and cold. No one asked about my injury. No one even looked at the card.

At dinner, Mom kept piling braised pork into Caroline's bowl until it formed a little mountain.

"Eat more. Look how skinny you got out there." She nodded at Dylan. "You too."

Dad opened a bottle of good liquor and clinked glasses with Dylan, his face glowing red as they chatted. In front of me sat only a bowl of white rice. I had to get my own chopsticks from the kitchen.

"Georgia, I heard you're getting engaged?"

Caroline had her mouth stuffed with meat, her eyes circling the cashmere coat on me.

"Colin's pretty generous, right? Have your brother-in-law introduce a rich guy to me too. Or get him to invest in a record for Dylan?"

My grip tightened on the chopsticks.

"He doesn't do charity."

I swallowed the metallic sweetness in my throat.

"And don't call him brother-in-law. We haven't gotten the marriage license yet."

Smack!

Mom's hand slammed the table so hard the soup bowls wobbled.

"How dare you talk to your sister like that? Not even married yet and already acting like some rich lady?"

"Your sister's being genuine! Unlike youalways scheming. People have to watch their backs just talking to you!"

"Yeah, sis."

Carrie curled her lip.

"I said it casually. Your three hundred thousand's still sitting in your pocket, isn't it?"

"What's wrong with buying Dylan some equipment? Your money isn't my money?"

My stomach churned. That three hundred thousandI'd saved it while taking meds and working overtime. I'd even secretly stopped using the treatment money Colin gave me.

I set down my bowl. My hands trembled as I fumbled a pill bottle out of my pocket.

"Oh, taking your vitamins again?"

Mom snatched the bottle and shook it under the light.

"So dramatic. This young and already popping pillsthe richer you get, the more you cling to life!"

With a casual flick, the bottle arced through the air and landed in the trash.

"If you're eating, eat. Don't pull out these unlucky things and embarrass yourself!"

I froze, staring at the trash can.

That was sertraline.

I closed my eyes.

Twenty-nine days left.

Hang in there, Georgia. Soon it won't hurt anymore.

Early the next morning, noise from the living room woke me. The hangover and withdrawal made my head pound, my chest tight.

When I pushed the door open, Carrie was sprawled on the couch in my silk pajamas, ordering Dylan to peel oranges for her.

Colin had those custom-made. Now there was a grease stain smeared across them.

"Awake?"

Mom came out of the kitchen with hot milk and handed it straight to Carrie.

"Drink it while it's hot. I added red datesgood for your energy."

I stood to the side.

"Mom, I'm hungry."

She glanced at me and pointed toward the kitchen.

"There's leftover porridge in the pot. Heat it up yourself. You're growndo I still need to wait on you?"

The red date milk was freshly made. The porridge was sour.

"Sis, your pajamas are pretty comfortable. Give them to me?"

Carrie tugged at the collar.

"You have tons of clothes anyway. Dylan and I just got back and our luggage got lostwe don't have anything clean to change into."

I walked over and stared at that pajama set.

"Take them off."

The room went still. Carrie froze, her eyes welling up as she looked at Mom.

"Mom look at her! She won't even part with one old piece of clothing!"

"What the hell is wrong with you, Georgia?"

Mom threw down the rag and jabbed a finger at my face.

"What's the big deal if your sister wears one of your outfits? You're exactly like that dead grandma of yours! Selfish!"

"This was an engagement gift from Colin."

I stared at Carrie.

"Take them off. Don't make me say it a third time."

She shrank back under my gaze.

"Fine, I'll take them off. What's the big deal."

She yanked off the pajamas and threw them on the floor.

"There! Reeks of money anyway. I don't even want them!"

She changed back into her own clothes and hooked her arm through Dylan's.

"Dylan's the besthe may not have money, but he has talent. That's pure art!"

"Not like certain people, selling themselves to tacky businessmen for cash, then putting on airs at home."

The seafood Colin sent became drinking snacks. The liquor went into Dad's stomach. And the man who gave the gifts became "tacky."

The doorbell rang. Carrie rushed to answer.

"Excuse me, is this Georgia Coleman's home? I'm Mr. Delgado's assistant, here to deliver the engagement banquet outfits and jewelry."

A staff member stood in the doorway, holding gift boxes.

Mom's eyes lit up instantly, and she rushed over to grab the gift box.

"Yes, yes, yes, come in!"

She tore into the packaging. Inside was a red, diamond-studded toasting dress and a heavy set of gold jewelry.

"Oh my God! This is way too beautiful!"

Caroline cried out, snatching the gold necklace to hold against herself.

"Mom, look! The workmanship, the weight!"

Mom was grinning so wide her face might split.

"Gorgeous! This is what real gold looks like!"

She slipped the bracelet directly onto Caroline's wrist.

"Carrie, this makes your skin look so fair. Perfect as a first-meeting gift!"

My head went boom. I rushed over and grabbed Mom's wrist.

"That's my engagement token! What are you doing?!"

Mom shoved me back.

"What are you yelling for? Your fianc sent this to show respect to us!"

"Once it comes through this door, it belongs to the Colemans! I'm your motherwhat's wrong with giving some to your sister?"

Caroline shielded the bracelet.

"Georgia, you're way too stingy. Colin has so much moneyhe'll buy you more later."

"So what if I want this one?"

The shove sent my lower back slamming into the table corner. I sucked in air through my teeth.

Three hundred thousand dollars on the floor, completely ignored. But three pieces of gold in my hands? Suddenly family property.

I took a deep breath.

"Everything Colin gives is registered."

"If I'm not wearing this set at the engagement banquet, he'll report it stolen."

"Mom, you don't want Caroline dragged to the police station the moment she gets back, do you?"

Mom's expression shifted. She yanked the bracelet off Caroline's wrist and threw it back in the box.

"Fine, take it! All you ever do is use outsiders to threaten me! Ungrateful brat!"

Caroline stomped her foot.

"Enough!"

Mom shot me a glare.

"It's just some crappy gold anyway. When you marry someone even richer later, you'll make her sick with envy!"

I took the gift box and went back to my room.

Mom's voice followed through the door.

"What a piece of work! Depression? She's just scheming and rotten inside! Who's she putting on this sick act for!"

I slid down against the door, coughing violently. In my palma smear of dark red.

I pulled out a utility knife and measured it against my wrist.

Too shallow. Not enough. Wait a little longer.

Three days later, Colin came. He brought gifts and a detailed engagement schedule.

"Uncle, Auntie, I brought bird's nest and cordyceps for you."

He set everything down.

"Georgia hasn't been feeling well lately. Thank you for looking after her."

Mom sat in the main seat and snorted.

"Not feeling well? Rich-person problems. Back when she did farm work, I never heard her complaining about this and that."

Colin's smile faltered. He glanced at me. I kept my head down, twisting the hem of my shirt.

"Hey, brother-in-law!"

Caroline squeezed up beside him and hooked her arm through his.

"I heard you do investments? Check out my Dylan!"

"His singing is amazing. We're all family nowjust casually throw in a few million, put out an album?"

Colin pulled his arm free.

"Sorry, I invest in the real economy. I'm not familiar with entertainment."

Caroline's face darkened. She turned to Mom.

"Mom! Did you hear that? Who does he think he is?"

Mom set her teacup down hard.

"Colin, you're about to be family. You won't even help with this little thing?"

"And that three hundred thousand in bride price you gave Georgiait still hasn't hit our account. Care to explain?"

I jerked my head up.

"What bride price? That three hundred thousand was my"

"Shut up!"

Mom glared daggers at me, then turned back to Colin, eyes calculating.

"We want another sixty-six thousand as a 'leaving-mother fee.' And it goes directly into my hands."

"And also, don't you have a few vacant apartments under your name?"

"Transfer one to Carrie as her dowry. A little gesture from Georgia."

"Mom!"

I shot to my feet.

"Are you selling your daughter?! Colin has already given plenty. That three hundred thousand is my own money!"

"Shut your mouth!"

Mom flew into a rage, grabbed the ashtray, and hurled it at me.

Bang.

It hit my forehead. Warm liquid ran down, and my vision turned blood-red.

"Georgia!"

Colin rushed over and caught me, pressing the wound as he glared at Mom.

"Ma'am! What are you doing? She's your biological daughter!"

"Biological daughter?"

Mom pointed at me.

"Would a biological daughter side with an outsider? Back then, it was because we got fined for having her that the family was so poor. Carrie couldn't even go to school! Now she's living the good life and doesn't care whether her sister lives or dies. Something like this deserves to be beaten to death!"

Leaning in Colin's arms, I didn't even feel angry.

So it was the fine. Caroline dropped out and ran off on her own, yet it became the crime I'd carried for years.

"We're leaving."

Colin's voice was ice.

"Whether this marriage happens isn't up to you. Worst case, we'll go to court and change the household registration."

"You wouldn't dare!"

Mom tried to stop us, but the driver blocked her.

At the door, I looked back. Mom was squatting on the floor picking up the ashtray, cursing nonstop. Caroline was flipping through the gift boxes, complaining there were only supplements and no bag.

In the car, Colin wiped the blood from my face, his eyes red.

"Georgia, we're done with them. From now on, you'll live with me."

I watched the snowy scenery outside. Only calm in my heart.

Colin, I'm sorry. I don't have a future anymore.

I touched my empty pocket. The withdrawal made my whole body tremble, the ringing in my ears sharp.

I leaned on his shoulder.

"Colin, if one day I disappear, don't look for me."

He gripped my hand.

"What stupid thing are you saying? We're going to get married and live a whole lifetime together."

A whole lifetime was too long. I couldn't hold on.

Only two days passed before Mom called Colin's phone.

I was at his apartment watching him cook porridge. From the speaker came Mom's piercing wail.

"Colin! Save us! Otherwise the whole family can only go die!"

He frowned.

"What happened?"

"Carrie's boyfriend Dylan beat someone into serious injury! They want one million in compensation, otherwise they'll sue Dylan and send him to prison! And they're going to find someone to get Carrie killed!"

The porcelain spoon in my hand knocked against the rim of the bowl.

One million.

"Ma'am, this is a criminal case. You should call the police."

"Call the police for what!" Mom screamed. "If we call the police, Dylan is finished! Carrie is pregnant with his child! The child can't be without a dad! Aren't you rich? Lend it to us first, and later let Georgia pay you back!"

"Georgia has no obligation to pay back this kind of debt."

Colin refused.

"Put Georgia on the phone!" Mom's voice turned vicious. "Georgia! Your sister is about to be forced to death and you're still playing dead? Don't you have three hundred thousand in your hands? Take it out first! Let your fianc make up the rest!"

I took the phone.

"That three hundred thousandI already donated it."

Dead silence on the other end. Then a burst of cursing.

"Donated it? You'd rather donate to outsiders than save your own sister? You animal! If I'd known, I would've strangled you to death in the toilet the moment you were born!"

I hung up and blocked the number.

"I'm fine."

I smiled at Colin.

"I want to go home for a bitback to my rentalto grab my passport."

I returned to that run-down apartment.

On the table sat the suicide note and the replacement card. This was the only clean thing I owned. Leave it for Colin.

I poured a handful of sleeping pills into my palm.

The door shook under violent pounding.

"Georgia! Open this door!"

Mom's voice. Caroline's sobbing. A strange man cursing.

Before I could swallow, the wooden door burst open. A mob surged in.

Mom charged first, hair wild, and knocked the pills from my hand.

"Eat, eat, eat! That's all you ever do! Your sister's about to get hacked to death and you're popping pills?"

White tablets scattered across the floor.

"Hand over the money!"

Mom grabbed my hair and slammed me into the wall.

"Where's the money? Where's the card?"

Caroline dropped to her knees and clutched my leg, wailing.

"Georgia! I'm begging you! They're loan sharks!"

"Dylan borrowed from them to gamble and can't pay it backthey want to take me instead!"

Gambling debt. Several tattooed men blocked the doorway, clubs in hand.

"Enough talk. No money, we take the girl."

Mom released me and pointed at my face.

"Sir! She's the older sister! She has money! Her fianc's a rich CEO!"

"Take her! Trade her for cash! She's worth way more than my younger one!"

My body went rigid.

Caroline nodded frantically.

"Yes! Grab my sister! Her fianc will pay ransom for sure! I'm worthless!"

I laughedtears and blood running together.

"Fine."

I picked up the bank card and held it high.

"The money's here. Three hundred thousand."

Every eye locked onto that card.

"But only I know the password."

Step by step, I backed toward the balcony. Wind and snow rushed in.

"Georgia! What are you doing! Get back here!"

Mom's voice pitched with panic.

"Throw me the card!"

I looked at her, eyes hollow.

"Mom, you always said I came into this world to collect a debt. You were right."

"Today, I'm paying it off."

My fingers opened.

The card drifted away on the wind, vanishing into the snowy dark.

"My money!"

Mom screamed and lunged for the railing.

Amid the chaos, I turned and climbed onto the ledge.

"Georgia!"