I sat alone in the living room and stared at those so-called gifts. I started to tear up.

I doted on my daughter for half of my life.

Since the day she was born, people around me have tried to persuade me.

“Have another child now while you’re still young, so you’ll have more company when you’re older.”

I was holding her in my arms, and I decided to give all of my love to her.

My husband and I were frugal, and we always prioritized her in everything.

When she got married and wanted to buy a house, we did not hesitate to give her all of our money.

Then, they said they could not afford a car loan. I silently gave her a supplementary card and helped her with their car loan.

Even when she said she wanted to celebrate the New Year’s with her in-laws, I volunteered to prepare gifts on her behalf.

I was the walking source of a hefty retirement fund, and she eyed it for a long time.

From paying her car loan to her daily expenses, she had been using the money from my account.

I never made a sound. She was my only child, so it only made sense for my money to go to her.

However, I did not expect to be taken for granted.

In the past, I tried my best to tolerate it.

However, they finally broke the camel’s back!

She said she would draw lots for fairness, but I would make it fair for her!

As her mother, I had spent every single cent on her, and in return, she had treated me like I was nothing!

It was upsetting.

That night, I looked at my bank transaction notifications for the past month.

[Car loan - 600 dollars]

[Meal at an expensive restaurant - 1500 dollars]

[Caviar - 300 dollars]

[Massage parlor membership card - 1500 dollars]

All her expenses were for her husband or for her mother-in-law.

All these years, she had already grown used to treating me like an ATM to buy gifts for her in-laws.

I turned around and gave the bank a call.

“Please cancel all the auto-debit payments from my retirement account.”

“Madam, we’d need you to come to our branch with your ID.”

“Alright.”

The next morning, I put on my shoes and got ready to head out.

Lydia rubbed her eyes and walked to the living room. She looked sleepy.

“Mom, what’s for breakfast?”

I did not turn around and continued tying my shoelaces.

She seemed to recall the fight we had the day before. She then softened her tone as she used to.

“Alright, Mom. I’ve discussed it with Ben. We’ll bring you along to my in-laws for the next New Year’s celebration.

“Are you happy now? Go, make breakfast for us.”

I sneered and walked out the door.

When the door was shut, I heard her mumbling.

“Isn’t it just a small matter of spending New Year’s? Why is she being so calculative…”

She still felt like it was not a big deal.

She had not realized that it was because of my money that she was cherished by her in-laws.

Very soon, I reached the end of the queue.

After I was done with the procedure, I immediately headed back to the countryside.

The next morning, my phone rang.

Lydia sounded anxious.

“Mom, the gifts that you’re supposed to buy before the New Year’s haven’t arrived yet!

“I need to bring them to my boss!”

I answered her calmly.

“That’s your responsibility. Figure it out yourself.”

After I said that, I immediately ended the call. I blocked and deleted their contacts without any hesitation.

It was like clockwork.

I sat next to the window and let the sun shine on my face. It was beautifully warm.

From my peripheral vision, I saw a pamphlet for a group tour. I immediately signed up.

I had worked so hard all of my life. It was time for me to see the country and its beauty.

After that, I no longer kept in touch with Lydia.

Lydia could not bear it any longer. She repeatedly texted and mentioned me in the family group chat.

[Mom, you’re over 60 years old. Why are you throwing a tantrum like a teenager? Aren’t you embarrassed?

[I only went back to celebrate the New Year’s with my in-laws because Charlie missed his grandparents. Why are you being so calculative?

[After all, I’m married! I have my own family to take care of! How can I stay stuck to you like it was in the past?]

After her waves of accusations, our relatives started jumping up with their opinions.

[Why is your mother acting like this? She’s ruining your peace after something so minor.]

[I bet she has too much free time on her hands, that’s why she’s creating drama. She should just do some community work instead and stop torturing her kid.]

I did not bother explaining myself. Instead, I just left the group chat.

I thought that would be the end of it.

Two days later, before the group tour started, the tour guide, Taylor Lee, texted in the group chat.

[Hello everyone! We’re about to start our journey. Remember to pack your belongings!]

I looked at my worn clothes, and I went out to the mall.

All these years, I had been frugal and channeled my retirement fund to my daughter.

It was about time that I bought myself some new clothes to welcome my new life.

I did not expect to see Audrey when I went into the shop.

She was wearing beautiful fur, and I looked bad in comparison.

I wanted to go to another shop, but Audrey stopped me.

“Don’t go, Lydia’s here too.”

She raised her voice, as if she wanted everyone to hear her.

“I heard that you’ve been ignoring Lydia’s calls over that small incident during the New Year’s?

“It’s not my place to say this, but you shouldn’t be so stingy as a mother. Others would laugh at you.”

Lydia heard us and came over. She looked disgusted when she saw me.

“Mom, you went missing for so many days and suddenly showed up when I’m buying clothes for my mother-in-law.

“Whatever, I’m a fair person. You can choose some clothes for yourself. Don’t embarrass me here.

“But after I buy you new clothes, you should drop that topic.”

I stared at her and spoke clearly.

“If you really know what’s fair, you wouldn’t fake the lots that you were drawing!”

Lydia was embarrassed. She raised her voice.

“Do you really have to harp over that small matter? My in-laws are also by themselves. So what if I spent the New Year’s with them?

“Don’t think just because you spend some money on us, we have to orbit around you!”

She sounded more agitated as she spoke. She pointed her finger at my face.

“If you still insist on being this unreasonable, don’t expect me to take care of you when you get old or sick!”

I looked at her quietly.

“Your husband should be the one taking care of your in-laws. What about you? Did they raise you?”

Lydia still wanted to talk back, but Audrey stopped her. She looked at me.

“Enough. You’ve ruined our mood!

“If you don’t want new clothes, go away. My daughter-in-law is going to buy me some!”

After she said that, she continued to pick out her clothes.

Upon seeing that, Lydia immediately followed her. She glared at me before she left.

“Fine, let’s see how long you can last. Don’t beg me to go to the countryside to pick you up!”

The shopkeeper looked at me sympathetically.

“Are you alright?”

I shook my head and smiled. I simply pointed at some clothes.

“Please help me get this.”

I tried on a few clothes and felt they fit me well. Then, I bought them.

Before I left, I glanced at Lydia. She was trailing behind Audrey.

“Audrey, you’re a natural model! You look great in anything!”

She was holding a stack of clothes in her arms.

They were happily laughing.

They probably did not know that Lydia’s supplementary card had already been canceled by me.

I walked out of the mall and grabbed my suitcase before joining the tour. I had just got onto the bus when my phone rang.

I answered the phone calmly.

Lydia sounded really frustrated.

“Why can’t I use the card you gave me? I haven’t paid for Audrey’s clothes! Do you know how embarrassed I am at the mall?”