Chapter 1

"Mom, you actually made Leo buy you a boba drink today? I mean, seriously, aren't you ashamed of yourself taking pocket money from your own grandson at your age? You're so greedy."

It was evening. I had just set the food on the table and sat down to eat when my daughter-in-law, Chloe, started in with her passive-aggressive accusations.

"No, that's not what happened. It was buy-one-get-one-free."

"Oh, so that gives you an excuse to spend your grandson's allowance? The older you get, the more shameless you become."

Chloe’s voice was shrill and grating, making my blood boil.

I glanced at my son, Justin, who kept his head buried in his plate as if he were invisible. Seeing him like that broke my heart even more.

"The cashier didn't have small change."

I forced down my anger and gave a short explanation.

"Whatever, whatever. We're both women here—who are you trying to kid? You're lucky I'm easygoing. Anyone else would've kicked you out already."

Chloe rolled her eyes at me and went back to eating.

I couldn't swallow this humiliation.

I stood up and slammed my fork onto the table.

"Since you think I'm so greedy, fine. Starting today, I'm done serving you."

"Oh, who are you trying to scare? You only have one son. Where else could you possibly go without him?"

Chloe sneered.

Justin didn't even look up. He just mumbled coldly, "Mom, stop making a scene. I'm exhausted from working all day."

Looking at the contempt in Chloe's eyes felt like needles stabbing into my chest.

Back then, to help my son get married and buy a house, I sold my own home back in my hometown.

The two of them had promised me so earnestly that they would take care of me in my old age. And like a fool, I actually believed their lies.

"I'll pay you back for the drink. I don't want a single penny from you."

With that, I transferred the money to Chloe via PayPal.

She accepted it instantly.

"Come on, Mom. We give you plenty of grocery money every month. Stop putting on an act for your son."

My hands trembled with rage.

"Two hundred dollars a month is plenty?"

"Since we're on the subject, let me break it down for you. Groceries and meat cost nearly all of that, not to mention the utility bills."

I held up my fingers, ready to count every penny to show her. But before I could get more than a few words out, she cut me off.

"See? I told you your mom is obsessed with money. Who knows how many little secret ledgers she's keeping behind our backs?"

Chloe shot a knowing smirk at my son.

Justin finally looked up, his tone ice-cold.

"Mom, can you stop being so petty? Who do you think is going to take care of you when you're older? Isn't it going to be me? You're this old and you still can't do the math?"

I was spending my own money to support their little household, yet somehow it was all my fault.

Looking at this son I had raised with my own two hands, he felt completely like a stranger.

"Just eat, Mom," Justin said, shifting his eyes away awkwardly.

There was no way I could finish that meal.

I walked straight back into the tiny storage room that served as my bedroom.

Lying on the squeaky metal cot, tossing and turning, I suddenly remembered an older woman I had met at the park while watching Leo.

She had noticed how quick and capable I was with chores and asked if I wanted to try working as a live-in housekeeper. But back then, all I cared about was helping take care of my grandson, so I politely declined.

I picked up my phone and texted her, asking if she could keep an eye out for any families looking for a live-in housekeeper. The pay didn't matter as long as there was a roof over my head.

She agreed right away.

"Mom! Remember to wash the dishes! And check Leo's online homework app!"

Just as I sent the text, my son yelled from the hallway.

When you're living under someone else's roof, you have to swallow your pride—even if it's your own son's house.

I let out a heavy sigh, dragged myself out of bed, and headed to the kitchen.

I cleaned the kitchen quickly, then went into my grandson's room to help him submit his school assignments.

By the time I finished everything, it was almost eleven at night.