Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Dad had only one sister, Aunt Paige. Grandma passed away early, so Dad and Grandpa both doted on her. But she was a disappointment, marrying a gambler early on and living a life of constant financial struggle. When Dad was alive, he often helped her out, and Grandpa pitied her, helping whenever he could. Every time she came over, she raided the house; she took whatever she saw and, if she had no money, she borrowed from Mom. If Mom refused, Aunt Paige would cry and make a scene, claiming that her brother's death left her bullied by her sister-in-law. Mom, afraid of village gossip, never argued with her.

Over the years, Aunt Paige was like a parasite, and neither Mom nor Grandpa could do anything about her. Grandpa was now in the late stages of lung cancer, struggling to breathe in recent days. For once, Aunt Paige brought something when she visited him. Grandpa was moved, thinking his daughter had finally matured, but I knew she was after Grandpa's inheritance.

Our family owned a 200-acre orchard, which was about to be taken over by a development project. The signing was imminent. "Dad, I should get a share of the orchard relocation money," Aunt Paige said. Mom glanced at Grandpa but remained silent. Since Dad's death, Mom had always shown Grandpa great respect. She was too kind, never fighting for her own interests.

"By rights, you should get a share," Grandpa said, making Aunt Paige beam with joy. Who did she think she was? Did she think we had to give her whatever she wanted? I interrupted, showing her no respect. "Aunt Paige, when the family split, you only wanted money and not Grandpa. That 200-acre orchard was cultivated bit by bit by Dad. How do you have the nerve to ask for money?"

Back then, Aunt Paige married and had children early, taking all of Grandpa's money. The orchard was still barren land, and she left it and Grandpa to Dad. Grandpa had been supported by our family all these years. Even after Dad's death, Mom never abandoned him, paying for his medical expenses all these years. Now that the orchard was about to be taken over, she wanted a share? How could I let her have her way?

"Simon, do you think you're so great just because you got into college? How dare you talk to your aunt like that? No manners at all. A child of low status raised by a mother of low status," she sneered, indirectly insulting my mom. Mom had a hard life; she was sold to Dad as a wife by her own father. But Dad was kind and treated her well. Aunt Paige always looked down on her, thinking Mom was of low status because she was sold.

"You have manners, but you don't even care for your own father? Have you visited Grandpa once since he got sick? How much money have you borrowed from us over the years? Have you ever paid it back?" Aunt Paige, seeing she couldn't win the argument, raised her hand to hit Mom.

"It's all your fault, you wretched woman! My brother died, and you keep stirring up trouble. Now your son dares to shout at me. How dare you call yourself my sister-in-law?" I grabbed her raised hand and flung it aside. "And you dare call yourself my aunt? Look at yourself. If you dare insult my mom again, I'll show you just how 'ill-mannered' I can be."

Mom, with tears in her eyes, held my hand tightly. Since Dad's death, no one had stood up for her, allowing Aunt Paige to bully her for years. "You worthless old man, say something! Are you just going to let this ungrateful wretch insult me?" Aunt Paige pushed Grandpa, and Mom quickly shielded him. "You deserve this illness. You brought this illness on yourself. I curse you, you won't live past tomorrow."

Grandpa nearly fell from her push. "You ungrateful child, I raised you for nothing," he said, coughing violently and spitting blood. Mom hurried to find his medicine. I dragged Aunt Paige outside and threw her out the door. "Get out! You're worse than an animal!" Aunt Paige tumbled down the stairs, screaming in pain. "Simon, you'll pay for this. And that wretched mother of yours, neither of you will ever be happy!"

Grandpa wept bitterly. "What a disgrace she is!" I didn't feel sorry for Grandpa; Aunt Paige's behavior today was partly his fault. The doctor said Grandpa wouldn't live past this month, and there was no way I would let Aunt Paige get the orchard compensation.

I took Mom to see the village head and met with the developers, proposing to sign the contract today in exchange for ten thousand dollars less. The developers readily agreed. I told Mom to save the money and never let Aunt Paige know. Mom's eyes reddened, and she hugged me tightly. "Son, I've endured all these years to avoid dragging you down. Now that you're grown, I have nothing to fear."

I comforted her, promising never to let anyone bully her again. In this new life, I was set on making Aunt Paige and her family pay.