Your dad wouldve wanted you to look after your brother and sister, Mum said, trying to secure her kids future at my expense.
Emily drove slowly through the familiar streets of her hometown. A decade in London had blurred so many memories. She found her mums flat using the satnav.
The front door swung open before she even knocked. Her mum stood thereolder, weary. So you finally came, Margaret said flatly. Come in.
Emily stepped inside. Teenagers crowded the hallway. Her stepbrother and stepsister eyed her with open curiosity.
Kids, this is Emily, their mum introduced her. Your sister.
A girl around fourteen gave Emily a once-overthe designer coat, the posh handbag, the elegant shoesall of it screamed success.
Shes got a really nice car, the girl whispered to her brother.
Quiet, Lily, their mum snapped.
A middle-aged man walked in from the kitchen. Her stepdad, David, gave a silent nod. His gaze lingered on her expensive watch.
The living room had a worn-out sofa and threadbare armchairs. The telly looked like it had seen better days. Emily sat, taking it all in.
As you can see, we dont live lavishly, her mum began.
Emily nodded.
David works as a foreman at the factory, Margaret went on. The pays not much. And the kids need so many things.
The teenage son was glued to his phone, the screen cracked. Lily tugged at her jumper sleeve, the fabric frayed.
Mum, when am I getting new trainers? Lily said loudly. Everyone at school has decent ones, and Im stuck with these.
Not now, Lily, her mum hissed.
Emily stayed quiet. The tension was thick.
Long drive mustve tired you out? David asked.
A bit, Emily admitted.
And your job in Londongoing well? her mum pressed.
Yeah, fine.
I heard your dad left you the company, Margaret said carefully. Must be doing alright?
Emily sighed. Shed met with the manager yesterday. The business was thriving, turnover in the millions.
Yeah, its going well, she said.
David exchanged a look with his wife. Something calculating flashed in their eyes.
Emily, can we talk? her mum asked. Just us.
They slipped into the bedroom. Margaret shut the door.
Love, you see how we live, she said quietly. The kids need things. Lily needs a maths tutor. Oliver wants to do coding courses.
Emily listened.
Theres talk of layoffs at Davids work, her mum continued. Were struggling. And now youve come into all this money
Mum, I just got here, Emily said softly. Lets give Dad a proper send-off first.
Of course, Margaret agreed. But familys family. Your dad always said we stick together.
Emily nodded. No point arguing.
Back in the living room, she walked into a hushed conversation. David was whispering to the kids. They went silent when she entered.
Emily, how long are you staying? David asked.
Not sure yet. Need to sort Dads affairs.
Is the house he left big? Lily asked.
Lily! her mum scolded.
What? Just asking, the girl shrugged.
Oliver finally looked up from his phone. Is it true your dad had a construction firm? Must be cool being the boss.
Emily saw it thenthis wasnt about her. It was about the money. No one asked how she was coping. No one cared about her plans.
Right, Ill head to a hotel, Emily said, standing.
What hotel? her mum protested. Youre home! Stay here.
No, Mum. Id rather be on my own.
Margaret walked her to the door, hugging her tight. Think about what I said. Family comes first.
Emily left with a heavy heart. Her mums words echoed in her head. The next day, she said goodbye to her dad. The service was simple. Her mums family kept their distance.
Afterwards, Margaret approached her. Come for dinner tomorrow. Aunt Vera and Uncle Paul are coming. We need to talk as a family.
Emily nodded. Refusing wouldve been awkward.
The next evening, she arrived to a full tableAunt Vera, Uncle Paul, all looking serious.
Sit, Emily, her mum said, gesturing to a chair.
The air was thick. Lily and Oliver kept sneaking glances at her.
Weve been thinking, Margaret started. Your dad was fair. He loved family.
Aunt Vera nodded. John always said family sticks together.
Wheres this going? Emily asked carefully.
Uncle Paul cleared his throat. Youve got a big inheritance now, Emily. Your brother and sister are struggling.
Its not right, the aunt added. One child rich, the others scraping by.
Emily tensed. This wasnt going well.
We think, her mum said, you should share with Lily and Oliver. At least half.
What? Emily couldnt believe it.
Whats so bad about that? David shrugged. A proper daughter wouldnt leave family in need.
Your dad wouldve wanted you to share, her mum said coldly.
Lily looked hopeful. Oliver waited, tense.
Its family duty, Aunt Vera cut in. You were in London ten years. Never helped. Nows your chance.
Exactly, Uncle Paul agreed. Fairs fair. The kids deserve equal shares.
Emily scanned the room. Every face was fixed on her.
I dont owe anyone anything, she said quietly.
How can you say that? her mum exploded. Were your family!
Emily replied, If Dad wanted the inheritance split, hed have put it in his will. He never mentioned you. Never said he loved you. And why would he? You were strangers. Im his only child.
Margarets face twisted.
So thats it? You dont care?
Not like this
No? her mum cut in. Then prove it! Give the kids their share!
David leaned forward. Emily, be reasonable. Youve got millions. Were barely managing.
Lilys applying to uni soon, the aunt said. No money for it.
Oliver needs a laptop for school, Uncle Paul added.
Emily saw the kids faceshope and resentment mixed.
Choose, her mum said sharply. Share the money, or lose your family.
Silence. Emily stood slowly.
No, she said firmly.
Margaret shoved her chair back so hard it clattered to the floor. What?! Have you no shame?! How can you look at these kids and say no?!
Selfish cow! Aunt Vera shouted, waving her arms. Ten years gone! Didnt even visit for your mums birthday!
Heartless, David muttered, shaking his head. Thought you had some decency left.
Lily burst into tears. We hoped and you
Oliver glared, fists clenched. You rolled up in a flash car! Your bag costs more than our food bill! And we cant even afford new clothes!
The lads right, David said. Youre living it up while were just getting by.
Emily moved to leave, but her mum blocked her. Stop! Margaret screeched, grabbing her arm. Walk out now, and dont come back! Youre no daughter of mine!
Ill tell the whole town how tight you are! Aunt Vera spat. Everyonell know you abandoned your family!
Ill make sure of it! her mum yelled. Shops, doctorseveryone!
And your businessll have problems, David warned coldly. Ive got contacts. Well make life hard for you.
Just go! Lily sobbed. We dont need you!
Disgrace! Uncle Paul growled. Your dadd be ashamed!
Emily pushed past. The shouts followed her:
I curse you! Margaret screamed. Hope you never find happiness!
Youll die alone! Aunt Vera yelled.
The door slammed. The noise still seeped through.
The next day, Emily moved into her dads house. She changed the locks, tidied up. The place was spacious, warm.
A year passed. Her mum still ignored her. Neighbours whispered.
Stingy, that one, they muttered. Chose money over family.
No heart at all, the old ladies tutted.
But Emily didnt care. The company grew. New contracts rolled in. She built homes, created jobs. Her dads legacy thrived.
She remembered why her parents split. Her dad was just starting outno money. Her mum left for David, who was doing well back then. Her dad never recovered. He poured
