I always knew my dad disagreed with my choice to stay childfree, but I never thought he’d go as far as punishing me for it. For years he pushed the idea that a woman’s worth came from being a mother, constantly nagging me to “have kids while I still can.” I told him I wasn’t ready — maybe never would be — but he never respected that.

Then today, everything snapped into focus. I found out he’d given my inheritance to my cousin simply because she has a son. He told me she “deserved it more” for carrying on the family legacy, while I was “just living for myself.” I kept calm in front of everyone, but inside I was furious.

Later, I went to his house and told him exactly how I felt. I said that whether I ever get married or have kids, he’ll never know — because he won’t be part of my life anymore. I told him he’d essentially made himself childfree, and that he’d better hope my cousin takes care of him in old age, because I won’t be around.

He just sat there in silence. Since then, my mom has been texting nonstop, saying I was cruel, but I don’t agree. This wasn’t about money — it was about respect. My dad made it clear he saw me as less valuable because I don’t want children, and I’m done trying to earn approval from someone who measures my worth by whether I produce grandkids.