His mother, Denise, quickly caught wind of the inheritance and began subtly hinting at “expectations.” At Sunday dinner, she handed me an envelope, not with a card, but a list: Cartier jewelry for her, a new car for Jake’s sister, a Rolex for his dad, and monthly contributions to “prove” my commitment. I couldn’t believe it. When I told Jake, his response was a dismissive shrug,

So, I decided to give them what they wanted, but not in the way they expected. I gifted them sarcastic, meaningless items—a fake Rolex, a toy car, a flyer for a bus tour. Then I called off the engagement. Jake begged for forgiveness, but I was done. I packed up and moved into my own home, where no one could treat me like a bank. Peace and freedom became the best gifts I could give myself