Chapter 5: Enough—Taking My Life Back
After a long day and a tough surgery, I was wiped. I was sucking on a piece of candy when Samantha called.
No please. No thank you.
Samantha always hit me up for money. Her husband? Useless. Today it was poker debt. Tomorrow, gifts. The day after, credit card bills.
My wallet was her safety net.
She went behind everyone’s back and eloped at City Hall. Dad was so angry, he ended up in the hospital.
Just signatures and regret.
Mom managed my account. Any cash I had went to Samantha.
No matter how much I earned, it vanished.
I was raised to take care of Samantha. Saying no was impossible.
Never realized family could be the enemy.
I was just a bank account.
For once, my voice was steady.
She started cussing me out.
I was done.
Let her go running to Mom.
Sure enough, $1,500 gone from my account.
No need to guess.
But this time, I had a plan.
Every cent, every transfer—I kept the receipts.
My wedding? Cheapest venue, shabby hotel, bargain photos.
No more.
I clenched my jaw. Enough.
When I got home, I went straight for my debit card.
Time to take control.
Her face flashed with guilt.
She twisted her hands, searching my face.
Her voice was loud, echoing down the hall.
Same look as always.
But this time, I didn’t flinch.
If I made the same mistake again, I’d deserve it.













