They Called Me Selfish for Asking Him to Feed His Own Son Chapter 04
“I love Daddy the most!”
The whole family, happy and united.
They look at me like I’m the enemy.
And honestly? It’s funny.
Derek never did a single thing for this family.
But he’s the hero. The good guy.
And I’m the villain. So why keep fighting?
I nod calmly. “You’re right. Donating should leave nothing. I hope you stick with it.”
Derek looks relieved. “Finally, you get it. I’m doing good in the world. As my wife, you should support that. If we don’t have enough money, work harder. Pick up overtime. Get a second job if you have to.”
His parents nod. “Exactly. Look at yourself. You should be honored to have a husband like Derek. Quit being lazy and trying to get your hands on his money.”
I smile. Say nothing. Pull out my phone.
Three days ago, my manager texted,
“Clara, there’s a six-month immersive bootcamp at HQ. Rare spot. Finish it and you come back as director—salary triples. Leadership thinks you’d be perfect. Think about it?”
I’d replied, “Jordan, my in-laws are sick, my son is young. The family needs me. I probably can’t go.”
Not because I didn’t want to. Because I couldn’t leave.
The bootcamp is fully isolated. No contact with the outside world for six months. No phone, no visits.
Six months with no one earning money. Who’d buy Dad’s meds? Drive Mom to checkups? Pay Leo’s tuition? Cover the mortgage?
Jordan said, “Don’t say no yet. This is a huge opportunity. Really think it over.”
Now I realize how stupid I was.
Almost threw away a golden ticket for people who never saw me as family.
I type, [Jordan, I’m in. When do I leave?]
He replies instantly, [That’s what I wanted to hear! Tomorrow. Get your paperwork in tonight.]
I say [Got it,] prep everything, and submit.
Jordan books my flight.
The next morning, before sunrise, I wake up. Derek and his parents are still asleep. I pack light and take a cab to the airport.
When the plane lands, it’s already afternoon.
I turn on my phone. It explodes with missed calls and texts from Derek.
[Clara, where are you?]
[My parents’ meds ran out. Buy them now. They’re not feeling well.]
[The preschool called. Leo’s tuition is past due. If we don’t pay today, they’re kicking him out.]
