That told me everything I need to know about our future.” “Wait, please, we can talk about this,” Caroline stammered, finally finding her voice and standing up. “I didn’t know the clauses were that bad, I swear!

My dad’s lawyers handled it!” “You read it,” I replied, feeling a cold finality settle over me.

“You just didn’t care until you realized I had my own money.” I picked up my phone, sliding it back into my pocket. “Keep your house, Richard. Keep your money. And keep your daughter.” I walked out of the dining room, the heavy oak front door clicking shut behind me.

As I started my car and pulled out of their immaculate, gated driveway, the phone in my pocket started vibrating relentlessly. I ignored it. I thought about my parents, about the jar in the kitchen, and about the sheer pride they would have felt knowing I had finally bought the house.

And as I drove back toward the city, for the first time in weeks, I felt like I could actually breathe.