They Cut Down My Tree for Her Box, I Cut Myself Out of Their Family Chapter 02

They Cut Down My Tree for Her Box, I Cut Myself Out of Their Family Chapter 02

The next day, I came back from my dress fitting to a living room buzzing with noise.

Nora’s fiancé, Owen, was there too.

Five kinds of fruit on the coffee table. Dad had even brought out the good crystal drinkware set he never let anyone touch.

They’d always treated Owen like royalty—not because they feared him, but because they wanted him to treat Nora well.

My boyfriend? My parents only knew his name was Cole. They’d seen a photo, never met him in person.

Every time I suggested our families meet, Mom would say, “You’re getting married anyway. It’ll happen. As long as you like him.”

Not busy. Just indifferent. Because they didn’t care about me, they couldn’t be bothered with whoever I chose.

Even Owen, when he saw me, just flicked his eyes over me and didn’t bother saying a word.

Even the future son-in-law knew exactly who in this house could be dismissed.

Nora spotted me, her eyes bright. “Willa, perfect timing. Mom and Dad have something to say.”

I paused mid-step, still pulling off my shoes, and looked over instinctively.

Dad cleared his throat. “Good. You’re here. Owen’s here too. Let’s settle the dowry today.”

He pulled out a deed and slid it across the table to Nora. “Sweetheart, this house is from your mom and me.”

Zane pulled out a set of car keys. “And this car’s from me.”

Nora froze for a second, then shrieked and threw herself into Owen’s arms. “See? This is what it means to have family behind you! Now let’s see you ever treat me wrong!”

Owen laughed and pulled her close. “Yes, yes—you’ll always be our little princess.”

I walked over to the coffee table. Mom finally turned to me. “Willa, as her big sister, what are you planning to give Nora?”

My hand trembled around my water glass. “Mom, first I want to ask—what’s my dowry?”

The room went quiet. Mom’s eyes slid away. She said nothing.

Dad spoke up. “Willa, we don’t have much left. There’s nothing we can give you. Nora can barely take care of herself. You have a good job. You’re more mature. Don’t compare yourself to her.”

So because I could support myself, I got nothing.

Seeing my silence, Zane grew impatient. “Come on, Willa, don’t embarrass us in front of Owen. You’ve been working for years—you can scrape together ten, twenty thousand, can’t you?”

They’d given Nora everything they had, and still it wasn’t enough—I had to cover the gap.

I gave a thin smile. “Nora’s been working for years too. What’s she giving me?”

Nora’s face flushed, her eyes welling up. “I’m not as successful as you—fine, you don’t have to give me anything, okay?”

Mom snapped. “As her own sister, you’re asking her for a dowry? Have you no shame? Here—just fifty thousand dollars. That’s all.”

I looked at her hand stretched toward my face and lowered my eyes. “And if I don’t give it?”

Maybe because it was the first time I’d ever refused, Mom faltered. Then her face hardened. “Then don’t expect us at your wedding. Let’s see who ends up humiliated.”

It was summer, but I felt cold all the way to my bones.

I suddenly remembered the screenshot Cole had sent me last night.

Cole’s mom: [Does Willa like pot roast? I found a new recipe. Do you think I’ll annoy her if I keep texting?]

I’d saved that screenshot and stared at it for a long time. Not because I expected anyone to be kind to me—I just wanted proof that I was someone worth caring about.

“Are you spacing out?” Mom’s hand waved in front of my face. “Did you hear me?”

“Fine. I’ll give it.”

Fifty thousand dollars, to buy myself free of them. Not a bad price.