I Cut Off My Parents After Their Bankruptcy and They Regretted It

Three months after I was taken back into my biological family, they went bankrupt.

My parents said they wanted to make it up to me. They went to another city to work and earn money so they could support me. They also took the adopted daughter with them and made her quit school to work, saying they had to pay for their mistakes.

Before they left, they only gave me fifty dollars and told me to stay at home and wait.

They worked day and night without rest. Every time we had a video call, they looked completely exhausted.

My heart ached for them. I didnt dare ask for money, so I survived by picking up trash and eating leftovers thrown away by restaurants.

Three years later, I was diagnosed with stomach cancer. I couldnt hold it in anymore and called my parents.

My mother, Margaret, cried on the phone. Your father fell from a construction site while earning money for your school fees. Hes still in the ICU. We really dont have any money left for you.

I left the hospital in a hurry and bought a cheap ticket for a train ride that lasted more than thirty hours, heading to their city.

I was dying. All the money I had saved over the years I wanted to give it to my father to save his life.

My last wish was very simple. I just wanted them to spend one birthday with me.

But what I saw was my parents, wearing gold and jewelry, living in a huge villa, celebrating Audreys eighteenth birthday. Her gifts were piled all over the living room.

I heard my mother say, Althea asked me for money. I told you long ago that bringing her back would only make her greedy. Sooner or later, shell fight Audrey for the Sinclair Family inheritance.

We put her through hardship for three years and shes still like this.

My father, Richard, immediately called the landlord and told him to kick me out, saying I needed to suffer more.

My mother hesitated and said, Then shell have nowhere to go?

But Mom, this home is full of fake love that trapped me for three years I dont want it anymore.

So, the so-called bankruptcy, the hard work to support me It was all just a plan to stop me from competing with Audrey Sinclair for the inheritance.

I squatted down and suddenly vomited blood. The pain in my lower abdomen spread up to my heart.

I turned away in shame, wanting to leave. Then I heard my mothers shocked voice behind me.

The landlord said Althea isnt at home. They said they saw her buy a train ticket here yesterday. She didnt come to find us, did she?

They hurriedly changed into cleaner and security uniforms.

Audrey sat to the side with an unhappy face. No matter what, she refused to take off her beautiful dress.

My phone rang. It was my mother calling.

Her voice was unbelievably gentle. Althea, the landlord just said you came here to see us? Where are you now? Mom and Dad will come pick you up, okay?

I softly replied, Im at the train station.

Her voice became even gentler. Good girl. Wait there. Mom and Dad are coming right now.

After hanging up, her tone changed completely. She said angrily, See? I told you. If she cant get money, she wont give up. Now shes come all the way here.

Why is our real daughter so greedy and selfish?

My father let out a long sigh. She was raised badly outside. Looks like well need other ways to teach her.

But its fine. We still have Audrey. Well just focus on raising Audrey well.

Their words stabbed my heart like a thousand knives.

I slowly wiped the blood from the corner of my mouth and turned to walk away.

I walked through several streets and stopped in front of a cake shop. In the display window was an expensive eighteen-layer cake, exactly the same as the one my parents gave Audrey.

The shop assistant greeted me warmly. This cake was specially ordered by Richard Sinclair, a famous local businessman, for his beloved daughters eighteenth birthday.

He even added real jewels and diamonds to the cake. It costs hundreds of times more than this one.

She is truly lucky. They treasure her like a little princess.

She didnt know that the person standing in front of her, dressed in faded and worn clothes, was also Richard Sinclairs daughter.

Yet I had nothing at all.

Would you like to buy a small piece of cake to try?

But even a small piece was something I couldnt afford.

On the side of the street, a crying child threw his cake box onto the ground and shouted, I dont like this flavor. I want strawberry flavor!

His parents gently comforted him and said, Alright, sweetheart. Mom and Dad will go buy you another one right now.

I walked over and softly asked, Could you give this cake to me?

They looked at me in surprise and pity, then nodded.

I bent down and picked up the cake box. Holding it like a treasure, I sat by the roadside. I carefully put the broken cake into my mouth.

So, this is what cake tastes like.

It was very sweet but why did it taste a little salty too?

I wiped my tears and wanted to take another bite, but someone suddenly snatched the cake away.

Audrey, why are you picking up trash to eat here? Thats so dirty. Throw it away!

Mom immediately threw the cake into the trash can.

Sis, youve been back with the family for three years already. Why do you still look so poor, picking up any trash wherever you go? Thats disgusting.

Behind my mother, Audrey stood in a beautiful dress, her face full of disgust.

Mom shot her a sharp look, then noticed me staring at the dress.

Feeling guilty, she explained, Your sister just started working nights as a hostess to earn money. This dress was borrowed.

Hurry up and take it off. If it gets damaged, we cant afford to pay for it.

Audrey pouted and stayed silent.

Mom suddenly seemed to remember something. She grabbed my hand, her eyes full of pity. Your father and I have been so busy that we forgot its your birthday today. Good girl, what birthday gift do you want?

My throat felt tight. I pointed at the cake on the ground that had been completely ruined. I want a cake.

Mom lowered her head, looking troubled. Its our fault for being useless, my dear. That cake is too expensive. We cant afford it. How about we go home and Ill cook you some noodles instead?

I didnt answer.

Seeing that I didnt object, Mom let out a sigh of relief and pulled me to leave. But after only a few steps, the pain in my stomach was so strong that I could barely stand.

I fell to my knees in the snow with a dull thud.

Moms panicked voice echoed in my ears. Althea, dont scare me. Althea, whats wrong?

***

When I woke up again, I was already lying in a hospital bed.

When Mom and Dad saw me awake, their eyes turned red as they pulled me into their arms. Althea dear, its all Mom and Dads fault

Seeing the guilt on their faces, my heart instantly tightened.

I felt nervous.

Did they already know that I had stomach cancer? Were they finally going to tell me the truth? Would they feel even a little regret for lying to me?

I softly asked, Did the doctor tell you the test results?

Mom froze. She avoided my eyes and said uneasily, Our family is too poor we dont have money to do your tests. I think you just hurt your stomach by eating that cake from the trash.

I asked the doctor to give you some medicine See? Dont you feel a little better now?

I stared at her in silence.

Mom stood up and pulled my arm. Since youre awake, come home with me. Hospital fees are too expensive. We dont have money anymore.

It felt as if my tears flowed back into my heart.

And slowly, my heart filled with bitterness.

The hospital ward door was suddenly pushed open. Several men with harsh, dangerous faces rushed in.

When are you going to pay back the five hundred bucks? If you dont pay soon, well break your legs!

Mom immediately begged them. Please give us a few more days. We really dont have any money right now. Weve spent everything on medical bills.

Dad looked stunned at first, but when he met Moms eyes, he understood at once. He quickly followed along. Please give us a little more time. Were working as hard as we can. Our younger daughter is already working nights. Well pay you back soon.

The men sneered.

What good is it if only one daughter works? Dont you still have another one?

Send this girl to work nights, too. Once she earns enough to pay off the debt, well bring her back.

Mom and Dad shook their heads again and again.

No! You cant take our precious daughter. We would sell everything just to give her a good life.

But they didnt move at all to stop them. They simply stood there, watching as I was dragged away, their eyes full of expectation.

Just before I was shoved into the van, Mom suddenly panicked and called my name.

Althea

Its Mom and Dads fault. Well get the money soon and bring you home.

I lowered my eyes and didnt look at them.

***

I was thrown into a back kitchen. Piles of dirty cups were piled high in front of me.

I wanted to tell them that I knew my parents had hired them, using pain and fear to teach me a lesson. I wanted to beg them to let me go.

But the moment I opened my mouth, a slap knocked me to the ground.

If I moved even a little too slowly, a foot slammed into my stomach.

They shoved my head into the sink and held it there until I was choking, my vision blurring. Only when my eyes rolled back did they let go, laughing loudly as I collapsed.

They talked openly while watching me suffer.

So, this is what people mean by different fates for different people. Both are daughters, but one washes dishes here, while the other is outside popping champagne. Honestly, whats the use of being the real daughter? If youre not loved, youre still trash.

One man held a wine glass and dragged me up from the floor. A rich customer outside wants you to deliver drinks. Move.

I was shoved outside a private room.

Inside the room, Audrey stood in the center, bright and beautiful, surrounded by her friends.

The manager kicked me from behind. What are you standing there for?

I walked forward numbly and placed the drinks on the table.

Suddenly, a girl knocked over a bottle and screamed at me, pointing at me. Cant you even hold a tray properly? Look at my dress! You ruined it. Manager, what are you going to do about this?

The manager reacted instantly. He forced me down onto the broken glass and slapped me hard.

One of the girls said, Thats not enough. This dress costs over fifteen thousand dollars. Do it again.

Punches and kicks rained down on me, one after another.

Only when I could no longer move did Audrey finally nod, satisfied.

She walked over slowly, smiling as she looked down at me. Sis, are you surprised to see me here?

You didnt really think I was working in a filthy place like this, did you? You didnt actually believe these clothes were borrowed from the club, right?

Youre so stupid. Everything Mom and Dad told you was a lie. They never went bankrupt. They just pretended to be poor because they were afraid youd fight me for the inheritance.

When you were picking up trash just to survive, Mom and Dad were buying me an entire cabinet filled with jewelry and luxury goods.

So, what if youre the real daughter? Youre still nothing compared to me.

Her eyes searched my face carefully, as if waiting to see despair.

But there was nothing like that.

Clutching my stomach, I said softly, I wont fight you, Audrey. Please let me leave, okay? Ill cut off all ties with them. From now on, theyll be your parents alone.

She laughed coldly. She grabbed my hair, lifted a glass and forced the alcohol into my mouth. You think Id believe that nonsense?

Doesnt your stomach hurt? Then drink more. Die faster. Once youre dead, no one will fight me for Mom and Dad.

The strong liquor burned all the way down. The pain made my whole body tremble.

With what little strength I had left, I shoved Audrey away.

She screamed and fell to the floor.

The lounge door suddenly burst open. Mom and Dad rushed in and shoved me aside in panic.

Audrey! Are you okay? Did the glass cut you?

Althea Sinclair, cant you see the floor is covered in glass? What if you hurt your sister by pushing her?

I stared at them, their faces filled with fear and concern, so real that they had completely forgotten to pretend to be poor.

It felt as if something inside my chest had been ripped open.

So they had been here all along.

Then why had they ignored my pain?

Althea, you hate us for pretending to be poor and lying to you. Fine. Hit me if you want. I wont fight back. But you crossed the line when you cursed your parents, saying they deserved to die.

Mom and Dad looked at me with deep disappointment.

This was your mothers idea and mine. It has nothing to do with Audrey. What right do you have to lay a hand on her?

We pretended to be poor because you were greedy and reckless with money.

They began listing my so-called sins, one by one.

When we first brought you home, you were jealous of Audrey. You sneaked into her room at night and cut up all her dresses.

And the jewelry Audrey lost? It was all found in your room in the end.

I clenched my fists tightly and stared at them in disbelief.

Dads eyes grew colder as he looked at me. The time you took Audreys most valuable necklace, you even insisted on calling the police.

Do you know how much that jewelry was worth? If the case had been fully investigated, you wouldve been sentenced to at least ten years.

We used all our connections to stop the police from going further. We even made your sister apologize to you just to calm you down. What did we ever do wrong to deserve your hatred?

Moms eyes reddened.

Your father and I had already planned everything. As long as you didnt ask us for money during these three years and learned to endure hardship, we would tell you the truth.

We would bring you home and divide the company and inheritance equally between you and Audrey.

But you disappointed us, Althea. Just because pretending to be poor made you uncomfortable, you cursed your parents to die.

My whole body shook uncontrollably.

So you never trusted me.

So, every time you said you believed I didnt do those things, it was all a lie.

I wiped my eyes and said softly, If you hate me this much, then I wont be your daughter anymore.

I struggled to my feet and staggered toward the door.

Althea! Stop right there!

We only scolded you a little and wanted you to admit your mistake. And youre cutting off the family over this?

Mom yelled angrily, Come back here!

When I didnt stop, panic finally crept into her voice. If youre leaving, then leave everything we gave you behind!

The clothes youre wearing, theyre all from us. If you hate us so much, then dont use our money!

I stopped walking.

Seeing that, she let out a breath of relief, but her face remained cold as she opened her mouth.

Apologize to your father. If you apologize now, your father and I wont hold this failure against you.

But dont get any ideas. Youre far too immature. Forget about the company or the inheritance. Still, since you are our biological daughter, well at least make sure you dont starve.

I shook my head.

Slowly, I reached up and took off my worn coat. Then my sweater. My shirt. My pants.

When only my thin underwear remained, Mom cried out and rushed toward me. She grabbed my coat, wrapped it around me and hit my arms at the same time.

Why are you acting like this? Are you trying to anger your father and me to death?

You made a mistake. Why is it so hard to just admit it?

I was the one who had been hurt, yet she was the one crying.

I pulled off the coat she had put on me and turned to leave.

Suddenly, Audreys sharp voice rang out behind me. The money in my bag is gone. Who took my money?

Everyone looked at each other in shock.

Audrey reached into her bag and pulled out a cheap button, exactly the same as the one on my shirt.

Mom suddenly looked up at me.

Audrey dropped to her knees in front of me, tears streaming down her face. ?This is the money I saved while working and pretending to be poor with Mom and Dad. I wanted to buy them a gift.

Althea, you stole my jewelry. You cut my dresses. I endured all of it. But why couldnt you even spare these few hundred dollars?

This money was my love for Mom and Dad. You cant steal that, too!

Mom panicked and grabbed my wrist tightly. Althea, hurry and give the money back to your sister!

I shoved her away. I didnt steal it. This is my money.

Mom staggered back and looked at me in disbelief.

Dad took a deep breath and gently comforted Audrey. Audrey, dont argue with your sister. How about this? I will give you a black card with no spending limit. You can buy whatever you want. Please forgive your sister, okay?

I listened as they didnt even look at me. Just like always, they had already decided I was guilty.

I couldnt hold it in anymore and screamed. I said I didnt steal it! Why? Why do you never believe me?

I wiped my tears with the back of my hand and cried through my sobs, This is my money. I saved it by picking up trash and selling scrap.

Its the money I need to live. Its the money I need to treat my illness.

I wont give it to you.

My outburst stunned everyone into silence.

Mom recovered first and scolded me sharply. What nonsense are you talking about? What illness? Even if youre lying, you shouldnt say something like that!

Dad clenched his jaw, barely holding back his anger.

Audrey has always been kind and understanding. Even after everything you did to her, she never blamed you. She even apologized to you and tried to comfort you.

But every time you take something from her, you lie and say you didnt do it. Are you trying the same trick again?

This time, we will not protect you. Give the money back.

Audrey cried until her eyes were red and swollen.

I let out a bitter laugh. In that moment, I was completely done.

Fine. Ill do exactly what you want.

I picked up my phone from the ground and dialed the police.

Under their stunned gazes, I spoke clearly, one word at a time. Yes. I want to report myself. I stole five hundred dollars from my sister. Please come and arrest me.