After winning seven million dollars in the lottery, I swiftly quit my job, claimed my prize, and booked a flight home, all in one go.
I even gave my pregnant sister-in-law a big amount of money.
My dad prepared a lavish meal and asked why I had suddenly come back.
On a whim, I decided to joke around, so I deliberately said, “Dad, I got fired from my company. I might have to rely on you from now on.”
Unexpectedly, my dad’s expression darkened. “Why did you quit a perfectly good job? It’s hard to find work these days. You’re already an adult, can’t you be more responsible?”
Seeing my dad’s angry expression, I realized he wasn’t joking.
At that moment, my newly pregnant sister-in-law spoke up. "Jacelyn, you’re not planning to stay here long-term, are you?"
I smiled. "Why? Am I not welcome?"
She and my brother had been married for two years but hadn’t been able to conceive. People used to gossip about it, making remarks behind their backs.
I couldn’t stand it anymore, so I took her to see a renowned gynecologist in the provincial capital. Unexpectedly, she got pregnant soon after.
Now, she could finally hold her head high when speaking, and I was genuinely happy for her.
But I hadn’t expected that as soon as I asked my question, her expression would darken.
"Jacelyn, you know I just got pregnant. The doctor said the baby needs a quiet environment to grow. Besides, there are too many people at home, and it’s not convenient. How about you rent a place to stay instead?"
As soon as she said that, the entire dinner table fell silent. My dad’s face also turned a little grim.
Although I didn’t interact with Lori often, I always included her when sending gifts home. Because of that, our relationship had always been fairly good.
I put down my spoon and said softly, "Lori, what’s so inconvenient about it? I’m the baby’s aunt. Later, I can even help you take care of the child. Besides, I just lost my job. How can I afford to rent a place right now?"
But she still wouldn’t give up. "When the baby is born, we’ll need to hire a maternity nanny, a housekeeper, and set up a nursery. The house isn’t that big, where will everyone fit?"
I chuckled. "Our house is a three-story standalone Western-style home. There are plenty of rooms. Even if you have a second or third child, there’ll still be enough space. Don’t worry about it."
I wasn’t wrong. This old Western-style house had been left to my mother by my grandmother, and later, it was passed down to me.
With three stories above ground and two levels underground, it was an incredibly spacious home, with only about a third of it currently occupied.
But Lori pouted and, to my surprise, started tearing up.
Carol, sitting beside her, quickly comforted her. "Lori, don’t worry. We won’t let you or the baby suffer. Please don’t get angry. It’s not good for the baby."
Lori sobbed. "The doctor said pregnant women are prone to depression. I just don’t want an outsider suddenly living in our home. Is that so wrong?"
As she spoke, she seemed to realize that her words might have been too harsh. Her tone softened. "Jacelyn, I don’t mean anything bad. But you’ve been working for so many years, still unmarried, and now you want to stay here long-term… isn’t that a bit inappropriate?"
She went on, "You lost your mother early, and it was your father who paid for your education all these years. And whose money do you think that was? My son’s! Now, you just quit your job on a whim and expect to come back home to freeload? Shouldn’t you have a little more self-awareness and not be so shameless?"
My expression darkened as I glanced at my father and my stepmother, Carol.
My dad shot Lori a disapproving look. "You’re getting more and more out of line. This house is not yours to rule over!"
Hearing that, Lori’s eyes immediately welled up with tears.
My brother quickly pulled her into his arms, his face dark with anger. "Dad, Lori is pregnant. Can’t you speak to her more gently? Besides, she’s not wrong."
My dad completely lost his temper. He slammed his spoon down on the table and pointed at my brother. "Take your wife and get back to your room right now!"
