The Daughter of Wealthy Parents
Many envied Claire. They said she was born with a silver spoon in her mouth. Her father was a successful entrepreneur, and her mother came from a wealthy background.
They lived in a gated community and had an even larger, cozier apartment in the city. Claire was chauffeured to her private school. Despite the exclusivity of her school, Claire’s family was considered very affluent.
Claire wore designer clothes and went on holidays at least three times a year. It seemed like a fairy tale life.
But for Claire, it wasn’t a fairy tale. It was a nightmare. She would have gladly traded places with any child from a poor, but happy family.
Claire’s parents didn’t just not love each other—they despised one another. But they couldn’t separate because they were tied by the family business.
Her father was blatantly unfaithful, and Claire had often seen his mistresses.
Her mother drank excessively. She distinguished herself from regular alcoholics only by her taste for fine, expensive alcohol and lavish snacks. Otherwise, she was an ordinary drunk. Her mornings began with a glass of wine and by the evening, she had consumed at least two bottles.
No one paid any attention to Claire. If she faced any questions or problems, her father would just hand her money, saying, “I don’t have time to listen.”
Her mother was almost always drunk, so Claire avoided her. Her mother would either complain about life or be too out of it to offer any guidance.
Returning from school, Claire would lock herself in her room, dreaming of the day she could escape this hell. Parties and outings with friends held little interest because she knew if something happened to her, her absence wouldn’t be noticed right away.
Naturally, Claire secured a place in the best university in their city. When she told her father she wanted to live on her own, he didn’t object. He said he’d send a realtor to find her an apartment.
Claire was thrilled. Finally, she wouldn’t have to listen to arguments, see her intoxicated mother, or hear her father’s calls to his mistresses. But things weren’t so simple.
Before buying her an apartment, her father summoned her for a talk.
“When you finish university, I’ll start training you in the family business. You’ll manage it with me,” he said.
Claire had no intention of continuing her father and grandfather’s legacy. She told him so. She was repelled by the business that kept her parents together, making them, and by extension her childhood, miserable.
Instead, she chose tourism. She wanted to set up her own travel agency, creating unique itineraries. Thankfully, they traveled a lot, and at least on vacations, Claire could momentarily disengage, though her parents continued their quarrels and her mother drank heavily. Once, her father even brought a mistress to the hotel they were staying in, and Claire saw him sneaking into her room once her mother was senseless.
Still, those trips breathed some life into Claire. She went on tours, spent time on the beach, anything to avoid family dramas. In her younger years, Claire’s nanny, the only person who showed her any care, accompanied them. But as Claire grew older, she was left to her own devices.
That’s why tourism appealed to her. Taking over the family business had no attraction whatsoever. It was the very thing that had shattered her life.
Suddenly, her father, who had never shown interest in his daughter, issued an ultimatum: if she wanted his financial support, she would do as he said.
The same had happened to her mother, who agreed to her grandfather’s terms. She adored the luxurious lifestyle, even if it meant staying with a man she didn’t love and who didn’t love her. As long as the business thrived and money flowed into her bank account. Though recently, her mother only seemed to need money for expensive wine.
Claire refused to repeat her mother’s fate. She understood that managing the business wasn’t enough. Her father wouldn’t approve of her marrying whom she wished or pursuing her own aspirations. She would soon find herself imprisoned in a gilded cage, starting her mornings with wine too.
Claire firmly declared she wouldn’t obey her father. He kept his promise: he cut her off financially. The card was blocked, and he ordered her to leave their home, since everyone living there had to toe his line.
He thought he could manipulate her. But looking at her mother, Claire vowed she would never become like her.
So, packing her belongings, she left for the unknown. Thankfully, she had some cash, previously used as pocket money, which would now have to sustain her.
Claire realized her father wouldn’t pay for her education. She rented a room (her money would only last a couple of months) and got a job as a waitress. For a girl who had never washed a single dish in her life, it was tough. But she knew her goal, so she persevered.
She often wanted to give up, to go to her father and agree to everything. Just for a night of good sleep, just for a decent meal. But then she’d remember her mother and, gritting her teeth, she worked on.
She studied during the day and worked at night. Somehow, she scraped together enough for the next semester and her rent, knowing she’d have to endure this for several years.
But fortune smiled on her. Her manager noticed her at the establishment where she worked. Claire stood out with her polished demeanor among the brash and sometimes clueless waitstaff.
Before long, she was promoted to administrator. Claire spoke well, carried herself gracefully, and had an impeccable presence—perfect for the job.
Claire began earning a bit more, and within six months, she met a patron at their establishment.
They started a relationship. Claire never revealed her true background. She explained that she didn’t get along with her parents, that her mother drank, and her father was unfaithful. She never mentioned their wealth, understanding it would lead nowhere good.
Eventually, Claire moved in with him. Andrew had his own apartment, eliminating her need to pay rent. She changed her number so her parents couldn’t contact her.
Claire completed university and went on to work in a travel agency. After getting married, she managed to open her own agency. Everything unfolded as she had dreamed. But most importantly, she took pride in achieving everything without her parents’ money. She married the person she loved, even if he wasn’t rich.
They had a daughter, Penny, and Claire showered her with all the love she wished she had received from her own parents.
Penny was now four years old. One day, while they were at home, the door buzzer rang.
“I’ll get it,” her husband said.
He returned looking slightly bewildered.
“Claire, it’s your dad,” he said.
Her heart sank as she went to the hallway and saw her father.
He had aged, wrinkles spread around his eyes and forehead. But he was still her father, as stern as ever, with no hint of a smile.
“Hello, Claire.”
“Hi,” she replied, feeling incredibly tense.
“How have you been?”
“As you can see,” Claire gestured around their modest hallway, “I’m doing just fine.”
“We didn’t exactly part on the best terms last time. I was hoping you’d reconsider.”
“Reconsider or not succeed?” she bitterly chuckled.
“Perhaps. But you’re stronger than your mother.”
“How is she?” Claire asked, realizing she knew nothing about her family.
“The same—or worse. Anyway, I want to see you again. I found out I have a granddaughter. I could offer her a spot in a private nursery. And you… It’s not right living in such a place.”
Claire shook her head silently. He didn’t want to see her; he just wanted to buy his way back in.
“No need, Dad. We’re doing great.”
“Don’t make me laugh,” he scoffed. “Is this really living?”
“The kind of life I never had,” she replied steadfastly. “A happy one. Where family members love each other, where no one cheats, where they solve problems instead of buying them off. You wouldn’t understand.”
“Perhaps,” he admitted. “Alright, if you need anything, give me a call.”
Claire nodded, closing the door behind him. Unexpectedly, she found herself crying. Her parents hadn’t missed her; her father just wanted control back. Maybe he hoped to mold his granddaughter into what his daughter never became. But Claire wouldn’t allow it.
“Everything okay?” Andrew asked when he found his wife in tears.
“Yes, truly,” she smiled, embracing him. “We’re just fine. I’m just so thankful to have you.”
Indeed, things were great for her. However much people might claim otherwise, happiness wasn’t in wealth. Claire, of all people, would know.
