The Daughter of Wealthy Parents
Many envied Emily, claiming she was born with a silver spoon in her mouth. Her father was a successful businessman, and her mother came from a wealthy family.
They lived in an upscale neighborhood, yet they also had a spacious, comfortable apartment in the city. Emily’s personal chauffeur drove her to a private school, where even by those standards, her family was exceptionally affluent.
She wore designer clothes and vacationed abroad at least three times a year. It was a life most could only dream of.
But to Emily, it wasn’t a fairy tale; it was more like a horror story. She would have gladly traded lives with any child from a poorer yet happier family.
Emily’s parents didn’t just dislike each other; they despised one another. They couldn’t separate due to their shared business.
Her father had affairs nearly in the open, and Emily had seen his mistresses more than once.
Her mother drank excessively, preferring expensive alcohol coupled with seafood and exotic fruits. Otherwise, she was like any other alcoholic, starting her mornings with a glass of wine and having consumed at least two bottles by nightfall.
No one paid much attention to Emily. If she had questions or problems, her father simply gave her money, always saying, “I don’t have time to listen.”
Her mother was almost always too intoxicated to approach. She would either complain about her life or be too inebriated to make sense.
Returning from school, Emily would lock herself in her room and dream of the day she could escape this nightmare. Parties and outings with friends held little appeal because she knew if anything happened to her, it would take a while for anyone to notice.
Unsurprisingly, Emily enrolled in the best university in the city. When she told her father she wanted to live independently, he didn’t object and promised to send a realtor to find an apartment for her.
Emily was thrilled. Finally, she wouldn’t have to listen to fights, see her drunken mother, or hear her father call his mistresses. But things didn’t go as smoothly as expected.
Before buying her an apartment, her father asked to have a word with her.
“Once you graduate, I’ll train you to manage the family business. You’ll help run it with me.”
Emily had no intention of continuing her father’s and grandfather’s work. She loathed the business that forced her parents to stay together and suffer. Emily had suffered alongside them throughout her childhood.
Instead, she chose the tourism industry. She dreamed of starting her own travel agency and creating exciting travel itineraries. They traveled a lot, and at least on vacations, Emily could distract herself from family dramas. Although, even during holidays, her parents argued frequently, and her mother continued to drink heavily. Once, her father even accommodated a mistress in the next room at their hotel. Emily watched as he would sneak off whenever her mother passed out.
Still, those trips breathed a little life into her. She went on excursions, spent time at the beach, anything to avoid family theatrics. Her nanny, the only person who genuinely cared for her, accompanied them when she was younger. As Emily grew older, she was left to her own devices.
This is why tourism intrigued her, and she had no interest in the family business. It symbolized everything that ruined her life.
Then, unexpectedly, her father, who never cared much for her, gave her an ultimatum: if she wanted his financial support, she would follow his rules.
The same had happened to her mother when she agreed to her grandfather’s terms. Her mother loved the lavish lifestyle and was willing to live with a man she neither loved nor was loved by, just so long as the business thrived and money flowed in. Lately, however, her mother needed money just for expensive wine.
Emily didn’t want to repeat her mother’s fate. She knew running a business wasn’t enough. Her father wouldn’t allow her to marry whom she loved or pursue what she wanted. Soon she’d feel trapped in a gilded cage, starting her days with wine.
Emily firmly stated she wouldn’t submit to her father’s demands. True to his word, he cut her off financially. Her bank card was blocked, and he ordered her to leave their home, claiming those who live there must obey him.
His intention was to pressure her into compliance. But looking at her mother, Emily vowed she’d never become like her.
So she packed her bags and left with nowhere to go. Fortunately, she had some pocket money saved up. Now, she had to survive on that.
Emily realized her father wouldn’t pay for her education. She rented a room (the money would last for two months) and took a job as a waitress. For a girl who had never washed a dish in her life, it was difficult. But she had a goal and persevered.
She was tempted to give up, to go back to her father and agree to his terms just for a decent meal and rest. But then she’d remember her mother and, gritting her teeth, continued to work hard.
She worked at night and studied during the day. She barely scraped together the money for the next semester’s tuition and housing, knowing she’d have to maintain this for several years.
But luck was on her side. The manager of the establishment noticed her. Emily stood out against the rude and sometimes clueless waitstaff.
Soon she was promoted to administrator. Emily was articulate, with a graceful demeanor and posture, perfectly suited for the role.
Emily started earning a bit more and, six months later, met a man at the restaurant.
They began a relationship. Emily never revealed her background, only mentioning that she didn’t get along with her parents, her mother drank, and her father was unfaithful. She never mentioned their immense wealth, understanding it would lead nowhere good.
Eventually, Emily moved in with this man. James had his own flat, freeing her from the burden of rent. She changed her phone number to prevent her parents from contacting her.
Emily graduated from university and took a job at a travel agency. After marrying, she realized her dream of starting her own agency. Best of all, she had achieved it without her parents’ money. And she married for love, despite James not being a millionaire.
They had a daughter, Sophie, and Emily gave her all the love she wished she had received from her own parents.
Sophie was now four years old. One day, while at home with her family, the intercom buzzed.
“I’ll get it,” said her husband, returning with a puzzled expression.
“Emily, it’s your father.”
Emily felt a wave of anxiety wash over her. She stepped into the hallway and saw her father.
He had aged. Wrinkles lined his eyes and forehead. But he remained the same stern figure, devoid of a smile.
“Hello, Emily.”
“Hi,” she replied, her nerves on edge.
“How have you been?”
“As you see,” Emily gestured around their modest hallway, “I’m doing just fine.”
“We didn’t part on the best terms last time. I was hoping you’d reconsider.”
“You mean you hoped I’d fail,” she retorted with a bitter smile.
“Perhaps so. But you’re stronger than your mother.”
“How is she?” Emily asked, realizing she knew nothing about her family now.
“The same. Maybe worse. Anyway, I want to reconnect. I’ve learned I have a granddaughter. I can offer her a lot, private nurseries, and so much more. And for you… Living in such conditions isn’t right.”
Emily shook her head silently. Even now, he thought he could buy his way back with money.
“No, thank you, Dad. We’re doing just great.”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” he scoffed. “This isn’t living.”
“It’s a life I couldn’t have imagined. Happy, where family members truly care for each other, where loyalty exists, and money doesn’t solve all problems. But you wouldn’t understand.”
“Maybe not,” he admitted. “Alright, if you need anything, call me.”
Emily nodded and closed the door behind him. To her surprise, she felt tears welling up. Her parents hadn’t missed her; her father just wanted to regain control and perhaps shape her daughter into someone she hadn’t become. But Emily wouldn’t allow that.
“Is everything alright?” James asked, seeing his wife in tears.
“Yes, everything’s perfect,” she replied with a smile, hugging him. “I’m so grateful to have you both.”
And truly, her life was good. Money wasn’t the source of happiness after all. Emily now understood this better than anyone.
