Back when I was a regular worker, scraping by on a meagre wage like anyone else, my whole family adored me for some reason. They invited me to every family celebration, always lent a hand when I needed support, and I felt like I belonged.
But I grew tired of that life; I was determined to start my own business from scratch. Problem was, I had no money behind me. My parents had both passed away in a car crash when I was just nineteen.
My aunt had married into wealth. I thought perhaps she would be willing to help, that it wouldn’t be any trouble for her. I was sorely mistaken.
She insisted that starting a business was far too risky and flatly refused to invest a penny. You know, I dont blame herId probably have made the same choice in her position. It was her decision. I took it on the chin and didnt let it wound me. Getting a loan from a bank was out of the questionthe interest rates were atrocious, nothing I could ever afford. So I was forced to save every pound I could, even scrimping on food, picking up extra work wherever possible, all to have a shot at my dream.
In time, things became clearer to me. I pinpointed exactly what sort of business I wanted, what Id need to build it, how much money it would all take, and made a plan for how to get there. I was resoluteI wouldnt back down, not even half a step. I had dreamt of this since I was a child; now, slowly but surely, the chance to make it real lay before me. The only thing that stung was my aunts jibes. Every time I showed up to a family gathering, she would burst out laughing and exclaim:
Well, look who it isthe big business tycoon, gracing us with his presence. Must be important, sitting down at our humble table.
When I finally reached my goal and opened my first agency, my relatives all faded away, especially that aunt. But I didnt let it shake me. Id never felt more driven. Eighteen months later, I had several branches running across our city.
And then my aunt rang me up. Her son was about to head to university, and she needed helphelp with rent, help with finances. By this time, she was divorced and struggling to find even a basic job that would keep the lights on. Only then did she remember me.
Naturally, I refused. I was focused on expanding my business into other cities, which meant pouring every spare pound into the new branches. Her son simply wasnt my concern. After I turned her down, my aunt cut me out altogether, though she hadnt bothered to speak to me for years before that anyway.
Now, my branches are thriving. The business is bustling every day, while her son still clings to her coattails. None of the family wants to help either of them nowmy aunts pointed remarks drove them all away.
