For nine years, she had been her mother’s safety net. Ever since her father passed away from a sudden heart attack, Maren had stepped up. As a successful entertainment lawyer in Miami, she could afford it. Or at least, that’s what she told herself.
$4,500 every single month.
Mortgage. Utilities. Groceries. Medical bills. Chloe’s “business ventures” that never seemed to work out. Vacations. New cars. Everything.
Because family helps family.
Because she was the responsible one.
Because Vivian always said, “You’re so strong, Maren. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
Now, with her body broken and her newborn son in the nursery down the hall, that “strength” was being thrown back in her face.
“Please,” Maren whispered.
Vivian’s voice turned cold. “Don’t punish me because you chose to have a baby alone. No husband. No father in the picture. That was your decision.”
In the background, Chloe’s laughter rang out clearly. “Tell her to call one of her rich clients. She’s always bragging about them.”
Vivian didn’t even bother lowering her voice. “Honestly, she acts helpless whenever she wants attention.”
Maren closed her eyes as a nurse gently touched her shoulder.
“Mrs. Vale? We need to take you for more imaging.”
Maren spoke into the phone one final time, her voice steady despite everything.
“Enjoy your cruise, Mom.”
Vivian scoffed. “Don’t be so dramatic, Maren. We’ll talk when I get back.”
The line went dead.
