I Disowned My Ungrateful Mother

The room fell completely silent. Mom’s gaze flickered before she frowned sharply. “You’re so rude! You didn’t even knock. Is this how I taught you? Did you just leave all the guests outside like that? Hurry up and get out.”

I smiled wordlessly, walked over, found an empty seat, and picked up a glass of water from the table. I chugged it all in one go.

I had been up since five in the morning. After hours of nonstop working and hosting guests, I had not had a single sip of water. My throat had long since gone dry.

“It’s not my birthday today. You’re the star of the day, yet you’re not greeting your guests out there. Why should I go instead?” I smiled and asked after setting the glass down.

“Besides, didn’t you say that all I ever do is embarrass you? In that case, I really shouldn’t show my face, so I don’t ruin your mood.”

The moment those words left my mouth, everyone realized that I had overheard their conversation. Their expressions turned uneasy.

Mom, on the other hand, seemed to realize there was no point hiding it anymore. “Why are you so petty? I’m your mother. I was just saying a few words for your own good.”

I laughed coldly. “For my own good? I’ve never seen a mother spread such filthy rumors about her own daughter. Every single day, I work from dawn to dusk. Somehow, in your eyes, that equates to shameful activities.”

I met her gaze without the slightest fear. I was trying to pick her thoughts.

Sensing the tension, Jessie stood up and tried to smooth things over. “Mary, Mom was just joking. It’s her birthday today. Let’s not ruin the mood.”

She reached out for me, but I avoided her hand.

I had not even gotten to her yet. Since she insisted on intervening, I did not hold back.

“Why are you pretending to be a good person? Who’s that tattooed guy on your Instagram? Did you think I wouldn’t recognize him?”

“What tattooed guy? What are you talking about?!” Jessie immediately shrieked in denial.

Mom rushed over and shoved me. “What nonsense are you spouting? Stop accusing Jessie.”

“She knows perfectly well what I’m talking about. Jessie, do you dare to show us your Instagram right now?”

Jessie hesitated. She did not even dare to take her phone out.

Mom, oblivious to that hesitation, answered for her, “Of course she would. I can see Jessie’s Instagram, too. What’s there to be afraid of?”

I burst out laughing. “Are you really that foolish? You only see what she wants you to see. So much is being hidden from you. Your precious daughter is a heavy smoker and drinker.”

Jessie was a full decade younger than me. Rather than a sister, she was more like half a daughter to me.

When she started university, I had already been working for several years.