Chapter 1

I brought my software engineer boyfriend of five years home to meet my parents.

At the dinner table, my mother, Helen, couldn't stop grinning after hearing he made $150,000 a year.

She even uncorked a bottle of red wine she had been saving for three years.

The atmosphere was perfect. I smiled and asked, "Mom, so when should we set our wedding date?"

Helen’s hand poured the wine, then froze.

She didn't look at me. Instead, she turned her head hesitantly, her eyes falling on Chloe, who was quietly eating beside her.

"Your sister isn't as successful as you, Jo."

"Her job is mediocre, and her social circle is small. Why don't you let her have this one? You can always find someone else."

I froze. The smile on my face hardened. For a long time, my brain couldn't process her words.

My own mother was actually asking me to give up my boyfriend of five years to my sister.

My hands trembled with sheer rage. "Mom, love isn't a charity. You don't just 'hand over' a partner."

I turned, grabbed Caleb’s hand, and got up to leave.

But Caleb stood frozen, looking at me with a conflicted expression.

"Jo, actually... I think your mom has a point."