I worked day and night to pay for my daughter Grace’s dream of becoming a doctor. I cleaned hotel rooms during the day and worked nights at a hospital, pushing through knee pain and exhaustion, believing every sacrifice was worth it. I thought I was helping her achieve what I never could.

Then one day, Emily, my eldest, called. “Mom, Grace got expelled,” she said. I was shocked. Grace hadn’t been attending university for months, yet I’d been sending her money for tuition and expenses. Furious, I called Grace—she lied, claiming she was in a lecture. That was the final straw.

I left work and drove straight to the pool where Emily said Grace was. I found her there, laughing with friends. When she saw me, her face dropped. I confronted her, heartbroken. She begged to explain, but I couldn’t listen. I had given everything for her education.

Later at home, Emily asked to borrow Grace’s tuition money—she said she was pregnant. I was stunned but hugged her, thinking I could still help one of my daughters. Then Grace showed up at the door and told me the truth: she had left university because it was never her dream. Emily had manipulated her and taken the money for herself.

Emily exploded, confirmed everything in her rage, and stormed out. I was left reeling. Grace then whispered she had secretly saved money for my knee surgery. Tears filled my eyes.

I held her close. “You’re my daughter. And I love you—more than words.”