Growing up, my parents always favored my sister, Madeline, and ignored me. By the time I was 16, Madeline got pregnant, and despite her wanting an abortion, our parents convinced her to keep the baby. They promised to help, but I ended up raising her son, Brandon, alone. Madeline partied while I dropped out of school to care for him.

One day, Madeline left with her boyfriend, abandoning Brandon. I took full responsibility for him and moved out, working tirelessly to provide for him while studying online. A few years later, I met my boyfriend, Dallas, who adored Brandon, and we planned a future together.

Things were going well until Madeline returned, demanding to take Brandon back. She showed up with our parents, but legally, I was now Brandon’s mother, thanks to Dallas’ father, a lawyer, who helped me secure custody. Madeline only wanted Brandon for government benefits, but she couldn’t take him from me.

In the end, Madeline and my parents disappeared from our lives. I was no longer alone, and Brandon would never feel unloved like I had growing up. He was my son, and I would protect him no matter what.