Growing up, my stepdad Liam made it clear my brother Nick and I were never truly part of his family. While he took his daughters, Cleo and Emma, on fancy vacations and gave them their own rooms, Nick and I shared a cramped bunk-bed setup and stayed behind. Mom worked long hours at a minimum wage job, struggling to contribute her “equal half” to household expenses. Meanwhile, Liam spoiled his daughters with trips and luxuries we could only dream of.

By the time I turned 18, I left for college and never looked back. I built a life of independence and success—so did Nick. We thought we’d escaped that unfair past, until a visit home changed everything. Liam pulled me aside and asked me to give Cleo \$25,000 for her house deposit, threatening that I’d lose any inheritance if I refused. I couldn’t believe the audacity—he’d given us nothing growing up and now wanted a handout?

I told him no. Not just to the money, but to everything. I had no interest in a “family” that treated me like an outsider. Then I had a long-overdue conversation with Mom, finally telling her how hurtful it all had been. To my surprise, she admitted she was tired, too—and revealed a secret: she owned 40% of the house, thanks to small payments made over the years from her inheritance.

Soon after, Liam tried to sell the house—but couldn’t without Mom’s signature. She refused. Now, she plans to leave her share to Nick and me. For once, she chose us.