My Brother's Leeching Cost Me My Marriage

My mom, Gina Lowry, uses the six million dollars from selling our family hotel to buy my cousin, Harry Sullivan, a villa. The next day, my fiancé of five years, Charles Gomez, dumps me.

"Vivian, this is the end for us," Charles says, sitting in the café of a five-star hotel. His tone is so matter-of-fact that it sounds as if he's merely discussing a business deal.

The engagement ring in my hand suddenly feels burning hot.

I ask, "Why? Our wedding is next month."

He stirs his coffee casually and replies, "Your family is known for favoring sons above all else. I looked into it. Your parents sold off the family business and gave all the assets to your cousin, Harry."

A chill runs through my whole body as I argue, "That was my parents' decision. It has nothing to do with me!"

"Does it really have nothing to do with you?" Charles looks up, his gaze sharp. "You're a daughter of the Sullivan family. In the future, you'll have to keep supporting your useless cousin endlessly. My family won't have any part in such an unreasonable practice. It's simply too embarrassing."

In a trembling voice, I plead, "Charles, we've been together for five years. Is what we have less than these worldly considerations?"

He lets out a light scoff. "What we have? Vivian, you're 28. How are you still this naive? In our circle, marriage is never just about two people."

He stands up and adjusts the cuff of his custom suit. "I hope you find someone more suitable for you."

I watch his resolute back as he walks away. Biting my lip hard, I refuse to let the tears fall.

My phone chimes as a message from my mom comes in.

In the photo, Harry is standing in front of a luxury villa with his arm around the influencer girlfriend he's been dating for three months. He is smiling smugly, like he's at the top of the world.

Mom sounds overjoyed in her voice message. "Vivian, look how grand Harry's new home is! Now, he won't have to worry about his marital home when he gets married!"

I stare at the photo and laugh through my tears.

The moment I leave the family group chat and block all my relatives, my fingertips feel ice-cold.

I sneer inwardly, "Since a daughter can never compare to a son in your hearts, then from now on, that precious nephew of yours will be your only family. When he drives you out of the villa bought with your entire savings, I wonder if you'll remember the daughter you abandoned today."

Three days later, an unfamiliar number kept calling me persistently.

"Vivian Sullivan, why did you block all your family's numbers? How can you be so thoughtless?"

It was Eunice Lowry, my maternal aunt.

"Aunt Eunice, is something the matter?" My voice was so calm that it surprised even me.

"Your mother is so angry she might have a heart attack! You'd