Emma\u2019s parents gave her a difficult decision when she fell in love with a modest teacher: either he or them.<\/p>\n
Their chairs were empty on the day of her wedding, but her grandfather was there to support her. Her estranged parents asked for her forgiveness at his funeral ten years later, but not for the reasons she had anticipated.<\/p>\n
My parents used to joke about one day living in a huge mansion in our immaculate suburban home. By high school, I knew that every choice they made was motivated by their desire to go up the social scale, therefore it wasn\u2019t hilarious.<\/p>\n
Mom even made judgments about my pals based on the income of their parents. When I invited Bianca over for a scientific assignment, I\u2019ll never forget how she reacted. \u201cShe isn\u2019t suitable for you,\u201d Mom remarked, mocking Bianca\u2019s attire and hairstyle. I became aware of their narrow-mindedness at that point.<\/p>\n
Then I went to college and met Liam.<\/p>\n
\u201cA teacher?\u201d When I brought him up, my mother almost choked on her champagne. \u201cAlthough they are amazing, teachers aren\u2019t exactly\u2014well, you know.\u201d<\/p>\n
For once, I didn\u2019t care even though I understood exactly what she meant. Unlike other men who showed off their wealth, Liam\u2019s love of teaching made him stand apart. Before he could finish, I answered yes when he proposed with his grandmother\u2019s ring in the communal garden where we had our first date.<\/p>\n
The response from my parents was chilly.<\/p>\n
\u201cNot that instructor!\u201d My dad spat. \u201cHe is unable to support us or you! You\u2019re squandering your future!<\/p>\n
Mom said fiercely, \u201cWe\u2019ll cut you off if you marry him.\u201d It\u2019s either him or us.<\/p>\n
Despite my sadness, I remained resolute. \u201cIf you decide to change your mind, I\u2019ll send out an invitation.\u201d<\/p>\n
Aside from the two vacant front-row seats, our wedding was small and ideal. Grandpa\u2019s presence filled the emptiness.<\/p>\n
It wasn\u2019t an easy life. My freelance work and Liam\u2019s teaching pay were insufficient to meet our expenses. However, love was abundant in our home, particularly when Sophie was born. Grandpa was our pillar of support, teaching Sophie card tricks and bringing groceries when we needed them.<\/p>\n
At one point, he said to Sophie, \u201cYou know what real wealth is?\u201d \u201cIt\u2019s being loved for who you are by those who love you.\u201d<\/p>\n
I was lost after Grandpa went away. I saw my parents, who were older but still well-groomed, at his funeral and they begged for forgiveness.<\/p>\n
My mother took my hands and murmured, \u201cEmma, darling, we\u2019ve been such idiots.\u201d Could we attempt to mend our relationship?<\/p>\n
Before Aunt Claire drew me aside, my heart was racing. \u201cAvoid falling for it,\u201d she said. \u201cThey are only expressing regret due to Grandpa\u2019s wishes.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cUnder what circumstances?\u201d I inquired.<\/p>\n
Grandpa had linked their fortune to making amends with me, Claire clarified. Their portion would go to charity if they didn\u2019t have it.<\/p>\n
The truth was harsh. It still has to do with money.<\/p>\n
I found out that day that Grandpa had given me a separate legacy to help with Sophie\u2019s schooling and to ease our financial burden. But my parents would get nothing because their portion went to nonprofits that support education.<\/p>\n
I grinned, imagining Grandpa\u2019s contented expression. He had created something lovely out of their avarice.<\/p>\n
I felt at ease that evening as I curled up on our shabby couch with Liam and Sophie. The warmth of the family I had created now overshadowed the hurt caused by my parents\u2019 deception. I have no regrets about putting love before money. I was the richest person, after all.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"