I had left my job after suffering a breakdown I never mentioned to my family. It was not because I was weak. I had spent eight years creating an entire company department from the ground up while my boss claimed the credit, my father dismissed it as “just office work,” and Ryan continued borrowing money he never repaid.
When my settlement finally arrived, I used it to purchase the lake house entirely in my own name.
It was modest.
Quiet.
Private.
Mine.
At least, that was what I believed until Ryan laughed into the phone.
“You can’t seriously expect to live alone in a four-bedroom house,” he said. “Megan needs the office for her online store. The kids need space. Dad said Mom would’ve wanted you to share.”
Mom had been gone for four years. They brought up her name whenever they needed leverage.
“My name is on the deed,” I said.
