Betrayed by my own mother: how I overcame a toxic relationship to build my own success

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The Betrayal That Changed Everything

A Difficult Past and a New Beginning

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Growing up without a father, I always felt like an outsider. My mother, despite her many relationships, could never seem to find a man who would accept me. I watched her suffer through multiple failed relationships, each one crumbling because of one thing: they all disliked having me around.

One man, James, made it painfully clear how he felt. “Eww, Rei. I didn’t sign up to raise a kid!” He left, just like the others. I always felt like I was the cause of my mother’s heartbreak. So, after high school, I made the decision to leave for university in another city, hoping it would give her the chance to find happiness without me in the way.

A Hopeful New Chapter

Months later, I got a call from Mom that changed everything. “I’ve met the one, Julia! I’m getting married, and his name is Eddie. He promises to love you like his own daughter.”

I could hear the joy in her voice, and for the first time in a long while, I felt happy for her. “That’s amazing, Mom! I hope you two find true happiness together,” I said.

She wanted me to meet him, and I was excited, though nervous. We planned a special dinner where the three of us could finally meet.

When I arrived home, the warmth between Mom and Eddie was undeniable. He greeted me with a friendly smile and a handshake, and I felt relieved. “It’s nice to meet you, Eddie. I’m glad you’re making my mom happy.”

The Unforeseen Change in Eddie

As time passed, I started to notice something unsettling about Eddie. At first, his attention seemed harmless. But soon, it began to feel strange. On social media, he began leaving oddly personal comments on my posts: “You look gorgeous, Julia!” and “Wow, stunning!” I brushed it off at first, but then, one day, his behavior crossed a line.

While I was grabbing a snack in the kitchen, Eddie came up behind me. “You look amazing in those shorts, Julia. You should wear them more often.”

Shocked, I turned to face him. “That’s inappropriate, Eddie,” I said firmly. “I won’t tolerate this behavior.”

Instead of apologizing, Eddie smirked. “We’ll see about that. You’ve got some free time tonight, right? Meet me in your room.”

I pushed him away, furious. “You’re sick! I will expose you for what you are.”

Just as things were about to escalate, Mom entered the room, and I thought for sure she would finally see Eddie’s true colors. But to my surprise, she didn’t defend me.

A Shocking Betrayal from My Mother

Instead of protecting me, Mom turned on me with fiery anger. “Pack your things, Julia. Now!” she shouted.

“Mom, what are you talking about?” I asked, completely confused and hurt.

“I don’t want you here. You’re trying to seduce your stepfather, aren’t you? Look at those shorts!” she yelled.

Tears welled up in my eyes. “That’s not what happened! He was the one who—”

“I don’t want to hear it!” she interrupted. “You’ve embarrassed me enough. I’m not paying for your education anymore. If you end up on the streets, it’s your fault for trying to deceive someone!”

Without another word, she kicked me out. I had nothing—no money, no place to go—and the world I knew shattered.

Struggling to Move On

The next few years were tough. I worked multiple jobs to survive, including a position at a cosmetics store where I learned everything about the industry. Despite the hardships, I never gave up. I eventually saved enough money to start my own cosmetics company, which became successful.

Yet, even with all my progress, a part of me still missed my mother. I often wondered what could have been if things had turned out differently. But I was determined to move forward, no matter how difficult it was.

An Unexpected Visit from My Mother

One day, I was in my office when I received an unexpected visit. It was Mom.

“Mom! What are you doing here?” I asked, shocked. “I’m glad to see you, but…”

She gave me a cold smile. “I’m happy to see you, Julia, but I’m here about my debt,” she said bluntly.

“Debt?” I asked, confused.

“I know you’ve been successful, but you wouldn’t be where you are if I hadn’t kicked you out. Now, I need you to pay me back,” she said without hesitation.

I stared at her in disbelief. “What are you talking about?”

Mom looked at me with an almost empty expression. “I need money to help Eddie. His business failed, and now he’s in jail. I need your help to get him out.”

The Final Break

Anger surged through me. “You want me to pay for your mistakes? After everything you put me through?” I said, barely containing my frustration. I immediately called security. “Please escort this woman out of my office and make sure she never returns.”

It broke my heart to do that, but I could no longer recognize the woman who once raised me. She had changed, driven by selfish desires and her obsession with Eddie.

Reflection and Moving Forward

As I watched my mother being escorted out, I couldn’t help but wonder: Did she ever truly love me? Or had I just been someone to support her until she found another person to depend on?

Family can be a source of love and support, but it can also bring deep hurt and betrayal. Sometimes, the hardest truth we must face is that even those closest to us can betray our trust. No one should have to endure being falsely accused or hurt by those they love.

This story is a reminder that we must protect our own well-being and move forward—no matter how hard it seems.

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