It became something I managed.
That was around the time Eleanor’s expectations began to change.
At first, she asked for small favors.
“Victoria, would you mind helping Lauren with her student loans?”
“Of course.”
“Ethan mentioned you understand investments. Could you look over this property?”
“Absolutely.”
“My friend is opening a restaurant. Could you advise her?”
“No problem.”
Every request sounded temporary and reasonable.
Family helping family.
Then the requests became larger.
Private school tuition. Vacation homes. Medical treatment. Luxury cruises. Investment capital. Designer renovations.
Every Christmas brought another expensive surprise that someone expected Ethan to provide.
Every Christmas, I quietly paid the bill.
One afternoon, Eleanor embraced Ethan after he handed her the keys to a new Mercedes.
“My son always takes care of his mother.”
I stood three feet away.
She never looked at me.
Ethan smiled awkwardly and said nothing.
Driving home, I asked him gently, “Why didn’t you tell her?”
