Chapter 5 - The Uninvited Demands
The first explicit warning sign came three weeks before the wedding during a family dinner at a quiet restaurant. Julian had generously invited my parents, hoping to bridge some gap and foster goodwill. But halfway through the appetizers, Dad leaned across the table, his eyes bloodshot and desperate.
"Chloe, your mother and I have been looking over the wedding budget," Dad began, his tone artificially jovial. "Julian’s family is footing most of it, which is generous, but we realize there are cash reserves. Given everything we’ve invested in your upbringing and education—private schools, clothing, living expenses—we feel it’s only fair that you redirect a portion of the wedding gifts and cash funds directly to us."
I stared at him, my fork suspended halfway to my mouth. "Dad, what are you talking about? Wedding gifts belong to Julian and me to start our life."
Mom jumped in, her voice sharpening instantly. "Don't take that tone with your father, Chloe! Do you have any idea how much sacrifices we made for you? While we were pouring money into Jake’s athletic career to secure our family’s legacy, you went off to college and lived comfortably. It’s time you pay your debt back. We need seventy-five thousand dollars to clear some bridging loans, and since you’re marrying into money, it shouldn't be a problem for Julian to arrange a quiet loan from his parents."
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Julian’s jaw tightened. He set his napkin down on the table with deliberate slowness. "Mr. Parker, Chloe doesn't owe you a debt for being raised, and my family’s finances are not a piggy bank for your financial mismanagement. We will not be giving you any money."
Dad’s face mottled a deep, furious purple. He slammed his fist against the table, causing silverware to rattle. "You arrogant little—she is our daughter! She will do as she’s told!" We walked out of the restaurant that night, leaving them fuming in the booth, but I had no idea how far they were willing to go to extract what they believed was rightfully theirs.
