I’m Elena, 40, and I’ve always been honest about not wanting kids. I cherish my freedom, travel frequently, and have built a life that truly makes me happy. But in my family, apparently, happiness only counts if it involves diapers, school runs, and PTA meetings. They joke, “You’ll die alone with your cats.”My two brothers both have families—wives, kids, the whole package. When my wealthy grandmother passed away, her estate and savings were split entirely between them.
I got a thank-you card… and a crystal vase. Just a vase.When I asked my parents why, my mom said, “Well, sweetie, your brothers have mouths to feed. You’re just… alone.” As if choosing to be childfree made me less deserving.What they didn’t see was that while they were busy with baby showers and baptisms, I was quietly building my own fortune—investing in cryptocurrency, flipping niche domain names, and collecting vintage watches. I kept it private to avoid drama.
Last month, I bought a two-story house in the city center—fully paid. I invited my whole family over for dinner. My dad thought I was renting. My mom asked if my “boyfriend” helped. I smiled, poured everyone a drink, and gave them a tour of the safe where I keep some of those watches—now worth more than the entire inheritance combined.
The silence was priceless. One brother even joked, “Maybe we should’ve stayed single.” But what really stings isn’t the money. It’s how easily they decided I didn’t matter—that because I chose not to have children, I didn’t deserve love, support, or a fair share. I haven’t returned their calls in weeks. I’m torn between letting it go or finally telling them how hurtful their attitude was.What would you do?