My giving, Zero family worth novel

Chapter 1 Basic Infrastructure Chapter 1 Basic Infrastructure " Why is there only one dollar ? " +10 Free Coins I slammed the single bill onto the table , and the Christmas dinner conversation died instantly . My sister , Amanda Walsh , froze mid- count , and my brother , Samuel Walsh , stopped laughing . Mom's expression hardened . " Because that's what your contribution to this family is worth . One dollar . " I pointed at Amanda . " She doesn't lift a finger , just sits there looking pretty, and she gets eight grand ? " " Being beautiful is a scarce resource . " I turned to Samuel .

" He causes trouble every day , tells a few jokes , and gets six grand ? " Mom shot back . " Your brother brings energy to this family . He has unlimited potential ! " I held up my hands and showed her the calluses covering my palms . " What about me ? I do all the housework . What does that make me ? " Dad finally spoke , " You're infrastructure . Nobody pays premium prices for air or water or electricity . " That crumpled dollar bill lay there on the table like my entire life . Dad , Connor Walsh , stared me down with that calculating look in his eyes . " So what if I say it again ?

Nicole , don't push your luck . " Everything you eat , everything you wear , where do you think it comes from ? I provide all of it . You do some chores around the house , and that's just expected . What , you want a medal ? You want compensation ? " Amanda tucked the stack of crisp bills into her designer bag . " Dad , why are you even arguing with her ? Nicole's just being dramatic and thinks it's unfair . " She turned to me with that pitying look . " Nicole , stop being difficult .

Mom's health isn't great , and I need to maintain my appearance for networking and expanding the family's social connections . You wouldn't understand these things . " " The work you do ? Any housekeeper could handle it for what , a few hundred bucks a month ? Mom and Dad gave you one dollar to teach you that family doesn't keep score . " Samuel spit a chicken bone near my feet . " Seriously ! Nicole , you're such a buzzkill , making a scene over one dollar on Christmas . " " If you need money that bad , I'll give you a hundred bucks from my six grand . How's that ?

Go buy yourself some candy ! " He burst out laughing , and the whole family joined in . My mother , Megan Walsh , finally smiled and ruffled Samuel's hair affectionately . " Samuel , you're such a treasure . " Then she turned to me , and the smile vanished instantly . " Nicole , look at yourself with that sour face . So negative ! It's Christmas , and you have to ruin it for everyone ? This family doesn't support freeloaders . Besides doing chores , what value do you have ? " I looked at them . A perfect , happy family of four , and I was the discordant note , the unnecessary decoration .

My blood ran cold and then froze solid . 1/2 12:55 pm PDD Chapter 1 Basic Infrastructure I picked up that dollar bill from the table . " Fine . " Then I turned and walked toward the door . +10 Free Coins Mom's voice rang out sharply behind me . " You're way out of line ! We say two words to you and you think you run the place now ? If you think it's so unfair , then get out ! When you finally understand what family contribution really means , then you can come back ! " Dad's voice was even colder . " Let her go . The Walsh family doesn't raise ungrateful brats !

I'd like to see how long this ' infrastructure ' can survive without us ! " The door slammed shut behind me . The cold Christmas night air hit my neck . Christmas carols drifted from somewhere down the street , mixed with laughter from nearby houses . I looked down at the single dollar in my hand . That moment changed everything for me . It wasn't that my contribution was too small . It was that to them , that was all I was worth . I didn't go back home . Instead , I found a night shift waitressing job that came with room and board .

The fast food place had rooms in the basement , just plywood dividers between tiny spaces , and everything smelled damp and moldy . But I slept better than I had in years . At least there was no criticism , no comparisons , and no " family " suffocating me . Three days later , my aunt called . " You think you're so tough now , huh ? Your mom's been telling everyone in the family chat about the stupid thing you did . Running away from home over a few bucks ? " Your parents raised you all these years , and this is how you repay them ? You ungrateful brat !

Get your ass back home and apologize to your parents right now ! " I hung up on her . A few minutes later , someone added me to a WhatsApp group called " One Big Happy Family " . There were over 50 people in it . Mom was the first to speak with a long voice message , and her voice was shaking like she'd been crying . " Everyone , I'm so sorry . I didn't raise my daughter right . She ran away over her Christmas gift , and now her father and I can barely eat or sleep . I've cried so much I can hardly see anymore .

" 2/2 Cedella Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella's storytelling style is immersive and addictive-perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.