As I watched them drive away, I felt a strange mix of emotions—sadness for what our family had become, but also relief. This confrontation was long overdue. I knew that standing firm was the right decision, even if it meant further straining these already fragile relationships.

Back inside my cottage, I sat quietly, letting the peace of the space envelop me. I realized I didn’t just need to defend my property; I needed to defend my self-worth. This was my life, my happiness, and it was time to live it on my own terms.