My mom opened her mouth, perhaps to protest, but I raised a hand to stop her. “No excuses. You took advantage of my trust while I was serving overseas. You made my daughter believe we were struggling when you were buying luxuries.”

I saw the guilt wash over their faces, and for a moment, they looked like children caught in a lie, rather than the parents who’d raised me. But I couldn’t let sympathy sway me. Not now.

“I’ve always taken care of myself and my daughter,” I said firmly. “You two have shown me you’re not reliable. So, here’s what’s going to happen. You will transfer back every cent you took. I’ve already spoken to a lawyer friend. If not, I’ll have to take legal action.”

The word “lawyer” seemed to snap something in them. My father’s face crumbled, and he nodded, a silent acknowledgment of wrongdoing. My mother looked like she wanted to argue, but the fight went out of her. “We never meant to hurt anyone,” she whispered, tears brimming.

I stood, knowing I’d won the first battle. “Intentions don’t matter now. Actions do.”

As I left the room, I felt a sense of resolve. I’d set things right for Lily, even if it meant redefining my relationship with my parents. This was a new mission, one where I wasn’t just a soldier or a daughter but a protector of my family’s future. And I wouldn’t fail.