Tech Prodigy Discovers Parents Lied About Financial Situation To Prevent Him From Attending Harvard, But He Learns the Reason Behind Their Betrayal Had More to Do With Insecurity Than Money.

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In an intriguing tale of deceit and ambition, the Original Poster (OP) navigates his journey from a high-achieving student to a successful high-profile tech employee, with the shadow of betrayal hanging over him. The climax brews when he uncovers his parents’ facade of financial constraints and their contrasting treatment of his sister’s education. A confrontation ensues, with OP accusing his family of deception and favoritism.

The Price of Ambition

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OP, a diligent and obedient 23-year-old Asian American, strives to meet his parents’ high academic expectations. Gaining acceptance into a prestigious Ivy League school brings him to tears, only to be met with unexpected parental resistance. His parents, under the guise of financial constraints, instead encourage him to attend a state school, leading him to abandon his Ivy League offer.

Enter State School

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OP attends the state school for his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in computer science. He finds success in his field, securing a job at a high-profile tech company, enabling him to pay off his student loans relatively quickly. His parents’ financial plan appears to be solid, leaving OP with little reason to question their decisions.

The Sister’s Triumph

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OP’s 17-year-old sister announces her early acceptance into an Ivy League school. His happiness for her is tainted with bitterness when he discovers his parents are fully willing to support her financially. He realizes the difference in their reactions and starts to question their sincerity.

Unveiling the Inequity

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It dawns on OP that his father, also employed at a high-profile tech company, has been receiving abundant stock benefits since 2006. The truth is his parents’ financial situation was not as dire as they portrayed when he was applying for college. OP feels betrayed and resentful.

Confrontation

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Confronting his parents over FaceTime, OP questions their willingness to fund his sister’s Ivy League education while neglecting his own. His parents’ uncomfortable reactions and dismissive responses fuel OP’s suspicions and resentment. He severs ties, accusing them of deceit and betrayal.

The Girlfriend’s Perspective

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OP’s girlfriend notices his distancing from his family. After explaining his predicament, she acknowledges his anger but argues that he is better off than most people their age. Her comments, while accurate, fail to soothe his sense of betrayal.

Questioning the Past

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In the aftermath, OP dwells on the past, wrestling with the idea that his parents might have favored his sister. He struggles with understanding why they lied about their financial situation. His anger, confusion, and sense of unfairness grow deeper.

The Father’s Confession

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OP’s father, troubled by the growing family strife, confesses his previous insecurities about OP’s potential success outshining his own. He admits to deliberately discouraging OP’s Ivy League opportunity due to a sense of competition. OP is left reeling from this revelation.

Unraveling the Mother’s Role

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OP’s mother reveals that she was unaware of the father’s insecurities. Once aware, she felt helpless, caught between her husband’s pride and her son’s aspirations. The exposure of her passive complicity increases OP’s feelings of betrayal.

Breakdown in Trust

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OP’s sister admits to being aware of their parents’ skewed treatment but stays silent out of fear of losing her Ivy League opportunity. OP’s trust in his family breaks down entirely as he grapples with feelings of betrayal from every family member. He shuts them out of his life completely, unable to reconcile their actions.

The Reckoning

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OP’s parents attempt to apologize and make amends for their actions. They offer to help financially as a form of reparations for their betrayal. However, OP rejects their offer stating that it is too late to make amends.

Climbing the Ladder

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OP, fueled by resentment and determination, starts excelling at his job. He gets promoted, and his financial situation improves significantly. However, his success at work doesn’t diminish the sting of his family’s betrayal.

Striving for Solitude

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OP continues to thrive professionally, but his personal life remains tainted by the remnants of his family’s betrayal and his subsequent isolation. He refuses to allow them back into his life, choosing solitude over reconciliation.

Was The Son’s Behavior Appropriate?

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OP, still outraged at his father’s unequal financial support of his children, posts his story online for feedback. The readers in the community forum had a lot to say on the matter. Here are some of their responses:

Forum Responds

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One reader said, “The main problem is they lied. That’s a huge breach of trust. And now they’re telling sister not to worry? I’m sorry. That has to hurt.”

Another Commenter Thinks

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Another responder wrote, “You have every right to be angry that your parents spent years building up your expectations and tying your self-worth to getting into an Ivy, and then lied to you about your ability to attend.”

A Third View on The Story

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A different person stated, “I am inclined to think you are owed an explanation on why they were willing to do that for your sister but not for you. I think this is less about the college thing and more about the clear favoritism that your parents have shown.”

A Final Perspective on the Matter

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Another person commented, “Regardless of how well off you are now, that doesn’t change what they did, and I wouldn’t talk to them unless they give you a very good reason why they did what they did.”