His Father Breaches Trust with a Broken Deal, But His Son’s Response Leaves Him Speechless.
In the midst of a youthful pursuit for musical excellence, the Original Poster (OP) becomes entangled in a heartbreaking deal with his loophole-loving father, leading to a profound test of trust and commitment. When OP’s much-anticipated promised reward, a brand new BMW, turns out to have a caveat, a bitter fallout ensues between son and father.
The Gift of Music
As an eight-year-old, OP was gifted a piano by his parents, sparking his love for music. He dove into lessons and soon became known as the ‘piano guy’ at school, performing at concerts and retirement homes.
A Bargain Struck
At 15, OP was overwhelmed with piano and studies and expressed a desire to quit lessons. In an attempt to discourage quitting, his parents proposed a deal—if he reached level 10 RCM (a piano proficiency exam required for a music conservatory) and maintained his school grades, he would receive a new car of his choice.
The Loophole Player
It’s important to note OP’s father’s love for loopholes, often bending the rules to win games and competitions. This habit frustrated OP, but his father maintained that life isn’t always fair.
The Uphill Climb
Over the next two years, OP fulfilled his end of the deal. He spent hours each day practicing piano, keeping his grades high, and eventually passed his level 9 RCM exams. His chosen reward: a BMW X5 hybrid SUV.
The Birthday Surprise
On his 17th birthday, OP was promised a surprise in the garage. Anticipating his reward, he discovered a 1/24 scale toy BMW X5, leading to a heartbreaking realization. His father’s laughter rang in the air as he defended his prank, saying he’d fulfilled the deal by providing a new BMW, albeit a toy one.
Life Isn’t Fair
OP’s father defended his actions, arguing that OP hadn’t specified the car had to be full-size and drivable. His words echoed their earlier conversations about fairness, leaving OP feeling betrayed. The relationship between father and son started to strain.
A Broken Trust
In the aftermath, OP’s relationship with his father suffered. He felt that his father had betrayed his trust, turning a serious commitment into a cruel joke. OP’s resentment towards his father began to deepen.
The Continued Offer
Despite the broken trust, his father continued to propose a reasonably priced used car. OP, however, had lost interest, viewing the offer as an attempt to right a wrong that had already caused much damage. His refusal was an act of silent protest against the broken promise.
The Self-Reliant Stand
OP decided to utilize his savings to buy a used car himself, asserting his independence. Accepting a car from his father would have felt like admitting the broken promise didn’t matter.
The Strain of Betrayal
Despite his decision to buy his own car, OP felt the strain of his father’s betrayal. He wrestled with feelings of being fooled and disrespected. This struggle was a painful reminder of the broken trust.
Contemplating Right and Wrong
OP began questioning his reaction to his father’s betrayal, wondering if he was being petty. This self-reflection led him to question his own behavior, pushing him to confront his feelings about the broken promise. He was stuck between his anger and the need to move forward.
Independence vs. Forgiveness
Now away at school and no longer under his father’s roof full-time, OP finds himself at a crossroads between maintaining his independence and forgiving his father. He realized that holding onto his resentment may not aid in his healing.
Was The Man’s Behavior Appropriate?
The readers in the forum had a lot of mixed views on the matter. Here are some of their responses:
Forum Responded
One reader said, “Your dad should have proposed a deal that he was willing to actually uphold.”
Another responder wrote: “Life might not be fair, but that doesn’t justify your father being cruel. I’m sorry he finds more enjoyment in letting you down than being a good dad.”
A different person states, “Your dad knew exactly what he was doing, and what he was doing was breaking his promise to you.”
What Do You Think?
What are your thoughts on their actions?
What would you have done in this situation?
This story is inspired by this thread.
More From Top Dollar
In a community terrorized by the iron-fisted rule of an oppressive HOA president, a man decides to challenge her authority and fight her outrageous rules.
More From Top Dollar
Wild jobs that pay way more than they ought to.
13 Useless Jobs That Pay Too Much and Should Be Eliminated
More From Top Dollar
The original poster of the story, a 29-year-old man, had a series of conflicts with his mother-in-law that threatened to ruin his marriage.
His Mother-In-Law Is Ruining His Marriage, So Here’s What He Decided to Do
Alexander Veros
Alex is a writer for Top Dollar Investor, focusing on lifestyle, travel, and business stories. Alex has started several online businesses and is a blogger who loves providing quality content to help others. He is passionate about affiliate marketing, finance, and cryptocurrency.
