To pay for my mother's chemotherapy, I spent all my savings.

In her will, she left everything—house and bank deposits—to my brother.

She left me only a pair of gold necklaces and a ring, calling them family heirlooms.

After she passed away, my brother came to claim that the jewelry, not included in the will, should be split equally.

When I refused, he and his girlfriend tricked me into the mountains and pushed me off a cliff.

When I opened my eyes again, I was back to the day my mother was diagnosed.

***

The doctor, holding the report, regretfully announced to me and my brother, "The results are in. It's advanced breast cancer. Chemotherapy can extend her life somewhat. It's up to the family to decide."

My brother, tears and snot mingling, quickly responded, "Treat her, doctor! As long as there's hope, we'll treat her!"

In my previous life, he had done the same, rushing to my mother's bedside to weep with her.

He spoke of his heartache for her illness, wishing he could bear the pain for her.

The other patients praised him endlessly, saying my mother was lucky to have such a devoted son, that she could overcome any obstacle.

My mother was very happy to hear this.

His act had deceived me, too, tugging at my heartstrings.

So, when he later claimed to be short on funds, I couldn't bear it and took on all the medical expenses myself.

To treat our mother, I drained every penny I had.

Yet, my brother Steven Green had washed his hands of it.

He didn't neglect his career or love life, even planning a wedding with his girlfriend, supposedly to bring joy to our mother.

Sadly, she passed away regardless.

Little did I dream that she would leave all her property and savings to her son.

She left me only a gold necklace and a ring, touted as heirlooms.

Steven, shameless, came to me saying.

"The money and house are mine by the will, so they're none of your business. But the gold necklace and ring mom gave you separately, not in the will, should be split!"

I couldn't believe there were such bloodsuckers in the world.

What's more, he later lured me into the mountains under the guise of clearing my head, where they pushed me off a cliff.

Refusing to be humiliated, I ended my life.

Yet he claimed to the world that I had fled abroad to evade responsibilities.

In life, I was drained by my own family. In death, I was slandered by the world.

In this new life, facing the man sobbing before me, I slapped him.

My brother was stunned, looking at me.

"You slapped me..."

I cut him off.

"Do you want our mom to know she's dying? If you wish her gone sooner, keep crying louder!"

Steven recovered and nodded quickly, "You're right! Sister, how should we explain it to mom?"

"Let's act normal when we go in. Say too much, and she'll suspect. Once you're done, leave."

"You are always really thoughtful!"

Looking at the face before me that made me disgusted, I took a deep breath and followed him into the ward.

Our mother, feeling uneasy, rubbed her temples, "What's wrong with me, Steven. Why did I suddenly faint?"

Seeing Steven about to play the devoted son, I grabbed my mother's hand first. "Mom, the doctor found a tumor in your body."

My mother, dizzy, spoke with a sob, "A tumor? Like your father? All that money spent and still lost him, we might as well not treat it!"

In her previous life, when she said this, I thought she was just worried about the money, never considering she'd rather die to leave more for her son.

I stepped forward, helping her to lie down, comforting her, "Mom, no, the doctor said it's treatable. It's just money. What's more important, money or life? You haven't held your grandchild yet."

"How much will it cost?" my mother hesitated, her dream of spoiling grandchildren surfacing.

"Mom, we'll treat you!" Steven chimed in, wiping tears from his face, "No matter the cost, we won't neglect you!"

If it weren't for this second chance, I might have been moved by my brother again. Now, his words only made me want to laugh.

Hearing her son's promise, my mother was deeply comforted, the two embracing as she praised her beloved son.

The patient in the next bed, moved by this display, couldn't help but praise, "With such a devoted son, what can't be overcome? Unlike my son, who doesn't even visit..."

After settling my mother, Steven pulled me aside outside the room, his face showing trouble.

"Sister, what about mom's medical bills? You know I've only been working for two years. I really don't have savings, but we can't delay mom's treatment, how about you cover it first, and I'll pay you back when I get my salary."

In my past life, I was deceived by this facade, shouldering the medical costs alone, letting him live carefree.

I looked at him, "Sure, but let's keep clear accounts even among siblings. Make a note of the details, and you'll sign an IOU for me! After all, I can't deprive you of the right to support our mom."

He seemed a little surprised by my response, after all, I used to be blindly generous.

Just then, the neighboring aunt stepped out, having just hailed him a filial son, leaving him unable to say much, he hastily agreed and left.

Back in the room, my mother also probed.

"Gloria, how much will the surgery cost? Can you afford it? If not, mom won't treat it!"

Hearing this again, my heart felt nothing. Her favoritism was bone-deep.

All the signs were there before, but in my previous life, blinded by habit, I never realized.

"Mom, don't worry! The investment you had me manage just matured, the principal and interest total about two hundred thousand, enough for the initial treatment costs!"

My mom immediately sat upright, grabbing my arm with a slight force. "No, that's my coffin fund, how can we use it now? This is money saved for Ste... for you and your brother!"

"Mom! We can't possibly want money that costs you your life. At this time, what could be more important than treatment?!"

I looked at the aunt in the next bed, "Auntie, isn't that right?"

"Big sister, your daughter is right! What could be more important than life? If you're not here, the family falls apart. A mom makes a home!"

My mom said, "But..."

I interrupted her. "Mom, I know you're thinking of us. Let's focus on the treatment first. Once my financial product matures, I'll replenish the coffin fund for you!"

After saying this, I saw a light in my mom's eyes, and with the neighbor's flattering support, she didn't say much more.

I made a decisive move, went to the bank to withdraw the investment I had saved for her, and cashed it all out to a bank card.

Then I went to pay the deposit and hired a nurse.

Upon entering the hospital, money was spent like water. How could 200,000 dollars be enough?!

I hurriedly contacted a broker to list the property under my mom's name.

With the real estate market being down, the sooner it's sold, the better.

After arranging everything, I called Steven to remind him to come and keep vigil at night.

After all, Mom wasn't just my mother.