After a month, the attending doctor informed us, "The patient in Room 26 has improved, but further treatment is needed, and that requires more money. Here's the bill. If there are no issues, please pay early to avoid delaying treatment."

Improvement? How could someone with advanced cancer truly improve? It was merely keeping her alive, giving hope to the healthy.

I glanced at the bill, identical to the one when we first entered the hospital—200,000 dollars!

In my previous life, I spent all my savings on these repeated expenses.

But when I couldn't afford the medical bills, and I asked Mom to use her savings, she'd rather die than allow it, even leaving a will that gave everything to Steven.

Steven even accused me of not wanting to treat our mother for money, and the relatives were no different.

I calmed my emotions and dialed my uncle's number.

He answered with a hearty laugh, "Gloria, what made you think of calling me?"

"Uncle..." I continued with a choked voice, "Mom's sick, I... I don't know what to do. Can you help us?"

"What? Your mom's sick... Gloria, don't cry. We're family, and your mom is my sister. I'll definitely help, just tell me what illness does she have?"

"Breast cancer... advanced stage."

"It is cancer and advanced stage. Gloria, let's leave it at that for now. I'm a bit busy, but I'll come visit your mom tomorrow..."

Before I could respond, the line went dead.

They are indeed a family.

Then I called my aunt, and got a similar reaction. They showed feigned concern upon hearing about Mom's illness, but avoided involvement once they knew it was cancer.

I truly felt sad for my mom. With advanced cancer, her son only wanted her inheritance, and the relatives avoided any connection.

I did everything I could for her, yet she was blind to it.

This time, treating her was the greatest filial piety I could offer.

The next morning, relatives came to our house.

My uncle, aunt, and to my surprise, my aunt-in-law also came.

She had never liked our family much, always frowning at gatherings.

My uncle broke the silence. "Where's Steven? Why isn't he here?"

I choked up and shook my head. "I don't know. I haven't seen him for days."

Steven indeed hadn't visited for several days, having kept vigil for two nights and then excusing himself on a business trip, unreachable by phone.

My uncle cursed, "That damn boy, his mother is sick, and he's still out messing around."

I just gave a bitter smile.

We drove together to the hospital.

Leading them to the hospital room, I started, "Uncle, aunt, my mom is inside..."

Before I could finish, I heard voices inside.

I immediately recognized Steven and his girlfriend, Emma Smith was talking.

"Mom, see, your illness hasn't improved yet. I think it lacks some joy. Emma and I are thinking of getting married to bring you some happiness!"

My mom couldn't stop smiling, "That would be wonderful! Go ahead! If Mom gets happy, maybe the illness will go away!"

"But... Emma's parents said they need at least a house in my name to agree to our marriage," Steven sounded troubled.

"Mom, how about you transfer the house to me first? After Emma and I get married to bring you joy, I'll transfer it back."

Emma said, "Auntie, I was also sad to hear about your illness, so Steven and I thought of this plan. My parents said they don't need a dowry, but Steven must have a house in his name to agree to our marriage."

My mom decisively said, "That's only right. What's this about transferring it back? The house was meant for Steven's marriage."

My brother hesitated, "But you still need money for treatment..."

"That can't include selling the house! There's your sister, and then there's your uncle and aunt. They won't stand by and do nothing!"

"..."

Even though I knew of my mother's favoritism, hearing it firsthand still hurt.

My uncle and aunt exchanged looks.

I took the opportunity to cry out, "Uncle, aunt, I'm not afraid of your scolding, but I've already listed our house with a broker. My mom's illness is like a bottomless pit. Without selling the house, we'd only be left borrowing money..."

My uncle patted my shoulder, "Gloria, you did right. Your mom is confused, but you can't follow her lead! This Steven is too thoughtless. Uncle is the eldest male relative, and your dad's gone. I'll take charge of this!"

With that, they pushed open the hospital room door and walked straight in.

My mom and Steven looked puzzled when we suddenly appeared. Emma unconsciously leaned closer to Steven.

Seeing Emma's shy face, I felt nothing but disgust.

In my previous life, Steven pressured me to hand over the gold jewelry my mother had given me. When I refused, the two of them played a cruel trick on me.

Emma approached me, pretending to take my side. "Sis, I didn't expect Steven to be such a person. What a scumbag!"

She held my hand, "Sis, I've broken up with that scumbag. Suddenly seeing the true face of someone I once loved deeply, my heart is also in pain. How about we go to the countryside for a few days, away from the hustle and bustle of the city?"

I was indeed in a very bad mood those days and needed to clear my mind. I thought Emma was also a victim, so I agreed.

However, one moment we were enjoying the rapeseed flowers, and the next, several men rushed out and captured me.

I wanted to tell Emma to run and call the police, but to my shock, she calmly walked over, searched me, and pulled out my gold jewelry, then shouted to someone nearby, "I found it. This act is really tiring, but your sister is indeed easy to fool. A few words and she follows along."

Steven came out, kissed Emma, and said, "Baby, you've worked hard. Once we get the money, I'll buy you a new bag."

Then, he said to the burly men, "Here's the bride I brought for you. Remember to give me the rest of the money."

It turned out that because I wouldn't split the jewelry with him, my own brother betrayed me!

As Uncle entered the hospital room, he directly confronted. "Steven, did you fill your brain with nonsense? Your own mother has cancer, and you're still fixated on the house! If I had a son like you, I'd wake you up on the spot!"

The mother, who was initially defending her son, was shocked when she heard 'cancer.' "Cancer, cancer?" she questioned.

"Gloria, I thought it was just a tumor. How did it turn into cancer?"