In my past life, Mom promised to buy me a house as my wedding gift.

I was ecstatic, convinced of her deep love for me.

She mentioned she was short on cash, so I hustled like there was no tomorrow, only to literally work myself to death at my desk.

As a ghost, I returned to check on my beloved Mom.

Shockingly, she and my brother's family were happily settling into a new home, financed by the payout from my death.

The picture of family bliss.

Once again, here I am, facing Mom asking for a hefty sum to get my brother a house for his wedding.

Without hesitation, I pulled out my phone.

Look, Mom, all these loan apps are at your fingertips. Which one catches your eye?

Money in your account in seconds, guaranteed!

***

"Jessie, you rolling with me or staying with your mom?"

I blinked, a stern face suddenly before me. It was Dad, Jim Rivers.

A sense of freefall hit me, not fully recovered from the shock.

Seconds ago, I was hovering above, witnessing Mom spend my last breath's compensation on a house.

They were living it up, a perfect little family.

"Would've thought that kid was worth something. Too bad she didn't kick it sooner; we could've been enjoying this big house for years."

"Pity, though, she was quite the moneymaker."

His feigned sympathy couldn't fool anyone.

"Mom, drop it. We're moving to a new place, no need to drag up bad vibes."

My brother barked at her, disgust plain on his face.

Mom merely smiled a calm, serene smile and held her peace.

The soft glow of the lamp cast a gentle light on her face, her smile tender, her gaze filled with love for her son and grandson.

Turns out, my mom could indeed be a wonderful mother.

The next thing I knew, I was back before the divorce.

"Jessie..."

"Dad, I'm sticking with you!"

I cut him off before he could finish, raising my voice a little too much.

"You little hellion, go with your dad then! Why are you yelling? Trying to make me deaf?"

Mom, Karen Davis, let out her sharp tirade, her voice cutting through the air.

"You're just a thankless viper! I raised you with blood, sweat, and tears, and this is how you repay me—siding with that no-good, cheating father of yours!"

I caught a glimpse of Mom, passionately making her case, her face twisting with the strain of her shouts.

If she wasn't gripping my brother so tightly, you might think she really wanted me with her.

"Fine, Mom, I'll stay with you," I replied with a firm smile, keeping my eyes on Karen.

The gravity of my words seemed to hit her hard; her eyes darted around, and she quickly shut up.

"Thought so," I smirked inwardly.

"What's with that smirk? You think that's how you talk to your mom?"

Karen snapped, her fury nearly palpable.

I closed my eyes, suppressing the storm within. I wouldn't let her see my resentment, my anger, or my disappointment.

She didn't deserve that.

Back then, Dad really wanted custody of me.

After all, I was the ever-compliant child.

But that day, I lost it. I cried, threw fits, and even told him he was a no-good cheater, not deserving my custody.

It infuriated him enough to insist on taking my brother instead.

Mom grew to despise me too, blaming me for separating her from her beloved son.

She seemed to forget one thing, though.

"Your dad, that lowlife, probably has someone on the side. He hasn't been home in forever!"

That was her constant refrain in my ear.

I felt so sorry for her. She needed me, and I felt it was my duty to protect her.

Yet, I never stopped to ask why.

Why didn't she share these bitter feelings with my brother?