My Best Friend Played Dead and Played Me

My best friend, Scarlett Throne, is diagnosed with cancer. After running away from home, she takes her own life.

She leaves behind only a testament and a pair of eight-year-old twins, a boy and a girl.

"You're the only person I can rely on in this world. I'm not asking you to adopt them, but just make sure they have enough to eat."

Out of compassion, I take the siblings in.

For the next 20 years, my husband and I have been working hard together to raise them, buying them cars and houses.

But one day, my adopted daughter reports my husband for being abusive toward her.

Even my supposedly dead best friend suddenly appears and testifies against him.

I demand to know why she does such a thing.

My best friend, filled with righteous indignation, says, "I see you as my best friend! I've never thought you adopted my children just to serve your husband's perversions!"

My husband's reputation is ruined, and he's been thrown in jail.

I desperately try to prove his innocence, only to be forcibly sent to a mental hospital by my adopted son.

There, I wither away and die.

When I open my eyes again, I find myself back on the very day my best friend was diagnosed with cancer.

"Felly, I've been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. It's already in the late stages. The doctor says I don't have much time left," Scarlett Throne revealed.

Looking at Scarlett crying pitifully before me, I clenched my fists.

In my past life, I had been completely fooled by this very act of hers. I spent all my savings to help her with her treatment and even adopted her children. However, I ended up with my family ruined and my life destroyed.

I lowered my gaze to hide the hatred in my eyes and pretended to look shocked and heartbroken.

"How could this happen? How did it come so suddenly…" I cried out.

Seeing that I had taken the bait, Scarlett cried even harder. "I can't bring myself to tell my kids. They're still so young… What will they do after I'm gone?"

She pleaded, "Felly, you're the only person I can trust in this world."

She grabbed my hand with her palms slicked with sweat. "I'm not asking you to adopt them, but just make sure they have enough to eat…"

I gently patted her back, offering false comfort. "Don't panic yet. We'll think of a way together."

"I knew you wouldn't turn me down…"

I forced a smile. "Just focus on your treatment. As for your children, I believe your relatives can help."

I sneered inwardly. There was no way I was going to help her.

Scarlett clutched my hands tighter. With tears streaming down her face, she said in a trembling voice, "Felly, do you know how hard it's been on me all these years?

"When I got pregnant before marriage, I was overjoyed, thinking I'd finally have a family with the kids' father. But the moment he found out I was pregnant, he ghosted me.

"Without any support, I gave birth to my children. Life was hard, but I thought as long as I had them, there would still be hope."

She took a deep breath. Her sobs broke through her words.

"I had no parents. As for those so-called relatives of mine, I barely saw them once a year. They were more like strangers than family. If it weren't for you, my childhood friend, I don't know how I would've survived.

"I'm not afraid of dying from this sickness now. I just can't stop worrying about my kids. How are they supposed to live without a mother at such a young age?"

As she spoke, she suddenly dropped to the floor and clutched my legs.

She cried out, "I'm begging you… For the sake of our long-term friendship, please take care of my kids."

Her words were full of grief and desperation, but I knew better that this was just a ploy to win my sympathy.

I forced a hesitant look, helped her up, and said helplessly, "I never said I wouldn't look after your kids. Come on, get up."

I paused for a moment. Watching the panic grow in her eyes, I continued, "Don't worry. As your long-time friend, I wouldn't abandon your kids. I'll help as much as I can financially and check in on them often. I'll make sure they're well-fed, well-clothed, and can always come to me if they need anything."

When Scarlett heard that, a flash of frustration crossed her face. It seemed like she wanted to argue, but she had to hold back her words in the end.

After hesitating for a brief moment, she finally said, "I know you're kind-hearted, but still… I can't help worrying. The kids are closest to you, and I'm just afraid…"

I patted her hand and said firmly, "Don't worry, I'll keep my promise. For now, just focus on your recovery and stop overthinking."

Seeing how resolute I was, Scarlett realized she couldn't push me any further. She had no choice but to get up. Before leaving, she reminded me once more.

"Felly, I'm counting on you. As their mother, I really have no other way out."

I smiled and nodded. As I watched her leave, I couldn't help sneering secretly. This battle had only just begun.