My Daughter Destroyed Me, But I Was Reborn

Chapter 2

Jason was gone.

The man who'd promised to face my illness with me, to build a new home together, was snatched away in an instant, right in front of me.

And the one who killed him? My own flesh and blood.

I couldn't comprehend how the daughter I'd raised with endless love had become this monstrous stranger. But one thing was clear—I'd failed Jason.

So I swallowed a fistful of pills, letting the darkness swallow me whole.

They say the dead still feel in those first moments.

Floating above, I watched little Leo sob into my lifeless body, his tiny voice crying "Grandma!" over and over, each wail like a knife to my heart.

I'd thought my death might finally c***k Hazel's hatred. Instead, she yanked him away and snarled, "Quit crying. She's dead. Besides, she wasn't even your real grandma. Save your tears. Good riddance, you old witch. Saved me the trouble of dumping you in a home. Spit!"

In that moment, I learned even ghosts can bleed.

"Mom! What the hell?"

When I hauled Hazel out of the tent, she shoved me back hard, her face twisted in fury. Seeing my daughter now staying out all night, rage ignited. I swung at her.

As my hand froze mid-swing, her snarling face morphed into the same icy glare she'd given me on my deathbed.

In that blink of an eye, it all rushed back—the bitter end of my past life.

I tried with all my might to stop the slap mid-air, but my hand connected with Hazel's cheek with a loud "smack!"

"Hazel, let me feel your face," I said sweetly, faking concern. "See how freezing it is up here on the mountain?"

No undoing it now. Might as well double down on the loving mother act.

Hazel, stung by the slap, was about to explode, then froze at my sugary tone. Taking advantage of her confusion, I pulled out two thousand yuan from my inside pocket and pressed it into her hands.

"Mom? What's this for?" This was supposed to pay for her fancy summer camp. Now? Well...

I looked away to compose myself before laying the act on thicker. "I just worry, sweetheart. Summer or not, these mountain nights are freezing. Sleeping in a tent? That won't do."

"My big girl wants her independence, I understand. But health comes first, okay?" Glancing past her into the tent, I beamed. "Go treat your friends to something warm. Have fun!"

Ignoring her confused glare, I turned and walked away.