After Being Strangled By My Nephew, I Was Reborn

Before my mom could respond, Lilith frowned. “Claire, how can you talk to your mom like that? You’re an adult still living at home, relying on others. How do you justify talking to her like this?”

My mom, catching on to what I meant, cried even harder. “Your dad passed away early, and I worked so hard to raise you. And this is how you repay me? Claire, have you lost your conscience?”

I sneered, “You’re mistaken, Lilith. I have my own place. The only reason I’ve been staying here is because Mom said Richard doesn’t make much, and since you refuse to work, the family needed extra support. As for relying on others—that’s never been the case for me.”

My mom’s face twisted, and she dropped the fake tears, slapping me hard across the face. “Don’t you dare spread lies! When did I ever say that?”

Ethan smirked, watching me get hit. “Serves you right!”

My cheek stung, but I didn’t flinch. “You know what you said, Mom.”

“Know what?” she yelled back, furious. “Claire, you’re so ungrateful! After all these years, this is how you repay me?”

“Mom, don’t try to guilt-trip me. Cutting ties was your decision, not mine,” I said coolly. “No matter what you say, I’m adopting that child.”

I turned and walked away, ignoring her wails and curses about how I’d get hit by a car and die.

To outsiders, my mom was the picture of kindness—easygoing and always smiling. But with me, she was venomous, wishing me dead with every harsh word. I used to think I just couldn’t make her happy, but now I see she’d prefer me dead, just to get her hands on my money.

I didn’t even bother packing a bag. I went straight back to my own place, which I hadn’t visited in ages. A thick layer of dust covered everything, so I spent the night cleaning. By the time I collapsed on the sofa, exhausted, I finally felt a sense of peace.

When I first bought this place, my mom was furious. She thought, as a girl, I had no business buying a house. If I had money, it should go to Richard so our family could get a bigger place. I usually listened to her, but this time, I didn’t. I bought the house in secret. When she found out, she stormed over, kicking me down in front of everyone and calling me shameless for “wasting” the family’s money.

People tried to intervene, but she chased them away with insults. Her words still ring in my ears: “Who do you think you are? Just because you’ve made a little money, you think you’re better than me? I raised you, and every penny you earn should go to me and Richard! How dare you make decisions on your own? You ungrateful brat!”