Cancer and Betrayal: A Mother Abandoned by Her Son

In this new life, facing the man sobbing before me, I slapped him.

My brother was stunned, looking at me.

"You slapped me..."

I cut him off.

"Do you want our mom to know she's dying? If you wish her gone sooner, keep crying louder!"

Steven recovered and nodded quickly, "You're right! Sister, how should we explain it to mom?"

"Let's act normal when we go in. Say too much, and she'll suspect. Once you're done, leave."

"You are always really thoughtful!"

Looking at the face before me that made me disgusted, I took a deep breath and followed him into the ward.

Our mother, feeling uneasy, rubbed her temples, "What's wrong with me, Steven. Why did I suddenly faint?"

Seeing Steven about to play the devoted son, I grabbed my mother's hand first. "Mom, the doctor found a tumor in your body."

My mother, dizzy, spoke with a sob, "A tumor? Like your father? All that money spent and still lost him, we might as well not treat it!"

In her previous life, when she said this, I thought she was just worried about the money, never considering she'd rather die to leave more for her son.

I stepped forward, helping her to lie down, comforting her, "Mom, no, the doctor said it's treatable. It's just money. What's more important, money or life? You haven't held your grandchild yet."

"How much will it cost?" my mother hesitated, her dream of spoiling grandchildren surfacing.

"Mom, we'll treat you!" Steven chimed in, wiping tears from his face, "No matter the cost, we won't neglect you!"

If it weren't for this second chance, I might have been moved by my brother again. Now, his words only made me want to laugh.

Hearing her son's promise, my mother was deeply comforted, the two embracing as she praised her beloved son.

The patient in the next bed, moved by this display, couldn't help but praise, "With such a devoted son, what can't be overcome? Unlike my son, who doesn't even visit..."

After settling my mother, Steven pulled me aside outside the room, his face showing trouble.

"Sister, what about mom's medical bills? You know I've only been working for two years. I really don't have savings, but we can't delay mom's treatment, how about you cover it first, and I'll pay you back when I get my salary."

In my past life, I was deceived by this facade, shouldering the medical costs alone, letting him live carefree.

I looked at him, "Sure, but let's keep clear accounts even among siblings. Make a note of the details, and you'll sign an IOU for me! After all, I can't deprive you of the right to support our mom."

He seemed a little surprised by my response, after all, I used to be blindly generous.

Just then, the neighboring aunt stepped out, having just hailed him a filial son, leaving him unable to say much, he hastily agreed and left.

Back in the room, my mother also probed.

"Gloria, how much will the surgery cost? Can you afford it? If not, mom won't treat it!"

Hearing this again, my heart felt nothing. Her favoritism was bone-deep.

All the signs were there before, but in my previous life, blinded by habit, I never realized.

"Mom, don't worry! The investment you had me manage just matured, the principal and interest total about two hundred thousand, enough for the initial treatment costs!"