Chapter 3

"You're not joking, Jasmine? Including the stock that's already gone public?" asked Emma again in disbelief.

I could not understand it. Emma always had her eyes on everything I owned.

Whenever I refused to give her something, she would call me selfish, accuse me of bullying her, saying I was not acting like a proper sister.

I was finally handing everything over to her without resistance, and they still did not believe?

"Jasmine, you've finally grown up. You finally understand how to be a good sister!" Dad was the first to react, praising me. "You two sisters being united and treating each other selflessly, that's all we ever wanted. Now we can finally enjoy our retirement in peace."

That was laughable.

Emma went through all that scheming to take everything from me. Was it really just to lighten my burden and let me enjoy life?

She deceived everyone with her pitiful act and fake kindness.

Suddenly, a sharp tightness gripped my chest, and I coughed twice. A metallic taste filled my mouth. "You're coughing up blood?! Is your throat inflamed?"

Mom noticed the blood on my handkerchief and came over to pat my back.

I wiped the corner of my mouth and asked softly, "Mom, Dad… if I die, would you feel sad?"

The room went quiet. "Who talks like that? Just when you started behaving, you're back to talking nonsense?"

Mom gave me a small slap.

"You look so healthy. It's probably just a sore throat. Take some anti-inflammatory meds, don't be so dramatic," added Dad impatiently.

"Yeah, Mom, look at Godmother's face. She's the one who really needs to take care of her health. Stop being so paranoid." My daughter spoke to me like a little adult, her tone scolding.

"That's right, Jasmine. Stop faking illness to gain sympathy. I've told you so many times. Set a good example for your child. You can't keep lying like this," David chimed in as well.

My eyes reddened, but I still managed to smile. "You really like Emma, huh, Betty? From now on, you'll be her daughter. Let your godmother be your mom."

Betty's eyes lit up. "Then Mommy Emma can take me to the amusement park and to tutoring sessions!"

She jumped into Emma's arms, gave her a kiss on the cheek, and started calling her 'Mommy'.

Betty had not been that happy in a long time.

Everything was different on this day because I let Emma become her mother.

She jumped around calling Emma 'Mommy' repeatedly while David gently stroked her hair.

My parents sat together, watching them with satisfaction.

They looked like one big happy family.

Me? I was just the extra.

I turned away, wiped my tears, and quietly left the room.

There was only one day left before I left this world.

I did not know where to go.

I unlocked my phone. The background had not changed. It was a photo of the three of us at an amusement park.

That day, the sun had been shining. I stood in the middle, holding hands with my daughter and David. We were all smiling like we truly had known happiness.

I drove to that very amusement park, the place from the photo.

The carousel was still there, spinning round as if nothing had changed.

I bought a ticket and sat on the same familiar horse.

The wind blew against my face. I closed my eyes.

For a moment, I could still hear my daughter's laughter… and David warning me, "Be careful."

This time, no one was with me.

I rode alone. A wave of dizziness washed over me. I knew death was near.

I forced my eyes open, but the world grew more and more blurred.

With trembling hands, I pulled out my phone and used the last of my strength to dial a number I had not called in years.

Ring…

Ring…

I could not hold on any longer. The phone slipped from my hand, and darkness consumed everything.