Reborn and Freed: It's Your Turn Now

Mom flew into a rage, shocked that I dared to defy her so openly. Her composure was gone, and she raised her hand to slap me.Meanwhile, Willem stood off to the side, watching the drama unfold.Honestly, he was already annoyed by my stunt. If I hadn't been somewhat good-looking, he probably would've left by now.However, I wasn't the Zara from my past life—the pushover they knew.I grabbed Mom's hand and yanked it away. A cold smile tugged at the corners of my lips as I calmly said, "Give it up. I'm not marrying him."Without waiting for a response, I picked up my bag and walked out.Mom collapsed back into her chair and started hurling curses at my retreating figure."I spent years busting my back to put you through college, and now that you've got a job, you think you can talk back to me? I say one thing, and you've got ten smartass replies! What a curse! To think I raised an ungrateful brat like you!"Her words nearly made me laugh out of sheer disbelief.How did she even h

After I finished middle school, Mom had wanted me to drop out and get a job. I had to swear I wouldn't use a single penny of hers before she reluctantly allowed me to continue my education.Throughout high school and college, I had earned my own living expenses by working part-time.Even after I started working full-time, she would still regularly ask me for money. Over the years, I'd given her more than 100 grand. How dare she claim I was the one draining the family's savings?Some of the bystanders who were clueless about the truth started murmuring their judgment.Fueled by anger, I ignored their stares and retorted, "I'd love to know exactly how I drained the family's savings. After middle school, you wanted me to drop out. I earned my own way through high school and college without taking a dime from you."But Jake? He attended private schools throughout middle and high school. That wasn't cheap, was it? And let's not forget, since I started working, I've given you over 100

"Zara, please help me! I can't take it anymore!"It was Mom.She continued in desperation, "They're not human! Willem beats me every time something doesn't go his way. I really can't bear it anymore! Please, come help me!"I sneered. The satisfaction I felt at that moment was immense.In my previous life, when I was being abused, I had called Mom for help too. But she had dismissed it nonchalantly and said, "It's normal for couples to fight. Stop bothering me."Later, when my prenatal exam revealed I had contracted AIDS, I had wanted a divorce.However, they had locked me up. I had managed to escape when they weren't paying attention, using the little money I had left to stay in a small hotel.Then, Willem had told Mom the next day that I had run away. He had used money to manipulate her into finding me.Mom had called me, pretending to care and asking where I was. When she sensed my guard was up, she had softened her tone and offered to bring me some food to show her concern.

Then Mom rambled on about trivial matters.Amid her meaningless chatter, she became anxious when she saw that I hadn't touched the coffee. She subtly urged me to stay hydrated for my health.With a knowing smile, I said the sunlight was too bright and asked her to close the curtains behind. She eagerly obliged, rising to pull the drapes shut. Finally, I took a small sip under her watchful gaze.A look of relief washed over Mom as she held my hand and got to her point."You won't believe it. Your brother has been swindled in an investment and now owes 100 grand! That guy said if he doesn't pay it back, he'll send him to jail."Tears welled in her eyes, and she played the emotional card. "Jake's only in his early 20s. He has so much ahead of him! He's your brother. You can't just sit back and watch him go to jail!"I understood all too well but feigned ignorance. "And?"If memory served me right, after Cici died during childbirth, Jake had gotten another girl pregnant and ended up