Chapter 2

She bought a large bouquet of fresh flowers and candles, then drove to a suburban cemetery.

As she paid her respects, she couldn't help but feel a wave of sadness: “To think you're still worrying about survival on the other side... it breaks my heart.”

I interrupted her somber thoughts: 【Please don't be sad, Mom. We have important things to do later.】

【Exactly! The most crucial thing now is to get justice for us, and help you reclaim everything that's rightfully yours.】

Just then, an unpleasant voice came from behind us: “Aunt Eleanor, what are you doing here, mourning that short-lived person?”

Jessica, arm in arm with Alex, her tone dripping with impatience.

“The doctor said the baby couldn't be saved and you need an abortion immediately. Running off like this just makes everyone worry.”

Alex stood beside her, his face grim.

“Mom, don't make a scene. Come back to the hospital with us.”

Inside Mom's belly, I was absolutely fuming.

【Pfft! Worry? They're probably worried we're not dead *enough*! Those despicable bastards!】

My best friend was just as enraged, grumbling.

【Are you hearing this? Is that how a human being talks? Your own mother disappears, and instead of asking if she's safe, you immediately blame her—this son truly doesn't deserve the way you raised him!】

Mom's body visibly stiffened. She stared at Alex, her voice trembling slightly.

“Alex, don't you have anything else to say to your mother?”

Alex avoided her gaze, his tone hardening.

“What's the point of saying any of that now? Getting back to the hospital and taking care of business is what's most important.”

Jessica quickly jumped in.

“That's right, Aunt Eleanor. Facing the pain now is better than letting it drag on. You take care of yourself, and maybe you'll have another chance later.”

Her words sounded like comfort, but every single one was a knife stabbing at Mom's heart.

【Bullshit! She's practically cursing you to never have children again!】

I wished I could jump out right then and kick her.

Mom took a deep breath, her chest heaving.

My best friend and I could both feel her sadness.

“Fine, I'll go back with you.”

Mom suddenly became calm, even forcing a smile.

【You're really going?!】 My best friend sounded panicked.

I, however, understood Mom's meaning.

【Yes! Why not? Just wait and see how Mom slaps them both in the face!】

Mom ignored the two of them, turning and walking away.

Alex and Jessica exchanged glances, probably thinking Mom had finally accepted her fate, and hurried to follow her.

Back at the hospital, the atmosphere was oppressive.

Jessica acted like the lady of the house, ordering nurses around one moment, then "comforting" Mom the next.

“Aunt Eleanor, don't force yourself. It is what it is. The baby being gone is God's will; you need to accept it.”

Alex sat nearby on the couch, head down, playing on his phone, only occasionally echoing Jessica's sentiments.

“Mom, Jessica's right. Just listen to the doctors.”

Mom's eyes were closed; she didn't say a word.

【Oh my god, I can't take this anymore! Has Alex completely lost his damn mind? What kind of dark magic has Jessica put him under?!】

My best friend was restless beside me.

【Calm down, wait for it. Wait for the doctor.】

Even though I was furious, I knew we had to keep our composure.

Just as I was thinking this, the door opened, and the doctor who had recommended the abortion walked in.

“Mrs. Richard, have you made a decision? If you're ready, we'll schedule the procedure.”

Jessica immediately cut in.

“Doctor, Aunt Eleanor has made up her mind! She agrees to the surgery! Please schedule it now!”

Mom opened her eyes, her gaze sweeping over Alex and Jessica.

“Who said I agreed? I want another check-up.”

Alex shot up from his seat.

“Mom! What are you doing? No matter how many times you check, the result will be the same!”

Jessica pouted.

“Aren't you just making things difficult for the doctor? The sooner it's done, the sooner you can relax.”

“I want a check-up.”

Mom repeated, her eyes fixed.

The doctor, probably used to dealing with all sorts of distraught family members, simply nodded and agreed.

Once in the ultrasound room, Jessica's mouth didn't stop, every word dripping with sarcasm.

Alex remained silent, tacitly approving all of Jessica's words and actions.

But after a while, the doctor's expression changed.

He stared at the screen, letting out an incredulous gasp.

“This... how is this possible? The heartbeats have returned, and they're incredibly strong!”

Alex and Jessica, hearing the commotion, rushed over.

“Doctor, what did you say?” Alex looked utterly bewildered.

“Impossible! You said the heartbeats had stopped!” Jessica shrieked.

The doctor ignored them completely, his full attention on the screen.

“Not just that! Mrs. Richard is carrying twins! Both boys, and they're developing perfectly!”

“Twins?! And boys?!”