My Parents Faked Their Deaths to Punish Me Chapter 06

My Parents Faked Their Deaths to Punish Me Chapter 06

By the time my parents and brother arrived, I was awake.

I lay on the hospital bed, eyes hollow, staring at the ceiling.

They were all disheveled from the rush. After talking to the police, disbelief etched their faces.

The doctor spoke slowly, “Actually, if her immunity had been stronger, she wouldn’t have been infected by the virus on the needle. But her body was missing too much, too weak… that’s why she developed a blood disorder.”

My brother’s face went instantly pale.

“So… the blood she vomited wasn’t a prop…”

My mother lunged toward me, clutching my hand tightly.

“Lily… why did you become a clinical trial volunteer? If you hadn’t—”

“If I hadn’t gone, how would the family’s debt have been paid?” I cut her off, bitterness sharp in my voice.

“Shane told me he was testing haunted houses, but every night he came home. We only got to be together during New Year. Last year, when we ate buns, he looked so gloomy, saying there was no festive spirit. I just wanted him to have a New Year free from debt… so I had to do the clinical trial. Mom… did I do something wrong again?”

The entire family froze. My mother’s lips trembled, and tears fell in heavy drops.

“You didn’t do anything wrong, Lily… none of this is your fault. It’s me and your father—we’ve wronged you!”

Her voice was hoarse, her shoulders shaking with sobs.

“You’re right. The problem is with our mindset. Money is meant to be spent. You’ve been so responsible… It’s our thinking that was wrong all along.”

I said nothing, my eyes deepening with mockery.

Shane stepped closer, eyes red-rimmed, his voice cracking.

“Lily… last year, I only spoke casually. I never expected you’d volunteer for something so dangerous. I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have hit you today. I misunderstood you.”

Then, he raised his hand and slapped himself twice across his own face.

“It’s all my fault. I deserve this!”

My father’s footsteps came heavy as he approached the bed, head bowed.

“This isn’t anyone else’s fault. It’s my decision. I failed you, Lily.”

I let out a cold, bitter laugh from deep in my throat.

Only now did they admit their mistakes. Had I not gotten sick, would they have clung stubbornly to their pride forever?

The hospital room was thick with awkward grief. I remained silent, unmoving, as though I hadn’t heard a word.

After a moment, Shane’s voice cracked as he asked the doctor, “Can my sister’s illness be treated?”

The doctor shook his head. “It’s complicated. Even if she recovers, she will need lifelong medication.”

“Ah!” My mother couldn’t hold back. She collapsed onto me, sobbing uncontrollably. “How could this happen? What have I done? I caused this… Lily… I deserve to die!”

“Please stay calm. The patient needs rest,” the doctor reminded gently. “Let’s arrange hospitalization. Who will come with me to pay the fees?”

“I’ll go,” Shane said, his voice hoarse, moving toward the door.

I called after him. “No. I don’t want to be hospitalized.”

He turned to me, eyes full of confusion.

I smiled faintly.

“The punishment isn’t over yet, is it? By rights… you shouldn’t be spending money on me.”