Regret Me at My Funeral

When my parents hung up for the ninety-ninth time, I walked into the Registry Office, clutching my cancer diagnosis report.

Hello, Id like to proactively cancel my registration.

Ten minutes later, my parents rushed in with my adopted sister.

My father, a police officer, stormed in and slapped me. Wasting police resources just to bicker with your sister? What good did all that schooling do you?!

My mother, a forensic pathologist, snatched the diagnosis report from my hand. She glanced at it, then sneered, Faking medical records to get attention, pretending to be sick. Youve been a liar since you were a child!

My adopted sister cried, tugging at my parents hands. Im sorry, Aria, Ill never celebrate my birthday again. Please, stop lying to Mom and Dad!

I wiped away the unstoppable nosebleed and once again faced the Registry staff member.

I no longer have a family. To avoid delaying the cremation in three days, please help me process the cancellation.

It was the third month after my late-stage stomach cancer diagnosis, and the doctor strongly urged me to be hospitalized.

But I had no money, so I had to ask Mom and Dad for help.

When Mom and Dad hung up on me for the ninety-ninth time, I walked into the Registry Office, clutching my cancer diagnosis report.

Hello, Id like to proactively cancel my registration.

The staff member looked at me with a sympathetic expression and asked, Young lady, dont you have any family?

No sooner had she spoken.

Mom and Dad rushed over with my adopted sister.

Dad, without a word, slapped me, then pointed at my nose, seething with anger. Wasting police resources just to bicker with your sister! What good did all that schooling do you?!

I was stunned by the blow.

It took me a while to remember that today was Bellas birthday party.

Dad had specifically taken two days off to be with her.

And I, his biological daughter with late-stage cancer, had merely called to ask for a little money for medical expenses.

And was accused of wasting police resources.

Tears quickly welled up in my eyes.

I covered my swollen, aching cheek and tried to explain, Dad, I didnt

Still trying to argue?!

Mom snatched the report from my hand, scanned it, and sneered, To gain attention, you stoop to forging medical records! Youve ruined your sisters important birthday party! Youve been a liar since childhood, and you expect us to believe you now?

Saying this, she too tried to hit me, but Bella held her back with all her might.

Bellas eyes sparkled with tears, and she pleaded with me, appearing fragile and innocent. Im sorry, Aria, I shouldnt have had a birthday. Please, stop deceiving Mom and Dad! Mom and Dad have worried themselves sick over you. If you could just repent, I promise Ill never celebrate my birthday again!

Mom tenderly held Bella in her arms, wiping away her tears little by little.

The scene of their deep mother-daughter affection stung my eyes.

My mind was a blank, and a gush of hot, coppery blood streamed from my nostrils.

I raised my hand to wipe the blood, then turned back to the service counter and addressed the staff member.

I no longer have a family. To avoid delaying the cremation in three days, please help me process the cancellation.

Dad laughed in exasperation, his tone mocking. To ruin your sisters birthday party, you even drag government officials into your act? This is absurd! Just wait for the consequences of your deplorable behavior! Dont even claim to be my daughter then!

With that, they left with Bella, never looking back.

After completing all the procedures, I returned home alone.

Three days left to live:

I, with late-stage cancer, processed my own identity cancellation.

While my parents were celebrating a birthday with their adopted daughter.

On the verge of death, I didn't want to linger at home.

I merely wanted to sort through my belongings one last time.

But I found there was little to organize.

My room was the smallest storage space in the house.

It held only a few old clothes and a meager collection of stationery that belonged to me.

Even Bellas walk-in closet was three or four times larger.

Only her unwanted items ever made their way into this storage room.

After packing my things, I received a call from the Cemetery Company.

Ms. Aria Sterling, are you still interested in the burial plot you viewed previously? If you place a deposit now, we can reserve it for you; otherwise, it will be offered to other clients.

It was a plot I had looked at not long ago.

The cemetery was adorned with lush pines and manicured roses.

The gravestone and urn were in a clean, minimalist style.

It was my favorite.

At the time, I thought, since life had been so hard, perhaps death could be more comfortable.

But now, that wish couldn't be fulfilled.

I hesitated for a moment, then replied, No, thank you.

Because I had no money.

How could someone who couldn't afford medical treatment buy an expensive burial plot?

As soon as I hung up, my older brother, Ethan, returned.

He threw his briefcase down hastily, looking bewildered. A burial plot? What burial plot?

I thought he knew something.

But the next second, he spoke with an accusatory tone. Aria Sterling, what new trick are you up to? I heard you caused a scene at the Civic Center just to ruin Bellas birthday party! Not just Mom and Dad, even Im embarrassed! Bella was so worried about you she cried out of guilt, and her birthday party was ruined. This is her only eighteenth birthday! If she hadnt lost her parents when she was little, she wouldnt have to live as a dependent. Why cant you just accept her?

I looked at Ethans aggressive face, and the words I wanted to say caught in my throat.

Wasnt I the one being excluded?

Bellas eighteenth birthday was important, but what about mine?

Ever since she appeared, I had never had a proper birthday.

Every time my birthday approached, Bella would either catch a cold or have an allergic reaction.

Then Mom and Dad would promptly abandon me, and the whole family would accompany her to the hospital.

For ten consecutive years, if Bella so much as sneezed, Mom and Dad would nervously reach for a thermometer.

As for my eighteenth birthday, they simply forgot.

I didnt even receive a single Happy Birthday.

Yet they remembered to organize a banquet for Bella, custom-make her a dress, and prepare birthday gifts.

With tears in my eyes, I looked at Ethan, telling him choked up, Ethan, my eighteenth birthday, my only eighteenth birthday, you not only forgot it, but you didnt even give me pocket money to buy a slice of birthday cake

Ethan remembered something, and his eyes seemed to soften.

But when he spoke, his tone was still irritable. Why are you so petty? If you didnt make mistakes and refuse to repent, why would Mom and Dad be angry for so long?

Just then, Dad, Mom, and Bella returned.

From a distance, their echoing shouts of reprimand drifted from outside the door.

You still have the nerve to mention your eighteenth birthday? Based on what youve done to Bella, you dont deserve to celebrate a birthday!

Dads face was ashen, his eyes burning with a rage that seemed ready to consume me.

You completely ruined Bellas birthday, and yet she cried herself almost into shock begging us to forgive you! Dont you feel any guilt at all? Apologize to your sister at once!

Bella snapped out of her sadness, forced a smile, and stepped forward. No need to apologize, Id like to eat the soy milk cake Aria makes. Aria, would you make me a cake?

Moms eyes flashed with a hint of relief, and she quickly urged me, Isnt that your specialty, sweetie? Aria, Bellas giving you an easy out, youre practically getting off lightly, hurry up and go!

I looked at Bellas increasingly smug expression, didn't move, and instead retorted, Arent you allergic to soy beans? Insisting on eating my cake, are you trying to blame me again for your allergy?

Bellas face instantly went pale.

In the blink of an eye, she grabbed my hand, pleading innocently, Im sorry, Aria, I forgot! Its all my fault for falling down the stairs when I was little, which damaged my brain and made me forget about my allergy! Aria, please dont be angry, okay? I can eat another flavor!

Her hypocritical and affected demeanor made me find her utterly ridiculous.

The first time I made a soy milk cake, I didn't know she was allergic to soy beans.

At the time, to prove my sincerity to my sister.

Just because she said she liked it, I burned my hands countless times to bake the perfect cake base.

As a result, Bella had an allergic reaction and fainted.

When she woke up, she immediately cried and threw herself into Dad and Moms arms.

Uncle Sterling and Aunt Sterling, the cake was Arias kind gesture, she said it wouldnt matter if I just had one bite. Please, dont blame Aria, its all my fault for being greedy!

I stood helplessly by the hospital bed, facing Mom and Dads hateful glares. I didnt know Bella was allergic to soy beans, and she never told me

But what I received in return was not trust.

It was a flying kick from Dad.

He kicked me in the stomach, sending me several feet away.

The pain was so intense I couldn't even get up.

Everyone in the family knows, how could you not know? Dont make such a pathetic excuse! I think you just cant stand your sister!

So, I was locked in my room for three whole days.

Those three days were a nightmare of my life.

No food, no water, couldn't even go to the bathroom.

By the time I was let out, I was utterly exhausted.

Thinking of this, I coldly refused her, My skills arent good enough, I cant make what you want. If you want something, go buy it yourself.

Bella persistently clung to my arm, her voice tinged with a hint of fear. Alright, alright, I dont want cake, please dont be angry, Aria!

As she spoke, a malicious glint flashed in her eyes.

Her grip on my arm tightened with increasing force.

Until, wincing in pain, I pulled my hand away, and she, completely off guard, stumbled and fell to the floor.

Everyones face instantly changed.

Mom, quick as a flash, helped Bella up, anxiously checking her for injuries.

Bella seemed to have bumped her elbow, and she whimpered in Moms arms, Mom, it hurts

Ethan rolled up her sleeve, gently rubbed her joint a few times, then turned and sharply rebuked, Aria Sterling! Youve gone too far!

Dad, even more furious, stepped forward and slapped me directly.

Aria Sterling, you really are ungrateful! If you hadnt pushed Bella down the stairs when you were little, would she have suffered brain damage?! If I had known you were so malicious, I never should have had you! No dinner tonight, go back to your room and reflect properly!

The slap was delivered with almost full force.

I felt like one of my molars had fallen out.

Mom saw the blood at the corner of my mouth, and a flicker of pity crossed her eyes.

But the next second, merely because Bellas crying intensified a little, she averted her gaze and went back to comforting Bella.

I wiped the blood from my mouth and turned to go back to my room.

Not to reflect, but to retrieve my packed luggage.

They glanced at me in surprise, then followed with sneers. What, youve grown wild, learned to run away from home? Parents disciplining you is for your own good, Aria. Why dont you understand our sincere intentions? If you refuse to comply, then walk out that door today and dont ever come back!

With repeated disappointments, my heart had become as still as water.

Hearing such threats countless times, I was no longer afraid of not being able to return home.

Because this home had never truly accepted me.

Seeing me walk out without looking back.

Dad, furious, grabbed a cup and threw it.

The shattering glass grazed my head, leaving a small cut.

But I did not yield.

I merely paused, turning to face everyone. Since you regret having me, then today I sever all ties with the Sterling family. Whoever goes back on their word is a dog.

As soon as I stepped out of the villas courtyard, Ethan chased after me, pulling a few bills from his pocket.

He offered them to me, his tone admonishing. Heres a hundred dollars, take it and cool off somewhere for a few days. Once Mom and Dad calm down, come back and apologize, and this whole thing will blow over.

A hundred dollars.

For Bella, that was just the cost of a single meal.

So, they had long been accustomed to believing that my, Arias, few days of living expenses were only worth Bellas one meal.

Just then, Bella also ran out.

She snatched the money from Ethans hand, smiling as she fawned over me. Aria, were all family, Dad and Mom are just saying things in anger. Does Ethan really want to drive Aria away? If you ask me, dont give her any money. When she gets hungry, shell come back sooner, wont she?

Ethan seemed to find logic in this, and quietly withdrew his hand.

My symptoms flared up again.

Dragging my weary body, I dont know how long I walked before finally leaving the affluent district where the Sterling family resided.

Using the little money Id saved from part-time jobs, I booked a room at a motel.

That night, I curled up on the small bed, holding myself.

As time slowly ticked away, I drifted into a dream.

In the days before Bella, I, too, was my parents cherished darling.

At that time, they were both too busy with work to spare any attention.

When I was very young, they sent me to the countryside.

Mom kissed my cheek, lingeringly, and said, Darling, when Mom finishes work, shell come to pick you up soon.

I waited four years.

When Mom and Dad finally came for me, there was another girl with them.

She was the child of Dads close friend; her parents had passed away for certain reasons.

Mom and Dad adopted her.

I genuinely treated her as my own little sister.

But on her birthday, she was pricked by a needle hidden in her party dress. She cried and buried herself in Mom and Dads arms, saying, Uncle Sterling and Aunt Sterling, please dont blame Aria. Aria didnt mean it. Just give me a little more time, and Ill definitely make her accept me!

Her words instantly sealed my fate.

I questioned why she would frame me.

A sinister smile appeared on her innocent face, then she grabbed my hand, placed it on her chest, and deliberately fell down the stairs.

At that moment, Mom and Dad had just returned home.

From then on, I became an undeniable troublemaker.

The money I earned from part-time jobs was falsely accused by Bella of being stolen from her, and my parents cut off my allowance because of it.

I was bullied by Bellas clique, but she would merely feign innocence and turn the tables, making me out to be the bully.

The consequence was being locked in a dark room.

Because I often went hungry, I developed a severe stomach condition.

When I bravely told Mom and Dad, my stomach medicine was replaced with vitamins.

Simply because I had spent a few years in the countryside, all sorts of unfavorable accusations could be easily pinned on me.

Even the right to celebrate my birthday was taken away.

Waking up in the middle of the night with stomach pain, I suddenly longed for my Grandma in the countryside.

The noodle soup Grandma made for me was incomparable to any food in the Sterling household.

Not long after Grandma passed away, the countryside area was redeveloped.

Unfortunately, my body was now very weak, and I didn't have enough money for travel.

Even visiting her grave had become an unattainable wish.

Two days left to live:

I ordered the cheapest noodle takeout I could find.

While waiting for the delivery, I received a message from Ethan.

[Mom and Dad still care about you, they told me to buy medicine for the cut on your head.]

[Bella has already gone to see you with the medicine, shes been trying to be friendly, please dont hurt her anymore, okay?]

Half an hour later.

Bella and my takeout arrived almost simultaneously.

Just as I was about to take my first bite of noodles, she raised her hand and knocked my bowl over.

Noodles and broth splattered across the floor, a complete mess.

Aria Sterling, you didnt actually think I came to bring you medicine, did you? My apologies, the medicine has already been thrown away.

She shed her usual demure facade, laughing spitefully. Havent you seen the news? The staff member who processed your documents has been reported and suspended. Mom and Dad found out too, and theyre furious.

At this, I finally lost my patience.

Why are you doing this?

Because I hate you, thats why. Blame yourself, you jinx. Youre the one who dragged that person down. Got stomach cancer, big deal? You want to announce it to the world, but do you see Mom and Dad believing you? Youre dying anyway, why dont you just die somewhere far away? Why do you have to be an eyesore here at the Sterling residence?!

Watching her enraged face, I remained unperturbed.

Instead, I spoke calmly. Bella, I genuinely believe I have never done anything to harm you. Why are you doing this to me?

Bellas laugh was incredibly sarcastic.

It took a long time for her to stop.

Theres no helping it. An adopted child simply cant compare to a biological one. Parents, no matter how hard they try, cant balance their love perfectly. So, I had to find a way to secure my place in the Sterling family, didnt I?

The needle in the dress when you were little, did you put it there yourself?

Thats right. Bella admitted without hesitation. I put the needle in myself, and I threw myself down the stairs. A bit of specially formulated medicine, and I could fake an allergy. Id go to any length to frame you. So, everything thats happening now, I deserve it. What, are you very angry? Dissatisfied? Can you even kill me?

I was indeed very angry.

The physical pain, mixed with fury, made me tremble.

Bella, youre despicable!

No sooner had I spoken, she slapped me.

It sent me sprawling to the ground.

Aria Sterling, save what little energy you have left, and just cling on for two more days. Once youre dead, no one will threaten my position anymore.

She kicked me twice more before finally leaving, satisfied.

Completely oblivious to the camera I had set up in the corner.

I slowly picked myself up from the floor, laboriously brushing off my clothes, soaked with noodle broth.

I opened my phone and saw the news about the staff member's suspension.

The online comments were unanimously against me, condemning my vicious behavior for sibling rivalry.

I didnt really care.

But the staff member was innocent.

So I created a group chat, inviting only Dad, Mom, and Ethan.

And sent the video I had just recorded to the group.

At the same time, I emailed it to all my relatives, friends, and classmates.