All Chapters of Don't Give Up On Me: Chapter 1 - Chapter 9

"If you're going to die, then hurry up and die! Stop putting on an act. I don't have time for your drama!"With a sharp click, the call ended.But Mom's shrill curses still echoed in my ears."What? You little witch! Did you give us a fake number? Was that really your mom telling you to go die?"The abductor who'd made the call kicked me hard to vent his frustration."I thought we'd hit the jackpot, since the little witch said her mom's been making good money in business these years. What rotten luck!""What should we do now, boss?"The man they addressed as "boss" had a sinister look on his face. He suddenly lifted my chin and smiled cryptically."I refused to believe that her mom wouldn't have any reaction at all. She's probably faking it. Record something interesting and send it to her mom."If she still doesn't react… Well, don't blame me for being ruthless.""Anyway, this one's pretty enough. We might as well have some fun before we finish her off."The men quickly reac

While I was unconscious, I kept having nightmares. They were all memories I had deliberately avoided in the past.I dreamed of Mom and Charlene bonding like a real mother and daughter, praised for their closeness, while I hid in the shadows, watching.I dreamed of how I had given Charlene everything she wanted that was mine since I was young. Yet, I never earned so much as a glance from Mom.I dreamed of the time when I was choosing my major, and there was only one spot left for the one I wanted. But Charlene, who scored one point lower than me, also coveted it. I didn't want to give up my spot to her, so Mom angrily scolded me for being heartless.I even dreamed that while the abductors were prying off my nails, Mom was across the city. She stayed by Charlene, crying tears of joy for the second chance with her and vowing to protect her at all costs.I used to lie to myself that Mom would eventually find time to love me. But in the painfully clear dreams, I came to realize one tru

Upon hearing that the murderer was to be taken away to turn herself in, the outraged patients and family members gathered at the door. Those who had been eager to charge in and force me out burst into cheers.They raised their hands high, shouting praises for Mom and Charlene, hailing their righteousness in cutting ties with a criminal."Get lost, you murderer!""Turn yourself in! Turn yourself in!""Someone who's killed that many people deserves the death penalty! Otherwise, she'll just be a scourge on society!"Soon, a wheelchair was brought over.Mom reached out to grab me, but despite the excruciating pain in my body, I pushed her away. Staggering, I sat down in the wheelchair.My conscience was clear, so I wasn't afraid to go to the police station. Only those who had truly wronged others should have felt guilty.I glanced at Charlene. She had a frail, delicate demeanor, but her eyes gleamed with cunningness."Mom, no one has the courage to wheel Matilda out, so let me do

I asked Ms. Madden to take me back to the place where they had found me. In other words, the crime scene.When Ms. Madden took me there, she deliberately insisted that Mom and Charlene come along.Mom, noticing Ms. Madden's suspicion toward Charlene, began to find her behavior baffling."Matilda, how many times have I told you not to waste police resources? If you're lying to Peggy, the consequences will be just as severe. I won't help you then!"However, she fell silent upon arriving at the crime scene. The blood stain on the ground—distinct from those of a gunshot wound—could only have been mine.I was dragged by my hair from one spot to another, leaving a winding trail of blood behind.The sight must have stirred something in her and reminded her of the poor Charlene from her past life. As a result, she managed to dredge up a sliver of pity for me, the so-called "innocent" one. She reached out to take my hand, but Charlene gripped hers tightly instead."Mom, I'm so scared. It

Charlene scrambled over on her hands and knees and threw herself in front of Mom, babbling incoherently. She tried to convince Mom that it was all fake."Mom, this must be Matilda's doing! She's trying to drive us apart!" Charlene frantically tried to explain. But this time, it was useless.Mom gritted her teeth and suddenly lunged at her. Then, she grabbed her by the throat and roared, "Anything could happen during an operation. No one could have predicted the sacrifices!"I spent 12 years doing my best to make it up to you, and this is how you repay us? Charlene, you're nothing but a heartless and ungrateful monster!"Despite being nearly strangled to death, Charlene somehow found the strength to break free and shove Mom away.She dropped the act and snapped, "So what if I'm heartless and ungrateful? Why did my parents have to die instead of you? It should have been you, not them! I'd give anything to trade your life for theirs. I wish I could slice you to pieces!"Mom lost all