My Mother Killed Me For Her Stepdaughter novel Chapter 25

So, every time he had a new lover—from Sophia Lane to his so-called "pure first love" to his childhood sweetheart—I made sure the world knew about it.

I didn't care about my reputation. I didn't care about my dignity. I only cared about one thing: making him miserable.

The more annoyed he became, the angrier he got, the happier I felt.

Wasn't this what mutual torment was all about?

Clutching onto that marriage certificate, I endured a decade of suffering alone.

Even on the day of my death, Ethan thought I was just putting on another act, throwing another tantrum.

But this time, it was real.

Hearing him use my father's hospital bed as leverage against me left my heart cold.

"You heartless bastard, you better sleep with one eye open at night.

I might just drag you with me and keep torturing you!"

"...Then again, I don't want to be married to you even in death."

Of course, Ethan couldn't see me.

He couldn't hear my curses.

He just sat there, staring blankly at his phone, lost in thought.

I didn't know how much time passed before Ethan called the funeral home again.

The line connected quickly, and I heard Ethan's exhausted voice:

"Claire, enough of this nonsense. If you come out now and talk to me properly, I'll take care of your father's situation…"

There was a long silence on the other end.

Perhaps the person was stunned by Ethan's words, as it took several seconds before they responded cautiously:

Through gritted teeth, he growled,

"Another gentleman? If you're going to make things up, at least use your brain!

Other than me, who else would care about such a vile woman?

Claire, even jokes should have limits! You'd better really be dead. If you are, I'll damn well come collect your body myself!"

Smash!

The phone hit the wall with a dull thud, shattering into pieces from the sheer force.

Ethan's cold exterior couldn't hide the fact that his hands were trembling uncontrollably.

For a moment, I couldn't tell if he truly didn't believe it or simply didn't want to believe it.

But the truth remained—I was dead.