Family Regrets After I Jump

After transmigrating through time and space, I followed the System's instructions. I reclaimed my identity as the long-lost heiress of a billionaire family, only to serve as a pathetic foil to their adopted daughter.

In this lonely world, I tried so hard to belong. I reached out again and again, only to be pushed back and bruised.

She received all the love and adoration from my parents. I received only cold glares and resentment. She bullied me, and they watched with indifference.

Even when I received the medical report confirming stage four leukemia, the System remained silent. It offered no further guidance.

My heart finally turned to stone. I decided to use my own death to gamble for a sliver of hope to return to my original world.

Despite my failing body, I personally arranged for my own remains to be handled. I booked a luxury burial at sea.

But once they realized I truly intended to leave this world forever, the family that once tormented and ignored me suddenly came crawling back. They knelt at my feet, weeping and begging for forgiveness.

What they didn't know was that I had given up on them a long time ago.

1.

I stood on the edge of the rooftop of the city's most prestigious skyscraper.

I took deep breaths, making my final preparations for the jump.

Once I gathered enough courage, I stepped toward the railing.

I had only taken two steps when my phone rang. It was the funeral parlor.

"Miss Sterling, I am so incredibly sorry. All our transport vans have flat tires. Could we... perhaps reschedule the pickup time for your body?"

No!

I'm about to jump right now, and you're telling me to reschedule?

Anger flared in my chest. Over the years, I had become like a frightened bird, timid and cautious, but this was too much. I habitually suppressed the rage, my voice trembling. "I've already paid. The contract explicitly states the time."

"I know, I know... but... maybe you could try another funeral home? I can recommend one. A friend of mine works there, and his service is top-notch!"

"I want yours."

I had spent years in this world being treated like garbage.

I was dying of terminal leukemia, and the System still hadn't given me a new mission.

I wanted to go back to my real home. I had tried everything, and dying was the only card I had left to play.

To increase my chances of going back, I had done everything by the book.

The exact time of death, the specific funeral home, the burial hour, even the methodDI had it all calculated by a spiritual master.

Nothing could be changed!

"Well, there's nothing we can do then. If you're in such a rush, you'll have to deliver yourself here."

I let out a cold, cynical laugh. "I'm sorry, but delivering myself is the one thing I can't do."

I couldn't win the love of my parents or brothers from that fake sister of mine. But I refused to let my perfect time for death be ruined.

"I am currently jumping off a building. The body you need to pick up is mine."

The other end of the line went dead silent.

"Listen, why don't you just borrow a car from a friend and get over here now?"

2.

When he didn't speak for a long time, I took it as a silent agreement.

Thank you. Im counting on you.

I hung up and started thinking. There were still too many variables.

The auspicious hour I had calculated couldn't be missed.

I needed someone to supervise them and make sure everything went according to plan.

After bracing myself, I forced myself to send a message to the family group chat that I had pinned at the top.

Sorry to bother you all. Im jumping off a building tonight. If anyone has time, could you please help collect my body?

It wont be too much trouble. Ive already arranged all the funeral details. I just need someone to watch them and make sure they do their jobs.

@Everyone

Right after I sent the list of funeral arrangements, I was kicked out of the chat by my second brother, Merrick Sterling.

I had lost count of how many times this had happened.

Every time, I would beg Merrick to let me back in.

Bitterness spread through my heart like a slow-acting poison. I swallowed the pain and created a new group.

To make it more believable, I quickly snapped a photo of the rooftop and sent it along with the funeral schedule.

I promise, this is the last time.

Time is running out. Please, I just need this one favor.

After three minutes of agonizing silence, there was finally a reply.

My eldest brother, Harrison: Fine.

3.

What a short, cold response.

Thank you. I appreciate it.

With that settled, I prepared to focus on the jump.

But my phone started vibrating incessantly.

Celine: Nadia, Im so sorry... Harrison has a surgery tonight. Please don't trouble him.

Celine: Im sorry, its all my fault... Please don't do anything reckless. Mom, Dad, and the boys are already rushing home.

Seeing Celines messages, with an apology in every sentence, I knew what was coming.

I was once again the villain of the story.

Merrick was the first to explode.

Merrick: Celine, why are you apologizing? You havent done anything wrong!

Merrick: Shes just throwing a tantrum because we all went camping with you instead of celebrating her eighteenth birthday, isnt she?

Merrick: Nadia Sterling, didnt you say yourself that you didnt want to celebrate? Now youre pulling this life and death drama? Don't you get tired of yourself?

Tears fell uncontrollably, blurring my vision.

I am tired. Thats why Im dying.

Celine was a stray child my parents had adopted after they accidentally lost me years ago.

To make up for their guilt over losing me, the Sterlings gave Celine everything.

All the love that should have been mine was poured into her.

Even after I was found and brought back, no matter how hard I tried to please them, nothing changed.

In fact, because I tried so hard, they became afraid that she would feel insecure or sad. They pampered her even more and even began to complain about why I had to come back at all.

Celine was no saint either. Fearing I would steal her spotlight, she never stopped framing me or playing the victim.

Every time she did, the Sterlings would protectively pull her into their arms and condemn me from their moral high ground.

Cant you just be the bigger person? Why do you always have to cause trouble for Celine?

I was heartbroken, and no one would listen to my side.

In my original world, I was the precious treasure of my parents.

But when I transmigrated here, the System forcibly bound me to the memories and emotions of this worlds Nadia.

While I missed my real parents, I was also tormented by the injustices of this world.

Caught between these two extremes, I lived every day in a waking nightmare.

But it was fine now.

I had stage four leukemia.

I was finally going to die.

4.

I suddenly remembered that the spiritual master had only calculated the time, not the location.

Since my family was unreliable, I decided to take an Uber directly to the funeral home and jump from there.

On the way, my phone kept buzzing.

Dad: Nadia, my daughter, why have you become like this...

Dad: Its not Celines fault. I was the one who insisted on taking her camping.

Dad: Im coming back right now. Well celebrate your birthday together, okay? Nadia... please stop this nonsense.

Merrick: Let her throw her fit! I want to see what kind of stunt she pulls next!

Merrick: Jumping? Why dont you just go drown yourself in the ocean? Its cheaper and easier!

Merrick: Sometimes I really hate that the Sterling family produced such a heartless creature like you! You should have just stayed lost!

Looking at those words, my nose stung, and tears rolled down my cheeks.

As if things couldn't get worse, as soon as I arrived at the funeral home, the sea burial agent called.

He told me the burial had to be postponed. The boat I had booked had been stripped for firewood by a family camping on a small island.

My death plans were grinding to a halt.

Standing on the roof of the funeral home, my body felt heavy and unstable. I sat down against the wall.

The pain from the cancer was becoming more frequent. I was exhausted, so I curled up and drifted into a deep sleep.

And so, I spent my eighteenth birthday alone on the roof of a mortuary.

In the morning, under the light of the dawn, I dragged my tired body toward the beach.

This time, I decided to do exactly what Merrick suggested. I would go to the ocean.

5.

The sea breeze was gentle, and the waves roared softly.

The endless horizon sparkled under the sun.

The view was breathtakingly beautiful.

What a perfect place to end a life.

Bathed in the warm sunlight, I resolutely threw myself into the sea.

It was autumn, and the water was bone-chillingly cold.

I thought of my parents in the original world and walked deeper into the dark blue depths.

Mom, Dad, Nadia misses you so much. I want to come home.

Nadia is coming to find you.

6.

I still didn't die.

I was rescued by an old fisherman and taken to the nearest hospital.

The very hospital where my eldest brother, Harrison, worked.

Sweetheart, youre awake! Doctor, come quickly! The old man stood by my bed, calling out anxiously.

Nadia Sterling, youve taken this act too far.

As soon as I opened my eyes, I saw Harrison standing before me, his face a mask of cold disappointment. You knew I was on call today, so you did this just to get my attention?

I curled my lips into a weary smile and nodded. Youre absolutely right.

Seeing my indifferent attitude, he became even colder. Theres a limit to throwing tantrums. If you cross it, people just find you repulsive!

There were two sons in the Sterling family.

The eldest was a workaholic who usually ignored me.

His sudden verbal venom cut deeper than usual.

The fisherman who saved me couldn't stand it anymore and dragged the attending physician to my bed.

Are the doctors here all this unprofessional? The patient is awake, and instead of checking her, youre standing there flapping your gums!

Ill report this hospital, I swear!

Harrisons face turned red. He glared at me, his eyes wide with anger.

After a moment, he sneered. Youve cried wolf so many times. Only Celine is kind enough to still believe you.

She brought Mom and Dad home last night, but you disappeared all night.

You don't deserve Celines kindness, especially after she went into the kitchen to cook a meal for you personally!

He then turned to the doctor treating me and said pointedly, We have plenty of real emergencies. Why are you letting someone whos just causing trouble take up a bed?

The doctor looked embarrassed. I pushed myself up from the bed. Thank you, Doctor. Im fine. I dont need an exam.

I tried to leave, but the fisherman grabbed my arm. Don't let that unethical doctor get to you, girl.

Your face is as white as a ghost. Let the doctor check you out for peace of mind. Don't gamble with your health.

I was far too emotional. A few kind words from a stranger were enough to make my eyes well up.

Not wanting to cry in front of Harrison, I turned toward the consultation desk.

Youre right, sir. Ill get checked out.

7.

Harrison was fuming. His face was dark as he turned to leave.

But as the doctor entered my information, his voice suddenly spiked. Stage four leukemia?

You were diagnosed three weeks ago. Why haven't you started the process for a transplant?

The room fell into a heavy silence.

The fisherman looked at me in shock.

I shook my head calmly, breaking the silence. Theres no need. I dont want treatment.

Harrison stopped in his tracks.

Unlike the fisherman, his face was still full of disdain. Nadia Sterling, you really know how to grab a headline.

First jumping, then drowning, and now youve fabricated terminal cancer.

I bet you timed your drowning perfectly, choosing a spot where people were bound to see you.

Everyone knows you and Celine took swimming lessons from the same pro. Celine won gold in school; how bad could your skills really be?

He glanced at the fisherman. Without some serious skills, how did you manage to stay afloat long enough to be rescued without a single scratch?

It was true that I took swimming lessons with Celine, but I was a total failure at it.

Celine had tried to drown me back then. She waited until the coach wasn't looking and stepped on my head, pinning me to the bottom of the pool.

If the coach hadn't noticed in time, I would have died that day.

When I went home to tell my parents, they said, Youre just being paranoid. Celine would never want you dead.

In their eyes, Celine had everything. Why would she want my pathetic life?

From that day on, I never went back to the pool. I developed a crippling fear of water.

Seeing that I didn't answer, Harrison assumed he had caught me in a lie.

Stop trying to drown yourself. I have a better idea. Go to a deep forest and just lie down. I guarantee you won't fail there.

I looked down and laughed bitterly, nodding to myself. Okay.

My reaction seemed to infuriate Harrison even more. He rubbed his temples, radiating a cold aura. Ive been working for twenty-four hours straight. Im exhausted. I don't have the energy to watch your performance.

Then go home and get some sleep.

As he caught the look in my eyesDcalm as a stagnant pondDa flash of confusion crossed his face.

I knew why he was looking at me like that.

In the past, whenever he said he was tired, I would rush to his side, trying to comfort him and make him feel better.

But this time, I remained as still as a statue.

Stop using death as a threat. If youre so brave, don't ever come home again!

I was so used to his verbal abuse that my heart felt strangely peaceful.

Fine. I won't.

Like hell she won't! Nadia is a Sterling, why shouldn't she go home?

My best friend, Tessa, burst through the door and stood in front of me, blocking Harrisons view. The Sterling family is supposed to be high society, but your manners are absolutely pathetic!

You... Harrison was arrogant enough to yell at me, but facing the daughter of the powerful Tessa family, he didn't dare say a word.

Tessa didn't back down. Me what? Get lost!

8.

After Harrison left, the fisherman also slipped away quietly.

He probably believed Harrisons lies.

It didn't matter. None of it mattered anymore.

Nadia, I was just blowing off steam.

The Sterlings are useless. All they do is bully you.

Lets just move to another country. Ill take care of you, Tessa said, pulling up a chair and sitting beside me.

Tessa was the first friend I made after transmigratingDmy only friend.

She was outspoken, came from a happy home, and loved standing up for the underdog.

I was the helpless girl she had rescued.

After it happened a few times, we became inseparable.

Celine had tried to manipulate her, playing the victim.

But Tessa, a master at spotting fake people, shut her down in public. Sorry, Im not a fan of fake sweetness. It makes me nauseous.

Celines schemes only made Tessa pity me more, solidifying a friendship where we shared everything.

Weren't you on vacation abroad? Why are you back so soon? I opened my browser, searching for documentaries about deep forests.

Don't even get me started. I was having a blast for a month.

But yesterday, my heart started racing. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw...

Tessa paused for a second. I saw you covered in blood, like your soul was leaving your body...

I couldn't stop worrying, so I caught the first flight back.

And look at that, I was right. They were bullying you again.

9.

Tessa didn't know I was a transmigrator. She didn't know I had leukemia, and she didn't know I was planning to end it all.

So why did she have that feeling?

Could it be...

My hands trembled as I held my phone. I tried calling out in my mind. System? System?

There was no answer.

A wave of disappointment crashed over me. I looked at her. Im fine.

Do you want to get away for a bit? Tessa leaned over to see my screen. I know a place. An old-growth forest. The scenery is beautiful, the air is amazing. Lets go hiking.

Thinking about my goal, I wanted to refuse.

But when I saw Tessas big, expectant eyes, the refusal died in my throat. Okay.

If this was the end of the road, then this trip would be our final time together.

I would allow myself this one last indulgence. I couldn't bear to leave her just yet.

I pulled myself together and put my phone away. Lets head out now.

Suddenly, there was a loud crash.

The doctor had accidentally dropped a glass on the floor.

Tessa didn't hear Harrison telling me to go die in a forest, but the doctor had heard every word.

The doctor hesitated, then said softly, In your current condition, long-distance travel isn't recommended.

Why? Tessa asked immediately.

Its nothing. Ive been dieting too hard. The doctor says Im just anemic, I answered for him, pulling her quickly out of the room.

Tessa was fearless, but she had one weaknessDshe was a softie.

If she found out I had terminal leukemia, she would lose it.

I didn't want to burden her, I didn't want to see her cry, and I definitely didn't want her dragging me to chemotherapy.

10.

Tessa handled all the gear for the trip.

She chose the Great Mountain Trail as our starting point.

It was famous for its beauty.

Along the way, you could see snow-capped peaks, deep canyons, and massive waterfalls.

The whole trail took about two to three days and was moderately difficult.

Tessa had us join a small group of three others so we could look out for each other.

That night, the group had a barbecue at the campsite to get to know each other.

The night was pitch black.

Everyone had already retreated to their tents to rest for the next days hike.

I sat outside with a beer, toasting the moon.

I had lost my phone in the ocean, so Tessa bought me a new one and I got my SIM card replaced.

I only turned it on now.

A video call from Merrick immediately popped up on the screen.

I answered it and walked away from the tents.

It was two in the morning.

The screen showed the garden of the Sterling mansion. The whole family was gathered around Celine.

Nadia Sterling, are you having fun messing with us?

You drag us all back here with your suicide threats, and then you turn your phone off for two days!

Merrick looked like he was about to explode. Celine cooked a huge feast for you yesterday, and when you didn't show up, shes out here grilling for you again today.

If you have a shred of decency left, get your ass back here right now!

Celines sweet voice came through the speaker. Merrick, don't be so mean. Youre going to scare her.

Hmph. Merrick actually listened and shut his mouth.

My father took the phone, looking deeply disappointed. Nadia, come home. The whole family is waiting for you.

Youre eighteen now. Its time to start acting like a grown-up.

My mother sat nearby, her smile tight and fake. I spent so much money on her education, and this is how she repays me?

If I had known, I shouldve just ended the pregnancy back then. It wouldve saved me the headache!

Watching their mouths move on the screen, my eyes burned. I spoke quietly. I cant eat barbecue. Im allergic to beef and lamb.

The other side went silent.

I looked down and smiled to myself.

A cold numbness settled in my heart. The fire was finally out.

I turned around and started walking toward the deep, dark woods.