---- I rejected my mother's suggestion to attend an arts college as I saw through her intentions. She wanted to sell me off for a higher price tag. When I refused to play her game any longer, she laid down her ultimatum. "Then earn the same amount of money I would have!" I didn't take the bait. "I can't," I replied simply. The audience pieced it together, their whispers coalescing into a collective epiphany. "Oh, so that's what 'not studying hard enough to change her fate! really means." "That old lady's been sugarcoating her actions this entire time!" "Tf she'd treated her child even a little better, maybe this wouldn't have backfired so spectacularly." My mother's bravado crumbled. She trembled in shock. I stared at her, my voice calm but cutting. ''So now you know. Even if you were the one subjected to your ---- own treatment, you couldn't survive it." She broke down in tears. The system, unfeeling as ever, muted her cries. Then, it announced: [After the third and final round of judgment, termination will proceed collectively.] I felt a hollowness settle in my chest as I listened. The system's voice rang out again. [Next. Who will step forward?] My husband, Damion Carpenter, looked visibly shaken. "If I experience Adeline's life," he began, " will I be subjected to similar interpersonal relationships? Including her mother?" Damion's voice rose, indignant. "That's not fair! Everyone saw how difficult her mother was, constantly demanding money!" I didn't say a word, watching as the cracks in his composure deepened. The system replied in its merciless tone: [If you think ---- it's unfair, you may begin at your wife's birth. Alternatively, I recommend starting from the point of your marriage.] Damion darted frantic looks around the room, desperation mounting. Finally, he asked, "Can I withdraw? I don't want to judge her anymore." I smirked at his cowardice. The system answered: [That decision requires your wife's consent. As a victor of this round, she may choose to forfeit one trial.] Our son, Sean Carpenter, remained frozen, wide-eyed and uncomprehending. Damion turned to me, pleading. "Honey, let's just move on. I won't judge you anymore. I swear we'll live a good life from now on." The audience erupted in scorn, mocking his lack of courage. Ignoring him, I fixed my gaze on Sean. "My dear son, this will be the last time I call you 'son.' Admit you ---- were wrong, and I'll let you forfeit." Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!