Chapter 1Reborn as the Unwanted Daughter

My mother was desperate for a son. After finally getting pregnant, she took every sketchy "gender-swapping" pill and herbal remedy she could find, convinced they would turn her fetus into a boy.

In my past life, I begged her to stop. I showed her science books, pleaded with her to be healthy. She listened, stopped the crazy remedies, and gave birth to a healthy baby girl.

My entire family blamed me. They said it was my fault the baby wasn't a boy. I ended up dying at their hands.

When I opened my eyes again, I was back to the moment my mother announced her pregnancy.

This time, I kept my mouth shut.

* * *

"Penny, I'm pregnant. Do you want a little brother or a little sister?"

When I heard my mom say those words, I realized I had been reborn.

In my previous life, my mom got pregnant with her second child at forty.

Desperate for a son, she resorted to every trick in the book—"gender-swapping pills," weird herbal brews soaked with animal parts, you name it.

I tried to stop her, showing her parenting books and articles about the dangers. Because of my intervention, she had a healthy baby girl.

My family blamed me. They claimed my interference turned the "brother" into a sister. They said I was responsible for her.

I loved my little sister and took care of her tirelessly. But she grew up hating me, blaming me for her gender because the guy she liked was gay. In a fit of rage, she hacked me to death with a kitchen knife.

This time, I’ll give them exactly what they want.

I flashed a huge smile. "Of course I want a brother! Otherwise, who will carry on the family name? Mom, Dad and Grandma treat you so well, you can't let the family line end with you!"

My dad and grandma immediately shot me approving looks.

My mom's smile froze for a second before she forced it back. "Penny, how can you say that? A sister would be just as sweet and well-behaved as you."

Heh.

In my last life, when I honestly said I wanted a sister, she went crying to Dad and Grandma, claiming I cursed her to have a girl because I was afraid a brother would steal my inheritance.

Dad beat me black and blue for that.

"What's good about a girl? If you don't give me a brother, who's going to have my back? When I make money, am I supposed to give it to outsiders?" I said with righteous conviction.

Grandma beamed, grabbing my hand. "Our Penny has grown up! She finally understands!"

I hugged Grandma affectionately. "Grandma, it's all thanks to my little brother. Just the thought of him makes me sensible. He's going to be the pillar of this family!"

In the past, whenever Dad and Grandma bullied Mom, she would just cry. I'd rush to defend her, only for her to turn around, play peacemaker, and join them in scolding me for being disrespectful. I took countless beatings for her.

Never again.

Mom's face turned pale, and she looked like she might faint.