They Faked Poverty to 'Build My Character'—Now I'm Dead — Novel

About

In a world where love and sacrifice intertwine, Ellie struggles under the weight of a life she never chose. With her family’s financial burdens crushing her spirit, she juggles multiple jobs while hiding a devastating secret: she’s battling a life-threatening illness. As the clock ticks down, she pours every hard-earned dollar into her parents’ debts, convinced that her suffering is the only way to protect them.

But just when she reaches her breaking point, a shocking revelation shatters her understanding of everything she’s known. What if her family isn’t the struggling unit she believed them to be? As Ellie stands on the brink of despair, ready to leap into the unknown, she’s faced with an unexpected twist that could change her fate forever.

Caught between the harsh realities of her existence and the newfound knowledge of her family’s wealth, Ellie must confront the lies that have shaped her life. Can she reclaim her identity, or is it too late? As she grapples with the truth, the stakes rise, and love becomes a double-edged sword. What does it mean to truly live for oneself when the past is filled with sacrifice?

They Faked Poverty to 'Build My Character'—Now I'm DeadChapter 1

The day I was diagnosed, I folded up the lab report and stuffed it into the very bottom of the drawer.

On the bus ride home, I thought of Mom sighing on the phone last week, saying they still hadn't scraped together enough for this month's payment.

Dinner was plain noodles in clear broth. I picked the poached egg out of my bowl and placed it in my father's as he lay in bed.

I didn't dare tell them I was sick.

I sold my waist-length black hair and quietly went to the hospital for treatment.

I worked three jobs at once, and at the end of the month I earned the first $10,000 of my life.

I transferred all of it to my parents so they could pay rent and debts.

Mom sent a hug emoji.

"Sweetheart, you've worked so hard. Come here, let me hold you."

But little by little, my body dragged itself into the late stage.

Before I died, not wanting to burden them, I went alone to the bridge and jumped.

But right before I hit the water, I received a $20 million transfer from my parents.

Ellie, actually our family is very rich.

The reason we never told you was to build your character—to teach you to remember hardship and appreciate sweetness.