I met Xavier at the orphanage. Back then, I was seven years old and already the leader among the children there.
And he had just lost both parents, had his parents’ pension taken by bullying relatives, and was dumped at the orphanage gate like an unwanted burden.
My first encounter with him was the night one week after Xavier entered the orphanage. He was so hungry that his stomach growled nonstop, and he was unable to fall asleep.
And I happened to like hoarding snacks, so the righteous me gave all of mine to him.
From that moment on, he trailed after me. I spoke up for him in all things and took him into account in everything.
Until adulthood, I was the one following behind him. He took care of me in every detail and stayed by my side.
Back then, we once huddled together under an overpass tunnel, making fires to survive. Later, when things improved a little, he took out a loan to start a business.
The first time he owed five hundred thousand, I encouraged him not to lose heart.
So he worked hard with a strong focus to start a business again. In only two years, he grew the company larger and more powerful, pushing into the national top hundred.
It was also during that period that I met my relatives at a banquet. Only then did I learn that I had been separated when I was young, but I did not want to leave Xavier, so I simply refused to recognize my family.
Xavier was very insecure, so I never told him that my relatives had already located and contacted me.
My original purpose was to stop him from thinking too much.
I did not expect he would actually want to use this to control my weakness!
When I stepped out of the company, I suddenly got an urgent call from the hospital. The doctor informed me, “Your younger sister’s current situation is not very good. She needs emergency surgery. As for the cost…”
I gripped the resignation paper and quickly said, “Use the best. I will hurry over to pay right away.”
When I hurried to the hospital without pause and saw the bill for two hundred thousand, my mind went empty for a second.
Ever since I found out Xavier cheated, he had not given me even a single dollar. The later abortion and all kinds of costs were all paid by me.
Looking at the balance on the card with only 1.28 dollars left, my heart shook again and again.
The paycheck had not arrived yet.
The hospital was urging immediately.
After hesitating over and over, I still took out my phone and called Xavier.
Hoping that for the sake of so many years of feelings, he would give me my salary early.
The call went through.
The first time, no one picked up.
The second time, it was cut off right away.
.…
Only on the twelfth attempt did the call go through, the other party sounding annoyed. “If you have something to say, say it fast.”
I drew in a deep breath. My voice came out faint and strained. “Can you… loan me some money? Or pay my salary early and lend me the remainder?”
Xavier paused briefly, then asked, “How much?”
I lowered my gaze to the amount on the bill, shut my eyes in despair, and said, “Two hundred thousand.”
A faint chuckle came from Xavier, then his nearly heartless voice followed. “I can loan you the money, but you must admit you were wrong and apologize.”
Before I could respond, Millie’s angry voice rang out from the other end. “You must kneel and bow to Shadow to apologize!”
They wanted me to admit my mistake and apologize to a dog, the very dog that had hurt me first.
Xavier and Millie were plainly trampling my pride underfoot.
And Xavier fully knew that I had always been a very proud person.
My chest filled with bitter hurt. In a strained voice, I said, “Xavier, I am borrowing this money, not asking you to hand it to me.”
“And my salary is money I worked for.”
Xavier remained indifferent. “Then I give you twenty thousand extra. You kneel and apologize.”
“Once you come and apologize, I give you the money.”
Right after he spoke, the line went dead.
My unfinished words were fully trapped in my throat.
A deep sense of helplessness washed over me.
Amid the turmoil and darkness, I dialed my father again.
The other side answered immediately.
My throat tightened. “Dad, can you lend me two hundred thousand? My younger sister…”
Before I could finish, one million was transferred into my account.
Immediately afterward, my father spoke with affection. “If you are willing to spend dad’s money, dad feels very comforted. If it is still not enough, come ask Dad again.”
I didn’t have time to say much. After a hurried thank-you, I quickly went to settle the fees and topped up another one hundred thousand for lodging.
After handling everything, I looked at my younger sister’s pale face and whispered an apology. “Sorry, Rosie…”
If not for me, Xavier would not have gone after her.
Rosie was the little sister I met in the orphanage. She had always been the closest to me growing up. Even after adulthood, she continued to follow me. To me, she was truly family.
Once, Xavier and Rosie were both the people I cared about most.
Now, Xavier had turned into the chief cause behind Rosie's being forced to death.
Just when I was about to take a brief rest, the ward door was abruptly opened.
“Come with me to apologize.”
