The Martin and Freeman families have shared a connection for generations, and since I can remember, Jasper Martin has always been close to me. He would look at me with a bright smile and say, "Sadie, you're gorgeous. The most beautiful person I've ever seen!" Hearing those words always made my heart feel like it might leap out of my chest.
I used to believe that happiness was simply imagining a future where I would marry him. Yet, when I turned eighteen, everything changed. Due to John Martin’s poor business choices, the Martin family went bankrupt overnight, and he tragically ended his life.
After that, Jasper began to pull away from me. I understood he felt inadequate and thought he wasn't good enough for me. I wanted my father to take him in, but at first, he refused. He warned that with the Martins’ recent downfall, people would scrutinize us, and taking Jasper in would be like walking into a fire.
At that young age, I couldn't grasp the complexity of such matters. I just couldn't bear the thought of seeing the one I loved left adrift. So, I kneeled down and pleaded with him. "Dad, I've never asked you for anything before. But now, I beg you to take Jasper in. You've watched him grow up. If you don’t let him stay, I'll leave with him and wander the streets!"
In the end, my father, who had always spoiled me, sighed and agreed after a moment of hesitation.
Once Jasper moved in, no matter how much I tried to show him kindness, he remained distant and unresponsive. Eventually, I realized my parents were the ones holding him back, so I made a vow to them. "Dad, Mom, you might think Jasper is beneath me now that the Martins have fallen, and that you're doing what's best for me. But I've loved him all my life, and my feelings won't change no matter what others say."
Hidden in the shadows, Jasper overheard my words. He stepped forward and knelt before them, saying, "Mr. and Mrs. Freeman, I genuinely love Sadie. If you give me a chance, I promise to work tirelessly and restore the Martin family’s legacy. I will never let Sadie down."
My parents couldn’t argue against our determination, so they allowed us to be together. From that moment, Jasper became devoted to "Sadie Freeman." Wherever I was, he was always within reach, ready to do anything for me.
One time, my father’s business dealings upset someone, leading to me being pressured to drink an excessive amount of coffee by some people in our circle. Jasper stormed in and fought with them until both parties ended up in the hospital.
Despite being outnumbered, Jasper was bedridden for half a year before he fully recovered. After that, everyone knew that while the Freemans might not be the most powerful, Sadie was untouchable because of Jasper.
With Jasper around, no one dared to mistreat me, let alone harm me.
The memories of Jasper’s tender promise to protect me for life seemed like a distant memory compared to the indifferent man he has become now.
That night, my mother found herself at Jasper’s door once again. She stubbornly knelt there, hoping that the man she once took in would save her daughter.
But even when Trenton and Nia came to the Martins to take her away, Jasper didn’t appear.
My siblings were born during my mother’s later years. I left when they were still young, and now they seemed even more pitiful from malnutrition. Unable to resist their mother’s plea, they joined her in kneeling at the Martins’ door.
Later that night, Jasper had his servants bring food. My mother’s hopes soared, thinking Jasper had relented. She straightened her hair and prepared to stand, only to find it was leftovers. The servant conveyed Jasper’s message: "Mr. Martin says it's been a while since you've eaten. Out of kindness, he's sent you food. But remember, you mustn't use silverware or your hands to eat it. Maybe if he’s amused, he’ll consider helping Miss Freeman."
My mother bit her lip so hard they turned white, nearly collapsing from the humiliation. Despite her illness and the family's downfall, she had never faced such disgrace.
With her back straight, she stopped Trenton and Nia from eating. Her eyes filled with tears as she bowed her head and quietly ate from the dish, smearing grease over her mouth but never pausing.
