Chapter 4

I followed the sound of her cries, walked into the hospital, and found her at a corner. Joey was hugging her knees and wailing on the floor.

In her hands were a critical illness notice and a medical bill. Her face was pale, and her lips were tightly pursed. The light in her eyes was long gone, completely replaced by despair.

The way she was crying so miserably did not look good at all.

Seeing how sad Joey was made me feel really uncomfortable.

Her mother's critical illness needed a large sum of money. What was worse was that she didn't have any connections.

Joey cried so hard that she was shaking and retching. Her hands trembled as she took out her phone and called a loan shark.

I heard her say that she was willing to do anything, even if it meant becoming a collateral or selling her body. As long as she could get the money, she was willing to do absolutely anything.

I finally couldn't bear the pain in my heart and slapped her phone away.

Joey's eyes were filled with shock when she saw me.

Seeing how fragile she looked, I mustered up the courage and hugged her. She didn't struggle, but simply grabbed my sleeves and burst into tears.

Joey was really skinny. She kept asking me what she should do.

Listening to her cries, it was the first time I felt lucky for having the wealth and power to help her.

I patted her long black hair and said gently, "Don't worry, I'll help you."

When Joey's mother was transferred to a luxury ward and surrounded by famous doctors, Joey finally let out a sigh of relief.

She looked at me with a face brimming with gratitude. Instead of blaming me for hiding my identity, she repeatedly thanked me.

However, Joey's mother's condition was very critical, and she had to be in constant, meticulous care. Every time Joey saw the medical bills, her face would turn pale.

I looked at her and suddenly said, "Joey.

"I don't need you to write a promissory note. I really like you, so please be my girlfriend.

"I can let you continue studying and find the best doctor for your mother."

With the Smiths' status, I had gotten everything I wanted since I was a child, so nobody had taught me the proper way to confess to a girl.

That was also why I had no idea how much my words had devastated Joey. Back then, I watched as Joey stayed silent for a long time before finally nodding and agreeing to be with me.

Lost in happiness, I didn't notice Joey's disappointed gaze.

Once we were a couple, she always treated me with care. She never asked for anything, but would also never reject the luxurious cars and jewelry I gave her.

I thought we would continue living happily together, but it seemed like God didn't want my life to be smooth sailing.

While my parents were on a business trip, they got into an accident and died on the spot.

The company's stocks tumbled overnight. Once the Smiths went bankrupt, I was thrown out of the house by wicked relatives. Then, I got my leg broken and my eyes injured by thugs.

When I was deep in despair, I suddenly thought of Joey's smile.

However, when I arrived at Joey's place, I saw her and Marcus having a heart-to-heart talk, tears welling up in their eyes. I finally understood everything.

I used the little amount of money I had left and bought a train ticket to the South.

The Joey in my memories and the one before me gradually overlapped.

I felt the chill all over my body, and though I couldn't bear to look away from Joey, I still staggered away.

If I continued to stay there, I'd die.

My vision turned blurry after only taking a few steps, and I collapsed heavily on the ground.

As I sank into darkness, it felt as if I caught a glimpse of Joey's anxious expression.