"Sounds good," Daniel said with a smile.Rebecca's words brought warmth to his eyes. He thought that only someone who had experienced difficulties like she had would be willing to help others.She was different from those wealthy socialites who only went to charity events for appearances. Instead of just being there, she genuinely cared and dedicated time to interacting with the children.This reminded Daniel of a time long ago. Before George passed away and Jessica returned to the Browns, he had visited an elementary school near Riverwood for a project with his company.The school wasn't as poor as some in remote areas. The children were well-dressed, and the school was clean. However, the building appeared old, with walls displaying signs of wear and tear. The railing was rusty. It was unpleasant to look at and left rust on anyone who touched it.Daniel vividly recalled his irritation when a child accidentally bumped into him while rushing to the cafeteria. He had made him brush
Rebecca stopped walking and turned to face Daniel. As she did, he hugged her and said, "Becca, I'm really sorry."Rebecca tensed up. She wanted to push him away, but his sigh made her pause.Daniel released her before she could react. He looked at her and spoke softly, "I've said sorry before, but I wanted to say it again before we parted ways, whether you forgive me or not."Rebecca stared at him. She was at a loss for words. Eventually, she nodded with a smile that melted Daniel's cold heart.His fingers twitched by his side. He wanted to stroke her head but he hesitated and just smiled back. "You go ahead. I won't bother you anymore.""Okay, take care." Rebecca glanced at him before turning away."Take care," Daniel whispered behind her. His words were carried away by the evening breeze. They echoed a familiar farewell from years ago when they parted ways at a crossroads.Half of the sky was painted fiery red by the setting sun. Daniel stood beneath a dogwood tree outside the
Penny used to believe she was incredibly unlucky. But as time passed, she came to understand it wasn't about luck. It was simply that her true family took longer to enter her life. She even pondered whether she had traded her past happiness for her current family.From a young age, Penny knew her family didn't love her. Yet, she still tried to please them while hoping for their love in return. She obediently followed their rules, taught by school teachers that parents love their children unconditionally and that children should behave.No one taught her what to do if her parents didn't love her. She was a dutiful daughter, who never dared to challenge her parents' unfair treatment of her. It wasn't until high school that she befriended Cecilia Walker, a quiet and hardworking student.Cecilia wore her hair in a ponytail and donned a slightly worn-out school uniform. She was attentive in class and consistently excelled on her exams.Unlike Penny, Cecilia didn't strive to be the top s
The boy, Bryan Cromer, was seriously injured. Cecilia was asked by Bryan's mother, Michelle Beltran, to apologize and make amends. Scarlett and Cecilia paid the money to make amends but didn't apologize.Cecilia got really mad back then and ended up hitting Bryan pretty hard. Unlike most parents, Scarlett didn't give Cecilia a scolding right away.Even though Michelle was being aggressive, Scarlett prioritized getting Cecilia and Bryan to the clinic for treatment. Only when Scarlett handed Michelle some money did she calm down.As the doctor tended to Cecilia's bruises, he mentioned that Bryan needed stitches. Even though she was young, Cecilia knew how badly Bryan was hurt. When Michelle started to make a scene again, Scarlett covered Cecilia's ears and held her in her arms.During the chaos, Cecilia heard Scarlett saying, "I raised Cecilia, so I know her temperament. There must be a reason for her behavior. Mrs. Cromer, before you request Cecilia to apologize, could you please in
Scarlett's words stayed with Cecilia. School taught her how to behave, but never how to handle bullying. She would stand up for herself when bullied, but she was careful not to go too far for fear of trouble and Scarlett's scolding.Cecilia never imagined that Scarlett would support her in fighting back the way she did today. After that, she fought back even harder whenever someone picked on her. But she also knew when she had to stop.Cecilia knew Scarlett worked hard to make money from a young age. She felt especially guilty when Scarlett had to pay money to make up for Michelle. She would hold back a bit if something like today happened again. Her only hope was to teach the other person a lesson and to protect herself.Scarlett would be upset and have to spend money on medicine if Cecilia was injured....Penny was shocked when she saw Cecilia fight, especially since Moses was a scruffy middle-aged man while Cecilia was an underage girl who couldn't even reach Moses' shoulders.
As she was afraid of her parents, Penny could only hide in the housekeeper's embrace to soothe her pain. At the time, she didn't feel brave enough to call the police as she had just done.Penny hesitated. She was unsure if her call would be a nuisance to the police. Suddenly, Cecilia snapped, "Whether the police will help or not is not for you to decide."Just then, Penny's call connected to the police. Cecilia signaled Penny with her eyes and began to scream for help. When Penny came to her senses, she told the police everything she had seen but didn't mention that Moses was Cecilia's father.On the phone, the police officer assured Penny that help would arrive soon. Within minutes, the wail of sirens filled the air.Cecilia and Penny were in fear as they waited for the police to arrive. Moses erupted in anger when Penny called the police. He flung Cecilia to the ground and tried to grab Penny's phone. Despite being in pain, Cecilia swiftly got up and bit Moses' arm.Moses cried
Tensions were instantly dispelled. Moses had to return the money to Cecilia, and the police arrested him. He wasn't sentenced for hurting Cecilia, but for stealing to gamble and engaging in other illegal activities with his buddies.Penny couldn't remember Moses' exact punishment but vividly remembered the female officer who protected Cecilia. Her words stayed with her.For a long time, Penny thought about whether a father who almost hurt his child deserved to be a father. Her parents were a lot like Moses, and she was unsure if she should continue to try to make them happy.That day, Penny walked Cecilia home. She didn't do it out of pity for her. It was Penny herself who deserved pity. All she could do was hide in her room and cry after being beaten by her parents. She felt very different from Cecilia, who dared to stand up to Moses.Penny walked Cecilia home to understand the environment and upbringing that had shaped her. As they walked into the chaotic and run-down village, Pe
Penny shook her head and explained, "Cecilia's my classmate, so I should be helping her out. Our teacher always tells us to help each other.""You're so kind. Thank you," Scarlett replied. Then, she gently asked what had happened to Cecilia.Cecilia was standing at the bathroom door with clothes and medications in her hand. She signaled Penny with her eyes. Penny understood and only described what had happened after she had called the police. She didn't mention to Scarlett that Cecilia had been injured.Scarlett didn't press her for details. She changed the subject and started asking about school and telling stories about Cecilia. Scarlett also talked about her own experiences growing up.Penny listened eagerly. She was surprised that Scarlett had a son like Moses when she had such a calm and sensitive manner of speaking. It was fortunate that Cecilia was willing to take care of Scarlett.Penny only stayed at Cecilia's house for a short time. She would probably be scolded and puni