Chapter 11

“Clara, I want the brightest future for you.”Back then, that young boy’s eyes shone pure as snow.I had loved him once.With every single bit of strength I possessed.Gavin’s voice cracked with tears.“I’m sorry.“I… wronged you.”I looked at him.I stared for a long time.Finally, I said:“Gavin, it’s not me you wronged.“It’s the Clara who once had faith in you.”Tears instantly cascaded down his face.Yet I didn’t look back.Turning around to leave the courthouse, I was met with the brilliant sunlight that stung my eyes.Walking down to the bottom of the steps, I suddenly crouched down on the ground.Sarah was caught off guard.“Are you okay?”I waved my hand gently.“I’m fine.”Yet tears beaded on the concrete floor.One drop, then two.They quickly dampened a small patch of ground.I wasn’t crying for Gavin.I was crying for twenty-three-year-old me.For the girl who had believed that working hard would earn her a home.For the girl who, running a high fever in a strange land, di

Chapter 12

I reviewed their contracts, verified their employers, and taught them how to preserve evidence.At the end of every consultation, I made sure to tell my clients of young women:“Earning money is the goal.“But never surrender all your earnings to someone else.“Always put yourself first.”Six months later, my agency was featured on the local news.The reporter asked me why I chose this career path.I pondered briefly before replying:“When I was younger, I used to think that endurance and sacrifice could earn me a home.“Only later did I realize, the single most important thing is staying clear-headed.”The night the news aired, I received a call from an unknown number.The other end remained silent for a long time.I knew almost instantly who it was.“Clara.”Gavin’s voice sounded far more haggard than before.He had likely been released.Or perhaps he was in the middle of completing his release procedures.I didn’t say a word.He asked, hesitatingly, “Are you doing well?”I looked ou

Chapter 13

He froze.“Because you wished a bright future for me.“As it turned out, you almost destroyed that.”His breath trembled.I continued:“From this day forth, my name has nothing to do with you anymore.“Neither my future.”With that, I hung up and blocked the number.Later on, I saw Gavin one more time.It was a year later at an industry exchange conference.My little studio had expanded into an enterprise.I came onstage as a guest speaker to share insights on evidence awareness, women’s financial independence, and avoiding pitfalls in cross-border labor.Many people were seated in the audience.When I finished speaking, applause erupted.Amid the applause, I caught sight of Gavin sitting in the last row.He wore a washed-out, faded shirt, so thin he was practically emaciated.Catching sight of my gaze, he stood up in a panic.He looked as if he wanted to leave, yet couldn’t bear to part.When the conference ended, I found him waiting for me at the entrance.Standing in the freezing wi

All Chapters of Hardship Taught Me Well: Chapter 11 - Chapter 13

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13