8
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Lily was clumsily taping boxes.
"Daddy, we're moving. Let's say goodbye to Aunt Sarah."
"Aunt Sarah?"
Emily asked, pausing as she dragged her luggage. Her eyes were sharp.
I don't know where she gets the nerve.
If the $8 million weren't still pending, I'd have tossed her out.
She follows me to Sarah's place.
Sarah was 27, tall and fair, loved food and didn't have any bad habits.
I brought her some fruit and local snacks and secretly put an envelope of cash under her sofa.
A thank-you for her help these years.
Sarah's eyes glisten with reluctance.
"James...leave an address.I'll visit you and Lily when I'm nearby."
I sent her my new address via text without hesitation.
After Lily fell asleep, Emily finally asks," The way Sarah looks at you, like she'd devour you. Don't tell me there's nothing there."
Her double standards made me angry.
Even if there was something between Sarah and me, it was none of her business.
"Sarah likes me. But we're not like you and Nathan's filthy affair."
Emily finds the words harsh but can't argue.
Nathan was dirty, and so was she.
I show my calloused hands.
"Emily, I'm not superhuman. These hands can't do everything. I can't fix wiring, lift heavy loads, or avoid illness no matter how careful I am."
"Sarah saved me, helped me countless times, even watched Lily for me.I'm grateful, so I treat her to meals, give her gifts…"
"I don't reject her outright because I can't afford to."
Emily's accusations turn to guilt.
If she'd been a mother or wife for even a day, I wouldn't owe an outsider.
She asks, concerned, You said she saved you. What happened?"
It ties back to Emily.
The first New Year's Eve post-divorce, I was delivering food nonstop.
While fireworks were lighting up the sky, my scooter skidded, and I was thrown several meters away.
Lying on the ground, blood started pooling under my head.
Above, the fireworks spelled out: Nathan, I'll love you next year too.
I earned $1 per delivery, maybe a" thanks."
But my feelings? Worthless.
I closed my eyes, wishing to never wake.
But a pair of arms lifted me.
I mumbled thanks, saying I'd be fine after a rest.
Sarah, a pastry chef, maybe pitied my reckless work or was struck by my face when she removed my helmet.
She drove me to the hospital, paid my bills and bought me hot food.
A stranger's kindness carried me through that night.
We learned we lived nearby.
I feigned surprise at her" chance" encounters.
Out of all the women who were interested in me, she's the most reliable and caring.
But I didn't trust women anymore.
I just wanted a kind, upright woman to be a role model for Lily.
Emily's face flushes with shame.
"I'm sorry. It was awful. I never considered you or Lily. You carried every burden alone. From now on, I'll take care of you both."
I smile, say nothing, and head to bed.
Emily, undeterred, updates her" His True Heart" group.
"Progress! I slept on the sofa, and he treated me to lunch.I'll keep it up tomorrow."
Friends congratulate her.
Someone who knows me adds," Why didn't you act like this before? When James was your husband, he could've demanded money, bags, jewelry, suits like Nathan. But he didn't. He only wanted you."
"You made him lose everything."
Half-asleep, I get a text: Honey, I love you.
I just rolled over. What an idiot, I thought.
