7
She raised me. Otherwise, I might have died.
Over the years, I kept in touch and sent
money, but her illness was incurable.
I visited her secretly. She said she was
content seeing us grow up.
Knowing about me and Ethan, she told me
not to visit often, to avoid trouble.
I didn’t expect her to leave so soon.
I had to attend her funeral, even if it meant
Ethan might find me.
Qin Ya called before I left.
Ethan knew I came from the orphanage and
might look for me. I should be careful.
Returning to the orphanage, I was surprised
to see construction.
The orphanage wasn’t doing well when I last
sent money, how could they expand so
quickly?
Visiting the matron, the teachers thanked me.
“Thank you for sending money, allowing the
children to have enough food and clothes.
You donated a large sum, more children will
have a home now.”
A large sum? I couldn’t afford that.
Then I understood. It was Ethan, in my name.
No one else would do that.
Still, I had no intention of going back.
The past is the past. You have to move on.
I was busy with the funeral and orphanage
matters, forgetting everything else.
Ethan’s appearance reminded me of him.
He stared at me for a long time, then choked
out, “Lily, it’s you, you’re back.”
Ethan was haggard and worn out.
He approached me cautiously, holding the
repaired and laminated photo.
く
“Lily, that was you, right?”
I looked at the photo, silent for a long time,
accepting it.
“Why didn’t you tell me? You recognized me,
right? That’s why you donated blood. Why
hide it from me? Lily, I’ve been looking for
you.”
I avoided his trembling hand.
“If you’re here for a reunion, please leave.”
“Lily, I’m taking you home. If I’d known earlier,
I wouldn’t have hurt you!”
I chuckled, “I told you, but you didn’t believe
me.”
I’d mentioned it several times, but he thought
I was trying to trick him,
I stopped mentioning it.
“It’s my fault. I mistook Claire for you. Forgive
me, I’ll do anything.”
He got excited, “I can donate to more
orphanages. Be the director, I’ll take care of
<
everything else!”
“No, I’m not that kind. Contact the orphanage
directly if you want to donate.”
I turned to leave, but Ethan stopped me.
“Don’t go, Lily, please don’t leave me. I only
now realize I’m in love with you, even without
childhood memories.”
I pushed him away, coldly saying, “Mr. Jiang,
please respect yourself. Don’t touch me.”
I went into the room, blocking his view.
My heart was broken, Ethan meant nothing to
me now.
