When I was thirteen years old, I was abducted away by human traffickers. I yearned to return home every single day. During a transfer as they were loading me into a van, I seized an opportunity when they weren't paying attention, broke free from the ropes, and leaped out of the moving vehicle. One of the men inside the van cursed and swiftly jumped out to chase after me. I sprinted wildly ahead, running until I reached a bustling street. I stumbled and fell right in front of a woman. With tears in my eyes, I pleaded, "Ma'am, I've been kidnapped, please, you've got to save me." The trafficker caught up to me and seized me, then he told the woman, "I apologize, she's just having a tantrum and saying nonsense. She's my own daughter, and this is a tantrum she likes to throw."I was utterly terrified, and my attempt to argue was met with a swift slap that silenced me.Standing next to the woman was a tall, thin young man in a school uniform. He fixed his gaze on her and calm
Even though I was abducted, I still recall my biological parents naming me Kathryn Wilson.And this young man, his name is Travis Lewis.He's a top-notch student. Once, I peeked into his locker and noticed a stack of achievement certificates.It seemed he didn't have a father figure in his life, being raised solely by his mother.He cared deeply for me, and when he learned I was missing my family, he took it upon himself to help me find my mom and dad.First, he printed numerous flyers and distributed them to the locals.Then, he used his mother's Facebook account to post online, assisting me in my search.During one of our shopping outings, we passed by a well-regarded high school in town. He pointed at it and chuckled as he said, "Kathryn, perhaps you'll be my junior there one day."Upon arriving home, a courier delivered a letter.Trevis glanced at it and leaped for joy.He exclaimed, "Mom! Kathryn! I got accepted!"As it turns out, Trevis had just finished his college
I found myself homeless once again.I placed my hand on my empty stomach, feeling the hunger gnawing at me.Since Trevis had driven me away, it felt like I hadn't had a proper meal in ages.In a nearby trash can, there was leftover food thrown away by others, contaminated with someone's saliva.Maybe I was truly too hungry, and I couldn't resist anymore.But suddenly, someone grabbed me from behind.It was a filthy, drunken man.He gazed at me and grinned in a lecherous manner."Little girl, come home with me. We’ll sleep together. I've slept with someone a little older than you, and it was ...... I can't tell you how good it was.”His alcohol-laden breath blew into my face, and his strength was too much for me to break free from.I fought to resist, but he didn't care and started to strip me of my clothes.Out of nowhere, a person appeared behind him and yanked him by the back of his neck, tossing him aside and delivering a series of powerful punches.It wasn't until the d
When I woke up in the morning, I saw Trevis staring blankly at the acceptance letter. However, even in my groggy state, I knew that there was no money left at home. What about Trevis's tuition fee?So, I made up my mind to go out and earn some money. He didn't stop me. That day, I scoured the neighborhood, collecting numerous cardboard boxes and scraps from trash bins. By evening, I sold them to the scrap dealer, and he handed me four dollars and thirty-six cents.When I returned home and pushed the door open, I found Trevis still seated at the table, gazing at the acceptance letter, lost in thought. It seemed as if he hadn't moved all day.I walked over, proudly handed him the money, and said, "Trevis, from now on, I'll take care of you."I didn't understand money, but I knew that four dollars and thirty-six cents was a significant sum. It could buy me at least forty candies!As for Trevis, he stared at the crumpled banknote in his hand, lost in thought. He placed his
The following day, Trevis instructed me not to wander and left. I followed his instructions and continued collecting recyclables near our neighborhood to earn some money.When Trevis returned, he was wearing clean white clothes with "Hotel Service Staff" written on the back.I had a vague feeling that he had started working.Soon, he received his wages and took me to various important places, including the police station, schools, and government offices.People said Trevis was helping me with ID registration and school enrollment.This process turned out to be quite tedious, with Trevis working hard during the day and running errands all over town.Yet, he always made sure to check on me before resting, ensuring I was asleep and safe.A month later, all the elementary and middle schools in the city were gearing up for the new school year. On that particular day, Trevis opted not to wear his work uniform. Instead, he dressed in his everyday attire, a crisp white T-shirt paire
On that day, she stood there in a white dress, her eyes slightly red, staring directly at Trevis."Trevis, why did you give up?" she asked. "Do you know how disappointed Mr. Peterson was when he heard the news? You clearly did so well in your exams!"He sat with his head down against the wall, not uttering a word.The girl persisted, "What about me? I worked so hard to get into Harvard just to be with you at the same university. Why are you giving up?"She took out a check from her bag and approached Trevis, placing it in his hand."I know about Mrs. Lewis… Here's some money for your college expenses. You don't have to repay me, but..."Trevis finally reacted. He pushed her away and handed the check back."Lucy, thank you for your kindness, but I can't accept this," he said.Lucy covered her face and cried. "You're always like this."I felt a wave of unease. I stepped out of the room and hugged Trevis."Trevis, you mentioned you were going to college, right?" I looked deep
When I turned sixteen, I secured the ninth position in my grade, earning a spot at a prestigious high school and becoming Trevis's junior. Trevis was elated, praising my exceptional achievement, even though he mentioned how challenging it was to get into his high school. However, it didn't take long for me to realize that despite having graduated from high school three years prior, Trevis remained a legend within the school. He had once earned gold medals in the school's physics, chemistry, and biology competitions. His hundred-meter dash record from the school sports meet still stood unbroken. Whenever I passed by the school's honor roll, I couldn't help but notice Trevis's photo prominently displayed. In the picture, he sported a buzz cut, had sharp and handsome features.I would gaze up at his photo, and it felt as if time had momentarily come to a standstill.Even though we saw each other every day, at that moment, it felt like an insurmountable distance had grown bet
Trevis continued to pick me up from school every day, but he would take a detour through the alley, avoiding waiting for me at the school gate. I understood his reluctance to face his former teachers because he always felt like he had let them down.On this particular day, one of our teachers was absent, and there was no one supervising the last lesson. Even though it was still early before dismissal, my classmates began to get restless. I didn't know who started it, but in an instant, everyone had left.As I watched the sun begin to set, a sudden idea struck me: Trevis always comes to pick me up after school, why couldn't I do the same for him when he finishes work?Filled with anticipation, I packed my belongings, but before I could leave, I noticed my desk-mate, Linda Pasfield, diligently working on her homework.She was my closest friend at school.I asked her, "Aren't you going home?"The Pasfield family was wealthy. I saw her chauffeur waiting at the school gate for her
The following day, Trevis and I went to the police station to provide our statements. Given that Trevis had acted in self-defense, there were no significant issues there.As for my younger brother and dad, they were facing charges of threats, intimidation, and burglary, which could result in prison sentences. My mom tearfully pleaded with me to sign a forgiveness letter, but I didn't even spare her a glance.Over the weekend, Trevis and I visited the mall and bought a stack of books,"Spoiling My Beloved Wife", "The Intimate Moments with My Boss", " Mr. Billionaire, Don’t Run Away" ...and many more.Trevis looked a bit awkward at the checkout counter, with the cashier, a young lady, repeatedly stealing glances at him. I stood behind him, wearing a big smile.After our book shopping spree, Trevis joined me at my place to help me pack my belongings. He had agreed to let me move into his apartment~While I was packing some winter clothing, a few pieces were stored in the highest cabi
I rented a temporary house in Anglos City. I sent him messages for several consecutive days. He would reply, but the replies were cold. I went to the hot pot restaurant to find him, but he always made excuses about being busy. After multiple visits, I became recognized by most of the regular customers here.One day, I overheard them discussing my relationship with Trevis. Some mocked me for being blind, claiming that I shouldn’t waste my time on a guy like Trevis. They used many insulting words, which angered me. I ordered a glass of juice, discreetly sneezed into it, and then had the waiter deliver it to their table.Those people didn't suspect a thing and were quite thankful to me. Watching them sip the juice in their foolish manner, I couldn't help but laugh. However, when I turned around, Trevis was glaring at me, his face cold. He grabbed my arm and pulled me outside, scolding me."Kathryn, what you did was wrong!"It had been a while since I'd heard Trevis sco
He instructed the waiter to arrange a private room.As soon as the door to the private room closed, I hurriedly embraced him. "Trevis," I called out.His body tensed slightly, and he gently pushed me away. "Kathryn, you need to calm down first," he advised.With teary eyes, I inquired, "Don't you miss me at all?"He remained silent.I pressed on, "Have you read the book? I wrote it for you."He nodded with stiffness, his voice hoarse. "It's very well-written."I felt elated and attempted to hug him again, but he remarked, "So, someone as talented as you, Kathryn, shouldn't be associated with someone like me."I grew furious. "Someone like you? Tell me, what do you mean by that?"He chuckled self-deprecatingly, starting to list out the labels he pinned on himself: "Almost became a murderer, never went to college..."I couldn't bear to hear it anymore, standing there with tears welling up. "Trevis, that's not true, how can you think that way..." If it weren't for me, Trevis w
I had a complete falling out with my family. When I left, my younger brother kicked over a chair in anger, and my dad smashed the TV. They yelled, "If you want to go, just go, and never come back to this house!"My mom cried, saying, "Kathryn, we're doing this for your own good. He’s just a murderer…”But if it weren't for him, I might have died in my early teens. Without looking back, I left home and found a random motel to stay in.As the start of the school year approached, I packed my bags and headed to Harvard alone. In college, I was always incredibly busy. Busy with my studies, busy making money. I always thought about saving up enough money as soon as possible so that one day, when I found Trevis, he wouldn't have to struggle for a living anymore.One day during my junior year of college, I took a leave of absence and returned to Anglos City.It was supposed to be the day Trevis got released from prison. I had no idea where to find him, so I stood outside the priso
I arrived at the Pasfield residence, a place I never thought I'd step foot in during my lifetime. Transferring between prisons required approval from higher authorities. How could Trevis, an ordinary civilian, have managed it? There had to be something Lucy had said or done, pulling strings with the police to make it happen for him.But when I entered the room and saw Lucy, I could hardly believe it. She was clutching high school math homework, struggling to solve it. Simultaneously, she was sending messages to Trevis."Trevis, I don't understand this problem. Can you teach me?""Why are you ignoring me? If you don't want to teach me, just say it. You think I want you to teach me?"Even though she sent the messages, all she received in response were red exclamation marks. Trevis had long since blocked her.......I observed from the sidelines, growing increasingly alarmed by her erratic behavior. The servant let out a sigh and explained that ever since the day she had hit
I quickly reached my senior year of high school. During this year, I dedicated myself to my studies, immersing myself in textbooks. Some of my classmates were privy to certain secrets and would occasionally gossip, but I paid them no mind.I kept Trevis' photo tucked inside the inner pocket of my wallet, and whenever I felt utterly drained from the demands of senior year, I would steal a fleeting glance at it.Even amidst the busyness of senior year, I managed to send Trevis many letters. Almost every letter received a response from him. He was more concerned about my relationship with my family. To spare him from worrying, I would vaguely reply that everything was fine.But in reality, once they found out I could earn money through writing, they seized my bank card. Moreover, throughout my entire senior year, I didn't receive a single word of comfort. A year later, I secured a place at Harvard with the highest grades in the entire school.When I received my acceptance letter, I co
In my new home, the woman opened up to me about how much she had missed me over the years, expressing her constant efforts to find me. She even went the extra mile to prepare many of my favorite dishes. However, despite her sincere efforts, I found it challenging to adapt to this new family.The man in the house, whom they called "father," had a drinking problem. When he got intoxicated, he would unleash his frustration on my mother, treating her as if she were a punching bag. If I didn't hide away in my room, he might turn his anger toward me as well.My younger brother, on the other hand, was obsessed with video games. Every night, he would create a disruptive commotion, leaving me without a moment of peace. I couldn’t sleep well, and I often suffered from splitting headaches. It only made me miss Trevis even more.My brother eventually noticed that and loudly exclaimed, "You still haven't cut ties with that murderer!" It infuriated me.My father scolded me, saying, "
As I finished reading the letter, tears had already soaked the pages. I gathered Trevis’s belongings and took them back home, hardly sparing a glance at the string of numbers on the back. My dear Trevis, you were so clever, and I'm sure you knew the saying: "Home is where the heart is." The place where my heart found peace was my true home. So, I didn't want to leave.But even though I wished for that, I couldn't resist when that family came knocking at my door. On my way home from school that day, a woman blocked my path. The moment she saw me, tears welled up in her eyes, and she rushed to hug me. She called my name and claimed to be my real mother. I stood frozen in place, facing this unfamiliar woman, unable to utter the word "mom."In the evening, I called Trevis and told him about the situation, expressing my reluctance to go home. But Trevis insisted that I was still young, and I needed someone to take care of me. What if something happened when he wasn't aro
To my dearest Kathryn,Back when I brought you home, you were just a little tot, no bigger than a signboard. That same girl who used to cry a lot back then has grown into who you are now.But your personality has never changed. You always blame everything on yourself and bear a heavy burden.Kathryn, promise me, don't be so hard on yourself.Because I willingly chose to do everything for you.I know you've always wanted to return home.After our mother's passing, all leads went cold. But for all these years, you've tirelessly tried to reconnect, and finally, it seems like I've helped you find your family once again.It's embarrassing to admit, but it took me quite a while to find them, and I hesitated to part with you for almost half a year. But now, as I sit in this prison cell, I can breathe a sigh of relief. At least, my dear Kathryn, you have somewhere to go even without me by your side.I've left their contact information on the back of this letter, hoping that you'll