“My dream is you, Mr. Foster!” Elin confessed boldly.
Erick paused, taken aback. “Me?”
Elin’s boldness faded, and she looked down and murmured, “I just want to see you happy, Mr. Foster. I want to be capable, to help you find your sister and your mother.”
The room was bathed in a gentle glow from the soft light cast over Elin’s delicate face.
For the first time in these days, Erick had flashed a bright smile.
He sat up, met her gaze, and affectionately tousled her hair, saying gently, “Little Elin, you’ve really grown up. But remember to study hard, follow your dreams, live your life for yourself, and don’t carry burdens for others, okay?”
Elin somewhat understood his words. In the dim light, Erick’s handsome features and soothing voice stirred her heart deeply, making her grasp what it meant to be smitten.
Erick leaned back, his voice laden with weariness. “Go back and get some rest, or you won’t grow tall.”
Elin nodded and left the room, but not without a backward glance.
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Erick’s shirt was unbuttoned, and the collar was loose, showing a bit of his delicate collarbone. Regardless of his pose, he was undeniably attractive.
Elin realized her admiration for Erick may have evolved into something deeper. Her feelings began to shift toward something more yearning. Despite knowing it was impossible, she couldn’t stop herself from daydreaming their future.
Then, one day, Elin’s paper stars tucked in a book slipped out, and Annis found them.
Shocked by the contents, Annis confronted Elin, leading to their first serious argument, during which she impulsively slapped Elin.
Annis regretted her reaction, yet her overwhelming feelings were one of heartache.
Crouching down, Annis pointed at Elin’s notes filled with affectionate words and said, “Elin, we must live with integrity and gratitude. Mrs. Foster welcomed us generously. Mr. Foster funds your education. You must not entertain unsuitable thoughts about Mr. Erick Foster, do you understand?”
With a swollen face and indignation, Elin exclaimed, “Why not? I just like him! What’s wrong with that?”
Annis, overwhelmed with frustration, gasped, “Do you want people to accuse us of having hidden agendas all along? What is our social standing, and what is Mr. Erick Foster’s? Do you think you are worthy?”
Elin was stunned and at a loss for words. Mr. Foster’s kindness had made her overlook the vast social divide between her family and the Foster family.
Annis ripped the notes into tiny pieces, crushing Elin’s hopes. She said firmly, each word heavy with intent, “Mrs. Foster and Mr. Foster have shown us great kindness. We must never betray their trust!”
Elin burst into tears and ran out of the room. Just as she stepped outside, she overheard the driver saying that Erick had gotten drunk and hurt at a bar.
Worried, Elin pleaded with the driver to take her to the bar.
Seeing that Elin got along with Erick, the driver saw no harm in it and agreed.
At the bar, the driver told Elin to wait in the car while he went in, but time passed and he did not return.
Concerned, Elin left the car and entered the bar to look for Erick.