Chapter 4

I met Declan in college.

I was an exchange student in a foreign country for a year.

He was a campus star, tall, handsome, athletic, fluent in three languages.

Not just the heir to the Declan Group, he also had his own promising projects.

Such a golden boy wouldn't notice someone like me.

Once, I got lost in the school building, and he was the only one around.

I gathered the courage to ask for directions.

Unexpectedly, he was kind and personally led me to the office.

He asked my name, learned we were from the same province, and said I could reach out if I needed anything.

He said we were friends and should support each other abroad.

I was touched.

Growing up, I was always on the sidelines.

I had an older sister and a younger brother.

My family had too many children, so I was sent to live with my aunt. At ten, I was brought back because my brother still couldn't speak.

I studied hard, knowing it was my only way out.

Thankfully, my efforts turned my life around.

I scored so well that county, village, and town officials came for the ribbon-cutting.

My parents took the scholarship money. I worked part-time and managed to go to college.

I worked long and hard for this exchange opportunity.

Focusing on studies left me little time for friends.

In the foreign country, I had none.

But now, I had my first friend, and such a distinguished one.

I was almost moved to tears.

Once more, I mustered the courage to ask for his contact.

I thought I might never use it, but... but... I really wanted to stay close to him.

Early the next morning, Declan left without recalling the late-night discussion about a therapist.

I understood he was busy with work, but he wasn’t like this before.

Previously, no matter how big the business was, he prioritized accompanying me to the hospital.

While I was pondering this, Mrs. Declan texted me to meet.

Her first words shattered my hope and broke my sheltered world.

"Sophia is pregnant, and the child is Declan's."

She explained Sophia was the child of Declan's father's friend.

That friend had passed away, and Sophia was raised by Mrs. Declan since she was young.

Suddenly, I realized why Sophia seemed familiar.

I had seen her before as a child, much younger than me.

But now, she's grown up.

"Sophia is a good girl; she's liked Declan since she was young and doesn't mind being with him without a formal title."

"She got pregnant so quickly, unlike you."