Chapter 2

"Morning, Harper. You're up early. Any plans for today?"

"Yes, I'm going to school. My internship is almost over."

Vivian brought over a bowl of oatmeal, her face gentle. "Any plans after graduation?"

"You and Caleb are the same age. After spending so long in that academic bubble, once you enter society, you should make more friends, so you're not alone."

I understood Vivian's words: she wanted me to stop clinging to Caleb.

Richard had said more than once that he hoped Caleb and I would marry someday, but Vivian disagreed.

Richard got angry, saying that would be ungrateful.

That day, I was standing outside the study, eavesdropping on their argument.

I understood Vivian's point. At the time, I felt a pang of sadness.

Any girl's feelings are easy to see, and I had a crush on Caleb.

Not just because my dad saved him, but also because Caleb had genuinely been good to me back then.

Alone in the unfamiliar Caleb's house, Caleb was the one who helped me through that dark period, walking to and from school with me.

When my grades were initially poor, Caleb patiently taught me.

Later, hearing Vivian's words, I understood.

In her eyes, Caleb's family had raised me all these years, and all the kindness they'd shown me had been repaid. There was no need to treat me the way they used to.

But I wanted to say that I didn't need them at all. What "kindness" was there to repay? I just wanted my dad back.

If they hadn't ignored warnings and insisted on camping there, Caleb wouldn't have been swept away.

Now, with Vivian saying this, I smiled. "Vivian, actually, I've been meaning to tell you. Caleb's family has raised me all these years, and I'm already an adult. I want to move out."

Vivian froze. "Harper, you..."

"My dad always said, 'rely on yourself. Mountains crumble, rivers run dry. Your own strength is all you truly have.'"

"Caleb's family has taken me in for so long; you've all given a lot these past ten years. I can't repay your kindness with ill will, so I've decided it's time to live independently."

"Last night, I also wanted to tell Caleb, but I figured he was too upset. I'm only telling you, Vivian. Please keep it a secret for me. I have to leave the day after tomorrow."

Vivian looked surprised. "So soon!"

She didn't use any grand-sounding excuses, just "so soon," which told me she wanted me to leave too.

Perhaps sensing her attitude, Vivian quickly added, "I mean, isn't it a bit too rushed? You haven't even packed everything."

"Caleb might make a fuss if he finds out."

"Then I'll trouble you to explain it to him, Vivian, after I've left."

Vivian's expression softened. "Okay, Harper, you've always been a sensible girl. Have you found a job? And a place to live?"

"Yes, I've found a job as a teacher. I report for duty the day after tomorrow. I haven't found a place to live yet."

"That's wonderful, truly wonderful."

Vivian's mood perked up immediately. She quickly went upstairs and came back down with a property deed. "This apartment is right in the city center, with a subway station right outside. It's convenient for everything."

"Here, Harper. Even when you live alone, you need to be careful. Don't go for a shared apartment."

I accepted it.

My dad's life was worth all their years of care, and this apartment.

I wasn't stupid. Teaching in a remote area would be tough and would require money. With this apartment, I'd at least have a place to stay if I ever came back.

I accepted.