Chapter 3
Emily looked torn.
She bit her lip and said guiltily,
“Wait for me, Ethan. I’ll be right back.”
“He’s been afraid of the dark since he was little. I’ll just go take a look.”
Without waiting for my response, she threw on her coat and hurried out.
When she opened the door, Daniel put on an embarrassed act.
“Sorry to come looking for you so late, Emily. Ethan won’t be upset, will he?”
Emily answered quietly,
“Oh, never mind him.”
Her voice was low, but I still heard it.
An ache spread through my chest as I watched her leave.
She never looked back. Daniel, on the other hand, stared at me through the gap in the door with a smug smile.
As expected, Emily didn’t come home that night.
Early the next morning, she crept through the door and jumped when she saw me eating breakfast.
She stammered,
“You’re up early.”
“What are you having? Let me try some.”
I didn’t answer. I put the last breakfast roll into my mouth.
She paused, then gave an awkward laugh.
When she saw me heading out, she grabbed her purse and hurried after me.
“I don’t have to be at work for a while. You don’t need to take me this early.”
I stopped, turned around, and said coldly,
“I never said I was taking you. From now on, get yourself to work and back. I have other things to do.”
Ignoring her stunned expression, I walked away.
Once I got to town, I set up my stand and called out for customers.
A businessman who came by regularly sat down, a large leather briefcase tucked under his arm.
“Why did you close so early yesterday? I came looking for you, but you were gone.”
I forced a stiff smile.
“Something came up at home.”
He glanced around, lowered his voice, and asked,
“I heard you used to work at the steel mill?”
Surprised, I nodded and sighed.
“That’s right.”
He looked disappointed.
“Why would you leave a good job like that to shine shoes?”
I said nothing and quietly polished his shoes.
He seemed to piece some of it together, then said,
“To tell you the truth, I own a steel mill myself.”
“I’m short on workers right now. You seem like a good young man. Interested in giving it a try?”
“If you are, come find me at Bennett Steel.”
Before I could answer, Emily appeared out of nowhere and said loudly,
“We’re not interested!”
She came to my side, putting on a concerned expression.
“Ethan, have you forgotten?”
“The doctor said you’re exhausted and need proper rest.”
“Besides, your… your leg still hasn’t healed. You can’t stand for too long.”
She lowered her head guiltily.
My leg had been injured when those thugs beat me at my stand.
If she had been willing to call the police for me, maybe everything would have turned out differently.
The businessman gave my shoulder a regretful pat.
“I see. That’s a shame.”
He left his payment and walked away.
Emily snatched up the cash before I could reach it and said awkwardly,
“Ethan, I know this might upset you, but I have to tell you.”
“Daniel accidentally hurt someone at the mill. If he doesn’t pay compensation, that man will go to the police.”
“He doesn’t have that kind of money. I have to help him.”